Improved Earthworks Drainage for Safer Reliable Railways

最近对NR土方工程失败的研究证实，在某些地质条件下，排水条件差与失败事件之间存在统计学上的显著联系。然而，网络上有10，000公里的土方工程，需要优先级方法来确定何时何地进行干预，以改善排水条件。该项目将为土方工程及其相关植被开发降水、蒸散、渗透、径流系统模型，并使用该模型为已确定的脆弱资产群体制定优先级指南。该模型将包括检查与植被有关的改善的可吸收性之间的平衡，以及叶子和根堵塞排水材料和破坏管道的可能性。该模型还将结合排水网络的整体视图，以考虑改进的斜坡排水系统对整个排水系统（包括下游容量）的影响。该项目的目的是了解铁路土方工程的综合斜坡-植被-排水系统，以便优先进行排水更新和维护。具体目标是：-（i）开发气候、斜坡、排水系统和植被之间相互作用的模型，以便能够确定最能从排水系统更新和/或有计划的维护中受益的脆弱土方工程群体。(ii)了解植被对自然保护区排水资产的正面和负面影响之间的权衡，从而改进植被管理策略。(iii)了解提高后的排水能力对整个排水系统的影响，特别是下游的排水能力和后果。该项目的潜在效益包括（i）提高土方工程的弹性，从而提高安全性，减少故障，降低土方工程更新成本，并通过提高可靠性和减少延误分钟数来提高客户满意度。(ii)更好地优先考虑排水系统更新和维护预算。(iii)更好地整合排水和土方工程资产的提供和维护，包括适用于这两种类型资产的植被管理策略。项目产出将包括系统模型、确定的脆弱土方群体、改进的更新优先顺序指南和植被管理策略。

Recent study of NR earthworks failures has confirmed a statistically significant link between poor drainage condition and incidents of failure in certain geological conditions. However, with 10,000km of earthworks on the network a prioritisation approach is required to determine where and when to intervene to improve earthwork drainage condition. This project will develop models of the precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, runoff system for earthworks and their associated vegetation and use this model to develop prioritisation guidelines for identified vulnerable asset groups. The model will include examination of the balance between improved earthwork stability linked to vegetation and the potential for leaves and roots and clog drainage materials and disrupt pipes. The model will also couple to a holistic view of the drainage network to consider the impact of improved earthwork drainage on the overall drainage system including downstream capacity.The aim of the project is understand the integrated slope-vegetation-drainage system for railway earthworks to permit prioritisation of drainage renewals and maintenance. Specific objectives are to:-(i) Develop a models for interactions between climate, slopes, drainage and vegetation to enable identification of groups of vulnerable earthworks which would most benefit from drainage renewals and/or planned maintenance. (ii) Understand the trade-offs between the positive and negative impacts of vegetation on the NR drainage asset leading to improved vegetation management strategies. (iii) Understand the impact of improved earthwork drainage capacity on the overall drainage system, especially downstream capacity and consequences. The potential benefits of the project include (i) Increased resilience of earthworks resulting in improved safety with fewer failures, reduced earthworks renewal costs and increased customer satisfaction through improved reliability and reduction in delay minutes. (ii) Better prioritisation of drainage renewals & maintenance budgets. (iii) Better integration between the provision and maintenance of drainage and earthworks assets, including vegetation management strategies that work for both types of assets.The project outputs will include, system models, identified vulnerable earthwork groups, improved renewals prioritisation guidelines and vegetation management strategies.