ESC 510 Engineering Standard - Transport for NSW...04/10/2016 BOUNDARY FENCES ESC 510 Engineering Standard Civil Version 2.1 Issued December 2009 Owner: Chief Engineer Civil Approved

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BOUNDARY FENCES

ESC 510

Engineering Standard Civil

Version 2.1

Issued December 2009

Owner: Chief Engineer Civil

Approved by: John Stapleton Group Leader Standards Civil

Authorised by: Richard Hitch Chief Engineer Civil

Disclaimer This document was prepared for use on the RailCorp Network only. RailCorp makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with the contents of this document shall be sufficient to ensure safe systems or work or operation. It is the document user’s sole responsibility to ensure that the copy of the document it is viewing is the current version of the document as in use by RailCorp. RailCorp accepts no liability whatsoever in relation to the use of this document by any party, and RailCorp excludes any liability which arises in any manner by the use of this document. Copyright The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced, altered, stored or transmitted by any person without the prior consent of RailCorp

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RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil Boundary Fences ESC 510

© Rail Corporation Page 2 of 12 2.1 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED VersionIssued December 2009

Document control Revision Date of Approval Summary of change

2.1 November, 2009 Changes detailed in Summary table below

2.0 July, 2007 Includes security and high security fences, an additional configuration of stock fence, provision for default response category to be modified based on site specific risk factors.

1.0 September, 2006 First issue as a RailCorp document. Replaces AP 6841, TS 3921, C 4501

Summary of changes from previous version Section Summary of change

Document Control

Change of format for front page, change history and table of contents; changes to position titles

All Minor editing and formatting.

4.7 Add reference to RailCorp Security Standard RSS-002.

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© Rail Corporation Page 3 of 12 Issued December 2009 2.1 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version

Contents 1 Purpose, Scope and Application ............................................................................................................ 4 2 References ................................................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Australian and International Standards ......................................................................................... 4 2.2 RailCorp Documents ..................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 Other References .......................................................................................................................... 4

3 Definitions................................................................................................................................................. 4 4 Standard Designs..................................................................................................................................... 4

4.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 4 4.2 Stock Fence................................................................................................................................... 5 4.3 Residential Fence.......................................................................................................................... 5 4.4 Urban Fence.................................................................................................................................. 5 4.5 Enhanced Urban Fence................................................................................................................. 6 4.6 Security Fence...............................................................................................................................6 4.7 High Security Fence ...................................................................................................................... 6 4.8 Access Gates................................................................................................................................. 6 4.9 Locks ............................................................................................................................................. 7 4.10 Insulation Panels ........................................................................................................................... 7

5 Acceptance standards ............................................................................................................................. 8 6 Installation Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 8

6.1 Construction Standards ................................................................................................................. 8 6.2 Connection with Intersecting Fences ............................................................................................ 8 6.3 Connection with Bridges................................................................................................................ 8 6.4 Fencing on Curves ........................................................................................................................ 8 6.5 Fences at Waterways .................................................................................................................... 8

7 Maintenance Standards ........................................................................................................................... 8 7.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 8 7.2 Damage Limits...............................................................................................................................9 7.3 Response..................................................................................................................................... 11 7.4 Repair Standards......................................................................................................................... 12

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1 Purpose, Scope and Application This document specifies the requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of boundary fences on RailCorp lines.

Boundary fences are provided to:

− afford a measure of security and safety by restricting unauthorised access to the right of way and rail infrastructure facilities

− discourage stock from entering the right of way

− mark the boundary of the right of way.

All RailCorp lines are classified as fenced lines in accordance with the various Acts of Parliament authorising their construction.

Boundary fences shall be provided on RailCorp lines with the exception of locations where natural boundaries exist.

New fences shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with this Standard.

Existing fences that do not comply with the design requirements are to be upgraded when the fence is due for renewal, or when enhancement is required as determined by a risk assessment.

2 References

2.1 Australian and International Standards AS 1725 - 2003 Chain-link fabric security fences and gates

AS 2423 - 2002 Coated steel wire fencing products for terrestrial, aquatic and general use

2.2 RailCorp Documents EP 99 00 00 07 SP Substation Fencing

ESC 100 Civil Technical Maintenance Plan

RSS-002 Stabling Locations & Maintenance Centres

SC 12 20 00 00 SP Small Buildings and Location Cases

SPC 511 Specification Boundary Fences

Station Design Guide

2.3 Other References Legislation: Acts of Parliament for construction of various rail lines.

3 Definitions Station Precincts: Area encompassing the station platform and station access.

See AS 1725 for definitions of fencing terms.

4 Standard Designs

4.1 General RailCorp shall restrict access to the rail corridor and rail facilities by the provision of appropriate fencing.

There are six (6) types of fences:

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− stock fence

− residential fence

− urban fence

− enhanced urban fence

− security fence

− high security fence.

There are some locations where a site specific design will be required. The design shall provide functional performance equivalent to or better than the standard designs in this document.

Where practicable, structures adjacent to boundary fences are to be located and configured so as not to act as a climbing aid to the fence.

Where a retaining wall exists on the rail boundary, the appropriate standard fence shall be erected on top of the wall.

Concertina short-barbed tape shall only be used on top of fences with a minimum height of 2400mm.

4.2 Stock Fence The stock fence shall be one of the following approved configurations:

− Strand wire

− Hinged joint mesh with additional plain and barbed wires.

The fence shall comply with RailCorp Specification SPC 511 “Specification Boundary Fences”.

4.3 Residential Fence The standard residential boundary fence is a hardwood timber paling fence.

A colourbond steel fence in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, or urban fence may also be used.

The insulation panel requirements as specified in Clause 5.9 apply to colourbond fences.

Residential fences shall be 1800mm high.

The fence shall comply with SPC 511.

4.4 Urban Fence The urban fence shall be 1800mm high plain top chain-link fabric fence in accordance with AS 1725, which provides for four (4) standard configurations:

− Rail-less

− Top rail only

− Bottom rail only

− Top and bottom rail.

For fencing without top rail, bracing panels or bracing stays shall be used on all ends, corners and gateposts, and at 150m spacing on straight sections.


Station precinct fencing is a tubular steel loop top fence. Refer to RailCorp “Station Design Guide” for details.

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4.5 Enhanced Urban Fence Approved configurations for the enhanced urban fence are:

− extra heavy duty mesh in accordance with AS 2423 in the urban fence i.e. 25mm mesh size with 3.15mm diameter wire, or 50mm mesh size with 4.00mm diameter wire;

− attachment of 3 barbed wires on top of the urban fence;

− increased height of the urban fence to 2100mm in accordance with AS 1725;

− a 2100mm high tubular steel fence;

− a 2400mm high tubular steel fence.

The fences shall comply with SPC 511.

Fencing of buildings for housing of signalling equipment shall be 1800mm high chain-link fabric fence with 3 barbed wires on top. Refer to RailCorp Signal Engineering Construction Specification SC 12 20 00 00 SP “Small Buildings and Location Cases” for details.

4.6 Security Fence Approved configurations for the security fence are:

− 2400mm / 2700mm high close spaced welded mesh fence

− 2400mm / 2700mm high palisade fence.

Tamper resistant, security-type fasteners shall be used.


Other types of fencing may be used at specific sites subject to the approval of the Chief Engineer Civil. The fence shall provide at least equivalent performance to the close space welded mesh fence.

Signal buildings requiring security fencing within the rail corridor shall have a security fence in accordance with this Standard.

4.7 High Security Fence Approved configurations for the high security fence are:

− 3000mm high close spaced welded mesh fence;

− 3000mm high palisade fence;

− 2400mm high close spaced welded mesh fence with 600mm concertina short-barbed topping.


Fence products used in high security fences shall be endorsed by the Australian Government Security Construction & Equipment Committee.

Fencing for electrical substations, section huts and switch-yards is detailed in RailCorp Electrical Engineering Specification EP 99 00 00 07 SP “Substation Fencing”.

Fencing for train stabling facilities shall be high security fencing in accordance with this Standard. Refer to RailCorp Security Standard RSS-002 Stabling Locations & Maintenance Centres” for further details.

4.8 Access Gates In all types of fencing, access for infrastructure and corridor maintenance is to be considered. Wherever such access is warranted, gates are to be provided.

No gates are allowed in boundary fences adjoining residences.

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The gates shall comply with SPC 511.

The standard rail boundary gate sign shall be attached to each gate.

The sign layout is specified in SPC 511.

4.9 Locks Drop bolts, locking chain and padlock shall be in accordance with the standard drawings showing the gate details. Standard drawings are specified in SPC 511.

4.10 Insulation Panels 4.10.1 General

Insulation panels, a minimum of 2200mm in length, are required in metallic fencing in the electrified area to break the fence up into short electrically isolated sections. The panels consist of the fence material with supporting posts that are non-metallic.

The panels are installed where ‘continuous’ fencing:

− would otherwise approach within 2.0 metres of an OHW structure (including any metallic attachments to the OHW structure such as switch handles, back anchor guy rods etc)

− would otherwise approach within 2.0 metres of station fences, foot bridges, rail bridges, entrance fences and metallic buildings

− runs parallel to, and within 2.0 metres of, above ground metallic signalling/cable troughing or air lines. The insulating panels must be located directly adjacent to the insulated joint in the signalling/cable troughing or air lines

− meets any high voltage substation fence (either RailCorp or local electricity distributor). Where the substation earth mat extends outside the substation fence, ‘continuous fencing must not enter the area of the earth mat.

− meets any pole mounted or pad mounted substation (either RailCorp or local electricity distributor). The ‘continuous’ fencing must not enter the area of the earth mat. The continuous fencing must also not be closer than 2.0 metres from exposed substation metal fittings.

Insulation panels are to be installed:

− to ensure that persons cannot contact ‘continuous’ fencing and any other metallic service such as OHW structures, station fences (associated with the station low voltage earthing system and water pipes) and footbridges that extend outside RailCorp property,

− at approximately 300 metre intervals in the ‘continuous’ fencing (with a maximum spacing of 800m in areas away from above ground signal troughing).

The non-metallic posts shall have a clearance of minimum 50 mm and maximum 100 mm from the adjacent metallic post of the ‘continuous’ fencing. Each non-metallic post must have a warning sign attached as shown on the drawing.

The bottom rail shall be installed so as to remain 80 mm clear of the ground.

The insulation panel details are specified in SPC 511.

4.10.2 Security and High Security Fences When installing security and high security fencing, the fence shall be designed and positioned so to reduce or eliminate the requirement for insulation panels. Where insulation panels are required and can not be avoided, they shall be of a design that complements the high security performance of these fence types.

The insulation panels for security and high security fences shall comply with SPC 511.

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5 Acceptance standards All materials and components shall comply with the requirements of the relevant specified Australian Standard, or of the technical specification in this Standard.

Test certificates shall be provided where necessary to demonstrate compliance with performance requirements.

6 Installation Requirements

6.1 Construction Standards Installation details for chain-link fences such as line and level, spacing of posts, footings, bracing panels/stays, connection of components and barbed wire extensions shall be in accordance with AS 1725 for chain-link fabric fences.

6.2 Connection with Intersecting Fences Paddock dividing fences and private property dividing fences are to terminate on their own end post to the satisfaction of the owners. The connection between the private fence and the railway boundary fence is to be adequate for stock or trespass control.

6.3 Connection with Bridges At overbridges and footbridges, boundary fences are to provide a secure interface with bridge parapets, balustrades or protection screens.

6.4 Fencing on Curves Where the fence is required to be erected on an existing curved boundary, the fence is to be erected as a series of chords or tangents with the distance between posts reduced.

The length of the straight is to be determined for each location to reduce to a minimum encroachment on private property yet retaining adequate land for firebreaks, access and other RailCorp requirements.

6.5 Fences at Waterways Where the boundary line is intersected by a permanent waterway, the fence is to be returned to the abutments of the bridge or culvert as a “wing” fence.

The location of the boundary fence across small variable flow waterways is difficult to define and each case is to be treated on its merits to, essentially, avoid flood damage to the fence and yet retain effective stock or trespass control.

Flood gates are to be avoided wherever possible by grading the ground surface to allow an even line of fencing without wire-netting or providing wing fences to the bridge abutment or culvert wing walls.

7 Maintenance Standards

7.1 General Boundary fencing shall be inspected in accordance with the Civil Technical Maintenance Plan ESC 100.

Fence condition shall be assessed against the damage limits specified in 8.2.

The maintenance response to damage limits is specified in 8.3.

Repairs shall comply with the requirements specified in 8.4.

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7.2 Damage Limits Damage limits for boundary fences are:

Damage Type Damage Size Response Category

A. Stock Fence

Minor damage Impacts upon general integrity N

Strand or mesh wire sagging

Loss of tension P3

Strand or mesh wire broken

Broken P2

Gap below insulation panel

Less than 40 P3

B. Residential Fence

Minor damage, except hole

Impacts upon general integrity N

Minor, max size 150 x 150 P3 Hole

Larger than 150 x 150 P2

More than 80, less than or equal to 150 P3 Gap below fence

More than 150 P2


Less than 40 P3

C. Urban Fence





More than 80, less than or equal to 150 P3 Gap below fence (bottom rail) More than 150 P2

More than 0, less than or equal to 80 P3 Gap below fence (no bottom rail) More than 80 P2

Less than or equal to 75 P3 Gap between gates

More than 75 P2

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More than 80, less than or equal to 150 P3 Gap below gates

More than 150 P2


Less than 40 P3

D. Enhanced Urban Fence





Gap to adjacent pale more than 100, less than or equal to150 P3 Pale bent

Gap to adjacent pale more than 150 P2


More than 150 P2

More than 0, less than or equal to 80 P3 Gap below fence (no bottom rail) More than 80 P2


More than 75 P2


More than 150 P2


Less than 40 P3

E. Security Fence


Impacts upon general integrity P3




Gap to adjacent pale more than 150 P1


More than 150 P1


More than 75 P1


More than 150 P1


Less than 40 P3

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F. High Security Fence


Impacts upon general integrity P2


Larger than 150 x 150 E2


Gap to adjacent pale more than 150 E2


More than 100 E2


More than 75 E2


More than 100 E2


Less than 40 P2

Table 1

7.3 Response Defects shall be categorised in one of the standard response categories:

Response Category Inspect & verify response Action

Emergency 2 (E2) Within 2 hrs or before the next train, whichever is the greater

Repair within 24 hrs

Consider special security patrols until fence is made secure

Priority 1 (P1) Within 24 hrs Repair within 7 days

Priority 2 (P2) Within 7 days Repair within 28 days

Priority 3 (P3) Within 7 days Program for repair

Normal (N) Nil Routine inspection

Table 2

The response category in Table 2 may be modified after an assessment of site specific risks. Factors to include in the risk assessment are:

− adjacent to public traffic area (next to public road, platform etc) − evidence of regular use (well worn path, worn ballast shoulder etc) − proximity to areas such as school, playgrounds or other children's congregation locations − embankment or cutting, risk of falling − high risk locations, such as sub-stations, deep culvert − driver visibility risk factors, such as narrow cuttings or blind curves.

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The risk assessment may result in either the “inspect” response or the “action” response being modified. The response may go up a level or down a level.

7.4 Repair Standards Repair actions shall repair the fence to achieve equivalent performance to a fence in as new condition.

Repairs shall use materials that comply with the design specification.

Where support cable on chain-link fabric fence exhibits significant loss of tension, the cable shall be re-tensioned to the design value.