Bridges

Safety in design provisions to prevent high loss of life and bridge collapse resulting from train derailments for both rail underbridges and overpasses have been subject to much debate in the recent past. Whilst these events are rare they can happen for a variety of reasons and can result in major disasters which are not acceptable, especially in today’s risk-averse environment and in the light of current knowledge.

The BD90 Standards Australia Committee which reviewed AS5100 Bridge Design Standard considered world’s best practice and the possible precautions that can be taken to avoid major disasters. The new provisions are considered to be the world’s most advanced and challenging safety in design guidelines with the overriding focus on satisfying the intent of the provisions even for the more complex bridge designs.

This paper discusses the new provisions and how to implement them to ensure that rail travel is safer, in line with the “Safe System” paradigm, Australian model Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) and Rail Safety National Law.