Ductile Iron Pipe - CP Rail ROW

[RedBauer]

Hi All -
I'm working on a project located adjacent to a CP Railway - anywhere from 20-50 ft from the tracks. It's a main trunk sewer main - 18" diameter. We originally designed the pipeline to be PVC, however, during the review process with CP Rail and in accordance with AREMA standards, they want us to encase the pipe in steel, RCP, or corrugated metal. Due to cost consideration, we proposed to switch the pipe to ductile iron (similar but stronger properties than steel). They wouldn't accept the proposal. Has anyone ever installed ductile iron pipe within the CP Rail ROW?

 

[bimr]

The railroads own the property and have their own design standards. If you desire to put your pipe onto railroad property, you will have to comply with their requirements.

The fee for installing pipe in the railroad ROW will be expensive, either an annual fee or a fixed long term fee. You should investigate other locations to avoid the railroad ROW if possible.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

RedBauer - I have performed both bridge construction as a contractor and design work as an engineer for projects located on railroad ROW... and agree with everything bimr has said.

If you do have to use the ROW, what details were presented for CP's review?
Were detailed specs on both the ductile iron pipe (DIP) and it's installation included?
Eighteen inch DIP is offered in at least 10 different wall thicknesses, 0.31" to 0.53". Also, there are 5 different "Laying Conditions" (cheap to very good).

Perhaps if you provide "upgraded" specs, the railroad will reconsider. Also, consider including a requirement that a qualified third party inspector monitor the pipe installation. I know all this will cost money, but that is often what it takes to negotiate successfully with a railroad company.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[bimr]

In my experience working with the railroads, only pipe located within the "theoretical RR embankment line" was required to be encased. If the pipe was run parallel to the tracks and outside and above the "theoretical RR embankment line", casing was not required.

 

[rconner]

fyi you may be interested in the experience of the parties mentioned at

https://news.google.com/newspapers?...IBAJ&sjid=6EcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6898,1785565&hl=en,

http://www.bgdailynews.com/plant-se...cle_2bb67258-9174-5035-87f2-1085d4c5095a.html

and in the article pgs 23-25 at

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/dw/publications/ontap/magazine/OT_SU03.pdf

etc. I believe much of this quite lengthy water transmission project was installed a few years ago within the easement or R-O-W of the private railroad mentioned (and same felt the installation of the new infrastructure would benefit the railroad as well as the communities served, via economic development that would ensue). All have a good weekend.

 

[dicksewerrat]

When they added CMP as a casing is when they lost me. That is not as strong as RCP or steel. If it is not under the track it should not be an issue. Find a contractor that has done work for CP Rail and see what they installed.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com