Engineering Standard

SAES-A-113 13 December 2018

Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee

Contents

1 Scope..................................................…........... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations......................…........... 2
3 References............................................…......... 2
4 Geotechnical Investigation Project Phases…… 7
5 Site-Specific Geotechnical Information
Requirements............................................….8
6 Geotechnical Investigation Scope of Work….... 9
7 Quality Control Requirements……………….... 11
8 Execution of Geotechnical Investigations……. 12
9 Engineering Assessment Requirements….…. 18
10 Engineering Report Requirements………….... 25
Appendix A – Required Geotechnical Services…… 32

Previous Issue: 27 March 2017 Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021

Page 1 of 39
Contacts: Spyropoulos, Emmanouil (spyropex) on phone +966-13-8809698

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

1 Scope

This standard covers mandatory geotechnical engineering requirements for onshore

structures and earthworks of Saudi Aramco projects, Saudi Aramco-managed non-
industrial and government projects. This standard does not address offshore geotechnical
requirements, which are described in SAES-M-005 and SAES-Q-004, nor does it address
any concrete or environmental related investigation or analysis.

All geotechnical investigations referring to above mentioned categories must comply

with this standard, including those investigations conducted directly for design and/or
construction contractors.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD
Coordinator.

2.2 Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.

3 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-61 Geotechnical Engineering Procedures - Onshore
SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
SAEP-383 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices, and Batch Plants

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-100 Survey Coordinates, Datum, and Data Formats
SAES-A-111 Borrow Pit Requirements
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-114 Excavation and Backfill
SAES-L-440 Anchors for Buried Pipelines
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

SAES-L-450 Construction of On-Land and Near-Shore Pipelines

SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings under Roads and Railroads
SAES-L-470 Trenchless Pipelines Construction Requirements
SAES-M-001 Structural Design Criteria for Non-Building
Structures
SAES-M-009 Design Criteria for Blast Resistant Buildings
SAES-M-100 Saudi Aramco Building Code
SAES-Q-001 Criteria for Design and Construction of Concrete
Structures
SAES-Q-005 Concrete Foundations
SAES-Q-006 Asphalt and Sulfur Extended Asphalt Concrete
Paving
SAES-Q-007 Foundations & Supporting Structures for Heavy
Machinery
SAES-Q-009 Concrete Retaining Walls

Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual

Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide

Guide No. 06-002-2008, Excavations and Shoring

Saudi Aramco Best Practice

SABP-Q-015 Scope of Work Guide for Geotechnical Investigations

Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code (SASC)

SAEHC-S-02 Sanitary Wastewater and Sewerage Systems

Saudi Aramco Front End Loading Manual

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

AASHTO T26 Standard Specification for Quality of Water to be
used in Concrete
AASHTO T290 Standard Method of Test for Determining Water
Soluble Sulfate Ion Content in Soil
AASHTO T291 Standard Method of Test for Determining Water
Soluble Chloride Ion Content in Soil
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

American Petroleum Institute

API STD 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM D420 Standard Guide to Site Characterization for
Engineering, Design, and Construction Purposes
ASTM D1143M (Reapproved 2013) Standard Test Methods for Deep
Foundations under Static Axial Compressive Load
ASTM D1195 Standard Test Method for Repetitive Static Plate
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement
Components, for use in Evaluation and Design
Airport and Highway pavements
ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of
Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method (AASHTO
T191)
ASTM D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort [56,000
ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³)]
ASTM D1586 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test
(SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
ASTM D1587 Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of
Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
ASTM D1883 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils
ASTM D2113 Standard Practice for Rock Core Drilling and
Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation
ASTM D2166 Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of
Cohesive Soil
ASTM D2435 Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation
Properties of Soils
ASTM D2487 Test Method for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes
ASTM D2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated, Undrained
Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial
Compression
ASTM D2938 Standard Test method for Unconfined Compressive
Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

ASTM D3080 Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils
under Consolidated Drained Conditions
ASTM D3385 Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in
Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
ASTM D3689M Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations under
Static Axial Tensile Load
ASTM D3966M Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations under
Lateral Load
ASTM D4220 Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting
Soil Samples
ASTM D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
ASTM D4254 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density
and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative
Density
ASTM D4318 Standard Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit,
and Plasticity Index of Soils
ASTM D4428 Standard Test Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing
ASTM D4543 Standard Practices for Preparing Rock Core
Specimens and Determining Dimensional and Shape
Tolerances
ASTM D4633 Standard Test Method for Energy Measurement for
Dynamic Penetrometers
ASTM D4719 Standard Test Method for Prebored Pressuremeter
Testing in Soils
ASTM D4945 Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic
Testing of Piles
ASTM D5079 Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting
Rock Core Samples
ASTM D5334 Standard Test Method for Determination of Thermal
Conductivity of Soil and Soft Rock by Thermal Needle
Probe Procedure
ASTM D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
of Soil and Rock
ASTM D5731 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point
Load Strength Index of Rock

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

ASTM D5777 Standard Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction

Method for Subsurface Investigation
ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soils
ASTM D5878 Standard Guide for Using Rock-Mass Classification
Systems for Engineering Purposes
ASTM D5882 Standard Test Method for Low-Strain Integrity
Testing of Piles
ASTM D6913 Standard Test Methods for Particle Size Distribution
(Gradation) of Soils using Sieve Analysis
ASTM D6938 Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and
Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth)
ASTM D6951 Standard Test Method for Use of the Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer in Shallow Pavement Applications
ASTM D7012 Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength and
Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under
Varying States of Stress and Temperatures
ASTM D7928-17 Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution
(Gradation) of Fine Grained Soils using
Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis
ASTM G57 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil
Resistivity Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method

American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures

British Standards
BS 4550 Methods of Testing Cement
BS EN 1744-1 Tests for Chemical Properties of Aggregates -
Part 1: Chemical Analysis

Process Industry Practices

PIP STS02360 Driven Piles Specification

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

4 Geotechnical Investigation Project Phases

4.1 A typical project lifecycle includes the site selection, planning, design,
construction and operational phases. Geotechnical investigations may be required
for some or all of these stages. Geotechnical investigations are thus broadly
classified as follows:
4.1.1 Reconnaissance (site selection) geotechnical investigation related to site
selection at planning-level and preliminary facility layout, typically consisting
of a site-specific desk study, geologic hazard assessment (e.g. presence of
sabkha, rock, underground cavities), remote sensing data assessment and
probable supplemented limited field investigation tests.
4.1.2 Preliminary geotechnical investigation consisting of widely spaced
geotechnical/geophysical tests corresponding to approximate positioning and
preliminary designs of the proposed constructions.
4.1.3 Detailed geotechnical investigation relates to structure-specific exploratory
holes (within finalized plot plans) or dense grid of exploratory holes (within
not yet finalized plot plans) including boreholes, cone penetration tests, trial
pits, geophysical tests, etc., as well as corresponding laboratory testing.
4.1.4 Monitoring or verification investigation during and after the project
execution for ensuring that actual performance or design parameters are
corresponding to the design tolerances and performance estimates; or to verify
soil conditions, groundwater or other geologic aspects.

4.2 Completion of Geotechnical Investigations

For projects following the front-end loading methodology, geotechnical investigations

shall be completed as per this table:
Deadline for
Project Geotechnical
Type of Investigation Project Phase
Type Report
Completion*
Reconnaissance investigation A, B FEL 1 - Business Case G1 of FEL1

Preliminary Geotechnical
A, B, C FEL 2 - Study G2 of FEL2
Investigation Report
Detailed Geotechnical Investigation
A, B, C, C1 FEL3 - Project Proposal (PPA) 30% PPA of FEL3
Report
* It shall be noted that the Report completion deadline is for final report completion and acceptance after review
cycles and not for initial report submission.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

Source – Saudi Aramco Front End Loading (FEL) Manual (1 June 2014)

4.3 Small projects may only require a single detailed structure-specific geotechnical
investigation, while project types A, B and C would require multiple geotechnical
investigations.

4.4 The results of previous geotechnical investigations shall be made available and
incorporated into the planning for subsequent investigations. All corresponding
information shall be included in the subsequent staged geotechnical investigation
analysis and report.

5 Site-Specific Geotechnical Information Requirements

5.1 Site-specific geotechnical investigations are required for all new onshore
structures, foundations, major roads, pipelines, etc. unless exempt by paragraph
5.2.

Geotechnical investigations are also required for significant earthworks, including

excavations in depth excess of 3 m, earth or rock dams, cut slopes and dredging
projects. Structures undergoing significant upgrades or load changes also require
a geotechnical investigation or reassessment based on existing geotechnical data.
Use of existing geotechnical data shall conform to SAEP-61.

5.2 Geotechnical investigations are not required when all of the conditions below
have been met:

5.2.1 The footprint of the structure is less than 4 m x 4 m (i.e., guard houses,
smoking shelters, etc.).

5.2.2 The net applied bearing pressure on the footing does not exceed 100 kPa
(2,000 psf).

5.2.3 The foundation will not be subjected to vibratory or dynamic loads

(centrifugal rotating machinery less than 500 horsepower, reciprocating
machinery less than 200 horsepower).

5.2.4 The supported equipment or structure is not settlement sensitive.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

5.2.5 The structure is not subject to significant lateral or uplift loads.

Communication towers or monopoles require geotechnical investigations
and are not exempt under this paragraph.

5.2.6 Unusual soil conditions, such as sabkha or expansive clay, are not
present.

5.2.7 No other special considerations apply.

5.3 CSD approval of the reconnaissance geotechnical investigation (site-specific

geotechnical investigations including borehole testing (SPT), site-specific desk
study, remote sensing data assessment, and geological hazard assessment) shall
be obtained prior to site selection (FEL1 Business Case) in all Type A and B
projects.

5.4 Procedure set out in SAEP-61 shall be followed for requesting existing soil data
or for using existing soil data for existing or new projects.

5.5 In cases where cavities within rock formations are encountered or are expected,
e.g., karst regions, additional exploration by geophysical means may be required.
A risk assessment study for potential underground cavities is required for all Type
A and B projects or grass-root plants in the areas of predominately limestone
geology.

5.6 SAES-L-470 (Trenchless Pipelines Construction Requirements) provides the

specific geotechnical requirement for the thrust boring in addition to the
requirements of this standard. If deep excavation (more than 6 meter) for thrust
boring is anticipated, the boreholes shall be extended to a minimum of 5 meters
below the bottom of the excavation.

6 Geotechnical Investigation Scope of Work

6.1 The geotechnical investigation Scope of Work (SOW) is the responsibility of the
Main Contractor to ensure all required field and lab testing are included in the
SOW. The geotechnical investigation SOW shall be prepared and checked by the
Main Contractor. The approval of the geotechnical investigation SOW shall be
done only by one of the following:

6.1.1 Main Contractor’s geotechnical engineer who has the following

qualification:
 Must be holder of a bachelor degree in civil engineering or geotechnical
engineering field, and
 Shall be either:

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
Issue Date: 13 December 2018
Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

o Accredited as Professional Engineer (PE in Geotechnical) or

Chartered Engineer (CEng), with 10 years geotechnical
experience, or
o Holder of a master degree in Geotechnical engineering with 10
years geotechnical work experience.

6.1.2 One of the Approved Geotechnical Engineering Offices on the

Consulting Services Department list of SAEP-383.

6.2 The geotechnical investigation SOW shall be prepared using the SOW template
provided by CSD. For thrust boring, simplified template shall be used.

6.3 Quality assurance checks (author, checker, and approver) shall be reflected on the
cover page of the SOW template including all signatures.

6.4 The signatures of Main Contractor’s Geotechnical Engineer or the geotechnical

contractor who approved the geotechnical investigation SOW shall appear on the
cover page of the geotechnical investigation SOW.

6.5 The Scope of Work shall include the following items:

6.5.1 The purpose and objectives of the geotechnical investigation, including:

 The project type (A, B, C, or C1)
 The project phase (FEL1/business case, etc.)
 The geotechnical information required for the current project phase
 Any specific issues that need to be addressed

6.5.2 Site description, including topographic maps, aerial photos, existing and
previous construction on the site, and any previous geotechnical
investigations conducted at the site.

6.5.3 A full description of the project, including:

 Descriptions of the types of structures and facilities to be constructed
 Foundation loads
 Approximate foundation types, depths, and dimensions
 Final grade and/or anticipated cut or fill to be undertaken to suit the
project requirements

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

 Depth of basements, utility trenches, pits, ponds, sanitary sewage

facilities and other excavations works required
 Slopes, drainage system, flood channel, retention basin design, etc.
 Other project details required which may impact geotechnical analysis

6.5.4 Field tests to be performed indicating types, numbers and corresponding

depths to be reached.

6.5.5 The objectives of the laboratory test program (specific number and type
of laboratory tests need not be specified).

6.5.6 A description of any special tests or requirements to be carried out.

6.5.7 A detailed site plan incorporating the geotechnical point boreholes

locations and with UTM coordinates, including the locations of any
existing and proposed facilities. UTM coordinate reference datum shall
be stated. Saudi Aramco UTM coordinate reference is International
1924 Ellipsoid, Ain (Ayn) Al Abd 1970 datum.
Note: Satellite-based GPS units are based on UTM WGS84 datum and must
be translated to (and from) International 1924 Ellipsoid, Ain (Ayn) Al Abd
1970 datum. See SAES-A-100, paragraphs 8.2 and 8.3.

6.5.8 Proponent information

6.5.9 Information on site access, ID and work permit requirements

6.5.10 A checklist completed (see Appendix A – Required Geotechnical

Services)

6.6 When the geotechnical contractor is directly contracted by Saudi Aramco,

geotechnical investigation SOW shall be prepared by PMT or operating
organization and reviewed/approved by CSD.

7 Quality Control Requirements

7.1 Geotechnical Contractor

7.1.1 The geotechnical investigation and engineering shall be conducted by a

contractor on the Consulting Services Department list of SAEP-383
Approved Geotechnical Engineering Offices.

7.1.2 The geotechnical contractor shall submit a statement endorsing the

adequacy of the proposed investigation program or submit suggested
modifications prior to commencement of the field works. Geotechnical
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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File Number is issued to the project only upon receipt of the endorsement
letter and form SA-9866. Procedure set out in SAEP-61 shall be followed
for obtaining Geotechnical File Number.

7.1.3 The geotechnical contractor shall not initiate any field work before
obtaining the Geotechnical File Number. The Geotechnical File Number
shall be stated in all reports and correspondence with regards to this
project.

7.2 Field Supervision

The geotechnical contractor shall provide a geotechnical engineer or geologist

(with a minimum of 3 years postgraduate experience) in the field full time during
exploration activities. The engineer/geologist shall supervise and observe all
subsurface exploration operations, classify samples and prepare logs of borings,
soundings, pits, etc.

7.3 Geotechnical Engineering Reports

7.3.1 Peer Review: All engineering calculations and the draft final
geotechnical investigation report must be peer-reviewed internally by the
geotechnical contractor prior to submittal to Saudi Aramco for review.
Procedure set out in SAEP-61 shall be followed for report submissions.

7.3.2 Geotechnical Contractor Engineer Qualifications - Both the primary

engineer and the peer-reviewer must be practicing geotechnical
engineers.
 Primary engineer shall have a master’s degree in geotechnical
engineering and minimum 3 years geotechnical work experience.
 Peer reviewer shall be a professional or chartered engineer or shall
have a Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering and minimum
10 years geotechnical work experience.
 The signatures of both the primary engineer and the peer-reviewer
must appear in the draft final geotechnical investigation report.

7.3.3 Main Contractor Review and Approval

When the geotechnical contractor is not directly contracted by Saudi

Aramco, the geotechnical report, including the engineering
recommendation, shall be reviewed and approved by the Main
Contractor prior to submittal to Saudi Aramco for review and
acceptance.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

The signatures of the Geotechnical Investigation Report approver shall

appear on the cover page of the report.

7.4 Sample Retention

All soil and rock samples shall be retained for a minimum 2 months after approval
of the geotechnical investigation report. The samples must be kept according to
ASTM D4220 and ASTM D5079.

8 Execution of Geotechnical Investigations

8.1 General Requirements

8.1.1 Geotechnical Contractor

The geotechnical contractor shall:

 Furnish all labor, equipment, tools, supervision, supplies, and
transportation required to perform the geotechnical investigation,
exploration, testing, analysis, and reporting in accordance with
ASTM D420 and with this standard.
 Comply with all aspects of the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety
Manual and all safety programs and policies of Saudi Aramco, ensure
that their employees and agents are trained, and comply with Saudi
Aramco Safety and Loss Prevention and Saudi Arabian Government
Safety Requirements.
 Immediately notify Saudi Aramco if initial field work and/or testing
indicate a need for modifications in the geotechnical investigation
work scope. In such cases, a limited new Geotechnical Scope of
Work shall be prepared included as an addendum within the initial
Scope of Work (new Geotechnical File Number is not required).

8.1.2 Examination of Site

Prior to mobilization, the geotechnical contractor shall obtain all available

information regarding the project, including types of structures to be
constructed, loads, previous construction on the site, existing soils
information which may be available, any problems experienced by near-
by structures, and any special concerns to be addressed.

The geotechnical contractor shall examine the site and become familiar
with all existing conditions and evaluate the conditions with respect to
performance of the work and to the design/construction of the proposed
facilities.
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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Next Planned Update: 13 December 2021 Onshore Geotechnical Engineering Requirements

8.1.3 Survey Requirements

Survey coordinates and datum shall be in accordance with SAES-A-100.

UTM coordinates and Mean Sea Level (MSL) elevations must be provided
for all field tests. MSL elevations and UTM coordinates must be shown
on the field test log. If local coordinates and elevations are available, a
table shall be included in the report showing both local and UTM/MSL
data for each boring location.

UTM coordinates shall be provided referenced to the International 1924

Ellipsoid, Ain (Ayn) Al Abd 1970 Datum (stated within SAES-A-100). If
different system is used by the contractor for locating the exploratory holes
(e.g., World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)), conversions shall be based
on Saudi Aramco Geomatics Services Division transformation
parameters.

Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the “Saudi Aramco Vertical Datum of 1978”
(SAVD 1978) based on the Benchmark “Monument B” located at the
Dhahran Airport, having a preliminary elevation of 24.640 meters as
established by the Saudi Arabian Government in 1978.
Note: SAVD 1978 approximates MSL at the Arabian Sea. SAVD 1978
elevations minus 0.79 meters equals the Jeddah 1969 datum (Ministry
of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Aerial Survey Department).

Geotechnical Contractor shall undertake an as-built survey of all field test

location(s).

8.2 Field Work

Location and depths of all field tests shall be provided as specified in the
geotechnical investigation SOW. Layout/density/depth of field tests
within the various geotechnical staged investigations in relation to
different facilities / structures and geologic / seismic conditions shall be
as per international standards.

8.2.1 Boreholes (BH)

 The location and depth of boreholes shall be specified in the
geotechnical investigation Scope of Work.
 In all boreholes, automatic SPT hammers shall be used, and standard
penetration tests are to be performed in accordance with ASTM D1586
in soil at depths of 0.15, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75, 4.5 m, and at 1.5 m
intervals thereafter, and at changes in soil strata. If the soil is cohesive,

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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then undisturbed thin wall samples shall be obtained in accordance with

ASTM D1587. Double-tube core barrels shall be used for rock coring.
 All SPT hammers shall have hammer energy efficiency certificates as
per ASTM D4633 - Standard Test Method for Energy Measurement
for Dynamic Penetrometers. SPT hammers shall be calibrated every
year.
 The geotechnical contractor shall use corrected N values (N60) when
interpreting soil properties from SPT tests [N60 = N
(ηH.ηB.ηS.ηR)/60]. The N correction factors for each SPT hammer
used in the investigation shall be provided by the geotechnical
contactor in the report. The factors to be provided are:
ηH = hammer efficiency (%) (energy calibration certificate of SPT
hammer used shall be submitted with the geotechnical report for
all hammers used)
ηB = correction for borehole diameter
ηS = sampler correction
ηR = correction for rod length
Note: Overburden correction is to be performed for liquefaction calculations.
Embankment and Dams may require numerical liquefaction
assessment.

 Guidelines, requirements, and procedures for core drilling, coring, and

sampling of rock for the purposes of site investigation shall be in
accordance with ASTM D2113.
 If hand excavation is required to obtain work permits, the hand-
excavated soils should be sampled and logged, including an estimation
of the relative density (i.e., loose, medium-dense, or dense).
 Groundwater measurements shall be made after stabilization of the
water table in the borehole.
 All boreholes shall be sealed with sand-cement mortar at the end of
the groundwater measurements.

8.2.2 Electronic Piezocone Penetration Testing (PCPT)

All cone penetration shall be Electronic Piezocone Penetration Testing

(PCPT) with automatic data recording. Manual or hydraulic cone
penetration testing is not allowed.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-113
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Cone penetration testing shall include pore pressure measurements

(i.e., piezocone). Where stiff/dense soils are encountered, the piezocone
should be replaced with a higher capacity electronic cone.

ASTM D5778 shall be followed for all cone penetration calibration,

testing, and data reporting.

8.2.3 Dynamic Cone Penetration Testing (DCPT)

Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCPT) soundings shall be performed in

accordance to ASTM D6951.

8.2.4 Cross-hole Seismic Testing

The location and depth of cross-hole seismic tests shall be specified in the
geotechnical investigation Scope of Work. The exact location should be
determined by the Contractor's field geologist based on field conditions
(underground utilities may exist in the area and the test must be located so
as not to be affected by utilities).

Cross-hole seismic tests shall be carried out as described in ASTM D4428

to determine design parameters of soil/rock as required in SAES-Q-007 for
dynamically loaded foundations. One shot hole and two receiver holes shall
be used. The tests shall be conducted at a minimum 0.75 m interval to a
depth of 10 m unless otherwise specified in the geotechnical Scope of Work.
Only the shot hole should be sampled and logged as described above. The
receiver holes need not be sampled and logged.

8.2.5 Shallow Refraction Seismic Soundings

Seismic Refraction testing and analysis shall be in accordance with

ASTM D5777.

The geophone spread should be twelve geophones at 2 m intervals for a

total 24 m spread. Soundings should be taken at least twice at each
location, with the energy source at 0 m and again at 26 m (Reverse
Spread). Additional soundings should be taken if the results do not clearly
define the rock layers.

8.2.6 In-Situ Pressure meter Test

Pressure meter Tests shall be performed in accordance to ASTM D4719.

This test method includes the procedure for drilling the borehole, inserting
the probe, and conducting pressure meter tests in both granular and
cohesive soils, but does not include high pressure testing in rock.

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8.2.7 Test Pits

Unless otherwise specified in the Scope of Work, the pits should extend to
a depth of 1 m and be logged. Density testing per ASTM D1556 or ASTM
D6938 should be performed on the undisturbed soils at depths of 0.0, 0.3,
0.6, and every 0.3 m thereafter, and bulk samples representative of the soil
layer(s) taken for Compaction testing and California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
testing as per ASTM D1557 and ASTM D1883 respectively.

8.2.8 Plate Testing

Plate tests shall be undertaken below topsoil (nominally at a depth of

300 mm – 500 mm) to ASTM D1195 (to determine k-modulus of subgrade
reaction-and CBR for use in evaluation and design of airport and highway
pavements). Tests shall cover the range of soil type’s encountered (sand,
silt, clay).

8.2.9 Thermal Resistivity

Thermal resistivity testing shall be carried out as per ASTM D5334 and
where applicable to cover the range of soil types encountered.

Thermal resistivity tests to be carried out when design of power cable

installation schemes to be performed (applicable for oil/gas pipeline
construction).

8.2.10 Electrical Resistivity

Electrical resistivity testing shall be undertaken as per ASTM G57 and to

cover the range of soil types encountered.

8.2.11 Infiltration Testing

Infiltration testing shall be undertaken as per ASTM 3385. Tests shall

cover the range of soil types encountered (sand, silt, clay).

8.2.12 Percolation Testing

Percolation testing shall be performed as described in SAEHC-S-02. The

depth of the percolation test holes should be the same as the depth of the
proposed trenches or seepage pits, and the test holes should be uniformly
spread over the proposed soil absorption field.

8.3 Laboratory Testing

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The geotechnical contractor shall perform laboratory testing on selected samples

from the boreholes and test pits as necessary to determine relevant engineering
properties.

8.3.1 Classification testing shall be in accordance with ASTM D2487.

8.3.2 Other soil properties shall be determined in accordance with the

appropriate ASTM test methods referenced in section 3.

8.3.3 The geotechnical contractor shall perform, in accordance with relevant

ASTM standards, laboratory testing on selected samples from the
boreholes as necessary to determine relevant engineering properties. For
each soil type/layer, as a minimum the following properties are to be
determined and reported:
 Friction angle (sands) or undrained shear strength (clays) by direct
shear box testing (ASTM D3080)
 Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) compressive strength of cohesive
soils in tri-axial compression in accordance with ASTM D2850 (if
applicable)
 Unit soil weight in accordance with ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254
 Particle size distribution curve in accordance with ASTM D6913. For
soils with more than 50% silt and clay content, hydrometer tests shall
be performed in accordance with ASTM D7928-17
 Oedometer tests for soil compressibility in accordance with ASTM
2435 (if applicable)
 Atterberg (plastic/liquid) limits in accordance with ASTM D4318
(if applicable)
 Uniaxial compression strength (UCS) tests, Point load index, and elastic
moduli of intact rock core specimen for rocks samples in accordance
with ASTM D2166, ASTM D5731, and ASTM D7012 respectively (if
applicable).

8.3.4 Laboratory CBR tests should use the “three-point” method along with
field soil density results to estimate the in-situ CBR and the CBR at the
recommended compaction density.

8.3.5 Representative chemical analyses of soil and groundwater samples, if

required for determination of concrete design per SAES-Q-001, shall be
performed in accordance with AASHTO T290, and AASHTO T291.

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Water-soluble sulfate and chloride tests are required where concrete will
be in contact with the soil.

9 Engineering Assessment Requirements

9.1 Soil Design Properties

In-situ and laboratory measurements of soil properties are recommended to obtain

relevant geotechnical parameters for design. In the absence of direct laboratory
tests, the following correlations shall be used when friction angle and undrained
shear strength of soil is obtained from SPT and CPT test data.

9.1.1 Friction Angle

The friction angle for cohesive soils shall be obtained from drained
direct shear or triaxial shear tests.

In granular soils, the following equations shall be used to estimate the

friction angle (∅) from SPT or CPT test data.

where 𝑁60 is the SPT blow

 (𝑑𝑒𝑔) = 27.1 + 0.3𝑁60 − 0.00054 [𝑁60 ]2 count corrected to 60%
energy efficient hammer

𝑞𝑐 where 𝑞𝑐 is cone resistance

 (𝑑𝑒𝑔) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 [0.1 + 0.38 𝐿𝑜𝑔 ( )] and 𝜎′0 is effective vertical
𝜎′0
stress

9.1.2 Undrained Shear Strength (cu)

The following equations shall be used to estimate the undrained shear

strength of cohesive soils from SPT or CPT test data.

𝑐𝑢 (𝑘𝑃𝑎) = (6 𝑡𝑜 12) 𝑁60

(𝑞𝑐 − 𝜎0 )
𝑐𝑢 (𝑘𝑃𝑎) =
𝑁𝑘

where average Nk can be taken as 15 (Nk range can be 11-19 for normally
consolidated clays) and 25 for over consolidated clays.

9.1.3 Estimation of Stiffness (E) for Settlement Calculations

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In the absence of laboratory test data, soil stiffness (E) may be estimated
from N60 using below correlations.
Normally consolidated sands 𝐸 = 1000 𝑁60
Silts, sandy silts or clayey silts 𝐸 = 330 𝑁60 + 1800
Gravelly sands 𝐸 = 1300 𝑁60 + 7200

It shall be noted that the above average empirical data are from numerous
publications.
Notes:

Some software utilize 1D stiffness (oedometer stiffness) as input and hence

appropriate conversion to 1D stiffness Eod from the stiffness E is required.

The equations above is for idealized conditions (non-sensitive soils) and

shall be applied with discretion.

9.2 Net Allowable Bearing Capacity Calculation

9.2.1 Net Allowable Bearing Capacity (NABC) shall be determined based on the
lower of bearing failure and settlement limit criteria. Typically, total
settlement for shallow spread and strip footings shall be limited to 25 mm,
and for mat foundations limited to 50 mm.
Note: The equations below are applicable to idealized conditions, where use
of these equations is not justified, a more refined analysis or special
considerations should be considered by the Geotechnical Contractor.

9.2.2 Bearing Capacity

 Drained Bearing Capacity

Drained bearing capacity of shallow foundations shall be calculated based

on this equation:
1 
𝑞𝐴(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = [𝑞 𝑠𝑞 𝑁𝑞 + 𝐵𝑠 𝑁 ] − 𝐷
𝐹 2
Where:
B = foundation width
D = foundation embedment
γ', = the effective unit weight of the soil
q = vertical stress at the foundation base level (γ΄D)

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Factor of safety (F) to be 3.


𝑁𝑞 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 [45 + ] 𝑒  tan 
2
𝑁 = 2 [𝑁𝑞 + 1] tan 

𝐵
𝑠𝑞 = [1 + tan ]
𝐿
𝐵
𝑠 = [1 − 0.4 ]
𝐿
Depth factors shall not be used for the evaluation of shallow foundations.

Drained bearing capacity of mat foundations in granular soils,

Net Allowable Bearing Capacity can be obtained from the following
equation with settlement (Se) limited to 50 mm.

̅̅̅̅̅
𝑁60 𝐵 + 0.3 2 𝑆𝑒
𝑞𝐴(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = [ ] 𝐹𝑑 [ ]
0.08 𝐵 25
Where:
𝐷
𝐹𝑑 = 1 + 0.33 ( )
𝐵
̅̅̅̅̅
𝑁60 = is the average N60 within the stress influence depth
𝑆𝑒 = is the allowable settlement which can be taken as 50 mm.

Validation of the allowable bearing capacity by a Limit Equilibrium (LE)

or Finite Element (FE) software is required for the drained bearing
capacity of mat foundations in granular soils.

 Undrained Bearing Capacity

1
𝑞𝐴(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = [𝑁 𝑐 ]
𝐹 𝑐 𝑢
Where Nc is 5.14 for strip foundation and 6.17 for circular or square
foundation.
Factor of safety (F) to be 3.

9.2.3 Settlement Calculations

Analytical settlement calculations for shallow foundations in cohesive soil

shall be carried out based on soil consolidation parameters and laboratory
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tests. In cohesionless soils, oedometer test data shall be used for

settlement calculations.

In the absence of laboratory compressibility data, analytical settlement

calculations for shallow foundations in granular soil shall be carried out
based on methodology presented by Burland & Burbidge (1985) and
Schmertmann et al. (1978) for cohesionless soils.

Stiffness (Es) for Schmertmann et al. (1978) method shall be estimated

from CPT test data:

Es = 2.5 x qc for square foundations

Es = 3.5 x qc for strip foundations

Note: Schmertmann et al. (1978) method shall be used only when CPT data
are available and shall not be used with SPT data.

Time period for the settlement calculations, when not specified in the
project, shall be taken as 25 years. An appropriately shorter duration can
be used for foundations of non-critical or temporary structures.

9.3 Design Ground Water Level

The geotechnical investigation report shall state the design ground water level to
be considered in bearing capacity evaluation for each of the areas of investigation.
Design ground water levels shall take into consideration ground water
measurements from boreholes, the location of the site, potential future change in
ground water level and proximity to shoreline. Design water level shall be based
on the following guidelines:

 Case 1 : When ground water level is above Df, i.e., Dw ≤ Df, Design Water
level (DwD) shall be taken as 0 m. Areas nearshore should use this design case
and dewatering would be required for such foundation construction.
Note: If there is a potential for the ground water level to reach the surface during
the lifetime of the foundation, then the design ground water level shall be
considered as surface level.

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 Case 2 : When ground water level is below base of the foundation but within
1.5Bf from base of the foundation, i.e., Df < Dw ≤ (Df + 1.5B), Design Water
level (DwD) shall be taken as Df.
 Case 3 : When the ground water is below 1.5Bf from base of the foundation,
then the design can be as dry conditions.

9.4 Tank Foundations

9.4.1 The minimum boreholes density and depth that shall be conducted for all tank
foundations are as follow:

 Preliminary Investigation

o Investigation Density: minimum 1 boring at center of each

tank.

o Investigation Depth: minimum depth of 1.5 times the tank

diameter or 7 m in rock with RQD > 40%

 Detailed Investigation

o Investigation Density: minimum 1 boring at center and borings

at circumference at spacing of 30 m

o Investigation Depth: minimum depth of 1.5 times the tank

diameter or 7 m in rock with RQD > 40%

9.4.2 For tank foundations, the following shall be provided in the geotechnical
report:

 Tank usage (pressurized tank or storage tank)

 Tank dimensions

 Tank design load and hydrotest load

 Tank foundation settlements at center and edge under the design load
and hydrotest load

9.4.3 The depth of soil influence for tank settlement calculations shall be made up
to 1.5 times tank diameter. The design of the tank foundation shall be in
accordance with API STD 650 “Annex B (informative) Recommendations for
Design and Construction of Foundations for Aboveground Oil Storage
Tanks.”

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9.4.4 Tank designer specifications or API STD 650 shall be followed for
Hydrostatic Testing Requirements.

9.5 Liquefaction Assessment

9.5.1 Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) provided in SAES-A-112 is the PGA at

bedrock. The PGA for liquefaction assessment shall be obtained as PGA at
bedrock multiplied by the site coefficient in ASCE 7-10.

9.5.2 All liquefaction assessments shall define the following inputs; Moment
Magnitude of the earthquake, Peak Ground Acceleration at bed-rock, Site
class, Peak Ground Acceleration at site (adjusted for site class effects),
Ground water level assumed in the assessment and any further assumptions
used in the evaluation.

9.5.3 If liquefaction assessment is based on analytical calculations, then it shall be

based on criteria provided in NCEER Summary Report. (Liquefaction
Resistance of Soils: Summary Report from the 1996 NCEER and 1998
NCEER/NSF Workshops on Evaluation of Liquefaction Resistance of Soils,
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Volume 127,
Issue 10 October 2001).

9.6 Pile Design and Testing Requirements

9.6.1 Design Requirement

The analysis and assessment of at least 3 different pile design and installation
options shall be provided in the geotechnical report (e.g. bored and cast-in-
place, continuous flight auger (CFA), driven displacement, driven…etc.)

9.6.2 Testing Contractor Requirement

Pile testing shall only be undertaken by contractors with valid appropriate

pile testing training certificate.

9.6.3 Aligned with ASTM

Pile testing shall be in line with the following ASTM standards:

 D1143/D1143M Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under
Static Axial Compressive Load
 D3966/D3966M Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under
Lateral Load
 D3689/D3689M Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under
Static Axial Tensile Load
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 D4945 Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of

Piles
 D5882 Standard Test Method for Low-Strain Integrity Testing of Piles

9.6.4 Frequencies

The number of trial test piles shall be 2% of the number of proposed

working piles.

Frequencies of working pile tests shall be as follows:

 Static Axial Compressive Load Test on 1% of working piles or
High-Strain Dynamic on 10% of working piles (Section 4.4.5 of
PIP STS02360)
 Lateral Load Tests on 1% of working piles
 Static Axial Tensile Load Tests on 1% of working piles
 Low-Strain Integrity Testing (Pile Integrity Tests) on 100% of
working piles

9.6.5 Test Loads

Test loads shall be determined in line with appropriate ASTM standard as

below:
 Test loads shall not exceed the safe structural capacity of the pile, pile
group, or loading apparatus.
 Test loads on Test Piles shall be 200% of Design Load or Failure Load
 Test loads for Working Piles shall be 150% of the Design Load

9.6.6 Failure Load

Failure load is defined as:

 For axial compressive load test - the test load at which rapid
continuing, progressive movement occurs, or at which the total axial
movement exceeds 15 % of the pile diameter or width, or as specified
in design
 For lateral load test - the test load at which continuing, progressive
movement occurs, or as specified in design
 For axial tensile load test - the test load at which continuing,
progressive movement occurs, or at which the total axial movement
exceeds 15 % of the pile diameter or width, or as specified in design
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9.7 Factors of Safety

The factors of safety for geotechnical designs shall follow an international

standard or code.

10 Engineering Report Requirements

10.1 Geotechnical File Number

A Geotechnical File Number must be obtained from Consulting Services

Department for all geotechnical investigations. This Geotechnical File Number
must appear on the report cover, the title page and on all field and laboratory test
logs.

10.2 Geotechnical Report

The final geotechnical report shall address all items in the Scope of Work
including the checklist of “Required Geotechnical Services” (see Appendix A).
Copy of the approved SOW shall be attached to the Geotechnical Report when
submitted to CSD. The signature of the approver of the SOW and report shall
appear on the cover page of both documents. The qualification of Main
Contractor’s geotechnical engineer shall be attached to the report submittal.

The geotechnical report shall, as a minimum, clearly address the following items:
1. Evidence of internal peer-review of the report by use of “CSD Geotechnical
Report Checklist” as per SAEP-61. Completed “CSD Geotechnical Report
Checklist” shall be provided with the report.
2. Executive summary providing clear recommendations of soil properties,
allowable bearing capacity, design ground water table, concrete exposure and
cement type, soil improvement requirements, etc.
3. Confirmation that the performed geotechnical investigation was in line with
the approved geotechnical investigation Scope of Work or highlight any
variations.
4. If applicable, a summary of findings from any preliminary geotechnical
reports that were undertaken at the same site.
5. A summary table with soil parameters for design.
6. A summary table and a plot plan showing all field tests.
7. A summary table with all laboratory tests results.
8. Soil properties, factors of safety and assumptions used shall be provided for
all geotechnical engineering calculations.
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9. All boring logs must be prepared in Saudi Aramco Boring Log format.
10. All PCPT plots shall clearly show soil classification.
11. All the units of measurements shown in the report should be in SI system.
12. If applicable, trial pit pictures shall be provided in an appendix.
13. A summary a table of all field tests with UTM (referenced to the International
1924 Ellipsoid, Ain (Ayn) Al Abd 1970 Datum (as per
SAES-A-100) and elevation (MSL defined as Saudi Aramco Vertical Datum
of 1978” (SAVD 1978) data.
14. The borehole log shall include the identification of the drilling rig used and
the SPT hammer efficiency of the rig.

15. Confirmation of performing as-built survey of all field test location(s).

10.3 Report Submissions

10.3.1 Report submissions shall be in accordance with the procedures in SAEP-61.

10.3.2 Main contractor shall review and approve any geotechnical report prior to
submission to Saudi Aramco Consulting Services Department.

10.3.3 For thrust boring, factual geotechnical report shall be prepared based on the
field and lab geotechnical testing. The report shall include: (1) soil design
parameters, and (2) soil classification for excavation as per Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide (Guide No. 06-002-2008, Excavations and
Shoring). The report shall be reviewed and approved by the Main Contractor.
Electronic copy of the factual geotechnical report shall be submitted to CSD
for record only.

10.3.4 An excel spreadsheet containing details of all field test UTM coordinates and
MSL, achieved depth of borings, water level and all other field data shall be
submitted with the geotechnical report.

10.3.5 All data which is collected during the investigation are to be transferred in
electronic format. The format of the digital data files shall comply with the
Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS)
publication Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data
Edition 4.0, known as AGS4. Both the paper and digital versions of the data
must be generated from the same source software.

10.4 Final Report Submission

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10.4.1 One electronic copy of the entire final report, including appendices with all
field and laboratory test results, using text-searchable Adobe Acrobat format
shall be provided to main contractor for submission to Saudi Aramco.

10.4.2 The following shall be submitted to Consulting Services Department's

geotechnical library:
 One electronic copy of the entire final report, including appendices with
field and laboratory test results, using text-searchable Adobe Acrobat
(latest edition) format.
 In addition to the full electronic copy described above , separate file
folders and individual electronic files for all field logs of boreholes,
PCPTs and Shallow Refraction Tests in Adobe Acrobat (latest edition)
format.
 The field logs in these folders should be named using the following
format: The CSD geotechnical file number, space, test number (using an
underscore symbol in lieu of a slash: e.g., 2009_05).
Example: CSD Geotechnical File Number 2009/05 boring log number BH-1 should
bear a file name of 2009_05 BH-1.

Revision Summary
19 June 2012 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with editorial revisions to update references and be consistent with the new SAEP-383.
16 March 2016 Editorial revision to change referenced to Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code (SASC) with Saudi
Aramco Environmental Health Code (SAEHC-S-02).
27 March 2017 Major revision. Summary of major changes are summarized below:
o Bearing capacity equations are included in line with international standards and SPT
hammer efficiency has been made mandatory. These are major improvements which
will lead to accurate and correct bearing capacity for all projects resulting in millions of
dollars in cost savings. The improvement will also result in avoiding unnecessary soil
improvements in projects.
o Pile testing requirements have been added to be in line with international standards. This
benefits cost and time to project execution.
o Geotechnical Investigation Project Phases have been included to align with the FEL
(Front End Loading Manual) to submission of geotechnical related document as at when
due to improve timing and project review schedule.
o Some technical additions, e.g., design ground water levels and settlement calculations
etc., and additions to many Sections of the document to improve quality.
13 December 2018 Major revision. Summary of major changes are summarized below:
o Analysis and assessment of at least 3 different pile design and installation options to be
provided in the geotechnical report to achieve economical and time schedule benefits.
o The minimum boreholes density and depth that shall be conducted for all tank
foundations has been included within the standard revision leading to accurate and
correct settlement evaluations to avoid mitigation measures.
o The geotechnical investigation Scope of Work review and acceptance has been

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transferred to be the responsibility of the Main Contractor ensuring that all required field
and lab testing are included within the Scope of Work.
o Some additions (e.g. as-built survey of all field test locations to be undertaken by the
Geotechnical Contractor, new best practice providing guidelines for exploratory holes
density & depth) have been included to improve document quality.

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Summary of Change Form

Change Type
Paragraph
No. (New, Technical Change
No.
Modification)
1 2 Modification Re-arrangement of section “Conflicts and Deviations”

Three SAES were added (SAES-A-111, SAES-M-001, SAES-

2 3.2 New M-100)

Seven ASTM standards were added (D2938, D3689M,

3 3.2 New
D3966M, D4543, D5878, D6913, and D7928-17)
4 3.2 Modification Re-arrangement of the ASTM standard by number
Re-arrangement of definition of “Reconnaissance site
5 4.1.1 Modification selection geotechnical investigation” to include probable
supplemented limited field investigation tests
Re-arrangement of definition resulting on “Detailed
geotechnical investigation relates to structure-specific
exploratory holes (within finalized plot plans) or dense grid of
6 4.1.3 Modification
exploratory holes (within not yet finalized plot plans) including
boreholes, cone penetration tests, trial pits, geophysical
tests, etc., as well as corresponding laboratory testing”
Procedure set out in SAEP-61 shall be followed for
7 5.4 Modification requesting existing soil data or for using existing soil data for
existing or new projects
SAES-L-470 (Trenchless Pipelines Construction
Requirements) provides the specific geotechnical
8 5.6 Modification
requirement for the thrust boring in addition to the
requirements of this standard
9 6.1 New Addition of new Scope of Work (SOW) requirement

The geotechnical investigation SOW shall be prepared using

10 6.2 New the SOW template provided by CSD. For thrust boring,
simplified template shall be used

Quality assurance checks (author, checker, and approver)

11 6.3 New shall be reflected on the cover page of the SOW template
including all signatures

The signatures of Main Contractor’s Geotechnical Engineer or

the geotechnical contractor who approved the geotechnical
12 6.4 New investigation SOW shall appear on the cover page of the
geotechnical investigation SOW

13 6.5 Modification Section 6.2 has been changed to 6.5

14 6.5.1 New Addition of the project type (A, B, C, or C1)

When the geotechnical contractor is directly contracted by

Saudi Aramco, geotechnical investigation SOW shall be
15 6.6 New prepared by PMT or operating organization and
reviewed/approved by CSD

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The geotechnical contractor shall submit a statement

endorsing the adequacy of the proposed investigation
program or submit suggested modifications prior to
16 7.1.2 Modification commencement of the field works. Geotechnical File Number
is issued to the project only upon receipt of the endorsement
letter and form SA-9866. Procedure set out in SAEP-61 shall
be followed for obtaining Geotechnical File Number

The geotechnical contractor shall provide a geotechnical

17 7.2 Modification engineer or geologist (with a minimum of 3 years postgraduate
experience) in the field full time during exploration activities

18 7.3 Modification Geotechnical Engineering Reports

Main Contractor Review and Approval

When the geotechnical contractor is not directly contracted by
Saudi Aramco, the geotechnical report, including the
engineering recommendation, shall be reviewed and
19 7.3.3 Modification approved by the Main Contractor prior to submittal to Saudi
Aramco for review and acceptance.
The signatures of the Geotechnical Investigation Report
approver shall appear on the cover page of the report

Geotechnical Contractor shall undertake an as-built survey of

20 8.1.3 New all field test location(s)

Particle size distribution curve in accordance with ASTM

D6913. For soils with more than 50% silt and clay content,
21 8.3.3 Modification hydrometer tests shall be performed in accordance with ASTM
D7928-17

Validation of the allowable bearing capacity by a Limit

Equilibrium (LE) or Finite Element (FE) software is required for
22 9.2.2 New the drained bearing capacity of mat foundations in granular
soils

23 9.2.3 Modification Section 9.2.4 has been changed to 9.2.3

The minimum boreholes density and depth that shall be

conducted for all tank foundations are as follow:
- Preliminary Investigation (Investigation Density: minimum 1
boring at center of each tank & Investigation Depth: minimum
depth of 1.5 times the tank diameter or 7 m in rock with RQD
24 9.4.1 New > 40%)
- Detailed Investigation (Investigation Density: minimum 1
boring at center and borings at circumference at spacing of 30
m & Investigation Depth: minimum depth of 1.5 times the tank
diameter or 7 m in rock with RQD > 40%)

9.4.2 Sections 9.4.1, 9.4.2, and 9.4.3 has been changed to 9.4.2,
25 Modification 9.4.3, and 9.4.4
9.4.3
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9.4.4
26 9.6 Modification Pile Design and Testing Requirements

Design Requirement
The analysis and assessment of at least 3 different pile design
27 9.6.1 New and installation options shall be provided in the geotechnical
report (e.g. bored and cast-in-place, continuous flight auger
(CFA), driven displacement, driven etc.)

9.6.2 Sections 9.6.1, 9.6.2, 9.6.3, 9.6.4, and 9.6.5 has been
9.6.3 changed to 9.6.2, 9.6.3, 9.6.4, 9.6.5, and 9.6.6
28 9.6.4 Modification
9.6.5
9.6.6
The final geotechnical report shall address all items in the
Scope of Work including the checklist of “Required
Geotechnical Services” (Appendix A). Copy of the approved
SOW shall be attached to the Geotechnical Report when
29 10.2 Modification submitted to CSD. The signature of the approver of the SOW
and report shall appear on the cover page of both documents.
The qualification of Main Contractor’s geotechnical engineer
shall be attached to the report submittal

Confirmation of performing as-built survey of all field test

30 10.2 New location(s).

Main contractor shall review and approve any geotechnical

31 10.3.2 Modification report prior to submission to Saudi Aramco Consulting
Services Department

For thrust boring, factual geotechnical report shall be prepared

based on the field and lab geotechnical testing. The report
shall include: (1) soil design parameters, and (2) soil
classification for excavation as per Saudi Aramco Safety
32 10.3.3 New Management Guide (Guide No. 06-002-2008, Excavations
and Shoring). The report shall be reviewed and approved by
the Main Contractor. Electronic copy of the factual
geotechnical report shall be submitted to CSD for record only

10.3.4 Sections 10.3.3 and 10.3.4 has been changed to 10.3.4 and
33 Modification 10.3.5
10.3.5
Appendix A As-built survey of all field test location(s)
34 New
4.6

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Appendix A - Required Geotechnical Services

The geotechnical contractor report shall include appropriate information and recommendations
from this list.
1 Introduction
1.1 Description of proposed construction, including final grade elevations
1.2 Purpose and scope of investigation
1.3 Abstract of findings and recommendations
2 Site Conditions
2.1 Site local geology, general description
2.2 Potential geologic hazards
2.3 Site surface description
2.4 Site topography (referenced to MSL-mean sea level), general description
2.5 Description of above-ground obstructions
3 Subsurface Conditions
3.1 Stratigraphy
3.2 Subsurface material properties, general description
3.3 Groundwater elevations (referenced to MSL-mean sea level) and expected variations
3.4 Description of underground obstructions encountered or otherwise identified
4 Field Investigation
4.1 Summary of operations
4.2 Description of sampling procedures
4.3 Description of field tests
4.4 Logs of borings, soundings, pits, wells, etc., in accordance with ASTM D5434 and
containing:
4.4.1 Complete descriptions and thicknesses of all strata, including near-surface
materials such as paving, base course, topsoil, fill, etc.
4.4.2 Locations referenced to UTM coordinate as per SAES-A-100
4.4.3 Ground surface elevations referenced to MSL (mean sea level)
4.4.4 Standard penetration test values in blows per six-inch increment
4.4.5 Results of all field tests
4.5 Percolation test results as per SAEHC-S-02
4.6 As-built survey of all field test location(s)
4.7 Location plan, containing as a minimum
4.7.1 Scale plan with locations of borings, soundings, pits, wells, etc.
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4.7.2 UTM and local plant coordinate systems

4.8 A table showing both UTM/MSL data and local plant coordinates and elevations for
each borehole, sounding, pit, etc.
5 Laboratory Tests
5.1 Description of tests
5.2 Test results
6 Soil and Groundwater Properties
6.1 Confirmation of or proposed alternatives to coefficient of friction or adhesion values
between soil and concrete as per SAES-Q-005
6.2 Unit weight of soil (in kN/m³)
6.3 Cohesion (in kN/m²) and angle of internal friction
6.4 Chemical analysis and other properties of soil at depths of proposed structural elements
and utilities, as follows:
6.4.1 pH value
6.4.2 Carbonate content
6.4.3 Water soluble Chloride ion (Cl) concentration (in percent by weight of soil)
(AASHTO T291)
6.4.4 Water soluble Sulfate ion (SO4) concentration (in percent by weight of soil)
(AASHTO T290)
6.4.5 Acid soluble Chloride ion (Cl) concentration (in percent by weight of soil)
(BS EN 1744-1)
6.4.6 Acid soluble Sulfate ion (SO4) concentration (in percent by weight of soil)
(BS EN 1744-5)
6.4.7 Electrical resistivity of soil (ASTM G57)
6.4.8 Thermal resistivity of soil (ASTM D5334)
6.5 Permeability (in cm/sec)
6.5.1 Laboratory determination
6.5.2 In situ determination
6.6 Chemical analysis of groundwater (AASHTO T26) at depths of proposed structural
elements and utilities, as follows:
6.6.1 pH value
6.6.2 TDS (in ppm)
6.6.3 Chloride ion (Cl) concentration (in ppm)
6.6.4 Sulfate ion (SO4) concentration (in ppm)

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7 Absorption
7.1 Suitability of site for use as an absorption field per SAEHC-S-02
7.2 Recommended alternatives if site is unsuitable
8 General Foundation Recommendations
8.1 Foundation recommendations to be based on:
8.1.1 Construction at existing grade
8.1.2 Site modified to final grade different than existing grade
8.1.3 Improved ground
8.2 Type(s) of foundation recommended
8.3 Basis for selecting recommended foundation type(s)
8.4 Recommendations for foundation type(s) selected
8.5 Recommendations for deep foundations regardless of foundation type selected
8.6 Recommendations for shallow foundations regardless of foundation type selected
8.7 Soil strength parameters used in determining design capacities
8.8 Ground Improvement recommendations
9 Shallow Foundation Recommendations in accordance with SAES-Q-005 and SAES-Q-007
9.1 Spread footings: Depth below grade, size and shape restrictions
9.2 Mat foundations: Depth below grade, modulus of subgrade reaction (in kN/m³)
9.3 Tank foundations: Recommendations and restrictions, excavation and backfill, ring wall
or mat considerations, extended water tests
9.4 Vibratory equipment foundations: dynamic shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, other
considerations
9.4.1 Based on correlations from published literature
9.4.2 Based on in-situ testing
9.5 Ultimate and allowable net soil bearing capacity (in kPa)
9.5.1 As a function of the shape and size of foundation, depth of embedment, and
soil strength
9.5.2 Any increase in net allowable bearing capacity for hydrotest loads, and short
term loads such as wind and earthquake
9.5.3 Ultimate net soil bearing capacity for blast loading conditions (SAES-M-009)
9.6 Foundation settlement (in mm)
9.6.1 As a function of loading, shape, depth and size of foundations, and
compressibility of sub-soils
9.6.2 Immediate settlement during construction
9.6.3 Long term settlement
9.6.4 Time rate of settlement
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9.6.5 Adjacent foundation settlement

9.6.6 Differential settlement for tanks, including
[Link] Along the perimeter
[Link] Center of tank to perimeter
[Link] Slope of tank bottom after anticipated settlement
[Link] Limitations or recommendations for hydrotest procedures to minimize
differential settlement
[Link] Anticipated settlement and rebound during hydrotest and specific
measurements during hydrotest
10 Deep Foundation Recommendations
10.1 Type of pile or drilled pier and basis for recommendation
10.2 Ultimate and allowable axial compression capacity through end bearing and skin friction
(in kN) - capacity vs. length
10.3 Ultimate and allowable axial uplift capacity (in kN) - uplift capacity vs. length
10.4 Allowable lateral capacity (in kN)
10.4.1 Applied lateral loading vs. deflection of pile head
10.4.2 Pile moment vs. depth
10.4.3 P-Y curves
10.4.4 Recommendations for generation of P-Y curves and required parameters
(cohesion, friction angle, E50)
10.5 Downdrag considerations
10.6 Spacing, group action, and use of batter piles
10.7 Settlement considerations
10.8 Vibratory equipment foundations, spring constants in each direction for recommended
pile type
10.9 Driven pile installation considerations
10.9.1 Driving criteria, including refusal criteria
10.9.2 Wave equation analysis
10.9.3 Pre-drilling requirements/restrictions
10.9.4 Potential problems and recommended solutions
10.9.5 Pile installation near existing facilities
10.10 (Non-driven) drilled pile and pier installation considerations
10.10.1 Installation equipment requirements
10.10.2 Casing/slurry considerations
10.10.3 Installation criteria and recommendations
10.10.4 Potential problems and recommended solutions
10.11 Load test requirements, procedures, and acceptance criteria
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11 Earth Pressures and Retaining Walls

11.1 Active earth pressure, at-rest earth pressure, and passive earth pressure coefficients
11.2 Ultimate and allowable passive soil resistance (as allowed in SAES-Q-005, SAES-Q-
009 and SAES-L-440) for on-site soils, and recommended fill and backfill material
11.3 Recommendations for retaining structure design
11.3.1 Pressure diagrams for retaining wall design per SAES-Q-009
11.3.2 Pressure diagrams for sheet pile design
11.4 Groundwater considerations
11.5 Drainage requirements
12 Pipeline Anchors
12.1 Recommended type of anchor, concrete block or batter piles
12.2 Design parameters for:
12.2.1 Anchor block design in accordance with SAES-L-440
12.2.2 Pile anchor

13 Seismic Analysis
13.1 Seismicity based on SAES-A-112
13.2 Confirmation of or proposed alternatives to Site Class given in SAES-A-112
13.3 Liquefaction potential of soils
13.4 Site-specific seismic risk study

14 Earthwork
14.1 Definition of select fill as per SAES-A-114
14.2 Suitability of on-site material for select and non-select fill
14.3 Special preparations or other requirements for use of on-site material
14.4 Availability of imported fill
14.5 Subgrade preparation
14.6 Recommended compaction criteria and moisture content control in accordance with
SAES-A-114 and SAES-Q-006
14.7 Potential compaction difficulties and recommended solutions
14.8 Final fill surface/wind erosion protection measures
15 Excavation Considerations
15.1 Allowable excavation slope inclinations, temporary and permanent in accordance with
SAES-A-114 and Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide Number 06-002-2008
15.2 Groundwater Control
15.2.1 Recommended dewatering method

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15.2.2 Temporary versus permanent groundwater control

15.3 Foundation subgrades
15.3.1 Heave control
15.3.2 Protection/preserving integrity of subgrade
15.4 Effects on existing facilities
15.5 Potential excavation problems
15.6 Pressure diagrams for shoring design
15.7 Applicability of specialized shoring/stabilization procedures
15.8 Classification of soil types per OSHA regulations (Types A, B, C) (see Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide Number 06-002-2008)
16 Rock Excavation
16.1 Rippability of rock based on SAES-A-114 and compression (P) wave velocities
16.1.1 For mass-grading operations
16.1.2 For trenches and small excavations
16.2 Definition of rock for contract documents (see SAES-A-114)

17 Dikes and Embankments

17.1 Recommended slope inclination
17.2 Slope stability analysis
17.3 Settlement
17.4 Seepage analysis
17.5 Erosion protection of slopes
17.6 Foundation and subgrade preparation
17.7 Fill material: type, compaction, and moisture content control
18 Pavements and Slabs-on-Grade
18.1 Natural soil and fill, subgrade suitability per SAES-Q-006
18.2 Recommended CBR (California Bearing Ratio) value for pavement design based on
18.2.1 Correlations from published literature
18.2.2 Laboratory testing
18.2.3 In-situ testing
18.3 Recommended modulus of subgrade reaction for slab design
18.4 Treatment for improving subgrade, if required
18.5 Base course and sub-base course recommendations per SAES-Q-006
18.6 Base, sub-base, and subgrade drainage recommendations

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19 Other Considerations
19.1 Swelling potential of soils, including depth of zone of soil moisture content fluctuation
and associated recommendations
19.2 Erosion protection of slopes
19.3 Collapsible or dispersive soils
19.4 Effects of proposed construction on existing facilities or adjacent property
19.5 Geologic or other potential hazards
20 Foundation Protection
20.1 Concrete requirements per SAES-Q-001, Table 2
20.2 Coatings or other protective measures, if required

21 Underground Cavity Risk Assessment and Cavity Probing

21.1 An assessment of the relative risk for underground cavities within the study area shall
include the following:
21.2 Site-specific geologic formations, thicknesses, and depths
21.3 Structural geologic features, such as fracture orientations and frequency
21.4 Groundwater depths and flow patterns, both historical and present
21.5 Surface hydrology and topography; aerial photography showing collapse features
21.6 A map of relative risk for the study area
21.7 Results of cavity probing beneath specific foundations
22 References and Glossary
22.1 Major references used in the preparation of the report
22.2 Glossary of the technical terminology used in the report

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