Saes A 114

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Engineering Standard

SAES-A-114 1 January 2018


Excavation and Backfill
Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ................................... 2
3 References........................................................ 2
4 Definitions ......................................................... 4
5 General ............................................................. 6
6 Fill and Backfill Requirements ......................... 11
7 Excavation ...................................................... 21
Revision Summary................................................. 24

Appendix - Summary of Fill Placement and


Compaction Requirements.............................. 25

Previous Issue: 11 December 2017 Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020


Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 26
Contacts: Spyropoulos, Emmanouil (spyropex) on phone +966-13-8809698
Ojo, Abiola S (ojoas) on phone +966-13-8809823

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.


Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

1 Scope

This engineering standard defines the requirements for excavation, placement,


compaction, inspection, and management of earth and rock materials during
construction and/or maintenance.

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 Procedure


SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards


SAES-A-100 Survey Coordinates, Datum's, and Data Formats
SAES-A-113 Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
SAES-L-450 Construction of on-Land and Near-Shore Pipelines
SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings under Roads and Railroads
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 and Supporting Structures for Heavy
Machinery
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

SAES-P-104 Wiring Methods and Materials


SAES-S-070 Installation of Utility Piping Systems

Saudi Aramco General Instructions


GI-1021.000 Street and Road Closure: Excavation,
Reinstatement, and Traffic Controls

Saudi Aramco Manuals


Construction Safety Manual
Blasting Manual

Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide


Guide No. 06-002-2008 Excavations and Shoring

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Concrete Institute (ACI)


ACI 229R Controlled Low-Strength Materials

American Society for Testing and Materials


ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine
and Coarse Aggregates
ASTM D422 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of
Soils
ASTM D1140 Standard Test Method for Amount of Material in
Soils Finer than the No. 200 (75-um) Sieve
ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight
of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method
ASTM D1557 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort
56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 KN- M/M³)
ASTM D2167 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight
of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
ASTM D2487 Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil
Classification System)
ASTM D2937 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place
by the Drive-Cylinder Method

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

ASTM D4253 Standard Test Method for Maximum Index Density


and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
ASTM D4254 Standard Test Method 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 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 D6938 Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and
Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by
Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
ASTM D7380 Standard Test Method for Soil Compaction
Determination at Shallow Depths Using 5-lb
(2.3 kg) Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
ASTM D7830/ Standard Test Method for In-Place Density
D7830M (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil Using an
Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge

4 Definitions

Brackish Water: Water with Total Dissolved Solids of 10,000 ppm or more.

Clean Sand: Soil meeting the following gradation containing less than 3% weight of
organic material or clay:

Sieve Size Percent Passing


¼ in (6.25 mm) 100
No. 10 (2.00 mm) 90 - 100
No. 200 (0.075 mm) 10 or less

Company Representative: Saudi Aramco's authorized representative with overall


authority and responsibility for the project.

Contract or Contract Documents: Any and all documents, including design


drawings, which Saudi Aramco has transmitted or otherwise communicated, either by
incorporation or by reference, and made part of the legal contract or purchase order
agreement between Saudi Aramco and the Contractor.
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

Contractor: The party responsible for performing excavation and backfill, including
work executed through the use of sub-contractors.

Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM): A flowable, self-compacting,


cementitious material used primarily as a backfill in place of compacted fill.

Dune Sand: Wind-deposited sand consisting of relatively single-sized particles


generally passing the No. 16 sieve (1.18 mm) and usually containing less than 10% soil
particles passing the No. 200 sieve (0.074 mm).

Fill Material: See General Fill Material.

General Fill Material: Inorganic soil or rock meeting the requirements in Section 6.1.1.

Hard Rock: Rock that cannot be excavated using typical excavation equipment.
See Rock Excavation, Section 7.5.

Marl: A wide variety of calcareous soil materials found in Saudi Arabia which may
vary from clay to gravel sizes and often include cobble and boulder sized pieces.

Rock: “Rock” may refer to anything from boulder-size individual pieces to hard, intact
bedrock. See Section 7.5 for classification of rock by excavation methods.

Sabkha: A saline (generally coastal) deposit generally consisting of saturated, loose


silty sand and possibly clay.

Select Fill Material: Gravel, sand, clay, or silt, or a mixture of these constituents
meeting the requirements in Section 6.1.2.

Soft Rock: Weak and fractured rock formations that can be excavated using typical
excavation equipment. See Normal Excavation, Section 7.5.

Stable Rock: Natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical sides and
remain intact while exposed. It is usually identified by a rock name such as limestone
or sandstone.

Structural Fill: Select Fill Material as per Section 6.1.2.

Vibrating or Heavy Machinery: Centrifugal rotating machinery greater than


500 horsepower, reciprocating machinery greater than 200 horsepower, and all table-top
special purpose equipment.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

5 General

5.1 Quality Control

The Contractor shall institute a quality control program that will verify or ensure
that the work performed under the Contract meets the requirements of this
Standard and the Contract Documents. Saudi Aramco shall have access to all
facilities and records of the Contractor for the purpose of conducting
performance inspection/audits. During the audit, any inspection, test reports,
and/or engineering analyses and calculations associated with the scope of work
shall be furnished upon request.

Inspection and Testing Agency

5.1.1 The Contractor's quality control testing requirements shall be performed


by either a Saudi Aramco-approved independent testing agency or by the
Contractor's own laboratory, approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department.

5.1.2 All required laboratory and field acceptance tests required in Section 6.4
and all seismic refraction testing required in Section 7.5 shall be
performed by a Saudi Aramco-approved independent testing agency.

5.1.3 If testing and/or inspection is done by Saudi Aramco, this does not
relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to meet all requirements of
this Standard. Should it be later found that some work has been
completed not in compliance with this standard, it shall remain the
Contractor's responsibility to repair or reconstruct deficient work until
specifications are met at no cost to Saudi Aramco.

5.2 Submittals

The Contractor shall be responsible for transmitting the following submittals to


the Saudi Aramco Company Representative:

5.2.1 Compaction Test Reports, including all laboratory and field test logs and
comments. Field test reports shall include density and moisture content
test logs indicating location by coordinates and elevation as per
SAES-A-100. Reports shall be submitted as follows:

5.2.1.1 Daily “pass” or “fail” reports.

5.2.1.2 A summary report with test logs shall be submitted weekly or


as required by Saudi Aramco.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

5.2.1.3 A complete record of all test logs and comments for


permanent project records shall be submitted at earthwork
completion.

5.2.2 Fill Materials and Water Test Reports. Sources and test results of all fill
materials and compaction water shall be submitted for approval prior to
beginning fill operations. Compaction water shall be tested for Total
Dissolved Solids, Chloride (Cl-) and Sulfate (SO4) contents according to
SAES-Q-001.

5.2.3 Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) mix design and 28-day
compressive strength shall be submitted for approval prior to use on the
site.

5.2.4 Excavation Plan, including a Pre-Excavation checklist, as per the Saudi


Aramco Construction Safety Manual and Safety Management Guide
06-002-2008 shall be submitted prior to beginning excavation.
Consulting Services Department review of the Excavation Plan is required
if excavation depth is greater than 6 m or if the Plan includes support or
protection for existing structures, foundations or underground utilities.
Commentary Note:

A geotechnical investigation as per SAES-A-113/paragraph 5.1 is


required.

All excavations, including shoring and sheeting materials and systems,


shall meet the minimum requirements established by the Construction
Safety Manual and Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide 06-002-
2008. If an Excavation Plan is required and shoring is used, the
Contractor’s Excavation Plan shall:
a) Describe the materials and shoring system to be used.
b) Indicate whether or not any components will remain after filling or
backfilling.
c) Provide plans, sketches and/or detail along with calculations.
d) Indicate the sequence and method of shoring installation and
removal.

5.2.5 Dewatering Plan. If dewatering of an excavation is required, the


Contractor shall submit proposed methods and details to the Saudi
Aramco Company Representative for review and approval, before
beginning dewatering and excavation.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

5.3 Environmental

5.3.1 Contaminated Soils

Known contaminated soils within the construction limits shall be managed


in accordance with a contaminated soil management plan provided by
Saudi Aramco prior to the start of excavation. If unexpected soil
contamination is encountered during the work, the Contractor shall stop
work and notify the Saudi Aramco Company Representative immediately.

5.3.2 Erosion/Sediment Control

The Contractor shall ensure that all slopes and other areas subject to
erosion shall be maintained using temporary erosion and sediment
control measures during construction or until relieved by the Saudi
Aramco Company Representative or until permanent measures are
completed and functioning in a satisfactory manner.

5.3.3 Dust Control

The Contractor shall employ dust control measures during construction.


The adequacy of the dust control shall be determined by the Saudi
Aramco Company Representative.

5.4 Drainage and Dewatering

A Dewatering Plan shall be submitted to the Saudi Aramco Company


Representative as per Section 5.2.5.

5.4.1 All temporary drainage and dewatering methods and disposal of water
are subject to approval by Saudi Aramco.

5.4.2 The Contractor shall employ temporary drainage measures during


construction. Ponding of water on placed fill or within excavations shall
not be allowed.

5.4.3 Surface water shall be prevented from flowing into excavations by


ditching, trenching, forming protective swales, pumping, or other
approved measures.

5.4.4 If required in the contract documents, prior to excavation, an approved


dewatering system shall be installed and operated when necessary to
lower the groundwater. The dewatering system shall be engineered
based on a soil and groundwater properties from a geotechnical
investigation conducted as per SAES-A-113.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
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5.4.5 All diverted and pumped water shall flow to specified collection areas
and shall be disposed of as directed by the Saudi Aramco Company
Representative. Excavations for foundations and other underground
installations shall not be used as temporary drainage ditches.

5.4.6 Disposal of drainage water and groundwater contaminated with oil,


gasoline, diesel, solvents and/or other chemicals shall be approved by the
Environmental Protection Department.

5.5 Safety and Protection

The Contractor shall place and maintain in good condition temporary fences,
guardrails, barricades, lights, shoring, bracing, and other protective measures
required for the safety of personnel and the premises as described in the Saudi
Aramco Construction Safety Manual.

5.5.1 Required Permits and Procedures

5.5.1.1 All necessary permits must be obtained from Saudi Aramco


prior to performing any earthwork.

5.5.1.2 All rock blasting shall follow the procedures in the Saudi
Aramco Blasting Manual.

5.5.2 Excavation Safety

An Excavation Plan shall be submitted to the Saudi Aramco Company


Representative as per Section 5.2.4.

All excavation and trenching shall be done in accordance with Saudi


Aramco safety requirements including, but not limited to, the Saudi
Aramco Construction Safety Manual and Safety Management Guide
06-002-2008, including:
 Provision of safe entry and exit.
 Precautions for Hazardous Atmospheres and Confined Spaces.
 Provision and maintenance of edge protection, clearances, barricades,
and fixed lighting.
 Protection of underground utilities and installations.
 Protection against sidewall cave-in. Shoring shall be installed or the
sides shall be sloped or benched when any excavation or trench
reaches a depth of 1.2 m or when soil banks are greater than 1.5 m.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

Commentary Note:

Specific requirements are given in Saudi Aramco Safety Management


Guide 06-002-2008.

 Provision of proper inspection frequency.


 Proper backfilling and removal of shoring. Shoring may be left in-
place if so indicated in the approved Excavation Plan.

5.5.3 Hazard Mitigation

5.5.3.1 Whenever Saudi Aramco determines that any excavation or


embankment or fill which was created by a Contractor and
which is a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or
adversely affects the safety, use or stability of a roadway or
drainage channel, the responsible Contractor shall immediately
repair or eliminate such excavation or embankment so as to
eliminate the hazard.

5.5.3.2 Any construction or maintenance work which restricts the full


use of a pedestrian or vehicular roadway shall comply with
GI-1021.000, Street and Road Closure: Excavation,
Reinstatement and Traffic Controls.

5.5.4 Protection of Existing Facilities

5.5.4.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for avoiding damage to all


existing facilities. Unless otherwise specified, any damage by
the Contractor during performance of the work shall be repaired
or replaced by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the Saudi
Aramco Company Representative at no cost to Saudi Aramco.

5.5.4.2 No excavation is permitted under existing foundations.


Excavations are not allowed to intersect a 45 degree plane
extending downward from the bottom edge of existing
foundations unless an engineered support system, approved as
part of the Excavation Plan, is in place prior to the start of work
or the excavation is in stable rock.

5.5.4.3 Excavations adjacent to existing underground installations


(e.g., piping, manholes, electrical and duct banks) or sidewalks
shall use bracing and shoring to protect those installations
during construction. In general, protection is required if the
excavation will intersect a 45 degree plane extending
downward from the bottom of the structure or utility to be
protected.
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
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5.5.4.4 Structures that require passive soil pressure for stability


(e.g., light poles or tower foundations) shall be properly braced
whenever an excavation is within the passive pressure zone
(generally a distance of 1.5 times the embedment depth of the
foundation). Fill or backfill of the excavation must meet the
compaction requirements in sections 6.3.6.1 or 6.3.6.2 as
applicable.

5.5.4.5 All reference points, property markers, bench marks,


monuments, etc., shall be carefully maintained during
excavation, backfilling, compaction and earthwork.
Unless otherwise specified, damage to a reference point by the
Contractor during performance of the work shall be reported to
Saudi Aramco and repaired or replaced by the Contractor to the
satisfaction of the Saudi Aramco Company Representative at
no cost to Saudi Aramco.

5.5.4.6 The Contractor shall be responsible for preserving and avoiding


damage to trees, shrubs, and all other vegetation in the areas
beyond the designated excavation area.

5.5.5 Trenching through Roads and Pavements

Reinstatement of roads and pavements after trenching shall comply with


SAES-Q-006 and GI-1021.000, Street and Road Closure: Excavation,
Reinstatement and Traffic Controls.

5.5.6 Clean Up

5.5.6.1 Soil that is spilled or washed onto paved areas or streets shall
be removed daily or as directed by the Saudi Aramco Company
Representative.

5.5.6.2 Soil that is spilled or washed into drains, pipes, gutters, or


ditches or onto adjacent sites shall be removed daily.
The Contractor shall provide measures to prevent recurrence.

6 Fill and Backfill Requirements

6.1 Fill and Backfill Materials

Fill and backfill materials shall conform to the criteria in sections 6.1.1, 6.1.2,
6.1.3, and 6.1.4 below or as recommended by a geotechnical report as per
SAES-A-113.

All sources of supply shall be approved by Saudi Aramco.


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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 11 December 2020 Excavation and Backfill

Stockpiles shall be placed, graded, and shaped for proper drainage. Storage or
stockpiling of material shall not be permitted on a completed subgrade.
Stockpiles of cohesive soil shall be protected from freezing.

Soils shall be classified per ASTM D2487.

6.1.1 General Fill Material

6.1.1.1 General Fill Material shall consist of gravel, sand and/or marl.
The maximum size of the fill material shall be one-half the lift
thickness or 75 mm (3 inches), whichever is less.

6.1.1.2 Fill material shall be free of frozen lumps, organic matter, trash,
chunks of highly plastic clay (classified as CH as determined
by ASTM D2487) or other unsatisfactory material.

6.1.2 Select Fill Material

6.1.2.1 Select Fill or ‘Structural Fill’ shall be composed only of


inorganic material and shall have 100% passing the 5 cm
(2 in) sieve and from 0 to 20% passing the No. 200 sieve.

6.1.2.2 The portion of Select Fill material passing the No. 40 sieve
shall have a maximum liquid limit of 35 and a maximum
plasticity index of 12 per ASTM D4318. Liquid limit and
plastic limit tests are not required for select fill material with
less than 15% passing the No. 200 sieve.
Commentary Notes:

Clean sand and dune sand may be used as Fill or Select Fill
Material. If sand is used as fill material, see paragraphs 6.3.3.5
and 6.3.8.

Cohesionless materials (sand or gravel) are recommended for


Fill or Select Fill Material below the highest natural
groundwater level.

6.1.3 Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM)

6.1.3.1 CLSM or “flowable fill” may be substituted for either Select


Fill Material or general Fill Material, where approved by the
Chairman, Civil Standards Committee. CLSM is recommended
where traditional compaction is difficult (i.e., narrow or
congested excavation backfill).

6.1.3.2 Unless otherwise specified, CLSM shall be in accordance with


ACI 229R.
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
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6.1.3.3 The mix design shall be proportioned to produce a 28-day


compressive strength between 0.7 and 1.4 MPa (100 and
200 psi), pretested using the actual raw materials and approved
by the Chairman, Civil Standards Committee before use on the
project. Compressive strengths above or below this range may
be approved by the Chairman, Civil Standards Committee
based on future excavation requirements.
Commentary Note:

Per ACI 229R: The ability to excavate CLSM is an important


consideration on many projects. In general, CLSM with a
compressive strength of 0.3 MPa (50 psi) or less can be
excavated manually. Mechanical equipment, such as
backhoes, are used for compressive strengths of 0.7 to
1.4 MPa (100 to 200 psi). Mixtures using high quantities of
coarse aggregate can be difficult to remove by hand, even at
low strengths. Mixtures using fine sand or only fly ash as the
aggregate filler have been excavated with a backhoe up to
strengths of 2.1 MPa (300 psi).

6.1.3.4 Unless otherwise specified, witness inspection only shall be


required for field testing of CLSM.

6.1.3.5 CLSM shall be allowed to harden a minimum of 6 hours prior


to proceeding with construction over the CSLM.

6.1.4 Other fill materials (e.g., rock fill, lean concrete, etc.) may be used with
the approval of the Chairman, Geotechnical Standards Committee.

6.1.5 Compaction Water

6.1.5.1 Water used for compaction of fill material shall be reasonably


free of salts, oil, acid, alkalis, organic matter, or other
deleterious substances.

6.1.5.2 Use of water with Total Dissolved Solids of 10,000 ppm or


more (i.e., brackish water, seawater or water obtained from
ground pits such as subkha water) is not allowed.
Exceptions to paragraph 6.1.5.2:

A. There is no source of acceptable water available within 20 km.*

B. The estimated volume of available acceptable water within


20 km could not sustain the requirement of the project or
program.*

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
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C. The fill or backfill will be below the surrounding area natural


water table as determined by a geotechnical investigation or
monitoring wells.
* Verified by the Company Representative.

Commentary Note:

Major projects and programs which anticipate the use of


brackish water or seawater shall include a holistic approach to
concrete mix design requirements aligned with SAES-Q-001
Table 1 in the design planning stage. The Chloride (Cl-) and
Sulfate (SO4) contents in the compaction water defines
Exposure Type as detailed in SAES-Q-001 Table 1.

6.2 Preparation of Areas to Receive Fill, Pavement or Loads

6.2.1 Areas to receive fill, foundations, or pavement shall be free of organic


material, trash, or other unsuitable material.

6.2.2 Proper drainage shall be maintained at all time so that the site is free of
standing water. Any soil that becomes saturated shall be removed
completely or as specified by the Company Representative.

6.2.3 Areas, in horizontal plane or side slope, shall be prepared for fill or
loading as follows:

6.2.3.1 The site shall be proof-rolled and inspected for soft spots or
loose zones. Proof roll may be defined as crossing the area
with a heavy (minimum 10-ton weight) rubber-tire or steel-
wheel roller.

6.2.3.2 All observed soft spots or loose zones shall be compacted in-
place or excavated to firm soil and replaced with fill material
compacted to the specifications in Section 6.3.6.

6.2.3.3 Top 150 mm scarified and re-compacted. The density of the


top 150 mm in these areas shall not be less than 90% of the
maximum Modified Proctor density (ASTM D1557) or 70%
relative density (ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254) for
cohesionless freely draining soil.

6.3 Fill Placement and Compaction


Commentary Note:

A summary of fill placement and compaction requirements is included as an


Appendix to this standard.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
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6.3.1 Select Fill Material shall be specified:

6.3.1.1 Within 0.6 m of the bottom elevation of foundations, spread


footings, slabs-on-grade and pavements when fill is required to
achieve final grade.

In general, Select Fill Material shall be specified for entire lifts


and not interspersed with General Fill Material within the same
lift.
Commentary Note:

Foundations may be constructed directly on undisturbed soil.


Excavation of undisturbed soil and replacement with Select Fill
Material shall not be performed except as noted in 6.2.3.2 or
7.2.2 or as recommended in a geotechnical report as per
SAES-A-113.

6.3.1.2 For backfill which will be in contact with concrete or steel


structures.

6.3.1.3 All other areas not designated above or otherwise specified in


as Select Fill Material in the design drawings may be filled or
backfilled using General Fill Material.

6.3.2 Before placement of fill, the area to receive the fill shall be prepared in
accordance with Section 6.2. In addition:

6.3.2.1 In no case shall compaction be allowed on slopes greater than 1


(V) to 5 (H). A series of horizontal benches, steps, or terraces,
at least 1 compactor width, should be cut into existing and
natural slopes prior to adding new fill to key the new fill into
the underlying soil.

6.3.2.2 Construction of new slopes shall be accomplished by


compacting horizontal fill layers at least 1 compactor width
beyond the design edge of the slope and then trimming back to
achieve the final slope dimensions.

6.3.3 Fill material shall be placed in uniform loose lifts not exceeding the
following criteria, provided that the specified compaction is achieved for
the full depth.

6.3.3.1 Select Fill Material shall be placed in lifts of 200 mm


maximum in loose depth.

6.3.3.2 General Fill Material shall be placed in lifts of 300 mm

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
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maximum in loose depth.

6.3.3.3 General Fill Material and Select Fill Material shall be placed in
lifts of 100 mm maximum in loose depth for hand-operated
compaction equipment.

6.3.3.4 Other lift thicknesses may be approved by the appropriate


Saudi Aramco Inspection Representative based on a field test
section using the intended compaction equipment and
verification that compaction was achieved for the full depth.
Commentary Notes:

Impact rollers can compact soils in lifts exceeding 1 m.

Rapid Impact Compaction (sometimes referred to as shallow


dynamic compaction or rapid dynamic compaction) can
compact soils in lifts up to 4 m provided the following:

o Presence of non-cohesive (sandy) materials.

o Particles finer than No. 200 sieve shall not exceed 15%.

o Trials to be undertaken (prior of the main production works)


for verifying the suitability of such method and the
parameters to be utilized.

o In-situ Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) should be used for


verifying compliance to project specifications (acceptance
criteria are related to the requirements of Relative Density
as per Section 6.3.6). Such tests should be undertaken on
treated ground between Rapid Impact Compaction points
as per ASTM D5778.

See Section 6.4.2.6 for use of a method statement for


compaction procedure with reduced testing requirements.

6.3.3.5 If clean sand or dune sand is used for fill, the compacted sand
shall be kept wet until the next layer is placed.
Commentary Note:

Sand that has been allowed to dry out will uncompact under
vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Continuous watering is required to
maintain compaction until the next lift is in-place.

6.3.4 Compacting shall begin only after the fill or backfill has been properly
placed and the material to be compacted is at the proper moisture content.

6.3.4.1 The moisture content of the material being compacted shall be


within 3%, plus or minus, of the optimum moisture content as
determined by ASTM D1557.
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6.3.4.2 For cohesionless freely draining soils when ASTM D4253/


ASTM D4254 are the appropriate test procedures, there is no
applicable optimum moisture content.

6.3.5 Compaction shall be performed with equipment compatible with soil type.

6.3.5.1 Fill and backfill adjacent to structures such as retaining walls,


pits, and basements shall not be compacted with heavy
equipment, but shall be compacted with hand-operated
equipment to a distance of 1.2 meters or greater beyond the
sides of the structures. Every effort shall be made to place
backfill materials symmetrically and in uniform layers to
prevent unnecessary eccentric loading on a structure or
foundation.

6.3.5.2 Compaction by water jetting or flooding is not permitted for


most fill material. However, flooding with positive drainage
may be used if the fill material is cohesionless freely draining
sand. Density requirements as provided within 6.3.6 shall be
followed.
Commentary Note:

Water flooding with positive drainage may be the most effective


compaction technique for poorly graded and single-size sands,
as these sands are difficult to compact with mechanical
compactors.

6.3.6 Fill and backfill layers shall be uniformly compacted in accordance with
the following density requirements:

6.3.6.1 All Select Fill Material and any fill beneath and/or adjacent to
foundations, grade beams, mats, buildings, lined slopes or
drainage channels, and process areas:
 At least 90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as
determined by ASTM D1557, or
 At least 70% Relative Density as determined by
ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254 for cohesionless granular
soils that do not exhibit well-defined moisture density
relationship.

6.3.6.2 Select Fill Material beneath and/or adjacent to foundations with


static loads over 320 kPa and foundations for vibrating or
heavy machinery:

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 At least 95% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as


determined by ASTM D1557, or
 At least 85% Relative Density as determined by
ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254 for cohesionless granular
soils that do not exhibit well-defined moisture density
relationship.

6.3.6.3 Asphalt and concrete pavement subgrades:


 At least 95% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as
determined by ASTM D1557, or
 At least 85% Relative Density as determined by
ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254 for cohesionless granular
soils that do not exhibit well-defined moisture density
relationship.

6.3.6.4 General Fill Material for areas not designated as open or


landscaped:
 At least 90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as
determined by ASTM D1557, or
 At least 70% Relative Density as determined by
ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254 for cohesionless granular
soils that do not exhibit well-defined moisture density
relationship.

6.3.6.5 General Fill Material for areas designated as open or


landscaped:
 At least 85% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as
determined by ASTM D1557, or
 At least 65% Relative Density as determined by
ASTM D4253 and ASTM D4254 for cohesionless granular
soils that do not exhibit well-defined moisture density
relationship.

6.3.6.6 Working platforms for compaction on subkha deposits


shall be compacted as necessary to achieve a stable base.
Subkha working platforms must be indicated as such and
accounted for in the design. Compaction testing of working
platforms is not required.

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Commentary Notes:

Compaction to the required densities indicated in Section 6.3


are virtually impossible to achieve in the first layer placed
directly on subkha and similar very weak soils. A working
platform to provide a stable base is often required.

A 500 mm thick layer of fill material placed directly on the


subkha compacted as well as possible is usually sufficient.
Stripping of the subkha “crust” prior to fill placement is not
recommended. A geotextile layer between the subkha and the
working platform provides a capillary break and improves both
short-term (construction) and long-term performance of the
engineered fill.

6.3.6.7 Topsoil identified as “for planting purposes” is exempted from


compaction requirements.

6.3.7 Compacted surfaces of fill and backfill shall be finish graded to the cross
sections, lines, grades, and elevations as indicated on the drawings.

6.3.8 Surficial erosion protection, as approved by the Company Representative,


shall be provided when:

6.3.8.1 Clean sand or dune sand is used for fill, or

6.3.8.2 Final slopes are steeper than 1 (V) to 5 (H).


Commentary Note:

Typical surficial erosion protection includes grass/vegetation,


select fill material (where required as per Section 6.3.1),
cohesive marl (minimum 150 mm thick, classified as SC, ML,
or CL as determined by ASTM D2487, compacted as per
Section 6.3.6), soil-cement (minimum 5% cement by weight),
chemical or polymer spray, asphalt/concrete surfacing, riprap,
or geomaterials such as geocells.

6.4 Testing and Inspection Requirements

6.4.1 Laboratory Control Tests

6.4.1.1 Tests of gradation, plasticity, density, and moisture content


shall be performed for each type of fill material. These tests
shall include the following:

Required tests for cohesive soils:


1 Sieve analysis (ASTM C136, ASTM D422, or
ASTM D1140)

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1 Plasticity Index determination (ASTM D4318)


1 Modified Proctor Test (ASTM D1557) with
corresponding Proctor curve.

Required tests for cohesionless soils:


1 Sieve analysis (ASTM C136, ASTM D422, or
ASTM D1140)
1 Relative Density determination (ASTM D4253 and
ASTM D4254).

When the backfill material cannot clearly be classified as


cohesive or cohesionless both Relative Density and Proctor
density tests must be performed per the above paragraph.
The backfill shall then be compacted to the greater density.

6.4.1.2 Laboratory Control Test Frequency


 The control tests specified in Section 6.4.1.1 shall be
conducted at a minimum for every 10,000 m3 where the fill
material is uniform or for every change of source or
material type.
 Every effort should be made to ensure that the fill material
is uniform. However, in situations when the fill is
(1) from a single borrow area but non-uniform in
composition, or (2) a stockpile from multiple sources, the
tests in Section 6.4.1.1 shall be conducted at a minimum for
every 5,000 m3 using a combined sample of four random
samples of the fill material.

6.4.2 Field Control Tests

6.4.2.1 In-place density and moisture content of soils shall be


determined by the following methods:
 Sand-cone method in accordance with ASTM D1556
 Nuclear method in accordance with ASTM D2922
 Rubber balloon method in accordance with ASTM D2167
 Drive-cylinder method in accordance with ASTM D2937.
The drive-cylinder method per ASTM D2937 may only be
used if the compacted layer is only 15 cm or less.

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6.4.2.2 Other methods for in-place density of compacted fills, such as


Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge (ASTM D7830/D7830M)
or Dynamic Cone Penetration (ASTM D7380), may be
approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection Representative based
on a field test which proves the accuracy of the method for the
given fill material and compaction method.

6.4.2.3 Testing shall be performed at the following frequencies:


1. Select Fill Material under all foundations, buildings and
process areas - one test every 100 m² of each lift.
2. Select Fill Material under roadways, railroads, area
pavement and parking areas, and lined slopes or drainage
channels - one test every 200 m² of each lift.
3. General Fill Material - one test every 500 m² of each lift.
4. Backfill of trenches - one test for every 15 linear meter
of each lift.

6.4.2.4 As a minimum, at least one in-place density test must be


performed on every lift of fill and further placement shall not
be allowed until the required density has been achieved.

6.4.2.5 The number of tests shall be increased if a visual inspection


determines that the moisture content is not uniform or if the
compacting effort is variable and not considered sufficient to
attain the specified density.

6.4.2.6 The Project Inspection Representative may approve a decrease


in the number of tests once a compaction procedure has proven
to meet compaction requirements. In such cases, a method
statement for the compaction procedure and testing frequency
shall be submitted to the Saudi Aramco representative and
approved by Project Inspection. The method statement must
include the equipment type, serial numbers, lift thicknesses, and
the number of passes required to achieve the required density.

7 Excavation

7.1 General Excavation

General excavation shall be performed after clearing and stripped of organic


material, trash, or other unsuitable material.

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7.2 Structural Excavation

Structural excavation shall include excavations for footings, grade beams, pits,
basements, retaining walls, man holes, catch basins, pipeline thrust anchors, etc.

7.2.1 Excavation shall be performed as required by the design drawings to the


dimensions, grades, and elevations as noted and as required for
formwork and allowance for compaction equipment.

7.2.2 When soft or compressible soil is encountered at footing grades as


shown on the drawings, such soil shall be removed and replaced with
compacted Select Fill as specified in sections 6.2 and 6.3, CLSM, or lean
(1,000 psi minimum 28-day compressive strength) concrete.

7.2.3 Over-excavation at footings shall be backfilled with compacted Select


Fill as specified in sections 6.2 and 6.3, CLSM, or lean (1,000 psi
minimum 28-day compressive strength) concrete.

7.3 Earthen Structures

Earthen structures include permanent work items such as ponds, canals, ditches,
etc. Excavation for such work shall be made to the lines, grades, and cross
sections as shown on the drawings.

7.3.1 Side slopes of excavations shall be cut true and straight and shall be
graded to the design cross section. Unstable soil in the slopes shall be
removed and the slopes properly prepared as described in Section 6.3.2.
The bottoms of excavations shall be graded to the elevations and
configurations as shown on the drawings.

7.3.2 Over excavation shall be backfilled with suitable material compacted in


accordance with Section 6.3, CLSM, or lean (1,000 psi minimum 28-day
compressive strength) concrete.

7.4 Trenching

Trenching for pipelines and underground utilities shall conform to SAES-L-450,


SAES-L-460, or SAES-S-070 as appropriate.

Reinstatement of roads and pavements after trenching shall comply with shall
comply with SAES-Q-006 and GI-1021.000, Street and Road Closure:
Excavation, Reinstatement, and Traffic Controls.

7.5 Rock Excavation

Seismic velocities will be the sole factor in determining the appropriate category

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for the excavation of rock. Excavation of rock will fall into the following
categories, based on the excavation type and the seismic compression (P) wave
velocities measured in the field prior to excavation by refraction seismic testing
as per ASTM D5777.

Table 1 – Excavation Categories

Seismic Velocity from Shallow Refraction Tests (m/s)


Excavation Type
Vp < 1,530 1,530 < Vp < 2,300 Vp >2,300

Small/linear Normal Excavation Rock Excavation Rock Excavation

Mass grading Normal Excavation Normal Excavation Rock Excavation

Where:
Normal Excavation Excavation that can be accomplished using rippers (mass
grading) and/or excavators/backhoes (linear and isolated
small excavations,) operated in accordance with good
construction practice. Normal excavation includes all soils
and also includes soft, weathered and/or fractured rock.
Rock Excavation Excavation that cannot be accomplished using rippers and/or
excavators/backhoes and which requires blasting or
pneumatic rock breakers to facilitate excavation.
Small/linear Isolated small excavations and linear excavations (trenches,
road cuts) where limitations to ripping are present, verified
by the Company Representative. Such limitations may
include ripping direction and/or travel distance.
Mass grading Large, open area excavation where no limitations to ripping
are present.
Vp Seismic compression (P) wave velocity.

Commentary Notes:

1. The detailed geotechnical report (FEL 3) shall incorporate rock and soil
quantification based on the seismic refraction tests especially for projects require
major excavations (e.g., site preparation cut and fill projects, linear projects such
as underground pipelines, projects including foundations by means of raft, etc.).
Layout and final grades should be known at FEL 3 stage.

2. After the excavation contract award the Contractor shall undertake their own field
assessment for verification of the rock and soil quantities included within the
detailed geotechnical report which has been utilized within the bidding process.
Any variations in the quantities of material shall be confirmed by means of
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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SAES-A-114
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additional surface refraction tests prior of commencing the excavation works.


If variations in ground conditions (compared to the detailed geotechnical report)
are found during the actual excavations the matter shall be referred back to CSD
for further evaluation.

3. If the above mentioned commentary note 2 is not followed, then unjustifiable


change orders and claims shall not be entitled to any compensation.

7.6 Disposal of Materials

All excavated materials that are unsatisfactory for use as fill or backfill or that
are surplus to that needed for backfilling shall immediately be disposed of at a
location designated by the Saudi Aramco Company Representative.

Revision Summary
11 December 2017 Major revision. The changes are summarized below:
o An additional compaction method (Rapid Impact Compaction) and its applicability has
been included. This technology method has been successfully implemented. Having
completed the implementation, it is technically concluded that for given soil conditions
the Rapid Impact Compaction approach can be utilized (for soil depths up to 4 m) as a
substitute to the traditional backfilling operations where fill lifts and roller compaction are
used. Furthermore, cost and time simulations by using both methods Rapid Impact
Compaction and Roller Compaction has been undertaken. This analysis has proven
that the Rapid Impact Compaction method considerably cuts down on time and
schedule, by more than 50%, allowing an early start of construction activities and at the
same time reduces the cost of site preparation activities by almost 50%.
o At contracts where major excavations are anticipated requirements of the surface
refraction tests have been included. More specifically, the detailed geotechnical report
(FEL 3) shall incorporate rock and soil quantification. Layout and final grades should be
known at FEL 3 stage geotechnical report. Moreover, the awarded Contractor shall
undertake their own field assessment for verification of the geotechnical data/quantities
provided. Any variations in the quantities of material shall be confirmed by means of
additional surface refraction tests prior of commencing the excavation works.
If variations in ground conditions are found during the actual excavations the matter shall
be referred back to CSD for further evaluation. Unjustifiable change orders and claims
shall not be entitled to any compensation.
1 January 2018 Editorial revision to Section 2, Conflicts and Deviations.

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APPENDIX
Summary of Fill Placement and Compaction Requirements

Area/Region Compaction Requirement Comments

Site preparation of areas to The density of the top 150 mm in these areas Site preparation
receive fill, pavement or loads. shall not be less than:  Areas shall be free of organic material, trash
or other unsuitable material.
90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density  Proper drainage so that the site is free of
(ASTM D1557) standing water all the time.
or
 In-situ soil proof rolled and inspected for soft
70% relative density (ASTM D4253 and
spots or loose zones. Proof roll may be
ASTM D4254) for cohesionless free draining
defined as crossing the area with a heavy
soil
(minimum 10-ton weight) rubber-tire or
steel-wheel roller.
 All observed soft spots or loose zones shall be
compacted in-place or excavated to firm soil
and replaced with properly compacted fill.
 Top 6 inches (150 mm) scarified and re-
compacted.

All Select Fill Material or any Compacted to at least: Fill material shall be placed in uniform loose
fill beneath and/or adjacent to lifts not exceeding the following criteria,
grade beams, mats, buildings, 90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density provided that the specified compaction is
lined slopes or drainage (ASTM D1557) achieved for the full depth.
channels, and process areas. or  Select Fill Material shall be placed in lifts of
70% Relative Density (ASTM D4253 and 200 mm maximum in loose depth.
ASTM D4254) for cohesionless granular soils  General Fill Material shall be placed in lifts
that do not exhibit well-defined moisture of 300 mm maximum in loose depth.
density relationship.
 General Fill Material and Select Fill Material
shall be placed in lifts of 100 mm maximum
in loose depth for hand-operated compaction
Select Fill Material beneath Compacted to at least: equipment.
and/or adjacent to foundations
 Other lift thicknesses may be approved by the
with static loads over 320 kPa 95% of the maximum Modified Proctor density
appropriate Saudi Aramco Inspection
and foundations for vibrating or (ASTM D1557).
Representative based on a field test section
heavy machinery. or
using the intended compaction equipment.
85% relative density (ASTM D4253 and
(Impact rollers can compact soils in lifts
Asphalt and concrete pavement ASTM D4254) for cohesionless granular soils
exceeding 1 m).
subgrades (roads and parking that do not exhibit well-defined moisture
areas). density relationship.

General Fill Material not Compacted to at least:


designated as open or
landscaped. 90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density
(ASTM D1557)
or
70% Relative Density (ASTM D4253 and
ASTM D4254) for cohesionless granular soils
that do not exhibit well-defined moisture
density relationship.

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Area/Region Compaction Requirement Comments

General Fill Material for areas Compacted to at least:


designated as open or
landscaped. 85% of the maximum Modified Proctor density
(ASTM D1557)
or
65% Relative Density (ASTM D4253 and
ASTM D4254) for cohesionless granular soils
that do not exhibit well-defined moisture
density relationship.

Topsoil identified as “for Exempted from compaction requirements.


planting purposes.”

Working platforms for A 500 mm thick layer of fill material placed Working platforms for compaction on subkha
compaction on subkha deposits. directly on the subkha compacted as well as deposits shall be compacted as necessary to
possible is usually sufficient. Stripping of the achieve a stable base. Subkha working
subkha “crust” prior to fill placement is not platforms must be indicated as such and
recommended. A geotextile layer between the accounted for in the design.
subkha and the working platform provides a
capillary break and improves both short-term Compaction to the required densities indicated
(construction) and long-term performance of in Section 6.3 are virtually impossible to
the engineered fill. achieve in the first layer placed directly on
subkha and similar very weak soils. A working
Compaction testing of working platforms is not platform to provide a stable base is often
required. required.

Pavement Reconstruction after Reinstatement of roads and pavements after Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM), a
Trenching trenching shall comply with shall comply with flowable, self-compacting fill, is recommended
SAES-Q-006 and GI-1021.000. for backfill of trenches crossing roads and
pavements.

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