Engineering Standard

SAES-M-005 9 April 2020

Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore Platforms
Document Responsibility: Offshore Structures Standards Committee

Contents

Summary of Changes .............................................. 2

1. Scope ................................................................. 3
2. Conflicts and Deviations ..................................... 3
3. References ......................................................... 3
4. Modifications to API RP 2A ................................ 6
5. Modifcations to API 2GEO…………………….....26
6. Modifications to API 2MET……………………….26
7. Modifications to API 2EQ…………………………26
8. Modifications to API 2SIM………………………..26
Document History ................................................ ...27

Previous Revision: 17 May 2018 Next Revision: 9 April 2025

Contact: Rabih Khodr Page 1 of 27
©Saudi Aramco 2020. All rights reserved.

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 Document Responsibility: Offshore Structures Standards Committee SAES-M-005
Publish Date: 9 April 2020
Next Revision: 9 April 2025 Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore Platforms

Summary of Changes
Change Type
(Addition,
Paragraph Technical Change(s)
Modification,
Deletion)
Added reference to standard CAP 437 for offshore helicopter landing
1 4.2.10 Modification
areas and removed (Bell 214ST) brand name.
Specified marine growth thickness to be used between the mudline and
2 4.3.7.7 New
-6.00 m LAT.
Added reference NORSOK N-004 for distribution of impact energy
3 5.1.2.3 Modification
during accidental loads calculation.
5 5.2.2 Modification Editorial modification was made to the load combination table.
Added minimum acceptable pile factors of safety for different loading
6 9.3.4 New
conditions.

7 10.3.1 Modification Added reference to IOGP S-618 for offshore pedestal cranes.

Mandated use of nonmetallic (NM) products like gratings, stairs treads,

8 11.6.1 New
handrails and ladders.
9 11.6.1.b New Mandated use of nonmetallic (NM) mudmats in clayey soils .

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 Document Responsibility: Offshore Structures Standards Committee SAES-M-005
Publish Date: 9 April 2020
Next Revision: 9 April 2025 Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore Platforms

1. Scope

This standard provides the minimum mandatory requirements governing the structural
design, construction and installation of Saudi Aramco fixed offshore platforms. The
standard also covers assessment of existing platforms to make a determination of the
“fitness for purpose” of the structure.
The type and configuration of offshore platforms proposed for new developments (green
fields) and studies pertaining to fitness assessment of existing facilities (brown fields)
must be submitted to Offshore Engineering Group, Consulting Services Department for
review and acceptance at the project proposal stage.

2. Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflict between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed in writing to the EK&RD
Coordinator.
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 required 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-120 Execution Requirements for Security Projects
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-202 Saudi Aramco Engineering Drawing Preparation
SAES-A-204 Preparation of Structural Calculations
SAES-A-403 Offshore Platform Drainage Systems
SAES-B-006 Fireproofing for Plants
SAES-B-009 Fire and Safety Requirements for Offshore Production
Facilities
SAES-B-014 Safety Requirements for Plant and Operations Support
Buildings
SAES-B-054 Access, Egress and Materials Handling for Plant Facilities
SAES-B-055 Plant Layout

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 Document Responsibility: Offshore Structures Standards Committee SAES-M-005
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SAES-B-067 Safety Identification and Safety Colors

SAES-H-004 Protective Coating Selection and Application Requirements
for Offshore Structures and Facilities
SAES-M-100 Saudi Aramco Building Code
SAES-O-313 Security Requirements for Marine and Offshore Facilities
SAES-P-111 Grounding
SAES-Q-004 Installation of Piles and Conductors for Offshore Structures
SAES-Q-014 Offshore Geotechnical Investigation and Analysis
SAES-Q-007 Foundations and Supporting Structures for Heavy
Machinery
SAES-T-744 Design Criteria and Installation of Communication Towers
SAES-W-013 Welding Requirements for Offshore Structures
SAES-X-300 Cathodic Protection of Marine Structures
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications
12-SAMSS-018 Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and Tubulars -
Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms
12-SAMSS-023 Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Grating and FRP
Components
12-SAMSS-010 Blast Resistant Doors and Frames
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings
AA-036248-001 Offshore Helideck Types 1 and 2
AA-036248-002 Offshore Helideck Type 3
AA-036249-001 Offshore Helideck Warning Signs
Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports
SAER-6406 Arabian Gulf MetOcean Database 2012
SAER-6742 Red Sea Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment Study
SAER-6803 Red Sea MetOcean Database 2015 Inspection Document
Schedule “Q” Quality Assurance and Control, Inspection and Testing
Note: For a copy of Schedule “Q” please contact Vendor Inspection Division of Inspection
Department or Project Inspection Division of Inspection Department.

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute
API RP 2A Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed Offshore
Platforms
API RP 2EQ Seismic Design Procedures and Criteria for Offshore
Structures

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API RP 2GEO Geotechnical and Foundation Design Considerations

API RP 2L Planning, Designing and Constructing Helipads for Fixed
Offshore Platforms
API 2MET Derivation of Metocean Design and Operating Conditions
API 2SIM Structural Integrity Management of Fixed Offshore
Structures
API 2C Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes
American Institute of Steel Construction
AISC 335-89 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
AISC 303-89 Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges
American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM A123/A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)
Coatings on Iron & Steel Products
ASTM E515 Standard Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission
Techniques
ASTM F3059 Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer(FRP)
Gratings Used in Marine Construction and Shipbuilding
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP)
S-618 Supplementary Specification to API Specification 2C
Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes
S-618Q Quality Requirements for Offshore Pedestal-mounted
Cranes (API Spec 2C)
S-618L Information Requirements for Offshore Pedestal-mounted
Cranes (API Spec 2C)
S-618D Offshore Crane Datasheet (API Spec 2C)
International Maritime Organization Standards
IMO Guidelines and Standards for the Removal of Offshore
Installations and Structures on the Continental Shelf and in
the Exclusive Economic Zone
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
IALA Recommendation O-139 on The Marking of Man-made
Offshore Structures Recommendation E-200-0 on Marine
Signal Lights
IALA Recommendation R-115 on The Provision of Maritime
Radio navigation Services In The Frequency Band 283.5-
315 kHz In Region 1 and 285-325 kHz In Region 2 and 3
IALA Recommendation E-112 on Leading Lights

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IALA Recommendation R0201(E200-1) for Marine Signal Lights-

Colours
IALA Recommendation R0202(E200-2) on Marine Signal Lights-
Calculation, Definition and Notation of Luminous Range
IALA Recommendation E-110 for the Rhythmic Characters of
Lights on Aids to Navigation
IALA Recommendation R0108 (E-108) for The Surface Colors
Used as Visual Signals on Marine Aids to Navigation
IALA Recommendation R0204 (E200-4) for Marine Signal Lights-
Determination and Calculation of Effective Intensity
NORSOK STANDARD
N-004 Design of steel structures
UK Civil Aviation Authority
CAP 437 Standards for Offshore helicopter landing areas

4. Modifications to API RP 2A

The following paragraph numbers refer to API RP 2A-WSD, “Recommended Practice for
Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed Offshore Platforms - Working Stress
Design”, 22nd Edition, November 2014, which is a part of this standard. The text in each
paragraph below constitutes an addition, new section or exception to API RP 2A-WSD in
overlay format.
3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations
(Addition)
AISC American Institute of Steel Construction
API American Petroleum Institute
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
FRP Fiber Reinforced Plastic (or polymer)
GOSP Gas and Oil Separation Plant
IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse
Authorities
IMO International Maritime Organization
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
NB Nominal Bore (pipes)
SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures
SAER Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports
SAMSS Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

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SASD Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

4 Planning
4.1 General
4.1.1 (Addition) Planning
This standard provides the minimum structural design and construction
requirements, which shall be used for steel, fixed offshore platforms.
The design and construction of all newly constructed offshore platforms
shall be such that they can be removed in accordance with IMO
“Guidelines and Standards for the Removal of Offshore Installations
and Structures on the Continental Shelf and in the Exclusive Economic
Zone.”
4.2 Operational Considerations
4.2.2 (Addition) Location
Details of the offshore platform location and orientation will be
provided by Saudi Aramco.
4.2.4 (Addition) Water Depth
A hydrographic survey shall be performed for each platform. The
hydrographic datum shall be Lowest Astronomical Tide (L.A.T).
4.2.5 (Addition) Access and Auxiliary Systems
Means of access for operation and maintenance shall be in accordance
with SAES-B-054 and SAES-B-009.
4.2.6 (Addition) Fire Protection
Platform layout shall be in accordance with SAES-B-055.
Fire protection for GOSP complexes and certain tie-in platforms shall
be in accordance with SAES-B-006 and SAES-B-009. Marking of
Escape routes and minimum required safety signs shall be in
accordance with Saudi Aramco SAES-B-067.
(Remove) Procedures should conform to all federal, state, and local
regulations where they exist.
4.2.10 (Addition) Personnel and Material Handling
Boat landings and Helidecks shall be in accordance with the following
design requirements:
1) Boat Landings
For six to ten well platforms, and tie-in platforms, a minimum of two
“two-level” boat landings shall be provided. Boat landings shall be
located on the East and West side of the platform in the Arabian Gulf.
Location of boat landings for platforms in the Red Sea shall depend on
the prevailing wind direction. For well platforms with less than six
wells, one single-level boat landing located on the West side of the

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platform shall be required. For GOSP and associated platforms at

GOSP complexes, boat landings shall be as specified in the project
proposal.
All boat landings shall have stair access to jacket walkway or upper
decks.
All boat landings shall be provided with emergency ladders, bollards
and a minimum of two swing ropes. Swing rope arrangement shall be a
double-trapeze system attached to the platform by a galvanized chain
with the rope end spliced into the chain. Swing rope landing areas shall
be free from obstructions such as miscellaneous piping, valves, etc.
Emergency man overboard ladders shall be located either inside or to
the side of the boat landings to prevent damage from boat impact.
Ladders shall be provided with self-closing safety gate. Boat landings
shall be equipped with a minimum of two throwable personal floatation
devices.
2) Helidecks
Helideck design criteria shall be submitted to the Manager, Aviation
Department, for written concurrence prior to the issuing of project
drawings for construction. Minimum helideck design criteria shall be
as follows:
a) Helideck shall be designed in accordance with API RP 2L, UK
CAP 437 and Standard Drawings AA-036248, Offshore Helideck
Types 1, 2 & 3, and AA-036249, Offshore Helideck Warning Signs.
b) Helidecks for GOSP facilities, considered manned facilities, shall
be of Type 1 or 2, and at least 24 m (78 ft) across and be either square
or octagonal. Helidecks for unmanned Tie-In and Well platforms shall
be of Type 1 or 2. In case this size interferes with marine operations,
helidecks for unmanned Tie-In and Well platforms shall be of Type 3,
and at least 17 m (55.8 ft) across.
c) Types 1 & 2 helidecks shall be designed to support (as a minimum)
a 12.6 Ton helicopter. Type 3 helidecks shall be designed to support (as
a minimum) a 7.7 Ton helicopter. Aviation Department shall be
consulted for the maximum size and type of helicopters servicing the
platform.
d) Helidecks mounted on the roofs of slab sided buildings shall be
raised to provide a minimum air gap of 2 m (6.6 ft).
e) A safety net of minimum 1.5 m (5 ft) wide shall be provided around
the perimeter of each helideck. The net shall be 150 mm (6 in) below
the deck surface and have an upward slope of 1:10 to the outside edge.
f) The helideck shall be approachable obstacle free by air traffic in a
210° continuous sector. A 150° limited obstacle sector extending
horizontally and vertically is allowed in accordance with CAP437 and
AA-036248 Sheet 001.

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g) Each helideck shall have an access stairway and an emergency

escape ladder. Stairways for helidecks on manned platforms shall meet
requirements of SAES-B-009.
h) Lighting shall be provided for all helidecks.
4.2.11 (Replace section with) The deck drainage and collection system shall
be in accordance with SAES-A-403.
4.3 Environmental Considerations
4.3.1 (Addition) General Meteorological and Oceanographic Considerations
Environmental loads such as wind, wave, tide and current shall be in
accordance with SAER-6406 for the Arabian Gulf. Design conditions
for the Red Sea shall be in accordance with SAER-6803.
4.3.6 (Delete) Ice
4.3.7.2 (Addition) Earthquakes
Seismic forces shall be considered in the Arabian Gulf.
Seismic criteria in the Arabian Gulf shall be according to
SAES-A-112, Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
standard. Seismic criteria for design, construction and
operation of offshore structures in the Red Sea shall be in
accordance with SAER-6803.
4.3.7.5 (Addition) Scour
Platform design shall consider the effects of scour. A
minimum local scour of 1.50 times the pile diameter shall be
used where scourable seabed materials are present. When
there is excess scour, the capacities, p-y, t-z and Q-z curves
shall be based on bathymetry after scour. The ‘p’ values
shall be further degraded by 25%. However, if the reason for
scour is mud loss during drilling a detailed comprehensive
analysis shall be undertaken.
4.3.7.7 (Addition) Marine Growth
For new design a minimum marine growth thickness of 20
mm (0.79 inch) shall be considered from -6.00 m to +1.20 m
L.A.T. (-19.7 ft to + 3.9 ft L.A.T.).
In the absence of actual measurement, for assessment of
existing facilities marine growth thickness of 40mm (1.57
inch) shall be considered from -6.00 m to +1.20 m L.A.T. (-
19.7 ft to + 3.9 ft L.A.T.) and 10mm (0.394 inch) from
mudline to -6.00 m L.A.T (-19.7 ft).
4.4 Site Investigation - Foundations
Refer to SAES-Q-014.
4.4.2 (Addition) Sea-Bottom Surveys

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The type and extent of any sea bottom survey shall be determined at the
start of the project.
4.6 Platform Types
4.6.3 (Addition) New Concepts - Any new concept (unconventional to Saudi
Aramco operations) shall require coordinated review between the
various organizations in Saudi Aramco at the study and design stages to
ensure adequate engineering review. Additional studies, (such as
nonlinear analysis or reserve strength analysis) will be required to
examine the reliability of the new concept. All such studies shall be
reviewed by the Offshore Engineering Group of Consulting Services
Department.
4.10 (Addition) Safety Considerations
1) Obstruction Markings
The design shall provide for marker lights and identification panels in
accordance with the “Recommendation O-139 on The Marking of Man-
made Offshore Structures” issued by the International Association of
Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
The following navigational aids shall be installed as a minimum:

Structures having a maximum 1 marker light

horizontal dimension of 9 m (30 ft) or less
Structures having a maximum 2 marker lights on
horizontal dimension of over 9 m (30 ft), diagonally opposite corners
but not in excess of 15 m (50 ft)
Structures having a horizontal 4 marker lights
dimension of over 15 m (50 ft) (1 on each corner)

2) Foghorns
Foghorns shall be provided in accordance with “Recommendation O-139
on The Marking of Man-made Offshore Structures issued by the
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse
Authorities (IALA), with exceptions and/or modifications as permitted or
required by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Communication,
Office of the Deputy Minister for Transportation Affairs.
Generally, foghorns shall be placed on selected platforms, near field
perimeters. Locations shall be determined after consultation with Marine
Department.
3) Riser Protection and Escape Capsule Barrier
Riser protection guards and escape capsule barriers shall be provided where
appropriate. These structures shall be designed to sustain some damage as
they absorb the energy of impact in extreme conditions.
4) Barge Bumpers

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Barge bumpers shall be provided on platform legs at the ends of each boat
landing, and for remainder of the outboard platform legs. However, no
barge bumpers shall be provided on the bridge side of platform legs or for
the flare platform.
Note: Riser protection guard and barge bumpers shall be provided at elevation
considering the service vessel freeboard at stern side based on L.A.T.
5) Shock Cell or Energy Absorbing Devices
The use of shock cell or energy absorbing devices is allowed for boat
landing replacement projects, where existing platforms fail to meet current
operational boat impact criteria. The design and studies pertaining to such
energy absorbing systems shall be reviewed by the Offshore Engineering
Group, Consulting Services Department.
4.12 (Addition) Security Provisions
Security provisions shall be as per SAES-O-313.
5 Design Criteria and Procedures
5.1 General
5.1.2 Definition of Loads
5.1.2.3 (Addition) Live Loads for new and existing facilities
The following sections are added to the identical numbered
sections in paragraph 5.1.2.3.
b) Floor Live Loads
1) Floor Live Loads for Buildings: Floor live loads
to be considered for the design of living quarters
or utility equipment buildings shall be as
specified in SAES-M-100, Chapter 16, General
Design Requirements.
2) Platform Deck Live Loads: shall be as shown in
the table below:
Alternative Live Loads
Distributed
Concentrated Load
Load
Deck Plate and Grating 2224 N (500 lb)
9.6 kPa
Except Accommodation Distributed over max.
(200 lb/ft²)
Platforms and walkways 0.3 m x 0.3 m (1 ft x 1 ft)
Deck Beams: 44482 N (10,000 lb)
9.6 kPa
All Platforms except Distributed over max.
(200 lb/ft²)
Accommodation Platforms 0.91 m x 0.91 m (3 ft x 3 ft)
Deck Beams Plate and 22241 N (5,000 lb)
4.8 kPa
Grating on Accommodation Distributed over max.
(100 lb/ft²)
Platforms 0.91 m x 0.91 m (3 ft x 3 ft)
Walkways for Connecting 2224 N (500 lb)
2.4 kPa
bridges catwalks, Distributed over max.
(50 lb/ft²)
personnel, etc. 0.3 m x 0.3 m (1 ft x 1 ft)

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Note: In addition to other applicable loading combinations, the following scenarios

shall be evaluated in the design of offshore platforms.
Case (1): Blanket Live Load (all deck areas)
Case (2): Equipment Loads + Blanket Load in the remaining areas not occupied by
equipment (as per above table)

c) Equipment Test Loads

Unless indicated otherwise on hydrostatic test
diagrams, all vessels, piping, etc., under hydrotest,
shall be assumed completely filled with seawater
during testing.
d) Material Handling Loads
1) Helideck Loads: Types 1 & 2 helideck
design loads shall comply with CAP 437,
Chapter 3 and API RP 2L, Section 5, for a
124 kN (12.6 Ton) as a minimum. Type 3
helideck design loads shall comply with CAP
437, Chapter 3 and API RP 2L, Section 5, for
a 76 kN (7.7 Ton) as a minimum. Aviation
Department shall be consulted for the
maximum size and type of helicopters
servicing the platform.
2) Marine Vessel Loads: Unless specified in the
project design basis, platforms and their boat
landings, boat barriers, barge bumpers,
mooring systems, etc., shall be designed to
absorb berthing energies of maintenance
boats, supply boats, etc. For GOSP and all
other platforms under:
Operating condition: minimum vessel
displacement is 3000 tons. The approach
speed shall be 0.51 m/s (1 knot) at 30 degree
vessel approach angle.
Operational Boat Impact Acceptance
Criteria: Platform shall be capable of
absorbing the impact energy through elastic
deformation of Jacket and Piles without loss
of structural integrity or functionality.
Localized denting of boat landing members is
permissible for operational boat impact.
Accidental condition: minimum vessel
displacement is 3000 tons. The approach
speed shall be 1.53 m/s (3 knots) at 90 degree

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vessel approach angle. Main legs, Horizontal

members and Brace members shall be
investigated against accidental boat impact
loads from a stern, bow or broadside
collision.
Accidental Boat Impact Analysis:
Contractor shall perform accidental boat
impact analysis and shall determine the
distribution of impact energy between the
platform and the vessel in accordance with
NORSOK Standard N-004, Annex A.3.
Accidental Boat Impact Acceptance Criteria:
Platform shall be designed to sustain
accidental boat impact without a global
collapse. Jacket leg members sustaining the
accidental boat impact load can be allowed to
yield locally, without the formation of plastic
hinges. The brace members receiving direct
boat impact loads can be allowed to dent or
deform. Boat landing members, barge
bumpers or other vessel impact protection
systems shall be allowed to dent, deform and
lose functionality. Such members shall be
removed and replaced.
3) Mooring Loads: Boat landings, mooring
cleats and bollards shall be designed for a
pull force of not less than 460 kN (102,222
lb).
f) (Addition) Operating Live Loads
Operating Live Loads are the loads imposed on the
platform during its use under normal, day to day
operation.
5.1.2.4 (Addition) Environmental Loads
SAER-6406 shall be used to determine environmental loads
for the Arabian Gulf region. Design conditions for the Red
Sea shall be in accordance with SAER-6803.
(Addition) Direction of Environmental Loads
The worst combination of wave height, current velocity and
wind speed for a given directional sector, as defined in the
Arabian Gulf or Red Sea Hindcast studies, shall be used to
determine the maximum environmental loads acting on the
structure. The design current velocity can be reduced when
1) it can be justified on the basis of a joint probability

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analysis and 2) it is used in conjunction with the 100 year

design storm wave. Joint Extreme Current Speed and
Associated Direction are readily available in SAER-6406 for
the Arabian Gulf.
5.2 Loading Conditions
5.2.2 (Addition) Design Loading Conditions
The minimum loading combinations are given in the loading
combinations table, as shown below:

Loading Combination Table

LOADING
COMBINATION
A B C

Dead Loads:
 Structure Self-weight X X X
 Equipment & Piping Weight (Empty) X X X
Live Loads:
 Unoccupied Area Loads as per 5.1.2.3 X X
Equipment & Piping Operating loads (Full) X X
 Other operating loads (Drilling, Crane etc.) X
Environmental Loads:
 Operating (1 yr storm) X
 Extreme (100 yr storm) X X

It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure integrity of

the platform under all in-place conditions.
5.2.3 (Addition) Temporary Loading Conditions
Hydrotesting: For load combination during hydrotesting, the platform
structure and foundation shall be checked for a combination of dead
loads, appropriate live loads, maximum hydrotest loads, and operating
environmental conditions. Appropriate live loads around the equipment
for hydrotest conditions need not be the full specified live loads
described in Section 5.1.2.3, but must reflect the maximum live loads
likely to occur during testing caused by personnel and temporary
equipment.
5.2.4 (Addition) Member Loadings
Each deck member shall be designed to support the greater of either the
appropriate equipment load combined with the distributed applicable
live load as shown in table in Section 5.1.2.3 or the loads alone as given
in the table.
5.3 Design Loads
5.3.1 Waves

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5.3.1.1 (Addition) General

The platform design shall include the use of the maximum
wave heights for the 100 year and the 1 year recurrence
periods for the extreme and operating design conditions in
the appropriate direction, respectively.
5.3.1.2 (Addition) Static Wave Analysis
5.3.1.2.14 Wave Force on a Member
Hydrodynamic forces shall be computed
from the total kinematics obtained by
combining the wave with the total combined
effect of wind driven and tidal current.
Account shall be taken of the apparent
increased effective diameter of members
from marine growth (refer to paragraph
4.3.7.7) and attached ancillary appurtenances,
e.g., sacrificial anodes, pipework for
grouting, grout monitoring, installation and
fabrication aids, etc.
For riser spacing less than 3.5 * Diameter of
the smaller of the two adjacent risers (center
to center), shielding effects shall be
considered.
5.3.2 Wind
5.3.2.1 (Addition) General
The platform design shall include the use of the one minute
mean wind speeds for the 100 year recurrence period and
the one minute mean wind speeds for the 1 year recurrence
period for the extreme and operating design conditions,
respectively.
Individual components of the deck and facilities including
equipment, crane, antenna tower, flare stack, shall be
designed using the 3-second gust wind speed for the 100
year extreme condition.
5.3.2.2 (Addition) Wind Properties
The wind velocity profile exponents shall be ⅓ for gusts and
⅛ for one minute mean speeds.
5.3.2.6 (Addition) Shielding Coefficients
No reduction in wind forces calculated in accordance with
API RP 2A paragraph 5.3.2.3 shall be made for the effects
of direct shielding afforded by other buildings and
structures. Increased wind force on buildings and structures
as a result of obstructions shall be accounted for in design.

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5.3.2.8 (New Section) Wind Induced Flutter

Long slender members, such as grout piping and secondary
bracing, shall be checked for flutter due to vortex shedding
that can occur during fabrication, transportation or in service
conditions.
5.3.3 Current
5.3.3a (Addition) General
The current direction specified in SAER-6406 and SAER-6803 is
defined as current towards the directional sector of interest; while wind
and wave directions are defined as those from the directional sector of
interest.
5.3.5 (Delete) Ice
5.4 Fabrication and Installation Forces
5.4.2.3 (Exception) Dynamic Load Factors
Pad-eyes and internal members connecting directly to the
pad-eyes and transmitting lifting forces within the structure
during load out and normal installation in the Arabian Gulf
shall be designed using a minimum load factor of 1.5
applied to the calculated static loads. All other structural
members transmitting lifting forces shall be designed using
a minimum load factor of 1.15. For lifting frames and for
all structures that might be lifted more than once, these
factors shall be increased to 2.0 and 1.5.
6 Structural Steel Design
6.1.3.5 (New Section) Lateral Platform Movement
The design shall assure that no damage will be caused in
wellheads or pipe risers due to movement of the platform, or
to high or low pressure flare stack due to movement of the
flare platform. The maximum differential movement
between platforms shall be taken into account when
designing connecting bridges and pipework.
6.1.3.6 (New Section) Connecting Bridge Deflections
Sufficient camber shall be incorporated in the bridge design
to eliminate deflections due to dead loads.
7 Strength of Tubular Joints
7.2.5 (Addition) Angle of Intersection
The brace to chord in-plane intersecting angle for primary tubular
bracing shall not be less than 30 degrees.
8 Fatigue

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8.1 (Addition) Fatigue analysis shall be performed for all platforms.

8.2.2 (Addition) Seastate Scatter Data
The Seastate scatter data for performing spectral fatigue analysis for the
Arabian Gulf and Red Sea shall be provided by the company.
9 Foundation Design
Refer to SAES-Q-014 for all aspects related to geotechnical investigation and
foundation analysis and design
9.3.4 Pile Penetration
(Addition) Table 9.1 – Pile Factors of Safety for Different Loading
Conditions
Condition Factors of
Load Condition
Number Safety
Operational Boat Impact Loads during producing
6 2.0
operations
Accidental Boat Impact Loads during producing
7 1.1
operations
10 Other Structural Components and Systems
10.3.1. (Replace) API 2C with IOGP S-618 Supplementary Specification to
API Specification 2C Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes.
(Addition) Offshore pedestal cranes shall comply with the
requirements of IOGP S-618 Supplementary Specification to API
Specification 2C Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes.
10.6 (New Section) Supports for Machinery
10.6.1 Design Requirements
Design of supports for machinery shall be in accordance with SAES-Q-
007.
10.6.3 Platform/Machinery Interaction
The influence of platform movement (resulting from environmental
conditions and docking vessels) on machinery operations shall be
investigated.
10.7 (New Section) Supports for Antenna Towers
10.7.1 Design Requirements
Antenna towers and supports shall comply with the requirements of
SAES-T-744 under design environmental conditions. Tower legs shall
connect directly to major support framing.
10.8 (New Section) Stacks, Exhaust, etc.
In addition to the strength requirements for static wind loading, stacks, air intakes,
and any other intake or exhaust structure shall be designed so that no damage will

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be caused by dynamic behavior during either sustained wind speeds or 100 years, 3
second gust wind speeds.
Location of air intakes relative to vent stacks shall conform to SAES-B-014.
11 Material
11.1 Structural Steel
11.1.1 (Addition) General
Steel structural members shall be either Group I or Group II as defined
in API RP 2A. Material selection, acceptance criteria, and inspection
schedules shall be based on component criticality and severity of
service as defined by “service category” designations in Table 11.1 and
12-SAMSS-018.
11.1.4 (Addition) Steel Specifications.
Structural shapes and plates shall also conform to 12-SAMSS-018.
11.2 Structural Steel Pipe
11.2.1 (Addition) Specifications
Structural steel pipe shall also conform to 12-SAMSS-018.
11.4 Cement Grout and Concrete
11.4.1 Grout for load transfer shall be of a non-shrinking or expansive type.
11.5 Corrosion Protection
(Addition) General
The surface area of a platform is divided into four zones for corrosion protection
considerations. These zones are:
a) Atmospheric zone
b) Splash zone
c) Submerged zone
d) Below mudline zone

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Table 11.1 – Component Categories and Definitions and Material Classifications

Material
Category Component Definition or Example
Classification
Any joint can in a jacket leg (including can for jacket-to-
Chord RT1 pile connection), deck leg, or deck column (including
cans for major beam connection)
Transition piece RT2 The pile-to-deck leg transition section.

A Major lifting lugs PL1 For entire structure or major substructure

Crane support
RT2 Any support structure for a permanent heavy crane.
pedestal
TKYX joint can on RT1 for WT > 25.4 mm (1 in)
a major brace T2 for WT < 25.4 mm (1 in)
Jacket leg RT4 -
Deck column/leg RT4 -
Pile RT4 -
Jacket-to-pile
RT2 Crown plate or shims
connection pieces
T2/RT2 for stubs onto
B A tubular member with a nominal diameter > 12 inches
Cat. A components
Major brace (OD > 12.75 in) except tubular member of boat landing
T3/T4/RT4 for mid-
(See Note 2)
section of member
PL2 for ends onto Cat. A non-tubular member that is either:
A components 1) A plate girder;
Major beam 2) The deepest beam in a major structural unit;
PL4/SH2 for mid-
3) Any beam with a nominal depth ≥ 24 inches;
section of member
4) A primary load carrying member
A tubular member with a nominal diameter > 4 inches
Minor brace T3/T4 (OD > 4.5 in) and ≤12 inches
(See Note 2)
Any beam that is not considered major; or is a
Minor beam PL4/SH4
secondary/tertiary member.
Stiffener rings or
C PL4 -
diaphragms
Beam stiffeners,
gussets or PL4 -
cover plates
Secondary lifting
PL4
lugs -
Any other tubular or structural shape or size not listed
D Other PL4/RT4/T4/SH4 above, e.g., deck plate, angle stiffeners, pile guides,
grout lines, etc.
Notes:
1) Jacket-to-boat landing standoffs for other members that are fabricated cone sections shall be considered as braces
with a diameter equivalent to the tubular used to fabricate the component.
2) Braces for bridge sections shall be considered major if the nominal diameter > 8 inches.
3) PL refers to Plates; SH refers to Hot Rolled Shapes/Profiles; RT refers to Tubulars fabricated from plate; and
T refers to Tubulars fabricated from seamless or sub-arc longitudinal welded pipe. Spiral weld pipe is prohibited.

Selection of coating system for protection of structural members in the

atmospheric splash zones and submerged zone shall be in accordance with SAES-
H-004.

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It is critical that electrical continuity be maintained between the piles and jacket.
Offshore platform grounding shall confirm with SAES-P-111. Continuity must be
guaranteed by welding shim plates or crown shim between the pile and jacket.
11.6 (New Section) Miscellaneous Structural Materials
11.6.1 Gratings, Stair treads and nosing, Handrails and Fixed Ladders
Gratings, stair treads and nosing, handrails and fixed ladders shall be
fabricated from fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, subject to
conditions and exceptions listed in 11.6.1.a.
11.6.1. a Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) products, including phenolic
pultruded or phenolic molded gratings, shall be used for offshore
applications (gratings, stair treads and nosing, handrails, caged ladders
and ladders).
Note: Examples of such areas are walkways, catwalks, stairways, stairway
landings, ladders, landing platforms, cellar deck walkway, spider decks, boat
landings, lifeboat stations, and access for firefighting equipment on offshore
platforms.
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) grating shall be in accordance with
12-SAMSS-023. Products shall meet the testing and performance
requirements of ASTM F3059 including structural fire integrity
requirements for the specific locations stated in Table 1 (ASTM
F3059).
Grating connections shall be designed to sustain environmental loads
(e.g. wave loads) and traffic loads specified in the project
specifications. Connection hardware shall be suitable for marine
environment. The treaded surface of grating, stair treads, nosing, etc.
shall be covered with a bonded grit anti-skid surface. Adequate end
supports and toe plates shall be provided where the grating is cut
around structural members or elements.
FRP handrails and fixed ladders shall meet a flame spread index of 25
or less in accordance with ASTM E-84 and the self-extinguishing
requirements of ASTM D635.
FRP materials mentioned in this section shall not be used in the
following conditions:
1) Inside buildings or other interior enclosed areas.
2) In a fire-hazardous zone as defined in SAES-B-006 and
modified by SAES-B-009 for offshore platforms.
3) As a cover for catch basins.
4) As a floor for engines or as part of the engine skid.
5) In manned platforms. Exception shall be given to areas where
corrosion significantly shortens the life of steel due to saltwater
wash. These areas include boat landings, cellar deck and spider
deck. For definition of manned platform refer to SAES-B-009.

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11.6.1 b Mudmat
Application of non-metallic FRP mudmat shall be evaluated as a cost-
effective alternative to conventional steel systems. Non-metallic FRP
mudmat shall be used for platforms installed on soft clay sea beds
which is duly identified in the site-specific geotechnical report. The
thickness of soft clay seabed layer shall be more than 0.3 m.
11.6.1 c Steel gratings shall be provided in areas where FRP gratings cannot be
used.
Steel grating shall be 30 mm x 100 mm (1-3/16 inch x 4 inch) center-
to-center opening size with 6 mm (¼ in) square twisted cross bars.
Bearing bar size shall be a minimum of 32 mm x 4.8 mm (1-¼ inch x
3/16 inch). The steel grating shall be hot dip galvanized to conform to
ASTM A123/A123M or an approved equivalent.
Exception: Steel Grating shall be coated in accordance with SAES-H-004
when coating systems for offshore grating are specified.
11.6.2 Stair Treads (Steel)
Stair treads shall be of steel grating type (when steel material has to be
used) with abrasive nosing hot dip galvanized after fabrication per
ASTM A123/A123M. Stair tread thickness shall be at least 30 mm (1-
¼ inch) and stair tread width shall be at least 230 mm (9 inches). Stair
treads for all major stairways shall be at least 750 mm (30 inches) long.
Riser height and tread width must be consistent throughout the stair
assembly.
11.6.3 Leg Diaphragm Closures
Where the design requires jacket legs to be closed for installation,
jacket leg closures shall be the rubber diaphragm type 60 m (180 ft)
minimum water depth rating.
11.6.4 Platform Signage, Sunshades & Windsock posts
Platform Sign boards, Sunshades & Windsock posts shall be made from
non-metallic, UV inhibited FRP structural profiles or sections.
Connection bolts and fasteners shall be suitable for marine
environment.
12 Drawings and Specifications
12.1 (Addition) General
Preparation of the various categories of drawings shall be in accordance with the
Contract documents and SAES-A-202.
Master security drawings shall be prepared in accordance with SAEP-120.
12.9 (Addition) Design Calculations
Design Calculations

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Design calculations shall be prepared in accordance with SAES-A-204. Computer

program input native files shall be submitted for review and verification by the
Offshore Engineering Group of Consulting Services Department.
Weight control report, equipment list and equipment layout drawings shall be
included in the design calculation package.
13 Welding
13.1 General
13.1.1 (Addition) Welding shall be done in accordance with SAES-W-013.
13.3 Welding
13.3.10 (New Section) Weld Repairs
Any repair welding shall be done in accordance with SAES-W-013.
13.3.11 (New Section) Finish of Surfaces
When fabrication of various items or portions of a structure is
completed, all welds shall be cleaned and smoothed. All burrs and tack
welds shall be removed. Marks made by arc strikes shall be ground out
and NDE tested.
13.5 (New Section) Workmanship
13.5.1 Inspection and repair of welded assemblies shall be in accordance with
SAES-W-013.
13.5.2 Edges of minor members at joints shall be beveled to give an included
angle of 45 degrees if possible. The bevel shall be without a root face,
be feather-edged and with a root opening neither less than 2 mm (1/16
inch) nor greater than 5 mm (3/16 inch). These welds shall be
considered partial penetration joints. They shall be welded with as
much penetration as possible. The reinforcement of these welds shall
be at least equal to the pipe wall thickness of the minor member.
14 Fabrication
14.1 Assembly
14.1.1 (Addition) General
In addition, fabrication shall be in accordance with AISC “Code of
Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges AISC 303-89”where
applicable.
Demountable portions of the structure (such as boat landings) which
will be installed offshore shall be trial fitted and match marked onshore
to ensure a proper fit.
Where demountable portions of the structure cannot be test fit (e.g., due
to inadequate clearances in the yard) they shall be fabricated to the as-
built dimensions of the mating guides or supports. Contractor shall

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demonstrate to Saudi Aramco's satisfaction, that no field (offshore) fit-

up problems will be incurred.
14.1.2 Splices
14.1.2a (Addition) Pipe
Splicing of pipe segments of the same diameter is allowed. The
minimum distance between splices shall be 1 m (3 ft) or one diameter,
whichever is smaller.
There shall be no more than two splices in any ten foot length of pipe.
Vertical deck-leg-to-battered- pile transition pieces are exempt from
this requirement. Longitudinal weld seams of adjoining sections shall
be staggered a minimum of 90°.
Girth welds in “can” sections to be intersected (or “overlapped”) by
bracing shall be ground flush in the area of intersection prior to fit-up
and welding of the intersecting or bracing member.
When two sections of pipe to be joined in a butt joint are of different
wall thickness, there shall be a smooth transition by beveling the
thicker wall pipe. The slope of this transition shall not exceed 25 mm
(1 inch) thickness change in 100 mm (4 inches) along the length of the
pipe unless otherwise noted on the Contract drawings.
14.1.5 Final Fabrication Tolerances
14.1.5a (Addition) General
To effectively control fabrication tolerances of structural dimensions,
Contractor shall submit a dimensional control report to Company
giving at least the overall structural dimensions.
14.1.5.2.4 (Addition) Jacket and Deck Section Columns
When shim plates are used for shear transfer between the
platform jacket and the piles, the top 600 mm (2 ft) of the
longitudinal weld seams inside the jacket legs shall be
ground flush to facilitate shim installation in the field.
When crown pieces are used for shear transfer between the
platform jacket and the piles, the outside longitudinal weld
seams on the first 500 mm
(18 inches) of the pile exposed above the top of jacket shall
be ground flush to facilitate crown installation.
14.1.5.6 (Addition) Grating
Joints in grating shall occur only at points of support. All
grating to be shipped loose for offshore installation shall be
marked and identified on the applicable shop drawing.
Grating shall be banded where bar ends are exposed.
14.1.5.9 (Addition) Piles

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The weld seams on the outside of the add-on stabbing

guides and the top 3 m (10 ft) of the weld seams on the
inside of the main pile sections shall be ground flush to
facilitate the stabbing operation.
14.1.5.10 (New Section) Drilling or Punching Holes
All holes are to be drilled or punched in the structural
members prior to abrasive-blasting and painting.
14.1.6 (Addition) Provisions for Grouted Pile to Sleeve Connection
Cement grouting of the annulus between pile and jacket leg when
specified, shall be in accordance with the requirements of SAES-Q-004.
If grouting of the annulus between pile and jacket leg is specified, each
template leg shall be provided with a mechanical grout seal at the
bottom to retain the grout. The seals shall be welded to the template
legs in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
If grouting of the annulus between pile and jacket leg is not specified,
each template leg shall be provided with a welded or screwed 2 inch
NB Schedule 80 x 100 mm (4 in) long pipe nipple fitted with a 2 inch
NB Schedule 80 screwed cap. The location of each nipple shall be
between 1 m (3.0 ft) and 1.5 m (5 ft) above the mudline on the outside
of each leg in order to facilitate the placing of a grout plug in case
grouting become necessary at a future date.
Jacket leg rubber diaphragm assemblies, when required, shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. All
flange welding shall be completed prior to installation of the rubber
elements.
See note on corrosion protection (last paragraph in 11.5) to ensure
electrical continuity between the pile and jacket.
14.2 Corrosion Protection
14.2.1 (Replace) Coatings
All carbon and alloy steel surfaces shall be coated. Coatings system
selection shall be in accordance with SAES-H-004.
14.2.2 (Addition) Splash Zone Protection
When monel is specified, small sheets can be joined and trimmed to the
required size to make large sheets. The sheets shall be joined by butt
welding. Lap joints are permitted but sheets shall be arranged for
maximum flatness.
All welds involving monel shall be leak tested by the liquid application
technique of ASTM E515 at 0.035 to 0.070 MPa (5 to 10 psi) to insure
a complete seal has been obtained. If leakage is detected, the areas are
to be thoroughly cleaned, repair welded and retested.
14.2.3 (Addition) Cathodic Protection

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All external metal surfaces, submerged or beneath the mudline, shall be

cathodically protected in accordance with SAES-X-300. This includes,
but not limited to, piles, jackets, conductors, well casing and structural
members.
15 Installation
15.2 Transportation
15.2.2.4 (Addition) Load-Out
Contractor shall paint tide gauge markings on template legs
or vertical barge bumpers or on tide board plate which is
adjustably mounted on supporting member as shown on the
drawings. The markings shall be such color to enable them
to be seen after sunset. The lowest marking shall be made at
the design elevation of -1.0 m L.A.T. and the marks shall be
spaced at 0.5 m intervals up to and including +3.0 m. Each
stripe shall be numbered accordingly with L.A.T. being
shown as 0.0.
15.2.2.8 (Addition) Buoyancy and Flooding Systems
All flooding valves shall be test operated prior to load out to
insure that the valve control rods and the valves operate
smoothly and freely, “Stops” shall be provided, to prevent
rod and valve from turning through 360 degrees, and limit
rotation to 90 degrees (where quarter-turn valves are used).
A pointer shall also be provided near the top of the control
rod to indicate the open and closed position of the valve.
Flooding valve handles shall be checked to insure that
handles are properly oriented and are tied in the closed
position after testing. Valves shall be checked to insure that
protective caps or other obstructions are not present which
would prevent proper valve operation.
Jacket legs which are sealed for buoyancy, and buoyancy
tanks, shall be (air) pressure tested for closure to 0.07 MPa
(10 psig) for two (2) hours with no pressure loss.
15.5 Pile Installation
15.5.1 (Addition) General
Equipment, materials, personnel and procedures for installing offshore
structural piles and conductors shall be those described in SAES-Q-
004.
16 Inspection
16.1 (Addition) General

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Contractor Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures shall be in accordance

with Schedule “Q”.
17 Accidental Loading
17.9.2 (Addition) Vessel Collision
Accidental condition: Vessel collision case shall be conducted for a
minimum vessel displacement of 3000 tons. The approach speed shall
be 1.53 m/s (3 knots) at 90 degree vessel approach angle. Main legs,
Horizontal members and Brace members shall be investigated against
accidental boat impact loading for a stern or bow impact.
19 Minimum and Special Structures
19.2.2 (Addition) Dynamic Wave Analysis
A dynamic analysis utilizing the extreme wave sea state shall be
performed for special jacket designs with a natural period equal to or
greater than three seconds.

5. Modifications to API 2GEO

2.0 Normative References
(Addition) SAES-Q-014 Offshore Geotechnical Investigation and Analysis

6. Modifications to API 2MET

5.4 (Addition) Environmental loads such as wind, wave, tide and current shall be in
accordance with SAER-6406 for the Arabian Gulf. Design conditions for the Red
Sea shall be in accordance with SAER-6803.

7. Modifications to API 2EQ

(Delete) Annex B
(Replace with) Earthquake data given for Marjan in SAES-A-112, Meteorological
and Seismic Design Data standard shall be used in the Seismic analysis for the
Arabian Gulf. Seismic criteria for design, construction and operation of offshore
structures in the Red Sea shall be in accordance with SAER-6803.

8. Modifications to API 2SIM

1.0 Scope
(Delete) However, the recommended practice provides specific metocean criteria,
which are only applicable for use in fitness-for-purpose assessments of platforms
located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. West Coast.
(Replace with) Environmental loads such as wind, wave, tide and current shall be
in accordance with SAER-6406 for the Arabian Gulf. Design conditions for the
Red Sea shall be in accordance with SAER-6803.

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Document History
9 April 2020 a) Added reference NORSOK N-004 for accidental loads; IOGP Standard
S-618 for Offshore Pedestal Cranes; and Standard CAP 437 for Offshore
Helicopter Landing areas.
b) Removed brand name of helicopter referenced for loadings (Bell 214ST
helicopter)
c) Mandated use of nonmetallic (NM) mudmats in clayey soils and other
NM products like gratings, stairs treads, handrails and ladders.
d) Marine growth below -6.0m L.A.T. specified in existing platform jacket
structure.
17 May 2018 Updated to API RP 2A, 22nd edition. Reaffirmed the contents of the
document, and reissued with major revision.

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