SPECIFICATION FOR

EARTHWORK AND
FORMATION
IN RAILWAY
The purpose of this specification is to ensure that
all earthworks are designed and constructed in
accordance with the project performance criteria.
ABHIRUP PAL
RAILWAYS AND METROS
6222HO

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 1

STANDARDS AND REFERENCES
• BS 1377 Methods of Test for Soil for Civil Engineering Purposes
• AASHTO Equivalent (Methods of Test for Soil for Civil Engineering Purposes)
• ASTM Equivalent (Methods of Test for Soil for Civil Engineering Purposes)
• BS 1924 Stabilized Materials for Civil Clienting Purposes
• BS 6031 Code of Practice for Earthworks
• BS 6906 Methods of Test for Geotextiles
• BS 8002: Code of practice for earth retaining structures
• BS 8004 Code of Practice for Foundations
• Guidelines and Specifications for Design of Formation for Heavy Axle Load Report No. RDSO/2007/GE : 0014
• Guidelines for earthwork in railway projects Report no. RDSO/2007/GE : 0014
• BS 8006 Code of Practice for Strengthened/Reinforced Soils and Other Fills
• UIC Code 719R : Earthworks and Track-Bed Layers for Railway Lines
• BS EN 2004: Eurocode 8 - Geotechnical Design (Ground Improvement).
• SWH : MANULAR FOR CONTACT DOCUMENT FOR HIGHWAY WORKS PUBLISHED BY HIGHWAYS AGENCY- SERIES600

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 2

1. OBJECTIVES OF SOIL
EXPLORATION
• To determine soil type with a view to identify their suitability for earthwork in formation and to design the
foundation for other structures.
• To avoid known troublesome spots, unstable hill sides, swampy areas, soft rock areas, peat lands, etc.
• To determine method of handling and compaction of subgrade.
• To identify suitable alignment for embankment and cutting from stability, safety, economy in construction
and maintenance considerations.
• To identify suitable borrow area for desired quality and quantity of subgrade and blanket material.
• To determine depth of various strata of soil and bed rock level.
• To determine ground water table position and its seasonal variation and general hydrology of the area such
as flood plains, river streams, etc.
• To determine behaviour of existing track or road structure nature and causes of geo-technical problems in
them, if any.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 3

2. DEFINITIONS
• Formation: In a general way, collectively refers to the layers comprising blanket, sub-grade / top layer of formation, and embankment fill.
• Formation Top: Boundary( interface) between ballast and top of blanket or subgrade (where blanket layer is not provided).
• Track Foundation: Constitutes ballast, sub-ballast, blanket and subgrade, which is placed / exist below track structure to transmit load to
subsoil.
• Cess: Portion at top of formation level, extends from toe of ballast to edge of formation.
• Ballast: Crushed stones with desired specifications placed directly below the sleepers
• Sub-ballast: Sub-ballast is a layer of coarse-grained material provided between blanket/subgrade and ballast and confined to width of
ballast section only. However, sub-ballast is not in vogue on Indian Railways. Therefore, its provision has not been considered in these
Guidelines.
• Blanket: Blanket is a layer of specified coarse, granular material of designed thickness provided over full width of formation between
subgrade and ballast.
• Prepared Subgrade : The upper part of the subgrade is formed into a prepared subgrade layer, which normally has a crossfall.
• Sub-grade: It is the upper part of embankment/cutting provided above subsoil by borrowed soil of suitable quality upto bottom of
blanket/ballast. For embankment, subgrade may be of imported soil whereas in cuttings it is the naturally occurring soil of sufficient
strength.
• Sub-soil: Soil of natural ground below subgrade and embankment fill.
• Unstable Formation: It is yielding formation with continued settlement including slope failure, which require excessive maintenance efforts.
• Shear Strength: of soil is its ability to resist shearing at a shearing surface ( plane) under direct stress ( vertical pressure)

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 4

Typical Cross-section representing Formation
Components

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 5

 3.FILL MATERIALS
• General fill materials
• Class IA/1B (WELL/ UNIFORMLY GRADED GRANULAR MATERIAL)
• compacted to achieve 95% maximum dry density,
• unit weight of at least 18kN/m2
• a minimum angle of drained shearing resistance of 32 0 degrees
• (BS 1377 PART 2 , PART-8, PART 9).
• Bank Grade materials
• Class 2C (UNIFORMLY GRADED GRANULAR – NATURAL ANGULAR GRAVEL, CRUSHED ANGULAR ROCKS BUT NOT
ARGILLACEOUS ROCKS)
• placed on slopes to give confinement to general fill materials
• providing erosion protection against water scour, rills, gullies and any other earthwork erosion features.
• uniformly graded granular material
• compacted to 95% MDD based on earthwork wind/ water erosion trials
• (BS 1377 PART 2- PART 9).

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 6

• Rock fill materials
• Class 2D (WELL GRADED ROCKS FROM ROCKCUTS AND LOCAL QUARRIES BUT NOT ARGILLACIOUS ROCKS)
• used in embankment core
• clean, durable, well graded rock free from dirt, earth and organic matter
• maximum size oF 300mm,
• maximum of 15% by weight passing the 2mm sieve size
• uniformity: not less than 7.
• A roller of at least 12 tonnes static weight shall be used.
• Water shall be used in the compaction process.
• (BS 1377 PART 2- PART 9).
• Any specified fill materials
• class 6N/6P (WELL GRADED NATURAL OR CRUSED GRAVEL OR SAND OR RECYCLED AGGREGATES ECPECT ASPHALT
BUT NOT ARGILLACIOUS ROCKS)
• used in subgrade
• compacted to achieve 98% MDD
• compacted unit weight of at least 19kN/m2
• minimum angle of drained shearing resistance of 35 0 degrees .
• The Contractor shall use a minimum 40% Recycled Crushed Aggregate (subject to availability) in the
construction of rail sub-ballast

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 7

3.1 FILL TO STRUCTURES
• Fill to structures shall meet the
• minimum requirements for (Class 6N/6P)
• compacted to 98% maximum dry density,
• compacted unit weight of at least 19kN/m2
• minimum angle of drained shearing resistance of 350 degrees.
• Soluble sulphate content (S03) of materials for filling under concrete slabs or within 0.5 m of
substructures must not exceed 1.9 g/liter when tested to BS 1377 Part 3, Clause 5 using a 2:1
water- soil extract.
• Materials having total watersoluble chloride contents >2% are unacceptable.
• Any fill material used within 3m of concrete structure or cement bound materials shall not
contain any chemical in sufficient concentration
• Pockets of soft soil or loose rock shall be removed and the resulting voids and any natural voids
shall be filled with suitable materials of class 1A/1B.
• After placing of any blinding concrete shown on the Drawings, no trimming of the side faces of
the excavation shall be carried out for 24 hours.
• For structures which are under the rail track, the structural fill shall be placed such that the there
is a gradual transition zone from embankment core material to structural fill and such that the
effect of differential settlement at the structure interface is minimized and the increase in
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 8
stiffness over the structure is graduated
4.CUTTINGS AND CUT SLOPES-- soil
• Isolated patches of soft , fragmented, and insecure material shall be excavated to ensure overall
stability requirement
• Cutting where required shall incorporate earthwork drainage and/or wind and water resistance
materials to provide erosion protection against scour, gullies, rills and other earthwork erosion
features
•Where a chance archaeological find/ contaminated ground is encountered, the following
guidelines shall be followed:
 The Contractor shall stop work in that area and notify the Employer
 Access to the area shall be restricted
 Additional steps in the procedure shall follow the Contractor's Construction Environmental
Management Plan.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 9

5. THE SITE
• The Contractor is required to give notice to the Employer if any levels encountered on the site are
different from levels in the site investigation report or existing topography data.
• All earthworks shall be graded and free from all irregularities, mud, slurry, timber, concrete , steel
and any construction debris. Any irregularities, deterioration, or damage to the existing slopes
shall be made good.
• The design of temporary works associated with earthworks, including temporary slopes,
stockpiles and drainage shall be designed to ensure safe stable work for which is constructed.
• Allowance may be made in the design of the temporary works for the shorter design life and for
the risk to persons and property and the surface water and groundwater conditions which are
likely to occur during construction.
• Full formation width at ground level plus additional extra width of 1 m on both sides should be
cleared of all obstructions viz. vegetation, trees, bushes, building, fences, abandoned structures
etc. and thereafter it should be dressed and leveled.
• Centerline of the alignment (@ 200 m c/c or so) and full construction width should be
demarcated with reference pegs/dug belling about 90 cm away from proposed toe of the bank.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 10

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS
DESCRPITION

1A WELL GRADED GENRAL FILL/ ANY MATERIALS OR GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
GRANULAR EMBANKMENT COMBINATION OF
MATERIALS CORE MATERIALS UNIFORMITY 10
COEFFICEIENT
MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%

COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 18KN/M3

WEIGHT
ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 32 DEG.
RESISTENCE

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS
DESCRPITION

1B UNIFORMLY GENRAL FILL/ ANY MATERIALS OR GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
GRADED GRANULAR EMBANKMENT COMBINATION OF
MATERIALS CORE MATERIALS UNIFORMITY 10
COEFFICEIENT
MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%

COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 18KN/M3

WEIGHT
ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 32 DEG.
RESISTENCE

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 11

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS
DESCRPITION

2C UNIFORMLY BANK GRADE / NATURAL ANGULAR GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
GRADED GRANULAR EROSION GRAVEL, CRUSHED
MATERIALS PROTECTION ANGULAR ROCK, UNIFORMITY - -
RECYCLED COEFFICEIENT
AGGREGATE.
NO ARGILLACIOUS MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%
ROCKS
COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 18KN/M3
WEIGHT
ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 35 DEG.
RESISTENCE

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS
DESCRPITION

2D ROCK FILL EMBANKMENT CLEAN , DURABLE , GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
CORE WELL GRADED
ROCK WON FROM UNIFORMITY 7
ROCK CUTS OR COEFFICEIENT
IMPORTED FROM
LOCAL QUARRIES. MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%
NO ARGILLACIOUS
ROCKS COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 19KN/M3
WEIGHT
ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 40 DEG.
RESISTENCE

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 12

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL MATERIAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
DESCRPITION CONSTITUENTS
6N SELECTED WELL FILL TO STRUCTURE NATURAL GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
GRADED GRANULAR GRAVEL/SAND,
MATERIALS CRUSHED GRAVEL/ UNIFORMITY 10
ROCK. COEFFICEIENT
RECYCLED MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%
AGGREGATES
EXCEPT RECYCLED COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 19KN/M3
ASPHALT. WEIGHT
NO ARGILLACIOUS ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 35 DEG.
ROCKS RESISTENCE
LOS ANGELES CO-EFF SWH 40

SOIL TYPE. GENERAL TYPICAL USE PERMITTED PROPERTIES REFERENCES LOWER LIMITS UPPER LIMITS
MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS
DESCRPITION
6P SELECTED WELL FILL TO STRUCTURE NATURAL GRADING BS 1377: PART 2 A/C TO LABORATORY TEST
GRADED GRANULAR GRAVEL/SAND,
MATERIALS CRUSHED GRAVEL/ UNIFORMITY 5
ROCK. COEFFICEIENT
RECYCLED
AGGREGATES MC BS 1377: PART 2 OMC -2% OMC+1%
EXCEPT RECYCLED
ASPHALT. COMPACTED UNIT BS 1377: PART 9 19KN/M3
NO ARGILLACIOUS WEIGHT
ROCKS ANGLE OF SHEARING BS 1377: PART 8 35 DEG.
RESISTENCE
LOS ANGELES CO-EFF SWH 60

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 13

6. ASPECTS OF DESIGNING SUBSOIL, EMBANKMENT AND TRACK SUBGRADE

• 6.1 Subsoil Deformation:

Reasons for subsoil deformation loaded by embankment are as enumerated, deformation may be divided in three
parts:
(i) subsoil deformation due to embankment fill loads and relief,
(ii) settlement of the embankment fill due to deadweight, and
(iii) deformation ( plastic) due to dynamic influence of traffic loads

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 14

• 6.2 Pressure on Formation and sub-soil:
The maximum pressure on formation at bottom of ballast, typical values as good design practice, should not
exceed 0.3MN/m2 or 3 kg/cm2 , and the pressure on sub-soil should not generally exceed 0.1MN/m2 or 1
kg/cm2 .

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 15

Wheel Load and Pressure Distribution through Formation.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 16

6.3 GEOMETRICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOIL
FORMATION
• Should generally meet following requirements:
i) cross fall slope to be atleast 1:30 or 3% with tolerance of 0.5%
ii) the finished top levels should be within + - 3cm
iii) finished soil surface to be in level in longitudinal direction( <= 2cm on a longitudinal base of 4m), must not
show hollow pits, road vehicle traffic ruts
iv) side slopes to extend in horizontal plane, minimum 10 cm beyond the theoretical finished lines, and later
cut and dressed to the specified dimensions.

6.3.1 TOP WIDTH FORMTION

• It should be adequate enough to accommodate track laid with concrete sleepers with standard ballast
section depth (minimum 35 cm)
• have minimum 900mm cess width on either side.
• It should be regulated in accordance with extant instructions of Railway Board, revisions of IRPWM.
Presently, recommended Top Formation Width as per Indian Railway Permanent Way Manual (IRPWM) is 6.85
m for Single line BG Track & 12.15 for double line BG track. However, recommended formation top width for
Heavy Axle Load Track is 8.5 m for single line and 8.5 m plus distance between track centers for double line
section, and for DFC shall be minimum 13.5 m.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 17

7. DRAINAGE OF FORMATION
7.1 OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM
facilitates collection of rain water from embankment, cuttings and side of cuttings and lead it away.
Similar arrangement can be also provided longitudinally at the lowest point between cross slopes of
(separate) formation of two track corridors.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 18

7.2 SUB-SOIL DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Sub-soil Drain System are installed where the ground water level has to be lowered (depth < 1.5 m below the
rail top), where the soil surrounding the track formation has to be drained or where percolating and layer water
has to be drained away.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 19

7.3 SPECIFICATIONS OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM
• It will be necessary to keep borrow pits sufficiently away from the toe of the
embankments to prevent base failures due to lateral escapement of the soil.
• In the case of embankments / cuttings in highly cohesive clayey soils, special treatment
may be necessary to ensure a stable formation. Such measures will have to be
determined after thorough investigation and study of the soil properties.
• Special investigation will also be necessary in regard to high fill construction on swampy
ground or marshy lands and deep cuttings.
• In case of all new construction, minimum height of embankment should not be less
than 1 meter to ensure proper drainage, effective stress dispersal, and uniform riding
qualities.
• Soils prone to liquefaction falling in gradation zone as per sketch-D of ‘Guidelines For
Earthwork in Railway Projects’, NO. GE:G-1, July 2003 and having coefficient of
uniformity, Cu < 2 should not preferably be used in Earthquake prone areas.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 20

8. PERMISIBLE CONTACT PRESSURE, MODULUS OF ELASTICITY AND
CO-EFF OF BALLAST

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 21

Specification and thickness of subgrade layers

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 22

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 23
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 24
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 25
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 26
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 27
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 28
9. BLANKET / SUB BALLAST
Blanket/ sub-ballast is a layer of coarse grained material between ballast and sub-grade, spread over entire width. On some
other railway systems of the world, this layer is also called as sub-ballast (RDSO/2007/GE-G-14 )
9.1 UNSUITABLE SOILS ARE
• Organic clays, organic silts, peat, chalks, dispersive soils, poorly graded gravel and sand with uniformity coefficient (Cu) less than 2,
• Clays and silts of high plasticity (CH & MH) in top 3m of embankment.
9.2 DEPTH OF BLANKET LAYER
• Following soils shall not need any blanket :
• Rocky beds except those, which are very susceptible to weathering, e.g. rocks consisting of shales and other soft rocks, which
become muddy after coming into contact with water.
• Well graded Gravel (GW)
• Well graded Sand (SW)
• Soils conforming to specifications of blanket material.
• Following soils shall need minimum 45cm thick Blanket :
• Poorly graded Gravel (GP) having Uniformity Coefficient more than 2.
• Poorly grade Sand (SP) having Uniformity Coefficient more than 2.
• Silty Gravel (GM)
• Silty Gravel – Clayey Gravel (GM – GC).

CONTINUES………
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 29
• Following types of soils shall need minimum 1 metre thick Blanket :
• Silt with low plasticity (ML)
• Silty clay of low plasticity (ML-CL)
• Clay of low plasticity (CL)
• Silt of medium plasticity (MI)
• Clay of medium plasticity (CI)
• Rocks which are very susceptible to weathering
• Following soils shall need minimum 60cm thick Blanket :
• Clayey Gravel (GC)
• Silty Sand (SM)
• Clayey Sand (SC)
• Clayey Silty sand (SM-SC)
Note : The thickness of blanket on above type of soils shall be increased to 1 metre, if the plasticity index
exceeds 7.

For heavier axle load traffic above 22.5t and upto 25t & above 25t upto 30t, additional blanket thickness of
30cm & 45cm respectively, over and above as given above, of superior quality material, shown as upper
blanket layer in Sketch "B" of RDSO document ‘GE:G-1, July 2003, should be provided.
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 30
9.3 BLANKET MATERIAL
Blanket material should generally conform to following specifications :
a) It should be coarse, granular and well graded.
b) Skip graded material is not permitted.
c) Non-plastic fines (particles of size less than 75 micron) are limited maximum to 12%, whereas plastic fines are limited
maximum to 5%.
d) The blanket material should have particle size distribution curve more or less within the enveloping curves shown in
Sketch-B of RDSO document ‘GE:G-1, July 2003’. The material should be well graded with Cu and Cc as under :
• Uniformity Coefficient Cu = D 60/D10 > 4 (preferably > 7)
• Coefficient of Curvature CC = (D 30)2 / D60 x D10 should be within 1 & 3. SKETCH B

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 31

10. SIDE SLOPE OF EMBANKMENT (GE-G-1 )
• slopes of 2:1 of embankment upto height of 6.0 m would be safe for most of the soils.
• In cutting slope, softening of soil occurs with the passage of time, and therefore, long term stability is the
most critical, and should be taken into consideration while designing the cuttings.
• Slope stability analysis may also be carried out using standard computer programme/software especially
made for this purpose. However, the efficacy of the software used should have approval/clearance of RDSO.
10.1 WIDENING OF EMBANKMENTS
• Starting from the toe, benching on the slope at every 30cm height shall be provided on the slope surface as
in Sketch-E, so as to provide proper amalgamation between the old and new earthwork.
• Earthwork shall be carried out in layers, each layer sloping out 1:30 and compacting it mechanically using
vibratory rollers of around 0.9m width (which are available in the market), 6 to 8 passes of such rollers shall
usually suffice to provide the compaction to the specified level.
• The width of each layer of earthwork shall be in excess by 300mm of the designed profile to enable
compaction near the edges. The excess width, thereafter, cut and dressed, so as to achieve the required
bank profile
10.2 SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION
Sandwich type of construction may be adopted for construction of embankments with cohesive soils having
very low permeability (less than 10 –2 cm/sec.) and where height of bank is greater than 3m. In such situations,
a layer of coarse sand ( Cu > 2) of about 20 to 30 cm thick should be provided at bank height intervals of 2 to
3m. Sketch –G provides Guidelines for sandwich construction for different heights to improve factor of safety
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 32
against slope failure, drainage and dissipation of pore water pressure.
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 33
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 34
11. COMPACTION AND TRATMENT OF SUBSOIL
• After clearance of site and removal of all the unacceptable material and after excavation to subsoil or
earthwork foundation level as required , the profile of existing sub soil as so exposed shall be treated
• Irregularities in profile may be made upto an approximately level grade only following the initial compaction
of the existing sub- grade
• In the event of sub-soil compaction performance criteria test failure, the Employer has the right to request a
re-test at their discretion.

12. PLACING AND COMPACTING OF FILL MATERIAL

• The filling works shall be formed to the lines and levels agreed by the Employer. PockEtS or loose rock shall
be remove and the resulting voids and any other natural or unnatural voids be filled suitable material (as per
this specification).
• Temporary side slopes shall be constructed to maintain a safe working slope gradient.
• Uncompacted layer thickness of fill shall not exceed 500mm
• Permissible deviation from formation level
• Beneath mass concrete foundation= +/- 25 mm
• Beneath ground bearing slabs and foundation= +/- 15mm
• Embankments and cutting= +/-50mm
• Slab track system= +/-5mm
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 35
13.TESTING AND MONITORING EQUIPMENTS
• Selection of soil: For selection of soil to be used as embankment fill CBR test is required to be conducted
on material. CBR test is conducted on ground soil, embankment fill, prepared sub-grade & blanket
material to ensure the minimum specified CBR value of these materials to be used in construction. This
test is carried out on soil sample in laboratory as per procedure given in IS:2720 (Part 16)-1987 & in field
as per IS:2720 (Part 31)– 1969.
• Quality Assurance Test on Compacted Layer : Quality Assurance Tests are required to be conducted on
part completion stages of formation, prior to clearing for further earthwork, track linking work:
Heavy Proctor test is required to be conducted to determine the Maximum Dry Density of soil as per IS:
2720 (part 8). In-situ density is measured in the field by Sand Replacement Method (IS: 2720 – part 28) or
Core Cutter Method (IS: 2720 – part 29) to calculate the degree of compaction. this shall be determined in
laboratory as per BIS procedure with the specified frequency of earthwork quantity, as envisaged in
‘Guidelines of Earthwork in Railway Projects, GE:G-1, July 2003.
Second Step Plate Load Test (Optional) is required to be conducted in-situ for measurement of Deformation
Modulus EV2 of compacted layers of embankment, blanket, prepared subgrade etc. The test procedure has
been detailed in German Code DIN:18134- 2001,’Determining Deformation & Strength Characteristics Of Soil
By Plate Loading Test”. The minimum value of EV2 should be ensured at different levels as specified.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 36

13.1 FREQUENCY OF QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST
a) CBR test for selection of formation materials and other tests required for ensuring conformation of the
materials (blanket, subgrade) as per specification e.g. size gradation, Cu, Cc, Los Angles Tests, OMC/MDD
etc. shall be conducted at following frequency :
i) Embankment Fill : one set of tests for every 5000 cum
ii) Prepared subgrade : one set of tests for every 2000 cum
iii) Blanket material : one set of tests for every 500 cum
b) In-situ Degree of Compaction (or In-situ dry density measurement) test shall be conducted on each
compacted layers in random pattern at following frequency for the different layers :
i) Embankment Fill : one density measurement at every 500 sqm surface area of each compacted
layers
ii) Blanket and Prepared Subgrade : one density measurement at every 200 sqm surface area of
each compacted layers.
c) Second step Plate Load Test : This test is in practice in German Railways and recommended by UIC Code
719 to measure the quality of earthwork and blanketing after compaction. For Indian Railways, this test is
made optional presently. In the guidelines, this test has been included as a future development for quality
assurance test on compacted surface. This should be done for EV2 measurement at top of each formation
layers eg. at sub-soil, compacted subgrade, prepared subgrade, blanket etc. at the frequency of one test per
km length of section. RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 37
14. GEOTEXTILE USED (GE-G-14)
In the present application Geotextiles act as a separator, drainage material, filter and as reinforcement.
Under the dynamic conditions caused by pulsating train loading, the marginal or poor subgrade soils
suffer from severe mud pumping and subsidence. Load-Bearing capacity failures also occur and such
tracks require frequent maintenance. The use of Geosynthetics helps to achieve higher efficiency and
better performance of such modern-day railway track super structures. To efficiently perform the above
functions, the geotextile must satisfy the following criteria:
• To withstand the installation stresses the geotextile requires adequate puncture strength, burst
strength, grab strength, tear strength and resistance to UV light degradation with negligible strength
loss.
• The properties of geotextile which are essential to withstand static and dynamic loads, high pore
pressures, and severe abrasive action to which it is subjected during its useful life are puncture
resistance, abrasion resistance and elongation at failure.
• It must be resistant to excessive clogging or blinding, allowing water to pass freely across and within
the plane of the geotextile, while at the same time filtering out and retaining fines in the subgrade.
Properties required are: cross-plane permeability (permittivity), in-plane permeability (transmissivity)
and Apparent Opening Size (AOS).
• It must be resistant to rot, and attacks by insects and rodents. It must be resistant to chemicals such as
acids and alkalis present in the soil.
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 38
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 39
15. GROUND IMPROVEMENT
• Field tests are required to be conducted on sub-soil strata, such as Plate load test for determination of Elastic Modulus at
second loading (EV2), Standard Penetration test to determine N-value, and Unconfined Compression Test or Vane Shear Test
to determine unconfined compressive strength or undrained cohesion, Cu. If values of these test parameters, as specified in
following para are not achieved then ground improvement is required.
• For ground soil/ sub-strata layers with low bearing capacities, assessed by following evaluation parameters:
(i) Ev2 value less than 20 MPa, (Optional) or
(ii) undrained cohesion (Cu) < 25 kPa, or
(iii)N-value (determined from Standard Penetration Test –SPT ) < 5, shall require Ground Improvement.
Strengthening of sub-strata soil layers can be carried out using one or more of the following techniques, like:
- removal and replacement ( R&R) of weak soil,
- stage constructions of the fill, preloading and surcharging,
- Installation sub drainage system,
- In-situ pile, Sand Gravel Compaction pile, Stone Colums
- Vibro-floatation,
- lime pile, Injection/ lime slurry pressure injection/ion exchange,
- Stir & Mixing,
- Sand mat, Geosynthetics etc
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 40
15.1 Removal and replacement of weak soil:
• removal of unsuitable material and replacement with suitable fill may be carried out. These unsuitable
materials were encountered in valleys and low-lying areas and may be replaced with well-compacted suitable
fill preferably coarse-grained/sandy soils
• having undrained shear strength less than 20 kPa
• CBR<3 of limited depth and thickness
• localized areas with soft soils
• Excavation and replacement could be carried out up to 2 m.
The removal and replacement may be required to be carried out even in ‘cutting’ areas where the naturally
occurring soils were found to be of a low shear strength and high moisture content. Subsurface drainage may
have to be introduced in most of such areas.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 41

15.2 VIBRO FOLIATION
• This technique is versatile with respect to range of soils
• applied through soft to firm clays, silts, sands and gravels to brick rubbles and essentially inorganic
rubbish.
• contains an eccentric weight mounted at the bottom on a vertical shaft, directly link to a motor in
the body of the machine. The vibrating motion is thus horizontal with the body cycling around a
vertical axis.
• Vibratory energy is applied directly to the ground through the tubular casing of the machine and
out put remains constant whatever be the depth of penetration

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 42

15.3 LIME PILE
• It is a kind of vertical drains
• used where preloading alone will not be efficient.
• IN soft clay accelerate the primary consolidation of clay since they bring about rapid dissipation of
excess pore water pressure.
• Additional of 5 to 10% quicklime is the optimum mix proportions for the soft clay.
• The addition of quicklime increased the unconfined compressive strength to about 5 times and
increased the pre-consolidation by as much as 3 times.
• The coefficient of consolidation also increased by 10 to 40 times
• the effective strength parameters also increased
• the angle of internal friction INCREASE from 24 degree to 40 degree.
• Extensive laboratory studies on the use of lime-stabilized piles have been carried out at the Asian
Institute of Technology

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 43

VIBRO FOLIATION LIME PILE

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 44

15.4 SAND MAT
• dissipation of excess water from the soft soils by the means of vertical sand drains, horizontal sand
drains
• the provision of the sand layer at the ground level to improve the bearing capacity
• IMPROVE the drainage of excess water which is responsible for increasing the pore water pressure
within the soil mass.
• WHEN fill material of the embankment is also of poor quality required sand layers of 30cm thick at the
interval of 2-3m known as the sandwich construction.
• This type of construction improves the ground as well as the fill conditions and enhances the slope
stability and the strength of the embankment in terms of cohesion.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 45

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 46
15.5 GEO CELLS
The geocell foundation mattress is a honeycombed structure formed from a series of interlocking
cells. These cells are fabricated in-situ directly on the soft foundation soil using geogrids which are
filled with granular material / locally available infill material. Further, when filled with suitable
granular materials, geocell acts as a drainage blanket and can be used in conjunction with
prefabricated vertical drains to accelerate consolidation.
Geocell is constructed using biaxial and uniaxial geogrids as described below and as shown in Figures
below.
• Biaxial geogrids to form the base and a platform on which the cell diaphragms can be fabricated.
• Uniaxial geogrids to form the transverse and diagonal cell diaphragms. These uniaxial grids should
have high initial modulus to contain fill as they are placed without allowing large displacements.
The incorporation of geocell mattress creates an embankment foundation with the following
characteristics
1. A perfectly rough interface between the mattress and the soft foundation due to the granular fill
material partially penetrating the base geogrid layer.
2. 2. A stiff platform to ensure both an even distribution of load onto the foundation and the
formation of a regular stress field within the foundation.
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 47
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 48
16 MISCELLANEOUS SPECIFICATION
• Formation Width :
• Currently, the standard width of formation of embankment is 6.85 m for single BG line, as per IRPWM. This is based on
the ballast side slope of about 1H:1V and cess width as 90 cm.
• American Railways adopt ballast side slope of 2H:1V.
• Japanese Railways adopt cess width of 120 cm.
• Considering ballast side slope of about 2H:1V, wider cess width of 120 cm for movement of men and material especially
for high bank
• the recommended formation width for BG track for new lines shall be 8.5 m.
• In case of DFC double line tracks, the minimum shall be adopted as 13.5 m .
• For banks higher than 4.5 meters, suitable slope stability analysis, reinforcement of slopes, plantation of deep root grass and
toe wall construction shall be suitably adopted. In case of high bank on soft sub-soil, flatter slope with berm/sub-bank should
be provided after slope stability analysis.
• At locations, where water table is high and fill-soil is fine-grained, it may be desirable to provide a granular layer of about 30
cm thickness at the base, above sub-soil across the full width of formation.
• use of geo-synthetics improves the performance of formation. Geo-grid at ballast & blanket interface can reduce blanket
thickness requirement. Geo-textile/geo-composite can be provide at the blanket – subgrade interface and/or blanket –
prepared subgrade interface for the purpose of separation, filtration & drainage and better performance of the track
substructure system as whole

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT LTD - RAILWAYS AND METROS 49