Rail Safety
Structures: Rail Safety
Rail safety features are installed between an active rail line and a proposed development. These features are intended to act as a sacrificial barrier to protect the building and its inhabitants from a collision in the event of a train derailment. At Jablonsky, we provide structural design of these features and can advise our clients on the most economic and space-efficient options. These protective features typically take the form of either an earthen berm or reinforced concrete 'crash wall' but another configuration, such as reinforced concrete bollards, ditches, or a retaining wall supporting an earthen berm behind, could be appropriate for the right site.
RAIL SAFETY
Berms
A berm is a compacted earthen mound which is designed to absorb the potential impact of a derailed train, slowing it down and bringing it to a stop. Berms are generally suitable for large sites where the loss of space and setback requirements are not as strict, as they are generally the easiest to install.
RAIL SAFETY
Crash Walls
Crash walls are reinforced concrete structures that can take different forms, depending on site requirements. They can be braced by the base building, designed as an L-shaped retaining wall, or even supported on piles. Whatever form, they can be built immediately adjacent to rail property, which unlocks more area for development. A crash wall is more expensive to install than a berm, but allows for the development to be built closer to the property line with the rail corridor.
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