1

CHAPTER 1
ROADWAY AND BALLAST1
Current until publication of next edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part/Section
1

Description

Page

Roadbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1
Exploration and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-1-1
1-1-3
1-1-11
1-1-31
1-1-46

Ballast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0
Substructure Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2
Scope (1991) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4
Property Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5
Production and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6
Loading (1988) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.7
Inspection (1988) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8
Sampling and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.9
Measurement and Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.10
Maintenance Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.11
Sub-ballast Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2-1
1-2-4
1-2-5
1-2-9
1-2-9
1-2-10
1-2-13
1-2-13
1-2-14
1-2-14
1-2-15
1-2-15
1-2-19

Natural Waterways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2
Drainage Basin Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3
Capacity of Waterway Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4
Prevention of Stream Erosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5
Means of Protecting Roadbed and Bridges from Washouts and Floods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-3-1
1-3-3
1-3-3
1-3-5
1-3-18
1-3-32

The material in this and other chapters in the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering is published as recommended practice to
railroads and others concerned with the engineering, design and construction of railroad fixed properties (except signals and
communications), and allied services and facilities. For the purpose of this Manual, RECOMMENDED PRACTICE is defined as a
material, device, plan, specification, principle or practice recommended to the railways for use as required, either exactly as presented or
with such modifications as may be necessary or desirable to meet the needs of individual railways, but in either event, with a view to
promoting efficiency and economy in the location, construction, operation or maintenance of railways. It is not intended to imply that
other practices may not be equally acceptable.

1999, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

1-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT)

Part/Section
3.6
3.7
4

Description

Page

Construction and Protection of Roadbed Across Reservoir Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-3-34
1-3-43

Culverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1
Location and T ype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2
Specifications for Placement of Reinforced Concrete Culvert Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3
Specifications for Prefabricated Corrugated Steel Pipe and Pipe-arches for Culverts,
Storm Drains, and Underdrains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.4
Specifications for Coated Corrugated Steel Pipe and Arches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5
Standard Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.6
Specifications for Corrugated Structural Steel Plate Pipe, Pipe-arches, and Arches. . . . .
4.7
Specifications for Corrugated Structural Aluminum Alloy Plate Pipe, Pipe-arches,
and Arches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.8
Hydraulics of Culverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.9
Design Criteria for Corrugated Metal Pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.10
Design Criteria for Structural Plate Pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.11
Culvert End Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.12
Assembly and Installation of Pipe Culverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.13
Earth Boring and Jacking Culvert Pipe through Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.14
Culvert Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.15
Specification for Steel Tunnel Liner Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.16
Construction of Tunnel Using Steel Tunnel Liner Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-4-1
1-4-6
1-4-9

Pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1
Specifications for Pipelines Conveying Liquid Flammable Substances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2
Specifications for Uncased Gas Pipelines within the Railway Right-of-Way. . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3
Specifications for Pipelines Conveying Nonflammable Substances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-5-1
1-5-2
1-5-10
1-5-21

Fences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2
Specifications for Wood Fence Posts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3
Specifications for Concrete Fence Posts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4
Specification for Metal Fence Posts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.5
Specifications for Right-of-way Fences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.6
Stock Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.7
Methods of Controlling Drifting Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.8
Specifications for Snow Fences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-6-1
1-6-3
1-6-4
1-6-6
1-6-10
1-6-13
1-6-20
1-6-21
1-6-24

Roadway Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1
Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-7-1
1-7-2
1-7-4
1-7-4

1-4-10
1-4-17
1-4-17
1-4-24
1-4-26
1-4-29
1-4-56
1-4-65
1-4-68
1-4-70
1-4-76
1-4-78
1-4-82
1-4-90

1999, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

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AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT)

Part/Section

Description

Page

Tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1
Scope (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2
Design (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.3
Construction (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.4
Measurement and Payment (1982). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.5
Lining (1982) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.6
Ventilation (1982) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.7
Increasing Clearances In Existing Tunnels (1982) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-8-1
1-8-2
1-8-2
1-8-3
1-8-6
1-8-6
1-8-6
1-8-7

Vegetation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.1
Rationale and Scope of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.2
Preparing a Vegetation Control Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.3
Executing a Vegetation Control Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.4
Evaluating Results of a Vegetation Control Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5
Glossary (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.6
Lead Agencies (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.7
Commentary (1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-9-1
1-9-2
1-9-2
1-9-11
1-9-14
1-9-16
1-9-16
1-9-19

10 Geosynthetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1
Geotextile (Engineering Fabric) Specifications for Railroad Track Stabilization
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.2
Geotextile Specifications for Railroad Drainage Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.3
Geotextile Specifications for Railroad Erosion Control Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.4
Geocomposite Drainage System Specifications for Railroad Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-10-1

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-G-1

Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-B-1

1-10-2
1-10-8
1-10-13
1-10-18

1999, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

1-3

INTRODUCTION
The Chapters of the AREMA Manual are divided into numbered Parts, each comprised of related documents
(specifications, recommended practices, plans, etc.). Individual Parts are divided into Sections by centered
headings set in capital letters and identified by a Section number. These Sections are subdivided into Articles
designated by numbered side headings.
Page Numbers In the page numbering of the Manual (1-2-1, for example) the first numeral designates the
Chapter number, the second denotes the Part number in the Chapter, and the third numeral designates the
page number in the Part. Thus, 1-2-1 means Chapter 1, Part 2, page 1.
In the Glossary and Bibliography, the Part number is replaced by either a G for Glossary or B for
Bibliography.
Document Dates The bold type date (Document Date) at the beginning of each document (Part) applies to the
document as a whole and designates the year in which revisions were last made somewhere in the document,
unless an attached footnote indicates that the document was adopted, reapproved, or rewritten in that year.
Article Dates Each Article shows the date (in parenthesis) of the last time that Article was modified.
Revision Marks All current year revisions (changes and additions) which have been incorporated into the
document are identified by a vertical line along the outside margin of the page, directly beside the modified
information.
Proceedings Footnote The Proceedings footnote on the first page of each document gives references to all
Association action with respect to the document.
Annual Updates New manuals will be reprinted and issued yearly, in their entirety.

1999, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

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AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering