Clearer track standards improve efficiency in track design, construction, and maintenance
GCRT5021 issue five was published in December 2011, and the reviews recommended that the standard should be revised in accordance with the current Railway Group Standard code. As a result, a new Rail Industry Standard was required for requirements that were valid and useful but did not meet the criteria for a national technical rule.
Findings from recently completed research on track loading (T1073 and COF-UOH-59) and vehicle curving rules (COF-UOH-73) also needed to be incorporated into GCRT5021 so that industry could benefit from that research. Several deviations against the standard also needed to be incorporated.
An updated GCRT5021 would help efficiency in track design, construction, and maintenance.
This project resulted in a significant reformatting of GCRT5021 and creation of a brand new standard RIS-7707-INS. RSSB delivered this work on schedule and with minimal alterations required after consultation.
RSSB liaised with a range of stakeholders to ensure the standard met the needs of the GB rail industry, and especially the track community. Working collaboratively, complex issues, related to ride comfort and vehicle curving rules, were resolved.
RSSB’s technical specialists were instrumental in writing new guidance and ensuring the research met industry needs.
This project provides three types of benefits: to operations performance; to the design, installation, and maintenance of track; and a reduction in the number of requirements in the standard.
Revised curving rules could improve line speeds, and hence operations performance, with an estimated cost benefit of around £233,000 over five years.
Guidance for lower track loading parameters reduce track design, installation, and maintenance costs, with an estimated saving of £1.6 million over five years.
The alignment of GCRT5021 and RIS-7707-INS with the current standards framework reduces the number of national technical rules that are required. This facilitates efficiencies and reduced costs in design and project phases.