1. science
2. engineering

TN 001: 2015
For queries regarding this document
standards@asa.transport.nsw.gov.au
www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au
Technical Note
TN 001: 2015
Issued date
Effective date
06 January 2015
06 January 2015
Subject:
Project obligations relating to survey assets
This technical note is issued by the Asset Standards Authority to clarify the requirements of
TMC 212 Survey, version 1.2.
1.
Background
Track location is defined by the mathematical relationship of different elements of curves and
straights that the track traverses. This relationship is known as track alignment, whereby the
different elements of straights, curves and transition curves are tied together by coordinated
geometry to conform to minimum requirements.
Coordinated track alignment is based upon the Rail Survey Control Network, which is
underpinned by the NSW State Survey Control Network. This network is represented on the
ground within the rail corridor by Rail Survey Control Marks. These marks are fundamental rail
assets that have been coordinated in three dimensions, and provide a reference network for
track alignment.
Track Control Marks (TCM's) provide further densification of survey marks within the corridor.
These marks are located at regular intervals on both sides of the corridor, and together with the
plaques related to the mark, provide a direct reference for rail maintenance and construction
personnel to locate the track in its correct spatial location.
The purpose of this technical note is to reinforce the requirement for any project work being
undertaken within the corridor to install, preserve, or replace these survey assets.
It is mandatory to identify any activities that are likely to affect or disturb the location of existing
survey marks, and any activities that result in new infrastructure requiring the installation of new
survey marks. These requirements are outlined in the following sections of this technical note.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW
Asset Standards Authority
Page 1 of 3
TN 001: 2015
2.
Planning stage survey requirements
During the planning stage and prior to any work taking place, the Principal Surveyor of the
relevant Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM), for example Sydney Trains, shall be consulted
regarding survey issues within the proposed 'work-zone'. This consultation shall consider the
most appropriate corridor survey control marking strategy and coordinate system to be adopted
for the project. Consultation is normally conducted with the project's survey representative, who
will have an appreciation of the issues from both perspectives. A project plan shall be jointly
developed to identify any likelihood of disturbance. Where it is identified that survey marks will
be disturbed or destroyed, a remediation plan shall be agreed to. Action to replace a damaged
or disturbed survey mark shall be organised before the damage or disturbance occurs.
3.
Completion stage survey requirements
At the completion of the project, information detailing the coordination of Rail Survey Control
Marks and TCM's shall be provided to the Principal Surveyor, in the form of a report signed by a
Registered Surveyor. Information shall include the following:
•
final 3D coordinates of all survey marks
•
documentation of adjustments
•
deliverables as required in SPC 211 Survey and TMC 212 Survey
Examples of the types of projects that have the potential to disturb, damage, or destroy rail
survey marks include the following:
•
platforms works – including reconstruction, re-sheeting, replacement
•
cutting and embankment widening
•
overhead wiring structure (OHWS) replacement
•
track reconstruction works
•
rerailing
•
excavation and other construction activities within the corridor
Any activity or project that requires reinstatement or installation of survey assets including
survey plaques shall be undertaken as a cost to the project. In some cases, the use of rail
specialist survey personnel may be required to complete the works and reporting requirements
to the satisfaction of the Principal Surveyor.
All newly-installed marks, or marks requiring re-observation due to disturbance, shall be
observed and connected to the existing survey network following the procedures outlined within
the standards. Use of prescribed mark types and survey plaques is also a mandatory
requirement. This hardware may be sourced in consultation with the Principal Surveyor.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW
Asset Standards Authority
Page 2 of 3
TN 001: 2015
For any other issues that require clarification or interpretation, the project should contact the
Principal Surveyor at the earliest opportunity.
Authorisation
Technical content
prepared by
Checked and
approved by
Interdisciplinary
coordination
checked by
Authorised for
release
Name
David Brown
John Paff
David Spiteri
Graham Bradshaw
Position
Senior Surveyor
Lead Track Engineer
Chief Engineer Rail
Principal Manager
Network Standards &
Services
Signature
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW
Asset Standards Authority
Page 3 of 3
Engineering Manual
Track
SURVEY
Version 1.2
Issued December 2009
Owner:
Chief Engineer Track
Approved by:
Graeme Gaggin
Principal Surveyor
Authorised by:
Malcolm Kerr
Chief Engineer Track
Disclaimer
This document was prepared for use on the RailCorp Network only.
RailCorp makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with the contents of this document shall be
sufficient to ensure safe systems or work or operation. It is the document user’s sole responsibility to ensure that the
copy of the document it is viewing is the current version of the document as in use by RailCorp.
RailCorp accepts no liability whatsoever in relation to the use of this document by any party, and RailCorp excludes
any liability which arises in any manner by the use of this document.
Copyright
The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced, altered,
stored or transmitted by any person without the prior consent of RailCorp
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Control Pages – Page 1 of 2
Engineering Manual
TMC 212
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Document control
Revision
Date of Approval
Summary of change
1.2
December, 2009
Changes detailed in Chapter Revisions
1.1
December, 2008
Section C2-1 - Change to SMS document reference for testing of
survey staves; Section C2-2.1 - Change to installation
requirements for marks
1.0
October, 2007
First issue as a RailCorp document. Includes content from
TS 2621, C 4610, C 4611, C 4613
Summary of changes from previous version
Chapter
Current
Revision
Pages
Date of
Approval
Control
Pages
1.2
2
December, 2009
Change of format for front page, change history
and table of contents
December, 2009
Changes to reflect change in titles
Various
Summary of change
1
1.1
1
December, 2009
Format change only
2
1.2
4
December, 2009
Format change only
3
1.1
5
December, 2009
Format change only
Appendix 1
1.1
1
December, 2009
Format change only
Contents
Chapter 1
C1-1
C1-2
C1-3
C1-4
Chapter 2
C2-1
C2-2
Chapter 3
C3-1
C3-2
C3-3
Appendix 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
Purpose .........................................................................................................................................1-1
Context ..........................................................................................................................................1-1
How to read the Manual ................................................................................................................1-1
References ....................................................................................................................................1-1
RailCorp Survey Control Network........................................................................................ 2-1
Instruments and Equipment ..........................................................................................................2-1
Survey Control ..............................................................................................................................2-1
RailCorp Track Control Network .......................................................................................... 3-1
Instruments and Equipment ..........................................................................................................3-1
Track Control.................................................................................................................................3-1
Track Control Mark Plaques..........................................................................................................3-4
Plaque Engraving – Data requirements............................................................................ A1-1
© Rail Corporation
Issued December 2009
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Control Pages – Page 2 of 2
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Chapter 1 Introduction
C1-1
Purpose
This manual provides requirements, processes and guidelines to be used when conducting a
survey of the RailCorp Survey Control and Track Control Networks.
It does not include the use of GPS equipment.
C1-2
Context
The manual is part of RailCorp's engineering standards and procedures publications. More
specifically, it is part of the Civil Engineering suite that comprises standards, installation and
maintenance manuals and specifications.
Manuals contain requirements, processes and guidelines for the management of track assets and
for carrying out examination, construction, installation and maintenance activities.
The manual is written for the persons undertaking installation and maintenance activities.
C1-3
How to read the Manual
The best way to find information in the manual is to look at the Table of Contents starting on page
2. Ask yourself what job you are doing? The Table of Contents is written to reflect work activities.
When you read the information, you will not need to refer to RailCorp Engineering standards. Any
requirements from standards have been included in the sections of the manual and shown like this:
The following requirements are extracted from RailCorp Standard ESC 210
Track Control Marks to define alignment and grade shall be placed as detailed in
Table 3.
MR
Reference is however made to other Manuals.
C1-4
References
C1-4.1
Australian and International Standards
Nil
C1-4.2
RailCorp Documents
ESC 210 – Track Geometry and Stability
SPC 211 – Survey Specification
SMS-06-SW-0275 Annual Insulation Resistance Testing of Survey Staves
© Rail Corporation
Issued December 2009
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Chapter 1 – Page 1 of 1
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Chapter 2 RailCorp Survey Control Network
This specification outlines the field procedures to be followed when conducting a survey of the
RailCorp Survey Control Network.
This specification does not include the use of GPS equipment.
C2-1
Instruments and Equipment
All instruments and equipment used for survey of the RailCorp Survey Control Network shall be in
accordance with SPC 211 Survey Specification.
Only non-conducting timber or fibreglass survey staves are to be used. All staves must be tested
and tagged in accordance with SMS-06-SW-0275 – Survey Staves used around 1500vdc
equipment - Annual Testing of Insulation Resistance.
Use of metallic staves and Invar staves is not permitted on any RailCorp project.
C2-2
Survey Control
C2-2.1
Types of Survey Mark
The types of marks that may be placed for the purpose of the RailCorp Survey Control Network are
as described in Table 1.
Type
Description
Reference
Remark
Rail Survey Mark
(RSM)
Long brass pin and
triangle. Short
Brass pin and
triangle
Figure 1
Placed in bed rock,
concrete, stone or
masonry. RSM to be
recessed so that the top of
the triangle is flush with
the surrounding material
Rail Survey Mark
(RSM)
Long brass pin and
triangle cast in
concrete with cast
iron box cover.
Figure 2
Placed in stable soil or firm
ground.
Rail Survey Mark
(RSM)
Long brass pin and
triangle cast in
concrete with cast
iron box cover.
Galvanised iron or
aluminium star
picket set in
concrete below
ground level.
Figure 3
Placed in locations where
additional support is
required. This type of mark
to be used only if above
types are unsuitable.
Table 1 – Survey Marks
In special circumstances other types of mark may be proposed for approval of the Principal
Surveyor or the District Surveyor.
Note that before any mark is installed it is recommended that a services search be undertaken.
C2-2.2
Placement of Survey Marks
Survey Control marks are to be placed at a maximum spacing of 150m. At intervals of
approximately 500m the placement of the Rail Survey Control mark is to allow for connection to the
Lands Department Control marks outside of the RailCorp corridor. This connection is to be by line
of sight techniques with a minimum distance of 200m.
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Chapter 2 – Page 1 of 4
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Rail Survey Control Marks must be placed in stable structures clear of running lines and as far as is
practical clear of access roads and other areas that may pose a risk to survey staff when occupying
the mark.
Where the above criteria cannot be met, approval to vary the criteria must be sought from the
Principal Surveyor or the District Surveyor.
Top of triangle flush with surrounding material
3mm
40mm
Epoxy resin
Set in epoxy resin in
concrete or masonry
13mm
dia
10mm
70mm
Figure 1 – Rail survey Mark – Triangle type
Hinged Cast Iron Box
100mm
Ground Surface
450mm
100mm
Brass Triangle
Long pin
In situ mass
concrete
In situ mass
concrete
Figure 2 – Survey mark with
Triangle
C2-2.3
Figure 3 – Survey mark with Star picket
Documentation
Each Rail Survey Mark (RSM) must be documented with a Rail Survey Mark Sketch Plan. See
Figure 4.
The Rail Survey Mark Sketch Plan must contain:
−
Kilometrage of the mark.
−
Distance to adjacent Rail Survey Control Marks.
−
Offset of the mark from the running face of the nearest rail.
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Chapter 2 – Page 2 of 4
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
−
A minimum of three connections with bearing and/or distances to nearby identifiable features.
−
Features such as tracks, fences, poles, etc should be shown with measurements of
appropriate accuracy.
Each sketch should be oriented to the north with either grid or magnetic bearings shown.
Rail Survey Mark Sketch Plans are to be provided in both hard copy and electronic TIFF formats.
© Rail Corporation
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Chapter 2 – Page 3 of 4
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
RAIL SURVEY MARK SKETCH PLAN
Line:
Locality:
Km:
Location:

Up Side

Down Side
O/S to NR:
N
CO-ORDINATES
E:
SOURCE
PLACED
BY:
N:
DATE:
RL:
SYSTEM
ZONE
DATUM:
ISG:
MGA:
OTHER:



DATE OF
SURVEY:
Figure 4 - Rail Survey Mark Sketch Plan
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Chapter 2 – Page 4 of 4
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Chapter 3 RailCorp Track Control Network
This specification outlines the field procedures to be followed when conducting a survey of the
RailCorp Track Control Network.
C3-1
Instruments and Equipment
All instruments and equipment used for survey of the RailCorp Survey Control Network shall be in
accordance with SPC 211 Survey Specification.
Only non-conducting timber or fibreglass survey staves are to be used. All staves must be tested
and tagged in accordance with SMS-06-SW-0275 - Annual Insulation Resistance Testing of Survey
Staves.
Use of metallic staves and Invar staves is not permitted on any RailCorp project.
C3-2
Track Control
C3-2.1
Types of Track Control Mark
The types of marks that may be placed for the purpose of the RailCorp Track Control Network are
as described in Table 2.
Type
Track Control Mark
(TCM)
Description
Stainless Steel Pin
Reference
Figure 5
Remark
Placed in OHWS or other
metallic structure. See Figure
7.
Pin requires No. 20 drill for
installation. The internal
surface of the drill hole shall be
coated with a paint product
such as Galmet prior to the
placement of the TCM.
Track Control Mark
(TCM)
Brass pin (type 3).
Figure 6
Placed in stable rock, concrete
or masonry. See Figure 7.
Pin requires 12mm drill for
softer material such as brick or
13mm drill for hard materials
such as concrete. When using
13mm drill adhesive such as
Araldite must be used during
installation.
Track Control Mark
(TCM)
Punch Mark in
galvanised iron or
aluminium star
picket set in
concrete at ground
level.
Figure 3
Placed in stable soil or firm
ground. This type of mark to
be used only if above types are
unsuitable. A metal tag must
be attached to the picket with
stainless steel tie wire or set in
the concrete adjacent to the
picket to provide a unique
identifier.
Table 2 – Track Control Marks
In special circumstances other types of mark may be proposed for approval of the Principal
Surveyor or the District Surveyor.
© Rail Corporation
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Chapter 3 – Page 1 of 5
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
7
11
4.2±0.1
6
3.7±0.1
TMC 212
2
20
2 X 1mm chamfer
12 – 12.7
Figure 5 – Stainless Steel Pin
90 - 100
2
Figure 6 – Brass Pin Type 3 (Brass Rod)
C3-2.2
Placement of Track Control Marks
The following requirements are extracted from RailCorp Standard ESC 210
Track Control Marks to define alignment and grade shall be placed as detailed
in Table 3.
Location
MR
Spacing
Straights
Every 20m
Circular curves and transition curves
Every 10m
Platforms
Either end (100mm in) and every 10m
Overbridge Abutments and tunnels
Either end (100mm in) and every 10m
Table 3 –- Placement of Survey Control Marks
Track control marks are as far as is practical placed on stable permanent structures adjacent to the
tracks. (Overhead Wiring structures and other similar structures)
Track control marks are as far as is practical placed in stable permanent structure adjacent to the
tracks. They are to be placed at a nominal 20m interval generally and at a nominal 10m interval in
platforms, tunnels, bridges and other locations with restricted clearances. A mark is to be placed at
the entrance and exit of these structures as indicated in Figure 7.
All Track Control marks are to be assigned a unique identifier.
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Chapter 3 – Page 2 of 5
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Sydney
Country
TCM
TCM
TCM
H - Frame
A - Frame
PP Mast
Sketch A – OHW structures
100mm
100mm
100mm
100mm
100mm
100mm
TCMs shown as O
Required track location shown as Sketch B - Overbridges
Abutments & piers
Ballast wall
Sketch C - Transom Top Underbridges
Sketch D - Ballast Top Underbridges
TCMs and Track location at 20m intervals on long underbridges
On short Ballast Top underbridges, Track location at underbridge is sufficient
Figure 7 – Location of Track Control Marks (TCM)
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Chapter 3 – Page 3 of 5
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
C3-2.3
TMC 212
Standards of accuracy
The following requirements are extracted from RailCorp Standard ESC 210
Where standards of accuracy are not nominated in the design, all marks
shall be placed to an accuracy, relative to adjacent marks, of at least twice
the accuracy standards defined in Section 11.1.2 for track construction
standards.
C3-2.4
MR
Documentation
The Track Control Mark (TCM) must be documented by recording the following information into a
spreadsheet:
−
Track Referenced (maximum of 10 characters)
−
Location of TCM with respect to track referenced (up or down side)
−
OHWS Identification (if applicable) (maximum of 10 characters)
−
Kilometrage of the TCM (truncated to whole Km only)
−
Approximate metrage of TCM on referenced track (m)
−
Identifier i.e. TCM point number (maximum 5 characters)
The Track Control Mark spreadsheet is to be provided in both hard copy and electronic (.xls)
formats.
C3-3
Track Control Mark Plaques
The following requirements are extracted from RailCorp Standard ESC 210
Each Track Control Mark shall be referenced by a Survey Plaque containing,
at least, the following information:
-
Track referenced
-
OHWS Identification (if applicable)
-
Kilometrage of TCM to 1mm (eg 49km 357.345m)
-
Design Track Centres from referenced track to adjacent track (if
applicable)
-
Design superelevation of referenced track (mm)
-
Horizontal offset from TCM to Design running face of nearest rail of
referenced track (mm)
-
Vertical offset from TCM to Design Low (datum) Rail of referenced track
(mm)
MR
A standard aluminium plaque shall be attached to any structure in which a Track Control mark is
installed. The plaque must be placed adjacent to the Track Control Mark. If a Track Control Mark
references more than one track then an additional plaque is required for each track referenced.
The format of the plaques is as is shown in Figure 8
The information to be shown on the plaque is as described in Appendix 1.
C3-3.1
Installation of Plaques
Plaques shall be fixed to metal structures by use of 4mm diameter Aluminium pop rivets (3.2mm to
4.8mm material thickness). Two rivets only required placed in the centre holes at the top and
bottom of the plaque. Drill size No.20 as used for the stainless steel TCM is suitable for this
purpose. The internal surface of drill holes shall be coated with a paint product such as Galmet
prior to the placement of the rivet.
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Chapter 3 – Page 4 of 5
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Plaques shall be fixed to non-metallic structure using 4 (one in each corner) 5mm diameter, 25mm
depth nylon anchors. These anchors require the use of a 5mm masonry drill for installation.
75
37.5
3
3
SURVEY
Track Control Mark
4
2
4
km
3
3
SUPER mm
5
3
2
OFFSET TO NEAR RAIL mm
3
HEIGHT TO NEAR RAIL mm
3
DO NOT DEFACE
5 dia
150
CENTRES mm
Equal Spacing
10
1.5
4
11.5
6
All dimensions are in mm
6
Figure 8 – Specification for Track Control Marks (TCM)
Lettering
Height
Top and Bottom Headings
4mm
Elsewhere
3mm
Depth
0.4mm
Lowercase = 75% of uppercase
Height : Thickness
5:!
Style
Gothic
Lines
Thickness
0.6mm
Material
Type
Marine Grade Aluminium 5251 W34 Anodised 20 micron
Thickness
1.5mm
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Chapter 3 – Page 5 of 5
Version 1.2
RailCorp Engineering Manual — Track
Survey
TMC 212
Appendix 1 - Plaque Engraving – Data requirements
To enable efficient plaque production, all plaquing data is to be supplied in the following format.
Data is to be supplied electronically (i.e. on disk or via email).
Data is to be supplied in a spreadsheet format, MS Excel is preferred, MS Works or Lotus 123 is
acceptable.
The spreadsheet columns are to be as shown:
Column 1:
Track Referenced (max. 10 characters)
Column 2:
OHWS Identification (if applicable) (max. 10 characters)
Column 3:
Kilometrage of TCM (Truncated to whole Km only)
Column 4:
Metrage of TCM on Referenced Track (do not show Km) (metres)
Column 5:
Design Track Centres of Referenced Track to Adjacent Track (if applicable)
(mm)
Column 6:
Design Superelevation of Referenced Track (mm)
Column 7:
Horizontal Offset from TCM to Design Running Face of Near Rail of Referenced
Track (mm)
Column 8:
Vertical Offset from TCM to Design Low (Datum) Rail of Referenced Track (mm)
Column 9:
Identifier i.e. TCM Point No., etc (max. 5 characters)
Notes:
Column 7:
Horizontal offset is in millimetres and is positive only.
Column 8:
A negative vertical offset indicates that the low rail is below the TCM
Column 9:
The Identifier is included to enable the plaque to be fixed to the correct
structure, i.e. this information ties the plaque /plaques to a particular TCM.
Example spreadsheet
DOWN MAIN
31+855
31
852.461
3810
110
2422
-792
1947
DOWN MAIN
31+896
31
892.723
3810
110
2392
-354
1951
DOWN MAIN
31+940
31
937.808
3810
110
2424
-558
1954
DOWN MAIN
32+436
32
430.548
3810
110
2601
-767
2503
DOWN MAIN
32+616
32
604.914
3810
92
2388
-408
2516
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Appendix 1 – Page 1 of 1
Version 1.2