PROCEDURE

Trenchless Excavations Beneath

the PTA Operating Railway

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Date Approved: 15/09/2020 © PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2019

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Document History and Governance

Document Governance
Role
Document Owner Civil Engineering Manager - N&I

Document Compliance
If this document contains requirements that provide a standard of compliance in accordance with legislation, they shall be complied with irrespective of a project’s stage in
relation to the Project Management Framework. In all other circumstances, projects that have formally completed Stage Gate 3 may continue to comply with the relevant
PTA standards that were current at the completion of project Stage Gate 3.

Document Authorisation and History

Rev Date Compliance Prepared by Reviewed by Authorised by Comments
Approved Date
1.00 30/11/15 Albert Teow Marcin Kurpiewski Robert Davies Issued for Use
1.01 12/05/16 Mike Bluck William Buckless Robert Davies Update to technical requirements
Marcin Kurpiewski Eric Hudson-Smith
Alan Berry
1.02 02/05/17 Igor Colic Marcin Kurpiewski Robert Davies Updated survey requirements and
crossing under turnouts
2.00 15/09/2020 15/09/2020 John Marra Albert Teow Vijaya Moorthy, Updated to new formatting, clarified
Paul Shaw Norman Tan SMP submission requirements,
include reference to deviation
procedure, updated requirements
for Approved Supervisor.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Document Purpose............................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Audience and Applicability.................................................................................................. 7
1.2.1 Document Applicability ................................................................................................... 8
1.2.2 Document Exclusions ..................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Roles and Responsibilities.................................................................................................. 8
1.4 Key Concepts..................................................................................................................... 9
2. Procedure for Third Party Trenchless Excavations .................................. 10
2.1 Initial Contact and Letter of Conditions ............................................................................. 10
2.2 Submission and Approval of Safety Management Plan (SMP) .......................................... 11
2.2.1 The Letter of Conditions and the Signed Acknowledgement Form................................. 11
2.2.2 Work Methodology........................................................................................................ 11
2.2.3 Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) .......................................................... 13
2.2.4 Design Summary Report and Design Drawings for Third Party Service Installation ....... 13
2.2.5 Permanent Way (Perway) Condition Report.................................................................. 14
2.2.6 Geotechnical Report..................................................................................................... 15
2.2.7 Existing Services and Utilities Location Report.............................................................. 17
2.2.8 Access Management Plan ............................................................................................ 17
2.2.9 Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan .............................................. 17
2.2.10 Inspection and Test Plans......................................................................................... 17
2.2.11 Details of the Cable or Service Markers and Form of Construction ............................ 18
2.3 Application to Access the Rail Reserve............................................................................. 18
2.4 Technical Requirements for Third Party Service Installation.............................................. 18
3. Procedure for PTA Trenchless Excavations .............................................. 20
3.1 Track and Civil Branch Approval....................................................................................... 20
3.2 Safety Management Plan (SMP)....................................................................................... 21
3.3 Application to Access the Rail Reserve............................................................................. 21
3.4 Technical Requirements for PTA Service Installation ........................................................ 21
4. Construction ................................................................................................. 23
4.1 Safeworking Rules and Procedures.................................................................................. 23
4.2 Project Contact................................................................................................................. 23
4.3 Approved Supervisor for Trenchless Excavation............................................................... 24
4.4 Track Occupancy – Works within 3m from the Nearest Rail .............................................. 25
4.5 Existing Service Locating.................................................................................................. 25
4.6 Drainage .......................................................................................................................... 26

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

4.7 PTA Access to Site........................................................................................................... 26

4.8 Topographical Survey....................................................................................................... 26
4.9 Track Condition ................................................................................................................ 27
4.9.1 ReiInstatement of Perway............................................................................................. 27
4.9.2 Reinstatement of Track Geometry ................................................................................ 28
4.9.3 Unfit for Traffic.............................................................................................................. 28
4.10 Installation Methodology................................................................................................... 28
4.10.1 Tracking and Accuracy of Drill Head ......................................................................... 28
4.10.2 Thrust Bore or Micro Tunnelling ................................................................................ 28
4.10.3 Directional Drilling..................................................................................................... 28
4.10.4 Auger Boring ............................................................................................................ 29
4.11 Spoil and Construction Materials ...................................................................................... 29
4.12 Environmental Impact....................................................................................................... 29
4.13 Construction Records....................................................................................................... 29
5. Post Site Works and Remediation .............................................................. 30
5.1 Underground Cable or Service Markers............................................................................ 30
5.2 Post-Construction Permanent (Perway) Condition Report ................................................. 30
5.3 Topographical Survey Post-Construction.......................................................................... 30
5.4 As-Constructed Documentation ........................................................................................ 31
5.5 Spoil and Construction Material ........................................................................................ 31
6. Deviations from Requirements ................................................................... 31
7. Glossary ........................................................................................................ 32
8. Abbreviations and Acronyms...................................................................... 33
Appendix 1 – Track Occupancy Diagram............................................................. 34

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

List of Tables
Table 1: Related Documents............................................................................................................. 6
Table 2: Description of Roles ............................................................................................................ 8
Table 3: Third Party Overcut Requirements .................................................................................... 19
Table 4: PTA Overcut Requirements............................................................................................... 22
Table 5: Supervisors for Trenchless Excavation............................................................................... 24
Table 6: Terms and Definitions ....................................................................................................... 32
Table 7: Abbreviations and Acronyms............................................................................................. 33

List of Figures
Figure 1: Typical PTA Cross-section and Minimum Depth for Trenchless Excavation (Third Party
Underbores) .................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 2: Typical PTA Cross-section and Minimum Depth for Trenchless Excavation (For PTA
Underbores) .................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 3: Underground Service Installation Minimum Survey Points ................................................ 27
Figure 4: Track Occupancy Diagram............................................................................................... 34

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Related Documents
Table 1: Related Documents
Document Number Name
8103-000-004 Guideline: Safety Management Plan Working on PTA Property
8103-400-004 Procedure: Working in and Around the Rail Reserve
8110-000-013 Procedure: Deviation from PTA Requirements
8110-100-014 Procedure: Management of Engineering Change
8110-300-011 Procedure: Preparation of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Drawings
8110-400-029 Procedure: Applying for Access to the PTA Operating Railway Corridor
8130-000-004 Form: Application for Deviation from PTA Requirements
8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey
8190-400-002 Code of Practice: Narrow Gauge Main Line Track and Civil Infrastructure
8203-100-001 Guideline: Network and Infrastructure (N&I) Risk Management
8230-000-025 Safety Management Plan – Tier 1 & 2 Evaluation Checklist
8880-450-300 Specification: Access to Infrastructure
9100-000-007 PTA Safeworking Rules & Procedures
AS 1726 Geotechnical site investigations
AS/NZS 2566 Buried flexible pipelines
AS/NZS 3725 Design for installation of buried concrete pipes
AS 4799 Installation of underground utility services and pipelines within railway boundaries
– PTA Weekly Notice

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

1. Introduction
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) operates an integrated public transport system that
provides rail services throughout Western Australia. The PTA operating railway,
infrastructure and assets are frequently criss-crossed with high pressure gas main and high
voltage transmission lines, in addition to its own extensive services infrastructure.
As the Perth metropolitan area expands, developments are occurring throughout Perth and
this necessitates utility and services connection across PTA infrastructure, mostly
underground. With railway line speeds up to 130km/h, high pressure gas mains at a
pressure of 8.5MPa (1233 PSI), road speeds up to 110km/h and water supply pressure
mains from desalination plants, it is imperative that the installation of new utilities and
services do not interrupt the operations or cause damage to critical existing infrastructure.
Any incident resulting from interruption or damage could result in serious damage or
possible loss of life.
Developers, consultants and contractors shall be informed of the requirements for the safe
installation of these utilities and services that traverse PTA infrastructure so that correct
process can be followed, ensuring that asset operations can continue uninterrupted.

1.1 Document Purpose

This procedure describes the steps required to undertake trenchless excavation works that
cross under the PTA Operating Railway.
The purpose of the procedure is to inform prospective developers, consultants and
contractors of minimum requirements for the construction of trenchless crossings of the PTA
Operating Railway. The requirements described herein are in addition to those in relevant
Australian/New Zealand Standards. Where a conflict exists between this document and an
Australian/New Zealand Standard, this document governs.
The document addresses unmanned tunnel construction by trenchless technology with bore
diameters in the range 0.1m to 2.0m.

1.2 Audience and Applicability

This document is intended to be used by all persons or parties intending to undertake any
trenchless underground service installation work that crosses under the PTA Operating
Railway. This is includes:
 Third Party Service Providers intending to install their below ground services within
the operating railway;
 Contractors required to install Third Party underground services within the operating
rail reserve; and
 PTA Project Managers (PM), project CPEs, project PEs, and their Contractors
required to install PTA underground services or infrastructure within the operating rail
reserve.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

1.2.1 Document Applicability

The procedure described herein applies to all trenchless underground service installation
works that enter and or cross under the PTA Operating Railway.

1.2.2 Document Exclusions

This document does not include the installation of a tunnel crossing of PTA infrastructure of
diameter greater than 2.0m or that may require a manned Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
with segmental lining or other installation method as part of a major infrastructure project.

1.3 Roles and Responsibilities

Refer to 8110-100-013 Engineering Management for Projects Procedure for a list of Roles
and Responsibilities. Additional roles are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Description of Roles
Role Responsibility

Principal Track Provides final review and gives approval prior to proponent conducting the
Engineer trenchless excavation.

Conducts the review of excavation submissions. Forwards onto Principal Track

Civil Engineer
Engineer for final approval.

Contractor’s geotechnical engineer with a minimum of 8 years’ experience in

Geotechnical
similar ground conditions and similar works. Responsibilities as defined in this
Engineer
Procedure.

Third Party Project Proponent – Third Party Service Providers and their contractor applying to install
Manager underground service.

PTA PM and their Proponent – Person appointed by the PTA to install the PTA underground
Contractor service. Submits documents as required by procedure to Civil Branch for review.

Individual worker with a Track Access Permit level of a PO3 and approved by the
Approved Person PTA responsible for implementation of Safeworking Rules and supervision of
trenchless excavations on the PTA Network.

Protection Officer Individual worker with a Track Access Permit level of a PO1, PO2 or PO3
(PO) appointed to supervise workers within the Railway Reserve.

Licensed Surveyor contracted by the Proponent or PTA to provide survey

Surveyor
information before, during and after underground service installation works.

Person appointed by the Proponent and approved by the PTA, responsible for
Track Certifier
certifying that track is suitable for rail traffic post underboring works on each shift.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

1.4 Key Concepts

This procedure describes the steps required to undertake trenchless excavation works that
cross under the PTA Operating Railway. It breaks the requirements down for Third Party
trenchless excavations and the PTA trenchless excavations separately, and provides the
submission requirements as follows:
a. Procedure for Third Party Trenchless Excavations – see section 3;
b. Procedure for PTA Trenchless Excavations – see section 4;
c. Construction requirements – see section 5;
d. Post-site works and remediation – see section 6;
e. Deviations from procedure requirements – see section 7; and
f. Terminology and definitions – see section 8.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

2. Procedure for Third Party Trenchless Excavations

2.1 Initial Contact and Letter of Conditions

Application for planned works provided to [email protected] shall include:
a. 8103-400-004 Procedure: Working in and Around the Rail Reserve – Checklist of
PTA’s Requirements;
b. 8103-400-004 Procedure: Working in and Around the Rail Reserve – The PTA
Corridor Coordinator Checklist;
c. Preliminary scope of the works to be undertaken. This shall include details and
purpose of:
1. The proposed crossing;
2. Details of materials to be used;
3. Contents of the proposed conduits to be installed;
4. Length and dimensions of the proposed installation including cross sections (see
Figure 1 for typical cross-section details);
5. Proposed minimum cover to new service;
6. Proposed construction methodologies; and
7. Planned further investigations to prove the design and methodology.
d. Preliminary drawings, plans and proposed methodology for the installation of the
services beneath the PTA’s infrastructure and assets; and
e. Any proposed future loading constraints, access or exclusion zones that may affect the
future operation or maintenance of the PTA’s infrastructure and assets.
The Proponent receives the Letter of Conditions and Conditional Approval (4 – 6 week
turnaround).
Subject to the information provided in this initial submission, PTA will provide comments to
the application. PTA may approve the Proponent’s application for the installation of the
service but may direct the Proponent that more information is required for the approval of the
design and methodology and that 8110-000-013 Procedure: Deviation from PTA
Requirements may need to be implemented (see section 6).
The Third Party conditions will generally approve the installation of the service in principle,
but not the design or methodology.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Figure 1: Typical PTA Cross-section and Minimum Depth for Trenchless Excavation
(Third Party Underbores)

2.2 Submission and Approval of Safety Management Plan (SMP)

SMP submission provided to [email protected] shall follow the PTA
Guideline: 8103-000-004 Safety Management Plan Working on PTA Property, and be
submitted alongside PTA Checklist: 8230-000-025 Safety Management Plan – Tier 1 & 2
Evaluation Checklist. The following items shall also be submitted with the safety
management plan and shall be referenced within the document.

2.2.1 The Letter of Conditions and the Signed Acknowledgement Form

See section 2.1 Initial Contact and Letter of Conditions. The Letter of Conditions and signed
Acknowledgement Form shall be part of the initial submission.

2.2.2 Work Methodology

The Proponent shall outline in a Work Methodology:

a. Details of the proposed trenchless excavation subcontractor and equipment that will be
utilised to install the trenchless crossing. This shall include:
1. Details of the primary excavation methodology and whether HDD, auger bore
(microtunnel) or pipe jack methodologies are to be utilised;
2. Details of the machines shall be provided, which shall include model and
manufacturer details and age of equipment proposed;
3. The relevant experience of the proposed installation contractor and site
personnel. The proposed contractor shall have extensive experience in the

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

installation of underground utilities by the trenchless methods proposed in the

Perth metropolitan area and two project references and client referees shall be
provided;
4. Details of the trenchless machine operator(s) shall be provided including any
manufacturer training undertaken, relevant construction industry training and
project experience in using machines of a similar type and size. It is expected
that the machine operator will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in
successfully operating machines of similar operating machines of similar design,
size, and geology;
5. Project references and personal client referees are to be provided from within the
past 5 years for projects of a similar nature in ground conditions similar to the
expected geology for the trenchless crossing; and
6. For trenchless crossings, drilling mud and slurry comprising bentonite and/or
polymer shall be used. The use of a water only drilling fluid is not permitted.
b. Draft copies of proposed record keeping documentation including shift reports, drilling
records, monitoring records and check sheets that will be utilised during the works.
The reporting frequency of such daily progress documentation between the trenchless
subcontractor and the Proponent shall be identified in the Work Methodology, but as a
minimum shift reports and drilling records shall be submitted to the proponent by 10am
on the following day. See sections 4.10 and 4.13 for expectations and requirements.
c. The proposed hours and days of work over the duration of the trenchless crossing
beneath the railway reserve, including shift durations and PTA Safeworking Rules and
Procedures which will be followed. Refer to sections 4.1 and 4.4 for more information.
d. A description of the proposed method of maintaining alignment accuracy during the
trenchless excavation, including spot checks for line and level. The accuracy of the
system shall be explicitly stated and a current calibration certificate produced
confirming calibration has been undertaken within 3 months of the start of construction.
See section 4.10.1 for the accuracy requirements.
e. Description of muck handling and removal systems.
f. The maximum drilling or boring fluid pressure or jacking pressure that cannot be
exceeded due to the risk of ground heave which will be dependent on cover depth,
ground conditions, construction method and location of PTA infrastructure.
g. The Primary Project Contacts as required in section 4.2. This is also to be outlined in
the Safety Management Plan itself. The project contact and client – contractor –
subcontractor organisational chart is also to be outlined.
h. An Approved Person for Trenchless Excavation is to be nominated as per section 4.3.
Acknowledgement that an approved person for trenchless excavation will be onsite to
complete 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey is to be
incorporated in the Work Methodology.
i. The process for service locating and service marker installation as per sections 4.5
and 5.1.
j. A Push Plan or Push/Pull Plan which shows how the excavation will be completed
safely (indicate where the underbore will start/stop, distances, work periods, interaction
with the PTA Rail Corridor, etc.). The Push or Push/Pull Plan needs to be confirmed by
the Geotechnical Report in section 2.2.6 as acceptable and that no negative impacts
will occur to the PTA infrastructure. Contingencies and proposed go/no go triggers are

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

also required (e.g. if rates are lower than what was expected, what are the follow up
contingencies or remedial steps?).

2.2.3 Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A risk assessment shall be undertaken and provided to the PTA before commencing any
trenchless technology construction. The risk assessment shall consider potential
interference with existing or future works and focus on risks associated with the PTA
infrastructure, assets and the land within which it sits.
The risk assessment will be reviewed by the PTA, and subject to its review and/or the scale
of the project, PTA may direct the proponent to complete a risk assessment workshop which
is aligned to the PTA Guideline 8203-100-001 – Network and Infrastructure (N&I) Risk
Management.
The following potential risks, as a minimum, shall be considered in the risk assessment:
a. Loss of drilling fluid by breakout;
b. Collapsed hole, washout of cavities, subsidence and sinkholes formation;
c. Ground displacement associated with overpressure or blockage of drill stem or cutter
head;
d. Stuck drill rods or tools becoming detached;
e. Damaged pipes or coatings requiring redrill;
f. Abandonment due to equipment failure, unexpected ground conditions or obstructions;
and
g. Encountering unexpected ground or groundwater conditions (rock head, boulders,
running sand, artesian pressure, cemented layers).
Should a deviation from any of this procedure need to occur to minimise risk to the project
and the railway infrastructure, PTA Document: 8110-000-013 Procedure: Deviation from
PTA Requirements (see section 6) shall be followed. The risk assessment needs to provide
suitable detail to show that the project has considered alternatives and why the proposed
deviation is acceptable.
Please refer to the following PTA documents:
a. 8110-100-014 Procedure: Management of Engineering Change
b. 8110-000-013 Procedure: Deviation from PTA Requirements Deviation; and
c. 8130-000-004 Form: Application for Deviation from PTA Requirements more
information.

2.2.4 Design Summary Report and Design Drawings for Third Party
Service Installation

Design summary report and design drawings shall be provided in .pdf format and shall
comply with all requirements listed in section 2.4. Design shall include:
a. Details of the design of the utility crossing verifying that the crossing conduit(s) can
withstand the required overburden loads that may be exerted on the service during its
design life. The design life for any crossing is a minimum of 120 years in accordance
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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

to the PTA Specification 8880-450-010: Design Actions, Asset Design Life and
Maintenance Free Period, and is subject to acceptance by PTA, depending on the
location of the crossing. Certain locations may require a longer design life for the
crossings;
b. Cross-sections with location, length, dimensions of the crossing (i.e. reamer diameter),
encasement and carrier pipe diameter and thickness, construction material,
pipe/conduit contents, filling material (i.e. concrete/grout slurry), purpose of the
crossing, minimum cover proposed above trenchless crossing, minimum distance
apart of additional trenchless crossings (which shall at all times be at least 1.0m apart)
depths of launch, retrieval and any intermediate inspection pits;
c. A long section to true scale of 1:100 of the length of the new utility showing existing
services, infrastructure and buildings, the new utility(ies), launch, intermediate and
retrieval pits, relevant geotechnical conditions, geological profile and groundwater
levels, and proposed ground water level during dewatering if occurring;
d. Evidence to demonstrate protection of the PTA infrastructure and that it will not be
damaged or compromised in any way during the installation works. For example, any
potential electrical interference to rail signalling systems or corrosion protection of a
steel pipe for a proposed high-voltage electrical crossing; and
e. Should a Proponent wish to deviate from any Initial Design for which a design report
has been reviewed and commented on by a PTA infrastructure owner/operator then a
new design report shall be resubmitted for review and comment prior to commencing
site works that could potentially affect the PTA’s infrastructure.

2.2.5 Permanent Way (Perway) Condition Report

Note: This section is only applicable to the PTA Heritage Lines (Armadale, Fremantle and
Midland lines) OR if the reamer diameter exceeds 200mm, unless otherwise
requested by the PTA.
A Perway Condition Report, including photographs of the existing track and rail reserve shall
be undertaken by an independent track experienced personnel prior to submission of the
Underbore SMP and one (1) week after the installation (refer to section 5.2).
The Proponent shall carry out an inspection for the Perway Condition Report in accordance
with 9100-000-007 PTA Safeworking Rules & Procedures. A nominated railway accredited
Protection Officer (PO) is required to ensure the safety of the works and train services.
A Perway Condition Report shall include all items listed below:
a. Ballast condition and profile:
1. Are there visible signs of fouling, rounding of the material, is there evidence of
bog holes, do the ballast shoulders comply with 8190-400-002 Code of Practice:
Narrow Gauge Main Line Track and Civil Infrastructure etc.?
2. Is there evidence of the track pumping?
b. Drainage:
1. Are the cess (outer) drains clean and clear of debris, ballast, etc.? What does the
6ft (between the Up & Down mains) drainage look like?
c. Sleepers:

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1. Signs of damage (chipping, steel exposed), are they skewed, straight and at the
correct spacing? Are they all concrete? Is there a crossover or turnout in the
affected area?
d. Fastenings:
1. Type of fastening; e2003 Pandrol e-clips or otherwise? Any fastenings missing or
loose?
e. Track Geometry:
1. On a curve or tangent track? Is there cant (superelevation) and, if so, is this in
generally in line with the PTA Guideline: 8880-400-001: Rail Access Manual and
any other available data?
2. Are there visual signs of top or alignment defects?
f. Formation:
1. Is the formation compacted limestone or not? Are there signs of weakness or
defects in the formation? Is the section adjacent using cement stabilised
formation potentially indicating poor load bearing soils?
2. Is there a steep embankment or cutting? How high is the embankment or
cutting? etc.
3. How wide is the formation top past the ballast profile?
g. Fencing:
1. What condition is the fencing in and what type? Are the footings secure? Will
they be in danger of being undermined and/or leaving a gap under the fence?
How far offset from nearest rail?
h. Welds:
1. Are they in the cribs that the trenchless excavation will be underneath? Same
crib or staggered? Condition, evidence of the dipped welds, signs of pumping?
Are they flashbutt or aluminothermic welds?
i. General Surrounds:
1. Underground services, cabinets pits, lids, turkey nests, bridges, culverts, other
anomalies;
2. Are the surroundings flat, undulating in relation to the launch entry/exit pit and
the pipe itself? Dips, hollows etc.
3. Aerial view of section (example below depicting drill shot location and extent in
relation to surrounding area);
4. Provide photographs of the affected area.

2.2.6 Geotechnical Report

The Proponent shall seek expert independent geotechnical advice on the proposed works
from a consulting Geotechnical Engineer. The report may require geotechnical investigation,
to ascertain the geotechnical conditions to a depth of at least 1m below the lowest level of
the proposed new construction (includes invert level of the proposed crossing, base levels of

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

any pits or shafts, etc.), including ground and groundwater conditions around the proposed
trenchless crossing of the PTA Operating Railway.
This advice shall be submitted in the format of a geotechnical report in accordance with AS
1726 as part of the access application process. As a minimum, the report shall include:
a. Description of the geotechnical testing undertaken and impacts of the construction
methodology;
b. Advice on the type of soil, whether cohesive or non-cohesive, rock, fill or other, and
expected groundwater conditions for the launch and retrieval pits as well as the
installation of the crossing;
c. Identification of any unusual subsurface features or geotechnical hazards associated
with the proposed works, including buried objects in fill, cemented layers, rock,
boulders, clean running sand, etc. and possible solutions to the hazards these may
pose;
d. Assessment to be carried out to establish expected displacement due to all works
activities including dewatering if any. The magnitude of displacement at each stage
and cumulative displacement at each activity shall be documented ensuring
conformance to limits provide in section 4.9.2;
e. Anticipated impacts of the excavations and installation process on the PTA
infrastructure;
f. Any protective or remedial measures that may be required to prevent adverse impacts
on the PTA’s infrastructure as a result of the trenchless installation;
g. Recommendations on monitoring requirements including details of the location and
type of monitoring equipment to be used, frequency of monitoring and details of how
the results should be presented and acted upon (e.g. monitoring meetings, daily
updates and summary reports). The monitoring requirements shall be as per 8103-
400-004 Procedure: Working in and Around the Rail Reserve;
h. Confirmation of Push/Pull Plan suitability (as required in section 2.2.2);
i. Identify and provide remedial measures for the potential for acid sulphate spoils (ASS)
being encountered during the works;
j. Maximum allowable drilling fluid pressures and annulus grouting pressures to prevent
fluid breakout for the cover depths and geological materials present along the route;
k. An assessment of and methodology to minimise/ prevent impacts to site drainage as
per section 4.6; and
l. The Geotechnical Report shall include a section, or provide a letter confirming that the
geotechnical consultant has reviewed and considers the proposed Work Methodology
as being appropriate to limit the ground displacement to acceptable levels as per
section 4.9.2 in the short and long term.
The consulting geotechnical engineer shall be available at all times during the works to
advise on actual ground conditions encountered and advise on any resulting changes
necessary to the design or work methodology, should ground conditions vary from those
expected.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

2.2.7 Existing Services and Utilities Location Report

The Proponent shall demonstrate that they have thoroughly investigated and identified any
existing services that are within the trenchless installation corridor. This shall include a Dial
Before You Dig (DBYD) search (www.1100.com.au).
The existing PTA and Third Party services shall be identified and proven either by hand dig
or pot holing. The use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be used to locate the service
but physical identification shall be made to prove location and depth.
The identified services shall be shown on a Services Drawing that shall be submitted to PTA
with the detailed design for the trenchless installation. The Proponent shall comply with all
relevant utility owner/operator and PTA requirements, including the provision of spotters and
site supervision, if required.

2.2.8 Access Management Plan

An Access Strategy Plan shall be produced as per the PTA Specification: 8880-450-300
Access to Infrastructure.

2.2.9 Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan

The Proponent shall prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the works and an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EIS shall consider the methodology to be
utilised in installing the proposed service, including details of any drilling fluids and
lubrication materials. The statement shall consider the potential impact on the local
environment and water courses, ground water and flora and fauna that may be affected by
the works or a failure in the methodology, e.g. spillage.
The environmental submission shall address any potential impacts, Aboriginal and European
heritage issues, including evidence of consultation with relevant authorities, groundwater
management proposals and noise, vibration and traffic management requirements.
If acid sulphate spoils (ASS) were identified during the geotechnical investigations, the
Proponent shall include within the EMP the proposed management methodology for ASS
materials, including the handling, treatment and disposal of ASS material, at all times
ensuring that there is no contamination of the environment or water courses.
The EMP shall also consider all tunnelling materials, including drilling fluids, lubrication
materials and hydraulic oils and the proposed clean-up methodologies in the event of any
spillage. The EMP shall also include the relevant reporting requirements that will be adopted
for the project including reporting to the Client, PTA infrastructure owner/operator and the
relevant authorities in such an event.

2.2.10 Inspection and Test Plans

The Proponent shall prepare Inspection and Test Plans (ITP) for all aspects of the proposed
works. Copies of the ITPs shall be submitted to the PTA as part of the access approval
process.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

2.2.11 Details of the Cable or Service Markers and Form of Construction

See section 5.1 Underground Cable or Service Markers.

2.3 Application to Access the Rail Reserve

Following the SMP Approval, an Electronic Track Access System (eTAS) application can be
submitted to [email protected] for access to the rail reserve.
The Application shall respect lead times between application submission and on site date as
per PTA Procedure: 8110-400-029 Applying for Access to the PTA Operating Railway
Corridor.
Approval for access is subject to worksite availability and any PTA resourcing required for
isolations or work audits, inspections, and surveillance
It is recommended that works are scheduled in line with a PTA scheduled train service
disruptions to increase likelihood of approvals and increase the work window duration.

2.4 Technical Requirements for Third Party Service Installation

The service shall be installed in accordance with the applicable conditions of AS 4799 as a
minimum, unless specific conditions or exemptions have been specified or approved by the
PTA Track Branch, which include but are not limited to:
a. All pits including entry/exit launching pits shall be located outside the railway reserve.
The construction of these pits shall not have any detrimental effect on PTA, or any
other Third Party’s infrastructure;
b. Water shall not to be used to soften the undertrack formation prior to underboring;
c. PTA requires that service installation depths shall be a minimum of 2.5m below natural
ground level for all Third Party services crossing the railway;
d. Where the installation of the service will affect future working conditions in the area
(e.g. require Third Party permits to work above and/or near Service), the service shall
be installed at a depth that allows work above service to not required Third Party
Permits;
e. The trenchless crossing shall not be closer than 5 metres (horizontal) from any PTA
overhead mast, cabinet, pits and overhead foundations as foundation displacements
are magnified at the overhead level;
f. Only one or three and more conduits or ducts can be installed through a single
trenchless crossing;
g. Where there are three or more than three conduits/ducts or where it is deemed
necessary by PTA, the conduits/ducts shall be enclosed in a suitable encasing pipe.
Encasing pipes shall be installed under the entire railway reserve. Voids within the
encasing pipe shall be filled with a cement based grout or similar (e.g. polymer
concrete, epoxy grouts or foam concrete). Where encasement pipes are designed for
non-grout condition; the geotechnical ground displacement design shall include a load
case of an ungrouted encasement pipe with train loads to meet the displacement limits
of section 4.9.2;
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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

h. All encasing pipes shall be concrete and be designed to take into account a scenario
where leaks from the carrier pipe could corrode the concrete encasing pipe;
i. Any HDPE pipe installed under the railway with no encasing shall have a minimum
class of SDR 11;
j. The parallel trenchless crossings are to be installed with a minimum separation of 1.0
metres and in such a manner and level as to not destabilise adjacent bores;
k. Water and gas services shall be installed in concrete encasing pipes under the entire
railway reserve. The Polyethylene or High Density Polyethylene (PE/HDPE) encasing
pipes may be permitted, providing the gap between the encasement pipe and carrier
pipe is filled with a cement based grout or similar. The method of grouting shall be
included in the Work Methodology and describe how voids are eliminate;
l. Table 3 shows the requirements of grouting based on the overcut size (measured on
radius).

Table 3: Third Party Overcut Requirements

Overcut Size
Requirements
(measured on radius)
Annulus outside the pipe for at least 1m length at both ends of the pipe
shall be grouted, or other methodologies proposed to prevent on-going
10mm or less erosion of the soil from around the pipe
Note: Only applicable if lateral drainage from one end of the pipe to the
other is possible.
A cement-based grout or similar shall be injected into the void outside
Greater than 10mm
the trenchless crossing pipe.

m. The entry pit where the bore commences shall be outside the railway boundary, unless
otherwise approved by the Civil Engineering Manager. Except where exceptional
circumstances exist, the launch pit shall be on the side closest to any PTA cable route,
to minimise bore alignment errors that may cause cable damage;
n. The bore apparatus shall enter the rail reserve with the top of the encasing pipe/bore
apparatus at a depth of not less than 2.5m below ground level;
o. The bore apparatus shall adjust its depth in the vicinity of PTA underground services to
provide a clearance of not less than 1.2 metre plus a margin of safety of 5% of the
indicated depth below ground, unless otherwise approved by the Civil Engineering
Manager. (For example, if the PTA cable is at 1.5m depth, then the top of the bore
shall be below [1.5+1.2]+5% = 2.84m below ground level.);
p. The bore process shall be that the bore apparatus shall not approach within 2.0 metres
of the position of the PTA cables without the depth being checked to confirm that the
bore head is at least 1.2m deeper than the PTA cables. Additional measurements shall
be made to demonstrate that the duct alignment is at least 1.2m clear of the PTA
cables;
q. No metallic pipes are to be installed below electrified railway, unless otherwise
approved by the Civil Engineering Manager in consultation with the Electrical
Engineering Branch;

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

r. The trenchless crossing shall be installed at right angles 90° (±5°) to the tangent
alignment of the track at the crossing point, with cable/pipeline markers clearly
indicating the entry and exit points if no services pits are present. Should this not be
possible due to site constraints, an Application for Deviation may be required to be
submitted to provide proof that no alternative alignment closer to 90º (±5°) is available
for approval by the Civil Engineering Manager. This will be at PTA’s discretion;
s. Under-track crossings shall in general be located:
1. At least two sleeper spacing away from any rail joints/welds;
2. A minimum of 5 metres clear of the moving parts of points and crossings; and
3. A minimum of 5 metres clear of any fixed nose crossing; and
t. The Design Life requirement for any crossing, including the sleeves, is a minimum of
120 years in accordance to the PTA Specification 8880-450-010: Design Actions,
Asset Design Life and Maintenance Free Period, and is subject to acceptance by PTA
depending on the location of the crossing. Certain location a higher design life may be
requested. The Design Life is to be confirmed in the design report as per section 2.2.4
above.

3. Procedure for PTA Trenchless Excavations

The general process for PTA Trenchless Excavation is detailed below.

3.1 Track and Civil Branch Approval

Application for Trenchless Excavation shall be sent to [email protected]
and shall include all information listed below:
a. Work Methodology (refer to section 2.2.2);
b. Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) (refer to section 2.2.3);
c. Design Summary Report and Design Drawings PTA Service Installation (refer to
section 2.2.4). The Design summary report and design drawings shall be provided in
.pdf format and shall comply with all requirements listed in section 3.4, Technical
Requirements for PTA Service Installation;
d. Permanent Way (Perway) Condition Report (refer to section 2.2.5);
e. Geotechnical Report (refer to section 2.2.6);
f. Existing Services and Utilities Location Report (refer to section 2.2.7);
g. Access Management Plan (refer to section 2.2.8)
h. Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan (refer to section 2.2.9);
i. Inspection and Test Plans (refer to section 2.2.10); and
j. Details of the Cable or Service Markers and form of construction (refer to section 5.1).

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

3.2 Safety Management Plan (SMP)

The PTA Project Manager or their Contractor shall have an approved SMP for Trenchless
Excavation.

3.3 Application to Access the Rail Reserve

Following Civil Branch approval, Track Branch approval, and SMP Approval, an eTAS
Application can be created to access to the Rail Reserve by the PTA Project Manager.

3.4 Technical Requirements for PTA Service Installation

The service shall be installed in accordance with the applicable conditions of AS 4799 as a
minimum, unless specific conditions or exemptions have been specified and approved by the
PTA Track Branch, which include but are not limited to:
a. All trenchless crossings shall be installed so that the top of any conduit/duct is at least
1200mm below the top surface of the lowest rail or 800mm below surrounding ground
level, whichever is the deeper, as shown in Figure 2;
b. Water shall not to be used to soften the undertrack formation prior to underboring;
c. The trenchless crossing shall not be closer than 5 metres (horizontal) from any PTA
overhead mast, cabinet, pits and overhead foundations as foundation displacements
are magnified at the overhead level;
d. Only one or three and more conduits or ducts can be installed through a single
trenchless crossing;
e. Where there are three or more than three conduits/ducts or where it is deemed
necessary by PTA, the conduits/ducts shall be enclosed in a suitable encasing pipe.
Encasing pipes shall be installed under the entire railway reserve. Voids within the
encasing pipe shall be filled with a cement based grout or similar Where encasement
pipes are designed for non-grout condition; the geotechnical ground displacement
design shall include a load case of an ungrouted encasement pipe with train loads to
meet the displacement limits of section 4.9.2;
f. All encasing pipes shall be concrete and be designed to take into account a scenario
where leaks from the carrier pipe could corrode the concrete encasing pipe;
g. Any HDPE pipe installed under the railway with no encasing shall have a minimum
class of SDR 11;
h. The trenchless crossings shall to be installed with a minimum separation of 1.0 metres
and in such a manner and level as to not destabilise adjacent bores;
i. Table 4 shows the requirements of grouting based on the overcut size (measured on
radius).

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Table 4: PTA Overcut Requirements

Overcut Size
Requirements
(measured on radius)
Annulus outside the pipe for at least 1m length at both ends of the pipe
shall be grouted, or other methodologies proposed to prevent on-going
10mm or less erosion of the soil from around the pipe
Note: Only applicable if lateral drainage from one end of the pipe to the
other is possible.
A cement-based grout or similar shall be injected into the void outside
Greater than 10mm
the trenchless crossing pipe.

j. No metallic pipes are to be installed below electrified railway unless otherwise

approved by the Civil Engineering Manager in consultation with the Electrical
Engineering Branch;
k. The trenchless crossing shall be installed at 90° (±5°) to the tangent alignment of the
track at the crossing point unless otherwise approved by the Civil Engineering
Manager;
l. Under-track crossings shall in general be located:
1. At least two sleeper spacing away from any rail joints or welds;
2. A minimum of 5 metres clear of the moving parts of points and crossings; and
3. A minimum of 5 metres clear of any fixed nose crossing;
m. 1200mm diameter major access pits shall be installed at each end of the under-track
crossing, nominally 10 metres from the centre line of the nearest track and at
nominally 6 metres from the toe of embankments or the top of cuttings. The
construction of these pits shall not have any detrimental effect on PTA infrastructure;
n. The ducts and pits shall be arranged so that the signalling or electrical ducts and pits
are closest to the railway line on both sides of the under-track crossing. All ducts shall
extend the full distance between each pit; and
o. The Design Life requirement for any crossing needs to be appropriate to the
application, in accordance to the PTA Specification 8880-450-010: Design Actions,
Asset Design Life and Maintenance Free Period and is subject to acceptance by PTA
Civil Branch. The Design Life shall be based on the service type, the location of the
crossing, and the service criticality. Certain location a higher design life may be
requested. The Design Life shall be confirmed in the Design Report as per section
2.2.4 above.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Figure 2: Typical PTA Cross-section and Minimum Depth for Trenchless Excavation
(For PTA Underbores)

4. Construction
This section covers the construction requirements for trenchless excavations. The Proponent
is to comply with the following requirements and the Work Methodology (described in section
2.2.2).

4.1 Safeworking Rules and Procedures

All works within the PTA rail reserve shall adhere to PTA Documents: 9100-000-007 PTA
Safeworking Rules & Procedures and 8103-400-004 Procedure: Working in and Around the
Rail Reserve, including all agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors or visitors to the
site.
All personnel shall be in possession of a current track access permit or request exemption to
access the rail reserve.
The Safeworking methodology and rules to be applied to the project are also to be
documented in the SMP (described in section 2.2).

4.2 Project Contact

The Proponent is to nominate a Project Manager, directly employed by the Proponent, who
shall be contactable on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis for the duration of the
installation.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

The Proponent shall liaise with the PTA on a regular basis, providing progress reports
including those highlighted in section 4.13. Any occurrence of an unusual or unexpected
nature, including significant construction issues encountered during installation, for example
stuck TBM, slurry breakout, subsidence, voided ground or sinkholes shall be immediately
notified to the PTA via a communications process specified in the SMP.
The project contact shall also be identified as part of the SMP.

4.3 Approved Supervisor for Trenchless Excavation

A minimum of one person named within the List of Approved Employees to Supervise
Trenchless Excavation on the PTA Network (published within the Weekly Notice) shall be
present on site at all times while the site is working to supervise any underground service
installation works and certify the condition of the track is fit for traffic at completion. If the
track condition is not fit for traffic, the Approved Employee shall take appropriate steps to
protect the site and inform Train Control.
Where an Approved Employee is not available, the Proponent shall nominate personnel to
complete the roles defined in Table 5 as Supervisors for Trenchless Excavation for approval
by the PTA Track Branch. The Proponent shall submit a resume for the nominated
Supervisors, detailing their qualifications, and suitable experience related to trenchless
excavations. A list of preapproved Track Certifiers will be published within the PTA Weekly
Notice with the List of Approved Employees to Supervise Trenchless Excavation on the PTA
Network.
Refer to Appendix 1 – Track Occupancy Diagram for further information

Table 5: Supervisors for Trenchless Excavation

Role Description
The Track Certifier shall monitor the condition of the track during works and certify
the condition of the track is fit for rail traffic at completion.

The Track Certifier shall be present on site at all times while the site is working to
Track Certifier
supervise any underground service installation works.

The Track Certifier shall have a Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure or equivalent
and have suitable experience.
The Protection Officer shall ensure that the control of the track is handed back to
Train Control, once it is approved fit for rail traffic by the Track Certifier. If the Track
Certifier or the Protection Officer do not believe that the condition of the track is
suitable for rail traffic, the Protection Officer shall take the appropriate steps to
protect the site and inform Train Control.
Protection Officer
The Protection Officer shall be present on site at all times while the site is working
to supervise any underground service installation works.

The Protection Officer shall be suitably qualified as per the PTA Document: 9100-
000-007 PTA Safeworking Rules & Procedures.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Role Description
The Geotechnical Engineer shall review the Design, Methodology and
Geotechnical Report, and all other relevant documentation.

Geotechnical Engineer The Geotechnical Engineer shall be on-call at any time during the works.

The Geotechnical Engineer shall have a relevant qualification and experience in

trenchless excavations.

Note: The Approved Employee or Track Certifier shall complete 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation
and Survey, Part 3 and provide a copy to [email protected] before 10.00am the
following morning, after completion of the trenchless excavation works or each shift if works are
undertaken during multiple track closures.

Part 3A of 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey shall be completed by Approved
Person prior to commencement of works inside or below the rail reserve.

WORKS INSIDE/BELOW THE RAIL RESERVE CANNOT COMMENCE IF “NO” IS THE ANSWER TO
ANY QUESTION IN PART 3A.

4.4 Track Occupancy – Works within 3m from the Nearest Rail

Trenchless excavations and pull back within a minimum of 3 metres of the nearest rail is not
permitted during rail operational hours. This shall be completed under a track closure (Track
Occupancy Authority or Local Possession Authority). This distance (3 metres) can be
increased at PTA’s discretion, and is subject to its review of the SMP submission,
construction methodology, scale of the excavation, and geotechnical report.
Refer to Appendix 1 – Track Occupancy Diagram.
Stopping between tracks is not allowed, even if the distance in-between the tracks is greater
than 6 metres (greater than 3 metres from the nearest rail), a deviation will be required if the
underbore is to be stopped in between the tracks (refer to section 6).

4.5 Existing Service Locating

To ensure that the PTA signals and communications cables are not affected, the following
shall be adhered to:
a. The position of the PTA cables shall be identified before work commences and the
distance from the entry pit to the PTA cables accurately determined.
b. Where PTA cables are exposed to confirm their position and depth, only hand
excavation shall be permitted. No machine excavation shall be permitted within 2m of
PTA underground services.
The process of service locating and protection is to be documented in the SMP.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

4.6 Drainage
The installation of the service ducts shall not detrimentally affect the existing site drainage.
Where the installation of a service duct results surface settlement greater to limits provide in
section 4.9.2 in the short-term or long-term, remediation of the drainage shall be undertaken
by the Proponent. Control of the volume loss during installation is therefore very important.
In addition, drainage of groundwater into the annulus between the overbore and the outside
of the pipe shall be prevented where flow along the service line is possible. To prevent this,
the overcut ratio shall be minimised. The required steps and methodology to prevent this
from occurring shall be detailed in the Geotechnical Report, where appropriate (see section
2.2.6).

4.7 PTA Access to Site

All access roads to the PTA rail reserve shall be available to traffic at all times during the
works. Should access require to be blocked, an alternative access strategy needs to be
submitted.
An Access Strategy Plan shall be produced as per the PTA Specification: 8880-450-300
Access to Infrastructure.
Refer to PTA Procedure: 8110-400-029 Applying for Access to the PTA Operating Railway
Corridor for the process and lead times.
The process of accessing the site is also to be documented in the SMP (see section 2.2.8).

4.8 Topographical Survey

The area around the proposed trenchless crossing shall be surveyed prior to trenchless
excavation and recorded on 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey, Part 2
Survey.
The survey shall be repeated during construction activities and immediately after each shift,
and recorded on 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey, Part 2 Survey.
The Proponent shall submit 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey, Part 2
Survey to the PTA ([email protected] and to the nominated contact email)
no later than 24 hours after completion of the trenchless excavation works or each shift if
works are undertaken during multiple track closures.
The topographical survey shall be repeated 1 week and 2 weeks after completion of the
works and as requested by PTA. The Proponent or Surveyor shall submit 8130-400-560
Form: Trenchless Excavation and Survey to the PTA no later than 24 hours after completion
of the topographical survey.
Figure 3 outlines the minimum survey requirements for a railway crossing.
Survey measurement points are to be located:
a. Directly over the underground service alignment:
1. Toe of ballast of each track (i.e. Up Main, Down Main and any other tracks such
as sidings that are crossed);

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

2. Between tracks (a minimum of one (1) point between tracks);

3. 5, 10 and 15m offsets towards the fenceline from the nearest track centreline OR
where the fenceline to track is less than 15m: 3 equal intervals from toe of ballast
to fenceline;
b. Along the rail alignment for each rail at:
1. The underground service centreline;
2. 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20 and 25m offsets from underground service
centreline;
c. For identifying infrastructure within the vicinity of the works (e.g. closest masts on
either side of the underground service, signals, location cases).

Figure 3: Underground Service Installation Minimum Survey Points

4.9 Track Condition

4.9.1 Reinstatement of Perway

The PTA railway reserve is to be reinstated to a similar condition to the existing to the
satisfaction of the PTA on completion of the works. All trenched work within PTA rail reserve
shall be backfilled and compacted to the satisfaction of the PTA for easy traffic by the PTA
maintenance vehicles.

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

4.9.2 Reinstatement of Track Geometry

The track geometry shall not be changed vertically or horizontally by more than 5mm due to
trenchless excavation. If the track geometry has been changed all costs associated with
repair works shall be borne by the Proponent or internal PTA Project.

4.9.3 Unfit for Traffic

If the track condition is unfit for normal mainline operation at the scheduled time due to
underground service installation works and/or the track requires repair works, all costs of rail
closures, emergency bus replacement services and repair works shall be borne by the
Proponent or internal PTA Project.

4.10 Installation Methodology

4.10.1 Tracking and Accuracy of Drill Head

The bore tracking equipment shall, as a minimum, transmit the position, pitch, depth,
direction, and roll of the drill head. Walk over systems will only be feasible when no trains
are running (track closure). Hence, a wired or remote system is required.
An accuracy of at least 75mm from the centreline position of bore shall be maintained at any
point along the alignment.
The tracking and accuracy of the drill head shall be documented in the Work Methodology.

4.10.2 Thrust Bore or Micro Tunnelling

The Installation Methodology shall include specific details of the thrust boring or Micro
Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) and the records that will be taken. As a minimum, the daily
records shall include the name of the operator, distance of shift advance, rate of advance for
each ring or pipe, jacking pressures, survey details for start and end of shove, flow rates of
drilling fluids into and out of the MTBM, volume or weight of spoil removed for each ring or
pipe compared to the theoretical volume to be extracted, quantities of any additives or
drilling muds added to the system and timings, details of any annulus grouting undertaken
and details of the pipes or rings installed, including any repairs undertaken.
For thrust bore installation, the gap between the sleeve and pipe shall be filled with a cement
based grout or similar.
The above items shall be submitted as part of the Work Methodology.

4.10.3 Directional Drilling

The Installation Methodology shall include specific details for the horizontal directional
drilling (HDD) machine and the records that will be taken. As a minimum, this shall include
distance of shift advance, rate of advance for each length of drill, methods of checking HDD
head alignment on a progressive basis, drilling thrust pressures, survey details for start and

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

end of drill, drill head size, installed pipe diameter, calculated resulting void dimension and
operator name.
For directional drilling installation, the maximum mud pressures allowed during the process
are the lesser of the pressures recommended in the Geotechnical Report or the following:
a. Drilling phase – mud pressure, measured at the mud jets, not greater than 20 Bar
(2MPa or 290psi);
b. Pull back phase – mud pressure not to exceed 20 Bar (2MPa or 290psi); and
c. Pull back phase – ram hydraulic pressure not to exceed 55 Bar (5.5 MPa or 800psi)

4.10.4 Auger Boring

The Installation Methodology shall include specific details for the auger boring machine and
the records that will be taken. As a minimum, this shall include name of the operator,
distance of shift advance, rate of advance for each length of drill, drilling thrust pressures,
quantity of spoil removed compared to the theoretical volume to be extracted, methods of
checking HDD head alignment on a progressive basis, survey details for start and end of
drill, maximum distance the auger is permitted to protrude out in front of the protective
casing and operator name.

4.11 Spoil and Construction Materials

For all Installation Methodologies, all details of construction materials that are utilised and/or
installed during the shift shall be recorded. The geology of the ground being tunnelled or
drilled through shall be recorded with a comparison against the predicted ground conditions
from the Geotechnical Report.

4.12 Environmental Impact

All reasonable steps shall be taken to minimise adverse impacts on the environment. No
clearing of vegetation, trees and scrub shall be allowed in the rail reserve without PTA
approval and the Proponent seeking clearing permit from the Department of Water and
Environmental Regulation (DWER).
Noise Management Plans and associated Letter Drops may be required, dependent on
Local Council requirements.

4.13 Construction Records

The Proponent shall provide Construction Records for the installation of the trenchless
crossing to the PTA at completion of the trenchless crossing or at any earlier time if
requested by PTA. Construction Records shall include all shift reports, drilling records,
check sheets and permits that were utilised or prepared during the works.
As a minimum, shift reports shall record the metres of advance made in the working shift,
range (maximum and minimum) of drilling fluid and void grouting pressure actually recorded

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

in relation to proposed, demonstrating adequate factor of safety against heave, technical

issues and any unexpected conditions encountered, time delays and reasons for, details of
the casing that has been installed (i.e. number, diameter and wall thickness of pipe lengths
installed), details and quantities of annulus grouting compared to estimated target quantity,
quantity of spoil removed for each advance compared to estimated target quantity and total
spoil removed from site.
The format and proposed content for the Shift Reports, Drilling Records and Check Sheets
shall be submitted to the PTA with the Work Methodology prior to commencement of the
works.

5. Post Site Works and Remediation

5.1 Underground Cable or Service Markers

Following completion of the trenchless crossing, the installed cable or service alignment
shall be marked with a methodology that is acceptable to the PTA and in accordance to AS
4799. As a minimum, there shall be a marker post installed at each end of the crossing in
the PTA railway reserve adjacent to the fence boundary line, with a plaque mounted on the
post, indicating the length of crossing, diameter, pipe thickness, pipe material and content of
the crossing conduits. The signs are to face towards the railway track. The signage to be
mounted on the posts shall be installed immediately after completion of the works.

5.2 Post-Construction Permanent (Perway) Condition Report

If a Pre-Construction Perway Condition Report is required (refer to section 2.2.5) on
completion of the trenchless crossing, the Proponent shall commission a Post-Construction
Condition Survey of all infrastructure within the project corridor by the same independent
consulting engineer who conducted the Pre-Construction Perway Condition Report. The
Post-Construction Condition Report shall report on any changes to the original condition of
infrastructure as reported in the Pre-Construction Perway Condition Report.
If any damage or change is noted, the report shall include details of any remedial measures
that should be undertaken and any proposed ongoing monitoring to ensure that the changed
condition has stabilised. The report shall verify that any detected ground or infrastructure
displacement has ceased and any damage caused has been rectified to the satisfaction of
the affected PTA infrastructure owner/operator.

5.3 Topographical Survey Post-Construction

Surveys of the track and ground levels in the vicinity of the underground service alignments
are required:
a. 1 week after installation works are completed;
b. 2 weeks after installation works are completed; and
c. At other times as required by the PTA.
Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

The Proponent or Surveyor shall submit 8130-400-560 Form: Trenchless Excavation and
Survey to the PTA no later than 24 hours after completion of each topographical survey.

5.4 As-Constructed Documentation

The proponent shall prepare as-constructed documentation upon completion of the
trenchless crossing. This shall include
a. A full as-constructed topographic survey of the project area and detail the trenchless
service installation with annotated depths, lengths, diameter etc. noted on the drawing.
As-constructed drawings shall be supplied in both PDF and CAD format, prepared in
accordance with PTA Specification: 8110-300-011 Procedure for the Preparation of
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Drawings.
b. A report that describes significant construction issues encountered during installation,
for example stuck TBM, jammed drill heads, slurry breakout, subsidence, voided
ground or sinkholes. The report shall include details of any annulus grouting, remedial
measures and repairs that were undertaken during the works on any unexpected
events.
As-constructed documentation, bore log data and ITPs shall be supplied electronically to
[email protected] and the nominated PTA Project Manager within 48
hours of completion of the trenchless crossing through the rail reserve.
The project shall not be considered as complete until formal acceptance of as-constructed
documentation from the PTA has been granted to the Proponent.

5.5 Spoil and Construction Material

All final spoil or construction material shall be removed offsite and the worksite shall be left
clean and tidy.

6. Deviations from Requirements

Any deviations from the requirements outlined in this procedure shall be applied for in
accordance with PTA Documents: 8110-000-013 Procedure: Deviation from PTA
Requirements and 8130-000-004 Form: Application for Deviation from PTA Requirements.
Approval of any deviations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to PTA
review and assessment.
All deviations shall be reported in the Engineering Design and Geotechnical Reports, and
shall be provided engineering proof that no negative impacts will arise. Any further
engineering reports required for the deviations shall also be supplied with the completed
forms and be part of the SMP submission.
Deviations from requirements will require extra review time, particularly where two
disciplines are impacted, and may result in a delay to approval for installation.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

7. Glossary
The following terms are used in this document.
Table 6: Terms and Definitions
Term Definition
Auger boring is a method of installation of pipes or conduits by simultaneously jacking
Auger Bore the casing pipe whilst using a rotating helical auger within the casing to excavate the
spoil.
A microtunnel is a small diameter tunnel excavated by a remotely-operated microtunnel
Microtunnel
boring machine.
The difference between the radius of the bored hole to the radius of the pipe, measured
Overcut Radius
concentrically from one radius to the other.
The ratio of the annular area outside the installed pipe to the area enclosed by the
Overcut Ratio
pipe.
Perway Permanent Way, railway reserve and all PTA infrastructure.
Pipe jacking is a technique for the installation of underground pipelines, ducts and
Pipe Jack culverts using hydraulic jacks to push specially designed pipes through the ground
behind a micro tunnel boring machine.
Any land owned by the PTA that forms part of the PTA rail or network on which trains
belonging to PTA are operational or are intended to operate. This includes, but is not
limited to:
 Mundijong Junction (Armadale) to Perth;
PTA Operating
Railway  Midland to Perth;
 Robbs Jetty (Fremantle) to Perth;
 Butler to Mandurah; and
 Thornlie to Beckenham
Shall This indicates that a requirement is mandatory.
A Slurry TBM is a full face tunnel boring machine which provides face support by
pressurising a drilling fluid comprising bentonite and additives such as polymers and
Slurry TBM
foams inside the cutter head chamber. Tunnel spoil is pumped away from the face via
a slurry pipeline.
The ratio of the surface settlement trough area to the area of the bored tunnel per
Volume Loss
metre run of tunnel.

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

8. Abbreviations and Acronyms

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this document.
Table 7: Abbreviations and Acronyms
Term Definition
AHD Australian Height Datum
ASS Acid Sulphate Soils
DBYD Dial Before You Dig
GPR Ground Penetrating Radar
HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling
ITP Inspection and Test Plan
JSA Job Safety Analysis
MTBM Micro tunnel boring machine
N&I Network and Infrastructure
PASS Potential Acid Sulphate Soils
PO Protection Officer
PTA Public Transport Authority
SMP Safety Management Plan
SWMS Safe Work Method Statement
TBM Tunnel Boring Machine

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Procedure 8110-400-030 - Trenchless Excavations beneath the PTA Operating Railway

Appendix 1 – Track Occupancy Diagram

Figure 4: Track Occupancy Diagram

Current 8110-400-030 Rev 2.00 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Date Approved: 15/09/2020 © PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2019