T HR Ci 12060 ST v2.0 - 0

T HR CI 12060 ST
Standard
Retaining Walls
Version 2.0
Issue date: 21 June 2019
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019

T HR CI 12060 ST
Retaining Walls
Version 2.0
Important message
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Transport Assets (as defined in the Asset Standards Authority Charter). It is not suitable for any
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property of the State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW).
You must not use or adapt this document or rely upon it in any way unless you are providing
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© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019

T HR CI 12060 ST
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Standard governance
Owner: Lead Civil Engineer, Asset Standards Authority
Authoriser: Chief Engineer, Asset Standards Authority
Approver: Executive Director, Asset Standards Authority on behalf of the ASA Configuration Control
Board
Document history
Version Summary of changes
1.0 First issued, 17 March 2016
2.0 Second issue
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 3 of 24

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Preface
The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) is a key strategic branch of Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
As the network design and standards authority for NSW Transport Assets, as specified in the
ASA Charter, the ASA identifies, selects, develops, publishes, maintains and controls a suite of
requirements documents on behalf of TfNSW, the asset owner.
The ASA deploys TfNSW requirements for asset and safety assurance by creating and
managing TfNSW's governance models, documents and processes. To achieve this, the ASA
focuses on four primary tasks:
• publishing and managing TfNSW's process and requirements documents including TfNSW
plans, standards, manuals and guides
• deploying TfNSW's Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) framework
• continuously improving TfNSW’s Asset Management Framework
• collaborating with the Transport cluster and industry through open engagement
The AEO framework authorises engineering organisations to supply and provide asset related
products and services to TfNSW. It works to assure the safety, quality and fitness for purpose of
those products and services over the asset's whole-of-life. AEOs are expected to demonstrate
how they have applied the requirements of ASA documents, including TfNSW plans, standards
and guides, when delivering assets and related services for TfNSW.
Compliance with ASA requirements by itself is not sufficient to ensure satisfactory outcomes for
NSW Transport Assets. The ASA expects that professional judgement be used by competent
personnel when using ASA requirements to produce those outcomes.
About this document

This standard details the life cycle requirements for retaining walls on the TfNSW Metropolitan
Heavy Rail Network.
This standard is a second issue.
The changes from the previous version include the following:
• updates to referenced documents
• removal of safety refuges and handhold devices and, no safe place sign, which is now
covered in T HR CI 12073 ST Safe places
• addition of durability requirements
• addition of refurbishment and upgrade requirements
• addition of requirement for piled walls
• updates to anchoring systems

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• updates to environmental and sustainability requirements
• updates to electrical requirements
• updates to decommissioning and disposal requirements
• rearrangement of the order of requirements

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Table of contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 8
2. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Application ............................................................................................................................................. 8
3. Reference documents ............................................................................................................................. 9
4. Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................................... 10
5. Safety requirements .............................................................................................................................. 11
5.1. Provision of safe areas ........................................................................................................................ 11
6. Approved materials ............................................................................................................................... 11
7. Environmental and sustainability ........................................................................................................ 12
7.1. Green infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 12
7.2. Sustainability assurance ...................................................................................................................... 12
7.3. Ambient environmental conditions ....................................................................................................... 12
7.4. Aesthetics ............................................................................................................................................ 12
7.5. Heritage ............................................................................................................................................... 13
8. Durability requirements ........................................................................................................................ 14
9. Clearances.............................................................................................................................................. 14
10. Drainage ................................................................................................................................................. 15
11. Design requirements ............................................................................................................................. 15
11.1. Design standards ............................................................................................................................. 15
11.2. Structure classification ..................................................................................................................... 15
11.3. Retaining walls supporting road traffic ............................................................................................. 16
11.4. Retaining walls supporting rail traffic ............................................................................................... 16
11.5. Geotechnical considerations............................................................................................................ 16
12. Gabion retaining walls .......................................................................................................................... 17
13. Post and panel walls ............................................................................................................................. 17
14. Cantilevered piled walls ........................................................................................................................ 18
15. Reinforced soil walls ............................................................................................................................. 18
16. Crib walls ................................................................................................................................................ 18
17. Anchoring systems ............................................................................................................................... 19
17.1. Earthing and bonding ....................................................................................................................... 19
17.2. Ground anchors ............................................................................................................................... 19
17.3. Soil nails........................................................................................................................................... 19
17.4. Passive resistance anchors ............................................................................................................. 20
17.5. Fatigue ............................................................................................................................................. 20
17.6. Temporary anchors .......................................................................................................................... 20
18. Existing structures ................................................................................................................................ 20
18.1. Refurbishment ................................................................................................................................. 20

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19. Provision for services ........................................................................................................................... 21

20. Advertising signs................................................................................................................................... 21
21. Electrical requirements ......................................................................................................................... 22
22. Drawing standards ................................................................................................................................ 22
23. Construction .......................................................................................................................................... 22
23.1. Joints ................................................................................................................................................ 22
23.2. Earthworks ....................................................................................................................................... 23
24. Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................... 23
25. Decommissioning and disposal........................................................................................................... 23

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1. Introduction
Retaining walls are constructed in areas to retain earth where it is not possible to provide
natural ground batters.
Retaining walls are structures designed to:
• provide right of way for rail tracks in cuttings or on embankments
• protect the railway track from subsidence or land slips
2. Purpose
This standard specifies the design, construction, maintenance, refurbishment and
decommissioning and disposal requirements for retaining walls on the Transport for NSW
(TfNSW) Metropolitan Heavy Rail Network (formerly known as the RailCorp network).
2.1. Scope
This standard covers the requirements for the life cycle, from design through to
decommissioning, of retaining walls on the TfNSW Metropolitan Heavy Rail Network associated
with rail infrastructure. Refer to TS TOC 1 Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual – General
Instructions which defines the areas associated with the network.
Retaining walls covered by this standard are associated with the following:
• retention of embankments supporting rail tracks
• retention of cutting faces adjacent to rail tracks
• retention of access roads used for the maintenance of rail infrastructure
Retaining walls not covered by this standard include:
• retaining walls associated with station platform walls; refer to T HR CI 12065 ST Station
Platforms
• retaining walls associated with building works and civil works, for example, car parks
2.2. Application
This standard applies to the design of new retaining walls and the refurbishment of existing
retaining walls on the TfNSW Metropolitan Heavy Rail Network.
In addition to the requirements of this standard, asset decisions take into account the life cycle
cost considerations specified in T MU AM 01001 ST Life Cycle Costing.
If when using this standard it is considered that the intent of stated requirements is not clear, a
clarification should be sought from the ASA.

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3. Reference documents
The following documents are cited in the text. For dated references, only the cited edition
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document applies.
Australian standards
AS 4678–2002 Earth-retaining structures
AS 5100 Bridge design
Transport for NSW standards
ESC 215 Transit Space
ESC 302 Structures Defect Limits
SPC 301 Structures Construction
T HR CI 12002 ST Durability Requirements for Civil Infrastructure
T HR CI 12020 ST Underbridges
T HR CI 12065 ST Station Platforms
T HR CI 12073 ST Safe Places
T HR CI 12105 ST Vegetation Hazard Management in the Rail Corridor
T HR CI 12110 ST Earthworks and Formation
T HR CI 12130 MA Track Drainage (manual)
T HR CI 12130 ST Track Drainage (standard)
T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
T HR CI 12200 ST Access Roads
T MU AM 01001 ST Life Cycle Costing
T MU AM 01003 ST Development of Technical Maintenance Plans
T MU EN 00005 ST Ambient Environmental Conditions
T MU EN 00007 GU Integrating Green Infrastructure
T MU EN 00008 ST Sustainability Assurance Requirements
T MU MD 00006 ST Engineering Drawings and CAD Requirements
T MU MD 20001 ST System Safety Standard for New or Altered Assets
T MU MD 20002 ST Risk Criteria for Use by Organisations Providing Engineering Services
TMC 302 Structures Repair
TN 016: 2015 Overbridges and footbridges – Earthing and bonding requirements

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TS TOC 1 Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual – General Instructions
Transport for NSW standard drawings
CV 0212048 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Example of Typical General Arrangement
CV 0212049 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Posts
CV 0212050 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Panels
CV 0212051 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Miscellaneous Details
Legislation
Heritage Act 1977 (NSW)
Work Health Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
Other reference documents
APAS specification 1441/1 Permanent exterior clear graffiti barrier
MN A 00100 Civil and Track Technical Maintenance
NSW State Heritage Register
Office of Environment and Heritage January 2005, State Agency Heritage Guide – Management
of Heritage Assets by NSW Government Agencies
RailCorp Section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register
Roads and Maritime Services, QA Specification B114 Ground Anchors (Lump Sum)
Roads and Maritime Services, QA Specification R55 Rock Filled Gabions and Mattresses
Roads and Maritime Services, QA Specification R57 Design of Reinforced Soil Walls
Roads and Maritime Services, QA Specification R64 Soil Nailing
SafeWork NSW, Safe design of structures Code of Practice
VicRoads, Standard specification for roadworks and bridgeworks, Section 683 - Soil Nails
4. Terms and definitions

The following terms and definitions apply in this document:
AEO Authorised Engineering Organisation
APAS Australian Paint Approval Scheme
ASA Asset Standards Authority
GRP/FRP glass fibre reinforced polymer or glass fibre reinforced plastic

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RIM rail infrastructure manager; in relation to rail infrastructure of a railway, means the person
who has effective control and management of the rail infrastructure, whether or not the
person—
(a) owns the rail infrastructure; or
(b) has a statutory or contractual right to use the rail infrastructure or to control, or provide,
access to it (Rail Safety National Law 2012, NSW)
TfNSW Transport for New South Wales
TMP technical maintenance plan
5. Safety requirements
Safe design is mandated in the Work Health Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and shall be incorporated
into the design. Guidance on the safe design of structures can be found in the SafeWork NSW
publication Safe design of structures code of practice.
The design of retaining walls, including the refurbishment of existing retaining walls, shall take
into account the safety considerations for construction, operational, maintenance and
decommissioning workers, and the potential users of the structure.
The Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) shall establish and implement a design
process system that manages safety across the full life cycle of the structure. The design
process system shall be developed in accordance with T MU MD 20001 ST System Safety
Standard for New or Altered Assets.
5.1. Provision of safe areas

The design of retaining walls shall provide for safe places in accordance with T HR CI 12073 ST
Safe Places.
Where the height of the retaining wall above ground level is two metres or more, a safety
handrail on top of a retaining wall shall be provided.
For retaining walls up to two metres, the rail infrastructure manager (RIM) shall determine
whether or not handrails are required.
6. Approved materials
Approved construction materials for main structural elements are steel and concrete.
Timber materials may not be used as structural elements for retaining walls.
Brick and stone masonry are approved for the refurbishment of existing structures and for
cladding of new structures where required. For example, the use of masonry for cladding of new
structures may be appropriate for locations where heritage considerations are important.

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If any products specified in the design documentation that can reasonably be deemed to be new
or infrequently used, shall be identified by the AEO and referred to the Lead Civil Engineer, ASA
for approval. The AEO shall ensure that the manufacturer, constructor or maintainer of the
product understands any special requirements or practices relating to the product prior to
release of the design documentation. The special requirements shall be included in the
documentation.
Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) anchors shall not be used for permanent applications in the
TfNSW Metropolitan Heavy Rail Network. However, they may be used for temporary
applications in accordance with Section 17.6 of this standard.
7. Environmental and sustainability

Section 7.1 to Section 7.3 set out environmental and sustainability requirements for retaining
walls during investigation, design, construction and operational activities.
7.1. Green infrastructure

The design of retaining walls shall identify opportunities to integrate green infrastructure. For
further guidance refer to T MU EN 00007 GU Integrating Green Infrastructure.
Plant species used in landscaping the precinct around the retaining wall shall be carefully
selected to ensure that they do not accelerate the deterioration, or prevent the examination, of a
retaining wall.
Only low maintenance species with non-invasive root systems shall be planted on areas
retained adjacent to rail infrastructure.
7.2. Sustainability assurance

The design of retaining walls shall incorporate solutions to TfNSW key sustainability areas as
outlined in T MU EN 00008 ST Sustainability Assurance Requirements.
7.3. Ambient environmental conditions

Retaining walls shall be designed to operate under the current and projected environmental
conditions as defined in T MU EN 00005 ST Ambient Environmental Conditions.
7.4. Aesthetics
An important part of the process of designing new retaining wall structures or changes to
existing retaining walls is the careful consideration of how the structure will look once
construction is complete.
Designers shall strive to develop assets that will be visually coherent and have refined detailing.

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Careful thought shall be given from the outset to the basic aesthetic principles of scale, form,
proportion, order, rhythm and harmony to produce designs for structures that are appropriate for
their context and that have an attractive character.
Designs shall reflect an aim to create visually appealing structures that will relate well to their
surroundings.
Life cycle considerations require designers to consider the likely appearance of retaining walls
across the short, medium and long terms. Structures should be designed to weather and age
gracefully so that the potential unsightly effects of staining, discoloration, vegetation growth and
so on can be controlled.
7.4.1. Graffiti
Anti-graffiti coating shall be used on retaining walls in all areas accessible by the public and in
areas within the corridor where the RIM determines that there is a high risk of graffiti.
Anti-graffiti coatings shall comply with APAS Specification 1441/1 Permanent exterior clear
graffiti barrier.
7.5. Heritage
Transport agencies are responsible for maintaining and appropriately managing heritage items
under their stewardship and control. The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) is designed to protect,
maintain and manage environmental heritage in NSW, including items of archaeological
significance.
When changes are proposed to items that have heritage significance, the following applies:
• for items listed on the State Heritage Register, the provisions of the Heritage Act shall be
met
• for items listed on a state agency RailCorp Section 170 Heritage and Conservation
Register, the principles and relevant guidelines contained within the State Agency Heritage
Guide – Management of Heritage Assets by NSW Government Agencies shall be followed
Identifying the significant features, values and characteristics of a heritage item or precinct is an
essential step in developing appropriate designs for new elements within heritage-listed
precincts. The identified significance of a particular item or precinct and its contributory
elements and values shall not be unduly compromised by any new works. Advice from a
professional heritage practitioner shall be obtained early in a project's scoping and design stage
to assess any potential heritage impacts and to guide the nature and extent of all proposed
works.

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For works to retaining structures that comprise heritage fabric, or retaining walls which are an
integral part of a heritage listed precinct, the following shall apply:
• retaining walls that contribute to the aesthetic appearance and heritage significance of a
transport precinct, particularly where highly visible to customers, shall be sensitively
conserved in order to extend their useful life as part of a regular maintenance program
under the care and direction of professional heritage practitioner or experienced
tradespeople as applicable
• maintenance programs shall undertake active vegetation management to ensure that

structural integrity is maintained
• for major projects, protection of heritage significance shall be sensitively incorporated from
the scoping stage under the direction of a professional heritage practitioner
• where a retaining structure is notable for its rarity or representativeness of technological

development, its significance shall be further considered within the context of the heavy rail
network
Where new retaining walls are proposed within heritage listed precincts or within the visual
catchment of heritage listed items, the heritage significance of the precincts or items shall be
established and a design approach developed to provide material solutions that respect the
heritage significance of a precinct, in conjunction with a professional heritage practitioner.
8. Durability requirements
The durability requirements, including design life, of retaining walls, rock and soil anchors, and
soil nails shall be in accordance with T HR CI 12002 ST Durability Requirements for Civil
Infrastructure.
9. Clearances
Horizontal and vertical clearances for retaining walls shall comply with ESC 215 Transit Space.
For retaining walls within five metres of the centreline of an existing or proposed track, the top of
the footings shall be located no less than one metre below rail level, in order to facilitate cess
drainage and maintenance activities such as ballast cleaning and track reconditioning.
Retaining walls located beyond five metres shall have the top of the footing located no less than
half a metre below finished ground level, or as advised by the RIM.

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10. Drainage
Retaining walls shall be designed with appropriate drainage systems in accordance with
AS 4678-2002 Earth-retaining structures. Where the wall is adjacent to a rail line, the discharge
of water shall be integrated into the track drainage system in accordance with T HR CI 12130
ST Track Drainage standard and T HR CI 12130 MA Track Drainage manual.
11. Design requirements

The design of a retaining wall shall take into account the associated factors such as service
routes, overhead wiring and signalling infrastructure, earthing and bonding, drainage, traffic
barriers, architectural treatments, construction and maintenance constraints and any other site-
specific requirements.
Retaining walls facing the track shall be finished smooth where possible without projections,
except as permitted in this standard or where required to fit around an existing structure, to
ensure that they do not create a snagging risk to authorised personnel, maintenance activities
and in the event of train derailment. The smooth face shall extend from 150 mm below finished
ground level to a minimum height of 2400 mm above the nearest rail.
11.1. Design standards

Retaining walls that support road or rail traffic shall be designed in accordance with AS 5100
Bridge design. Other retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with AS 4678, and other
relevant Australian standards and the requirements as specified in this standard.
Where a conflict exists between standards, the requirements of this standard shall take
precedence.
The design of soil supporting structures for bridges shall comply with AS 5100.
The design of all retaining walls shall take the construction load surcharge into account.
11.2. Structure classification

Retaining walls, where located to provide for main lines, branch lines and sidings, shall be
Classification C in accordance with Table 1.1 of AS 4678–2002. Other walls shall be classified
in accordance with Table 1.1 of AS 4678–2002, as approved by the RIM.

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11.3. Retaining walls supporting road traffic

Retaining wall adjacent to public roads shall be designed for surcharge loads in accordance
with AS 5100.
Traffic surcharge for a retaining wall supporting an access road shall be determined in
accordance with the requirements in T HR CI 12200 ST Access Roads, or as specified by the
RIM.
The AEO shall undertake a risk assessment to assess the risk against a vehicle falling into the
rail corridor. The risk criteria defined in T MU MD 20002 ST Risk Criteria for Use by
Organisations Providing Engineering Services shall be used. The risk assessment shall be site-
specific.
Retaining walls that meet any of the following criteria shall be constructed with a road traffic
barrier at the top of the wall:
• the retaining wall supports vehicular traffic associated with roads, industrial areas, car
parks and bus stops
• the retaining wall is located within 10 m of the centreline of the track
• where required by the RIM
The barrier performance level shall not be less than medium.
11.4. Retaining walls supporting rail traffic

Retaining walls supporting a railway embankment shall be designed for surcharge load
surcharge from rail traffic where it is applicable. The provision of future tracks shall be taken into
account.
The rail traffic surcharge shall be determined in accordance with the requirements set out in
AS 5100 for the design rail traffic load specified in T HR CI 12020 ST Underbridges.
The AEO shall undertake a risk assessment against the risk criteria defined in
T MU MD 20002 ST to determine the likelihood of a derailed train coming to rest near the edge
of a retaining wall, or whether a containment kerb is required to prevent a derailed train from
falling off the retaining wall.
11.5. Geotechnical considerations

Footings for retaining walls supporting railway embankments, where not founded on sound rock,
shall be founded at a minimum depth of 500 mm below the finished ground level directly in front
of the retaining wall.

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Footings for retaining walls supporting railway cuttings, where not founded in sound rock, shall
be founded at a minimum depth of 500 mm below finished ground level (for example, top of
capping level) or 1300 mm below the adjacent design rail level, whichever is deeper.
Where footings are founded in sound rock, the depth to foundation level may be reduced by
200 mm. Sound rock shall be rock with unconfined compressive strength, UCS ≥ 3.0 MPa.
The depth to foundation level shall be increased as required to take adjacent drainage or
service installations into account.
The depth to foundation level shall be increased appropriately where the ground slopes away
from the face of the wall.
11.5.1. Passive resistance in front of walls

The effect of passive resistance shall be ignored to a minimum depth of 500 mm below finished
ground level.
For cantilevered piled walls, the effect of the passive fill in front of the wall to a depth of 1.5
times the pile diameter shall be ignored.
12. Gabion retaining walls

Gabion walls shall only be used to support railway embankments or railway cuttings where the
height of the wall is one metre or less measured from the founding level and the distance from
the trackside face of the wall to the centreline of the track exceeds five metres.
Gabion walls shall also be in accordance with the requirements of Roads and Maritime Services
QA Specification R55 Rock Filled Gabions and Mattresses.
13. Post and panel walls

Site conditions and limitations on construction time can preclude the construction of traditional
retaining structures. While it is not a preferred method of construction, post and panel retaining
walls may be used where these constraints are encountered.
Post and panel retaining walls comprise steel UC section posts extending above ground level
that constructed in reinforced concrete piled footings, with precast concrete panels installed
between the posts.
TfNSW has standard drawings for post and panel type retaining walls. Post and panel walls
shall be designed in accordance with the details of the following standard drawings:
• CV 0212048 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Example of Typical General
Arrangement
• CV 0212049 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Posts

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• CV 0212050 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Panels
• CV 0212051 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Miscellaneous Details
The use of standard designs is not mandatory unless required in this or other TfNSW standard
or by the RIM.
Where the designer proposes to adopt a standard design or detail for a specific location, the
designer shall assess the currency and suitability of the standard design for use and where
necessary, shall specify modified or alternative designs. Modified or alternative designs shall
comply with all relevant TfNSW and Australian standards, as applicable.
Standard precast panels with ribbed surface finish are deemed to be acceptable.
14. Cantilevered piled walls

Piled walls include the following configurations:
• contiguous piles
• secant piles
• spaced piles with sprayed concrete infill between the piles
• all piled walls (as listed) with permanent anchors or props
The requirements for piled walls are as follows:
• The wall shall have a capping beam of sufficient strength and stiffness to maintain their line
and level.
• Steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete, where used adjacent to public spaces, shall have
cement mortar render of not less than 20 mm thickness.
15. Reinforced soil walls

Reinforced soil walls (also termed mechanically stabilised earth) shall comply with the
requirements in AS 4678 and Roads and Maritime Services QA Specification R57 Design of
Reinforced Soil Walls. The deformation limits in QA Specification R57 are not necessarily
appropriate for rail embankments. The requirements for deformation limits for walls subject to
rail loading shall be assessed by the AEO and the limits in QA Specification R57 modified
appropriately.
16. Crib walls

Crib walls shall not be used to support railway embankments, railway cuttings or at any location
where failure of the wall could affect the rail operations.

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17. Anchoring systems

Anchoring systems covered by this standard include the following:
• rock and ground anchors
• soil nails
• straps for mechanically stabilised earth
• passive resistance anchors such as deadman and tie-backs
Anchoring systems that extend under the track should be avoided where they could restrict the
installation of future below-ground rail infrastructure such as foundations for overhead wiring
structures and drainage or signalling cable trenches. Anchors that extend under the track shall
be submitted for approval by the RIM.
Anchors shall not extend outside the rail corridor or under private property without the approval
of the affected property owner.
17.1. Earthing and bonding

The design of anchoring systems shall include the mitigation of the effects of stray currents.
Electrical requirements shall be obtained from the Lead Electrical Engineer, ASA.
17.2. Ground anchors

Ground anchors shall comply with the requirements in AS 4678 and Roads and Maritime
Services QA Specification B114 Ground Anchors.
The AEO shall specify the number of anchors to be tested and the requirements for testing on
the drawing and in the technical specification in accordance with B114.
The AEO shall specify requirements for long term performance monitoring, where required, and
a technical maintenance plan (TMP) shall be prepared.
The anchor heads shall be protected to ensure that they do not cause an obstruction. The
anchor heads shall be recessed or protected against damage by a derailed train or by
maintenance activities.
17.3. Soil nails

The design of soil nails shall comply with the requirements in AS 4678 and Roads and Maritime
Services QA Specification R64 Soil Nailing.

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17.4. Passive resistance anchors

Passive resistance anchors such as deadman and proprietary systems shall be designed using
recognised methods. The design life shall not be less than that of the retaining wall and shall be
submitted for approval by the RIM.
17.5. Fatigue
Permanent anchor systems that are subject to cyclic loading due to transient traffic load shall be
designed for fatigue.
Fatigue traffic load shall be in accordance with AS 5100 or as nominated in T HR CI 12020 ST

Underbridges.
17.6. Temporary anchors

Temporary anchors are permitted in the rail corridor, subject to the following requirements:
• Temporary anchors shall not remain in service for more than five years.
• Design life shall not be less than 10 years.
• GRP/FRP anchors are permitted as temporary soil nails.
• GRP/FRP anchors shall comply with VicRoads Standard Specification for roadworks and
bridgeworks, Section 683 – Soil Nail Walls.
• Temporary anchors shall be designed to be removed where possible.
18. Existing structures

Existing retaining structures may require repair or strengthening at some stage in the asset life
cycle.
Timber and masonry may be used in the like-for-like repair and replacement of components in
an existing retaining wall.
18.1. Refurbishment
For the purpose of this standard, refurbishment means like-for-like replacement, rehabilitation or
repair of retaining wall elements to provide the minimum equivalent load capacity, functionality
and performance as the original component.
Repair methods and procedures documented in TMC 302 Structures Repair may be specified
by the AEO in refurbishment design works. Where repair methods are not adequately detailed
in TMC 302, the AEO shall document appropriate repair methods and materials.

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18.1.1. Design life

The AEO shall determine the design life of refurbishment works based on the consideration of
whole-of-life costs. The proposed design life shall be submitted for approval by the RIM.
The design life for the refurbishment works shall not be less than the expected remaining life of
the retaining wall and not less than 20 years.
18.1.2. Design loads

Where practical, the design for repair or strengthening of existing retaining walls should be in
accordance with the loads specified in Section 11.
Where it is not practical to comply with these requirements, the AEO designer shall prepare
appropriate design criteria and submit for approval by the RIM.
19. Provision for services

The design of retaining walls shall accommodate services owned by TfNSW and third parties.
Services owned by TfNSW can include signalling and communications, and high voltage and
low voltage systems. Utilities owned by other organisations can include telephone, water
supply, sewer lines, power and gas.
The AEO shall consult the relevant authorities and shall provide ducts for current services and,
where appropriate, future services. The provision of services shall be submitted for approval by
the RIM.
The location and fixing of such service ducts shall facilitate access to services for maintenance
activities without the interruption of rail operations. The location and fixing of service ducts shall
not obstruct access to the main structure for inspection and maintenance activities.
Requirements for services in the rail corridor are set out in T HR CI 12190 ST Service
Installations within the Rail Corridor.
20. Advertising signs

Advertising signs that are attached to the retaining walls shall not create an obstruction that
causes water to pond or debris to accumulate anywhere on the retaining wall. Signs shall not be
a factor in the deterioration of a retaining wall.
Signs and fixings shall not obstruct access to the main structure for inspection and maintenance
activities.

T HR CI 12060 ST
Retaining Walls
Version 2.0
21. Electrical requirements

In electrified areas, the design of retaining walls shall provide for earthing and bonding of
metallic components of the retaining wall (for example steel reinforcement) in order to mitigate
touch potential hazards and corrosion of steel.
Retaining walls shall be electrically isolated and have adequate clearances in accordance with
the design strategy specified in TN 016: 2015 Overbridges and footbridges – Earthing and
bonding requirements, and other requirements of the Lead Electrical Engineer, ASA.
22. Drawing standards

Construction drawings shall comply with T MU MD 00006 ST Engineering Drawings and CAD
Requirements. The construction drawings shall detail the design loadings, horizontal clearances
and vertical clearances. The construction drawings shall include any other information that is
relevant to ensure that the new structure is constructed and maintained in accordance with the
design. The relevant safety in design aspects shall be documented on the construction
drawings.
23. Construction
The design documentation shall identify standards for construction, including construction
methods, processes and materials.
Retaining walls shall be constructed in accordance with SPC 301 Structures Construction.
The design documentation shall reflect this requirement and shall include any project specific
requirements necessary for completeness of the technical specifications.
The design of retaining walls, including the refurbishment of existing structures, shall take into
account the construction constraints, particularly under live rail operating conditions and track
possession constraints.
23.1. Joints
Joints shall be provided in concrete and masonry retaining walls to allow for, but not be limited
to, the following:
• movements due to thermal expansion and contraction of the wall
• settlement and consolidation of the foundation and backfill material
Joints shall be fitted with stainless steel dowel bars to maintain line and level of the exposed
wall surfaces.

T HR CI 12060 ST
Retaining Walls
Version 2.0
23.2. Earthworks
Compaction and drainage of earthworks associated with the construction of retaining walls shall
be in accordance with AS 4678, or if supporting rail traffic, shall be in accordance with
T HR CI 12110 ST Earthworks and Formation.
The stability of excavations shall be maintained at all times.
24. Maintenance
The design of retaining walls including the refurbishment of existing structures shall provide
ease of access to components for inspection and maintenance activities.
The AEO shall carefully select components, materials and finishes that will minimise
maintenance during the life of the structure. See Section 8 for durability requirements.
Maintenance programs shall include active vegetation management to ensure that structural
integrity is maintained. Vegetation management shall be in accordance with the requirements in
T HR CI 12105 ST Vegetation Hazard Management in the Rail Corridor.
Maintenance requirements shall be specified, in the form of a TMP, in the design documentation
of the structure. The requirements shall include examination tasks and frequencies, damage
limits and repair standards. In most cases, the requirements in MN A 00100 Civil and Track
Technical Maintenance and ESC 302 Structures Defect Limits apply. However, it may be
necessary to document site-specific maintenance requirements.
The requirements and high-level processes for the development of TMPs are detailed in
T MU AM 01003 ST Development of Technical Maintenance Plans.
25. Decommissioning and disposal

Decommissioning is the final process of withdrawing an asset from operational service on the
network.
Disposal is the process of physically removing an asset from the network; for example,
demolition of a retaining wall followed by removal and recycling.
The decommissioning and disposal of an asset is the final stage of the asset life cycle. Proper
planning for this phase of the life cycle is an integral part of the strategic life cycle process.
The process for the disposal of a retaining wall, usually undertaken in conjunction with a
replacement, shall include the following:
• justification (safety, financial, and so on) for disposal of the asset

T HR CI 12060 ST
Retaining Walls
Version 2.0
• confirmation of stakeholder engagement regarding the proposed action; such engagement

shall include all relevant authorities, but not be limited to heritage, local, state and federal
government, the RIM and environmental body consultation
• agreement from all stakeholders to the decommissioning or disposal of the existing

underbridge
After decommissioning and disposal, the asset database shall be updated by the RIM to reflect
network changes.
Ninety-five per cent of construction and demolition waste by weight of the decommissioned
asset shall be diverted from landfill.

T HR Ci 12060 ST v2.0 - 0

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© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019

For queries regarding this document, please email the ASA at

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 3 of 24

• deploying TfNSW's Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) framework

• continuously improving TfNSW’s Asset Management Framework

About this document

This standard is a second issue.

The changes from the previous version include the following:

• updates to referenced documents

• addition of durability requirements

• addition of refurbishment and upgrade requirements

• addition of requirement for piled walls

• updates to anchoring systems

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 4 of 24

• updates to environmental and sustainability requirements

• updates to electrical requirements

• updates to decommissioning and disposal requirements

• rearrangement of the order of requirements

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 5 of 24

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 6 of 24

19. Provision for services ........................................................................................................................... 21

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 7 of 24

Retaining walls are structures designed to:

• provide right of way for rail tracks in cuttings or on embankments

• protect the railway track from subsidence or land slips

• retention of embankments supporting rail tracks

• retention of cutting faces adjacent to rail tracks

• retention of access roads used for the maintenance of rail infrastructure

Retaining walls not covered by this standard include:

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 8 of 24

AS 4678–2002 Earth-retaining structures

AS 5100 Bridge design

Transport for NSW standards

ESC 215 Transit Space

ESC 302 Structures Defect Limits

SPC 301 Structures Construction

T HR CI 12002 ST Durability Requirements for Civil Infrastructure

T HR CI 12065 ST Station Platforms

T HR CI 12073 ST Safe Places

T HR CI 12105 ST Vegetation Hazard Management in the Rail Corridor

T HR CI 12110 ST Earthworks and Formation

T HR CI 12130 MA Track Drainage (manual)

T HR CI 12130 ST Track Drainage (standard)

T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor

T HR CI 12200 ST Access Roads

T MU AM 01001 ST Life Cycle Costing

T MU AM 01003 ST Development of Technical Maintenance Plans

T MU EN 00005 ST Ambient Environmental Conditions

T MU EN 00007 GU Integrating Green Infrastructure

T MU EN 00008 ST Sustainability Assurance Requirements

T MU MD 00006 ST Engineering Drawings and CAD Requirements

T MU MD 20001 ST System Safety Standard for New or Altered Assets

T MU MD 20002 ST Risk Criteria for Use by Organisations Providing Engineering Services

TMC 302 Structures Repair

TN 016: 2015 Overbridges and footbridges – Earthing and bonding requirements

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW 2019 Page 9 of 24

TS TOC 1 Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual – General Instructions

Transport for NSW standard drawings

CV 0212049 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Posts

CV 0212050 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Panels

CV 0212051 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Miscellaneous Details