NR NR/L2/CIV/086/MOD01 ISSUE 3 PDF

The procedure set out in this document applies to all Network Rail owned or managed earthworks. This includes natural slopes inventoried and inspected as if they are earthworks. The procedure also applies to the evaluation of geotechnical risks to the railway arising from Outside Party owned or managed slopes. Outside Party slopes comprise earthworks and natural slopes.

The procedure offers a universal approach to evaluation that is applicable to all earthworks and slopes.

This document does not cover:

a) Operational or occupational health and safety requirements related to carrying out geotechnical evaluations (see NR/L2/OHS/019 or NR/L3/OHS/005 as applicable); and

b) Guidance for how to undertake actions arising from geotechnical evaluations (see references throughout document).

Purpose

This document defines the procedure for carrying out geotechnical evaluation. Geotechnical evaluation is the appraisal of all information about the stability, condition, use and location of an earthwork or slope, to determine the actions required to maintain acceptable levels of safety and performance.

Geotechnical evaluation helps control risks associated with the following loss events:

a) Earthwork or slope failure leading to loss of gauge capability;

b) Earthwork or slope failure leading to loss of track support and/or geometry; and

c) Earthwork or slope failure leading to loss of safe environment without loss of gauge capability or track support/geometry.