TREATMENT OF ROCK FALLS ON RAILWAY LINES

Based on a study made by Canadian National Railways in the south main line through the mountains of British Columbia between Jasper and Vancouver, this report discusses how to combat the hazard of rock falls on track in rugged and mountainous territory. The causes of rock instability are briefly reviewed, and the issue of cost versus safety is discussed. Past and present (North American and foreign) approaches to a solution of the problems are noted. The stabilization measures described here include scaling and trimming, rock blasting, design of slopes, drainage, prevention of weathering, and support and restraint systems. Protection measures are also detailed and include track relocation, intercepting ditches on the slopes, shaped ditches, wire mesh blankets, catch nets and fences, catch walls, and rock sheds and tunnels. Warning measures and organization of work (overall policy, program and priorities, records, staff etc.) are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Authors:
  • Peckover, F L
• Publication Date: 1975-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 471-503
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 653
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Ditches; Drainage; Hazards; Labor unions; Organization; Presplitting (Blasting); Railroad tracks; Relocation (Facilities); Rock excavation; Rockfalls; Safety; Soil stabilization; Tunnels; Warning signs; Wire mesh
• Uncontrolled Terms: Relocation; Scaling; Stabilization
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00126852
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 76-653-2
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 5 1975 12:00AM