COMMON QUESTION ASK DURING QC INTERVIEW

SAES A – 114 EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL

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:
MARL: Is 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.
ROCKS: Have Various Hardness And Engineering Properties. "Rock" May Refer To Anything From
Boulder-Size Individual Pieces To Hard, Intact Bedrock

SABKHA: Is A Saline (Generally Coastal) Deposit Generally Consisting Of Saturated, Loose Silty Sand
And Possibly Clay.
A Clear Space Of At Least 0.6m (2 ft) Shall Be Maintained On All Sides Of An Excavation Or Trench.
When Any Excavation Or Trench Reaches A Depth Of 1.2 my (4 Ft) Or When Soil Banks Are Greater
Than 1.5 m (5 Ft), Shoring Shall Be Installed Or The Sides Shall Be Sloped Or Benched And The Trench
Treated As A Confined Space In Accordance With The Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual. A Safe
Means Of Entry And Exit Shall Be Provided For All Excavations And Trenches Every 7.5m.

FILL MATERIAL
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. Fill Material Shall Be Free Of Frozen Lumps, Organic
Matter, Trash, Chunks Of Highly Plastic Clay Or Other Unsatisfactory Material.

SELECT FILL MATERIAL

Select 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. That Portion Of
The 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.

Fill Material Shall Be Placed In Lifts Not Exceeding 200 mm (8 In) In Loose Depth. Fill Materials Shall Be Placed
In Lifts Not Exceeding 100 mm (4 In) In Loose Depth For Hand-Operated Compaction
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 (4
Feet) Or Greater Beyond The Sides Of The Structures.
Acceptance Testing Of In-Place Density And Moisture Content (Field Density Testing) On Compacted Fill Will Be
Performed At The Following Rates:
1. Under All Foundations - One Test Every 1000 Ft² (90 M²) Of Each Lift.
2. Under Area Paving - One Test Every 2000 Ft² (180 M²) Of Each Lift.
3. Road Base And Sub-Base - One Test Every 2000 Ft² (180 M²) Of Base Or Sub-Base.
4. Backfill Of Trenches - One Test For Every 50 Linear Ft (15 M) Of Each Lift.
5. General Fill - One Test Every 5000 Ft² (460 M²) Of Each Lift.

BeltranPage 1
SAES Q-001 CRITERIA FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
CONCRETE OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
The Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Design Handbook Shall Be The Basis For The Analysis And Design Of
Precast, Prestressed Concrete Structures And As Modified Below:
A) Compressive Strength: The Minimum 28-Day Design Compressive Strength Shall Be
28 Mpa (4,000 Psi) And The Release Strength For Prestressed Unit 24.1 Mpa (3,500 Psi).
commentary note:
more than 4,000 PSI compressive strength can be used in the design of precast concrete.

B) Prestressing Tendons: Uncoated, 7-Wire "Low Relaxation" Strand Per

ASTM A416. Use Grade 250 Unless Grade 270 Is Indicated.
C) Strands: Epoxy Coated Strands Shall Not Be Used For Prestressed Concrete.
D) Camber And Deflection: Design Flexural Members With Sufficient Camber To Properly Offset
Deflection Under Superimposed Dead Loads.
E) Cement Content: The Minimum Cement Content For Precast Concrete Is
350 Kg/Cm Of Concrete.
commentary note:
no maximum cement content is specified for precast concrete. it is usually common practice to
specify cement content of more than 370 kg/cm of concrete in the precast concrete industry.
Concrete Shall Be Either Structural Or Nonstructural, As Follows:

A) STRUCTURAL CONCRETE: All Reinforced Concrete Including Concrete With Minimum Reinforcement For
Temperature And Shrinkage Control. The 28-Day Design Compressive Strength (ASTM C39) Shall Be 28 MPA
(4000 PSI).
B) NON-STRUCTURAL CONCRETE: Unreinforced Concrete Of No Significant Structural Value Such As Lean
Concrete For Sub-Slabs, Concrete For Duct Banks, Etc. The Minimum 28-Day Design Compressive Strength
(ASTM C39) Shall Be 14 MPA (2000 PSI).
Paving Slope To The Catch Basins Or Trenches Shall Not Be Less Than 1:65 (1.5%). The Maximum Drop To
Catch Basins From High Point Of Paving Shall Be 200 mm.

Where Foundations Protrude Through The Paving, 12 mm Diameter Reinforcing Bars, 800 mm Long, Shall Be
Placed Diagonally In The Paving At All Interior Corners.

TABLE 1 - EXPOSURES TYPES

CEMENT
EXPOSURE TYPE STEEL DESCRIPTION

Concrete Members Exposed To Negligible Sulfate So 4

(Less Than 0.1% By Weight Of Soil And Less Than 150 Ppm In
Groundwater )¹ And Any Of The Following:
 Water With Total Dissolved Solid More Than 1000 Ppm.
i i FBE  Chemicals.
 Within 5 Km From The Shorelines.
 Where Water Table Is Less Than One Meter Below The Bottom Of The
Foundation.
 Sewage Treatment Plant.

BeltranPage 2
 Sulfate Content Is More Than Or Equals 0.1% By Weight Of Soil Or More
ii v FBE Than Or Equals 150 Ppm In The Groundwater And The Chloride Content Is
Less Than What Is Specified In Exposure Iii.²
 Water-Soluble Sulfate Content More Than 0.1% And Water-Soluble
I+Silica Chloride More Than 0.1% By Weight Of Soil.
iii FBE
Fume³  Sulfate More Than 1500 Ppm And Chloride More Than 500 Ppm In The
Groundwater.
I+Silica Uncoate
iv Sulfur Pits
Fume d
With Negligible Sulfates And Chlorides (Less Than 0.1% Each) By Weight Of Surrounding
v I Uncoated
Environment. E. G., Interior Roof Slabs

NOTES:
1 Sulfates And Chlorides Shall Be Determined In Accordance With AASHTO T290 and AASHTO T291
Respectively Or Equivalent Test Methods.

2 If The Sulfate Content Is Less Than 1500 PPM and The Chloride Is More Than 500 PPM, Then Type I
Cement and FBE Coated Rebars Shall Be Used.

3 Plant Paving, Sidewalks, Erosion Protection Paving And Slabs Reinforced With Welded Wire Fabric
Are Exempted From The Use Of Silica Fume.

commentary notes:
the use of the silica fume cement is limited to the structural concrete members.
table 1 is based on performance of geotechnical investigation as required by SAES-A-113 or
availability of prior reports showing soil chemical composition. in the absence of geotechnical
investigation reports/soil chemical analysis, it is recommended to use epoxy coated reinforcement
and type v cement.

Table 2 Defines The Minimum Concrete Cover Measured From Outer Most Rebar (Tie Bar), That Shall Be
Provided For Reinforcement Of Cast-In-Place Concrete Structures.

TABLE 2 - MINIMUM CONCRETE COVER

Concrete Structure Minimum Cover (mm)

Concrete Cast Against And Permanently Exposed To Earth
(Including Foundations Over A Sub-Slab) 75
Formed Concrete Exposed To Earth Or Weather
Supporting Process Equipment 75
Buildings, Walkway Platforms, Stairs, Ac Pads 50
Concrete Not Exposed To Weather Nor In Contact With Ground
(Which Can Be Inspected From All Sides):
Beams, Columns 50
Slabs, Walls, Joists 25
Concrete Exposed To Seawater, Raw Water Or Sewage 75
Between Reinforcement And Anchor Flange/Pipe Within
Pipeline Anchor Blocks 100
Concrete Slab Over 50 Mm Sub-Slab 50
Sidewalks, Walkways, Etc. 50
EMBEDDED ITEMS

BeltranPage 3
Conduits, Pipes And Other Items Made From Aluminum Shall Not Be Embedded In Structural Concrete Unless
Effectively Coated To Prevent Aluminum-Concrete Reaction.
PLACING CONCRETE
Concrete Shall Not Be Dropped Freely Where Reinforcing Will Cause Segregation Nor Shall It Be Dropped Freely
More Than 1 m
CURING

10.1 Structural Concrete Shall Be Continuously Water Cured In Accordance With Recommendations Of ACI
305R, ACI 308 And As Modified Below.

10.2 Maximum Total Dissolved Solids In Water Used For Curing Shall Not Exceed 1000 Parts Per Million.

10.3 Water Curing Shall Be Continuous Until The Compressive Strength Has Reached 70% Of The Specified
Strength, But Not Less Than 7 Days After Placement.

10.4 The Saturated Burlaps Shall Be Covered With A Plasticized Sheet Vapor Barrier, Minimum 0.15 mm (6
miles) In Thickness.

10.5 Steam Curing Can Be Used For Precast Concrete. It Should Be In Accordance With ACI 517.

COATING AND PROTECTION

11.1 a plasticized sheet vapor barrier, minimum 0.15 mm (6 MILS) in thickness, shall be placed beneath slabs on
grade. outdoor sidewalks are exempted from this requirement.

11.2 a plasticized sheet vapor barrier, minimum 0.15 mm (6 mils) in thickness or a

50 mm sub-slab (lean concrete) shall be placed beneath concrete foundations.

11.3 a plasticized sheet vapor barrier shall be placed below and around the sides of concrete that is placed
directly into excavation without the use of formwork, where coal tar or bitumen coating cannot be applied.

11.4 all concrete surfaces in direct contact with earth shall be coated with two coats of coal tar or bitumen
coating that conforms to APCS-3 or APCS-10 of SAES-H-101.
commentary note:

this requirement is not applicable to instrument standpipes or pedestals inside

of buildings that are not subjected to wash down water.
APCS-10 shall not be used where soil is contaminated with hydrocarbons

PUMPED CONCRETE
1. Slump and cylinder test samples shall be taken from the end of the mixture truck chute or at the discharge
point of the concrete placement hose when concrete pumps are used.
CONCRETE FOR UNDERGROUND DUCTS
1. Concrete For Underground Duct Envelopes Shall Be Colored In Accordance With SAES-T-911 And SAES-
P-104 For Communication And Electrical Ducts Respectively.
2. Coloring Admixtures Shall Be In Accordance With ACI 212.3R Section 6.6 And ASTM C979.

TESTING AND INSPECTION

The Contractor Shall Employ An Independent Saudi Aramco Approved Testing Agency To Perform Field And
Laboratory Testing Which Shall Include Compressive Tests Of Molded Concrete Cylinders, Test For Slump, Unit
Weight, Air Content (Where Air-Entrainment Is Required) And Fresh Concrete Temperature. All Testing Shall Be
In Accordance With
09-Samss-097 "Ready-Mix Portland Cement Concrete

BeltranPage 4
 TABLE B – ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR MIXING WATER

TEST FREQUENCY OF MAX. MIN.

TEST
TDS Weekly 500 PPM N/A
PH Weekly 8.0 6.0

Truck Mixing Is Allowed If The Discharge Of The Concrete Can Not Be Achieved Within 90 Minutes After
Introduction Of The Mixing Water To The Cement And Aggregates Or Before The Drum Of The Truck
Has Revolved 300 Revolutions, Provided That:
a) The Discharge Of The Concrete Shall Be Completed Within Three Hours Or Before The Drum Of The
Truck Has Revolved 600 Revolutions, Whichever Comes First After Introduction Of The Cement To
The Aggregates.

b) Concrete Delivered At A Temperature In Excess Of 32°C Or That Fails To Maintain A Temperature Of

32°C Until Used, Shall Be Rejected And Replaced At The Expense Of The Manufacturer.
c) A) Location Of Batch Plant
d) B) Job Order (Jo) Number For Project
e) C) Time Leaving Batch Plant
the minimum required number of concrete test cylinders for strength tests shall be:
Age (Days) No. Of Cylinders
3 1
7 1
28 2

the test report shall include the following data for each test sample of concrete taken at the placement site:
 Name Of Project And Job Order (Jo) For The Project
 Slump In Millimeters
 Ambient Air Temperature In ºc
 Concrete Temperature In ºc
 % Air, When Air Entrainment Is Used.

SAES-Q-005 CONCRETE FOUNDATION

Foundations Supporting Steel Bases, Including Structural Columns, Pipe Supports, Process Equipment, Vessels And
Towers Shall Conform To The Following:
A) The Top Of Concrete Shall Be A Minimum Of 150 Mm Above Finished Grade.
Exception:
B) The Design Concrete Compressive Strength Of Concrete Shall Be
27.6 Mpa (4000 Psi) At 28 Days.
C) The Selection And Specification Of Non-Shrink Cement Based Grout For
Foundations Shall Comply With Saes-Q-010. The Minimum Thickness Of Grout
Shall Be 25 Mm.
D) Foundations Shall Not Be Placed Above Underground Piping, Telecommunication Or Electrical Items In Such A
Manner As To Exert Pressure On These Items Without Prior Written Approval By The Supervisor

BeltranPage 5
INSTALLATION OF PRECAST FOUNDATIONS SHALL COMPLY WITH ONE
OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:
 a 50 mm lean concrete seal slab shall be placed in the bottom of the
excavation immediately before Placing the precast concrete foundation. the
precast concrete foundation shall then be set in place prior to hardening of
the lean concrete.
 a layer of clean sand not more than 50 mm thick shall be placed in the
bottom of the excavation. if clean sand is used, it must be carefully leveled
prior to Placing the precast concrete foundation and a 0.15 mm (6 mils)
plasticized sheet vapor barrier shall be placed beneath the foundation.
ANCHOR BOLTS AND EMBEDDED ITEMS
 The Minimum Anchor Bolt Diameter Shall Be 20 mm (¾"), Except When Specified Otherwise By The
Vendor For Small Equipment Or For The Anchorage Of Small Miscellaneous Steel Items Such As; Ladder
Supports, Small Piping Supports, Handrail Anchorage, Stair Stringers, Small Platforms, Etc

 Minimum Clear Distance From Anchor Bolts Or Anchor Bolt Sleeves To Edge Of Concrete Shall Be 100
Mm. Metallic Sleeves Are Not Allowed And Anchor Bolts Shall Not Be In Contact With Reinforcing Steel.
 Anchor Bolts That Are Exposed To The Weather In Coastal Areas, Subjected To Frequent Wash Downs, Or
Subjected To Firewater Deluge Testing Shall Have Their Diameters Increased By 3 Mm As A Corrosion
Allowance In Addition To The Coating Required By 12-Samss-007.

SAES-Q-006 ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVING

SPECIFICATION FOR ASPHALT PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION
Unless Otherwise Specified, The Entire Subgrade Shall Be Compacted To Not Less Than 95% Of The Maximum
Dry Density Per (ASTM D1557, Or AASHTO T180) While Within 1.5% Of The Optimum Moisture Content Or To
85% Of Relative Density Determined By ASTM D4253 And ASTM D4254

COMPACTION
The Rolling Shall Continue Until The Base And Subbase Are Compacted To Not Less Than (100% For The Base
And 95% For The Subbase) Of The Maximum Laboratory Dry Density As Determined By ASTM D1557, Or
Aashto T180. In-Place Density Shall Be Measured By ASTM D2922 Or ASTM 1556 Or Other Approved Methods.
Testing Shall Be Conducted At A Rate Of One Test Every 2000 Ft² (180 M²) Of Base Or Sub-Base.

SPECIFICATION FOR PRIME COATS AND TACK COATS

1. PRIME COAT
The Prime Coat Shall Be Applied And Shall Consist Of The Mc-70 Conforming To Saudi Aramco
(Ras Tanura Refinery) Standard Cleaning Surface:

Prior To The Application Of The Prime Coat, The Surface Shall Be Cleaned Of All Loose Dirt And
Other Objectionable Materials By Means Of Approved Mechanical Sweepers Or Blower And Or
Hand Broom.

Application: Prime Coat Shall Be Applied Only When The Surface To Be Treated Is Dry, The
Atmospheric Temperature Is 16°C Or Above. Prime Coat Shall Not Be Applied When The Weather
Is Foggy Or Rainy Or In A Sand Storm. The Prime Coat Shall Be Applied Uniformly To The
Surface Of The Base Using A Pressure Distributor At A Rate Between 0.65 And 1.75 Liters Per

BeltranPage 6
 Square Meter And At A Temperature Between 50°C And 80°C For Mc-70 And At A Temperature
Between 65°C And 105°C For Mc-250.

Curing: The Prime Coat Shall Be Permitted To Cure Until The Penetration Into Underlying
Surface Has Been Approved By Saudi Aramco Representative, But At No Time Shall The Curing
Period Be Less Than 24 Hours.

2. TACT COAT
The Tack Coat Shall Be Of Rc-250 Conforming To Saudi Aramco (Ras Tanura Refinery) Standard
A-971 Or Rc-800, Conforming To Saudi Aramco Standard A-972.

Application: The Tack Coat Shall Be Applied On Paved Surfaces And Vertical Surfaces,
Such A Concrete, Which Will Be In Contact With The Asphalt Paving, By Means Of
Bitumen Distributor At A Maximum Rate Of 0.25 Liters Per Square Meter Or As Directed
By Saudi Aramco Representative. Tack Coat Shall Not Be Placed During Rainy Weather,
Nor When The Moisture On The Surface To Be Paved Would Prevent Proper Bond, Nor
When The Atmospheric Temperature Is Less Than 16°C, Nor When The Temperature Of
The Surface On Which The Material Is To Be Placed Is Less Than 16°C.
HOT MIX ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVING
the mixture temperature shall have a temperature between 139°c and 163°c when it leaves the plant. the hot mix
asphalt concrete material will not be accepted unless it is covered with tarpaulins until unloaded, and unless it has a
temperature of at least 139°c at the time of spreading and Compaction.
the Compaction requirements shall be equal to or greater than 96% of the marshall density per ASTM d1559, using
material sampled at the road site. all Compaction shall be completed before the temperature of the mixture drops
below 90°c.

tolerance in thickness: measurement of any core shall not be deficient by more than 10 mm or fifteen (15) percent
of the design thickness whichever is less.

sand bedding/annulus materials shall be compacted to 70% relative density.

backfill material above the bedding/annulus material shall meet the requirements of SAES-a-114. backfill materials
shall be placed in lifts not exceeding 100 mm (4 in) in loose depth for hand-operated compaction. for larger
compaction equipment, backfill material placed in lifts not exceeding 200 mm (8 in) in loose depth may be
approved by the Saudi Aramco

SAES-Q-009 CONCRETE RETAINING WALLS

CONCRETE RETAINING WALL

SAES-Q-010 CEMENT BASED, NONSHRINK GROUT FOR

STRUCTURAL AND EQUIPMENT GROUTING
 where true nonshrink characteristics are not mandatory, site mixed grout shall use clean well-graded sand
that meets the requirements of 09-SAMSS-088, type v Portland cement (as defined by ASTM c150) and
potable water. minimum 28-day compressive strength shall be 13.8 MPA (2,000 PSI).
 total dissolved solids for mixing and curing water shall not exceed 500 ppm.
 when the water/cement ratio is 0.4 or less, the grout shall be continuously water cured for a minimum of
seven days. curing compounds shall be in accordance with ASTM c309
 minimum 28 days compressive strength shall be 34.5 MPA
(5,000 PSI).
 mixture temperature is 23 degrees Celsius

BeltranPage 7
SAES Q-011- EPOXY GROUT FOR MACHINERY SUPPORT
The Components Shall Show No Gelling When Stored For The Shelf Life Indicated On The Data Sheets From The
Date Of Manufacture In Unopened Containers At Temperatures Of 32°C

If The Grout Pour Is 100 Mm Or Deeper, The Grout Manufacturer Recommendations For Installing Reinforcement
Rebars Shall Be Followed.

The Corners Of Mounting Plates Shall Be Rounded To At Least A 50 Mm Radius Where Feasible To Prevent Crack-
Producing Stress Raisers In The Grout.

SAES-H-003 COATING REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCRETE

SURFACES
DEFINITIONS
LIGHT DUTY SURFACE:
Concrete Subject To Salt Laden Environments, Occasional Chemical Spillage, Moderate Industrial Fumes
Or Other Mild Attack.
HEAVY DUTY SURFACE:
Concrete Subject To Continuous Immersion, Frequent Spillage, Heavy Chemical Fumes, Severe Abrasion
And/Or Physical Abuse.
LAITANCE:
An Accumulation Of Fine Particles On The Surface Of Fresh Concrete Due To An Upward Movement Of
Water.
DFT:
Dry Film Thickness.
CARBONATION:
Carbonation Is The Process Of Carbon Dioxide Reacting With Calcium Hydroxide Within The Cement,
Neutralizing It To Form Calcium Carbonate.
CHLORIDE ION ATTACK:
Occurs From Either (1) Internal Chlorides Which Have Been Introduced Into The Concrete Mix. Examples
Are Calcium Chloride Used To Accelerate The Cure, The Use Of Aggregate Contaminated With Chlorides,
Or The Use Of Raw Water Or Sea Water In The Mix Instead Of Fresh Water Or (2) External Chlorides
Which Penetrate The Concrete In The Form Of A Solution. As Chloride Ions Reach The Steel
Reinforcement, They Break Down The Passive Film And Cause The Steel To Become Electrochemically
Active. Rust Can Form And Spalling Results.
RESPONSIBLE STANDARDIZATION AGENCY Representative - Coating Engineer Designated By
The Manager Of The Consulting Services Department. He Is Responsible For Product Approvals And Is
The Normal CSD Contact For Matters Involving Interpretation And Application Of This Specification.
APPROVED PRODUCT:
A Coating Material That Has Been Approved By The RSA As Meeting The Requirements Of The
Applicable Apcs Or Samss. If No Applicable Apcs Or Samss Exists, The Product Must Be Certified In
Writing By The Rsa That It Is Suitable For The Intended Service. Only Approved Products Are Allowed
For Use On Saudi Aramco Jobs.

BeltranPage 8
CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Surface Requirements

5.1.1 CONCRETE CURE

New Concrete Shall Be Allowed To Cure For A Minimum Of 28 Days Prior To Coating.
Shorter Cure Times Shall Only Be Allowed If The Concrete Passes Either Of The Moisture
Cure Tests In Paragraphs 5.1.2 Or 5.1.3 Below.

5.1.2 CONCRETE MOISTURE CONTENT - ASTM D4263 "Standard Test Method For Indicating Moisture In
Concrete By The Plastic Sheet Method" Test One Area Every Fifty Square Meters (540 Ft²)
Of Surface. (For Casts Of Less Than 50 M², One Test Is Required.) The Test Procedure Is
As Follows:
A) Tape A 4 Mil Thick (0.1 Mm), 18" X 18" (450 Mm X 450 Mm) Of Clear Plastic
Sheet To The Surface To Be Coated. 2" Wide (50 Mm) Duct Tape Is Suggested.
Care Should Be Taken To Make Sure It Is Taped On All Sides To Prevent Air Leaks.
B) Sheet Shall Remain In Place For A Minimum Of 16 Hours.
C) Remove And Visually Check The Underside For Moisture.
D) If After 16 Hours No Moisture Is Observed On The Underside Of The Sheet, The
Concrete Is Ready For Coating.
E) If Droplets Of Moisture Are Present, The Concrete Is Not Ready For Coating And
The Test Shall Be Repeated After Allowing More Time To Cure.

5.1.3 CONCRETE MOISTURE CONTENT - ELCOMETER METHOD

another acceptable method of measurement of moisture content can be made by the use of
an electrometer (conductivity type). the procedure is as follows:
a) drill two small holes approximately 6 mm in diameter, 25 mm in depth, and 150 mm
apart (these holes must be repaired after conducting the test in accordance with
paragraph 5.4.2 of this standard).
b) insert the probes into the drilled holes and seal with a silicone putty.
c) wait approximately 24 hours to allow side-effects of the drilling to stabilize and
measurements can then be taken.
d) begin coating only if the moisture content is less than 4%.
5.2 Environmental Conditions During Surface Preparation
5.2.1 Relative Humidity Shall Be Less Than 85%.
5.2.2 Surface Shall Be Tested For Dryness After Rain, Water Blasting, Or Heavy Overnight
Fog.
5.2.3 Wind Conditions Shall Be Such As To Allow Complete Clean Up Of Dust And Dirt
On Areas To Be Coated.
5.3 Texture And Cleanliness Of Prepared (Blast Cleaned) Surfaces.
5.3.1 New Concrete - Light Duty Service
A) Scour The Surface To Remove Any Protrusions And Sharp Edges By Using An
Abrasive Brick (Carborundum), Power Grinding, Or Power Brushing. Check For
Overall Surface Soundness By Scratching A Screwdriver Or Pocket Knife Across The
BeltranPage 9
 Surface. If The Metal Object Rides Over The Surface Without Loosening Any
Particles And Leaves Only A Shiny Mark, The Surface Is Sound. Otherwise,
Continue Scouring.
B) Surface Contaminants Such As Laitance And Form Oils Must Be Removed. Form
Oils, Grease, Etc. Can Generally Be Removed By Steam Cleaning With A Water
Emulsifiable Detergent Added. Laitance Can Be Removed By Wire Brushing.
hydrochloric ACId is used for etching, and it should be diluted 10/90 to 20/80 with
water. ACId etching is applied at the rate of 1.0 liter/m². let the ACId react with the
concrete surface for 5 to 10 minutes and then flush with water while scrubbing.
allow the surface to dry completely before applying any coating. check the adequacy
of the flushing by plACIng litmus or ph paper on the wet surface to ensure that it is
fully neutralized.
c) the surface of the new concrete shall be roughened to the texture of medium grit sandpaper by either a
high pressure (3000 PSI at the nozzle) water rinse injected with abrasive or a light sweep blast.

1) dry abrasive blasting -- blast nozzle should be kept at a distance which will provide results similar
to a brush off blast
2) wet abrasive blasting -- this method of cleaning offers the advantage of easy cleanup, no dusting,
and generally a more uniform etching of the surface.

5.9 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS DURING COATING APPLICATION

5.9.1 Relative Humidity Shall Be Less Than 85%.

5.9.2 Surface Temperature Shall Not Be Less Than 10°C (50°F).
5.9.3 Surface Temperature Must Be Greater Than 3°C (5°F) Above The Dew Point.
5.9.4 Surface Shall Be Tested For Dryness After Rain, Water Blasting Or Heavy Overnight
Fog.
5.9.5 Wind Conditions Shall Be Such As To Prevent Dust And Dirt Accumulation On The
Surface To Be Coated.
8.3 COATING AND LINING INSPECTION
8.3.1 Surface Temperature And Humidity Readings Shall Be Recorded. Work Shall Not Proceed If The Substrate
Temperature Or Relative Humidity Falls Outside The Limits Required By Coating Or Lining Manufacturer's Data
Sheets.

8.3.2 The Coating Or Lining Shall Be Visually Inspected For Defects And Shall Meet The Requirements Of The
Coating Or Lining Manufacturer's Data Sheets.

8.3.3 Wet Film Thickness Shall Be Monitored By At Least Three Wet Film Gage Readings Per 100 Ft².

SABIC STANDARDS
working slump for normal concrete = 100 – 150 mm

with superplasticizer and silica fumes = 150 – 200 mm

Quality Policy: A formal statement from management, closely aligned with the organization’s mission
and vision, that defines the overall intentions and direction of an organization with regard to quality as
formally expressed by top management.
BeltranPage 10
Quality Objective: Specific goals that are aligned with the quality policy. These should be measured
and reviewed to ensure they are being achieved.

Quality Function: This involves all the processes and responsibilities that ensure the quality of a
product or service, including planning, assurance, and control activities.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator): Metrics used to evaluate the success of an organization in
achieving key business objectives.

PQI (Project Quality Index): A metric that reflects the quality level of the project by considering
defects, failures, and other quality-related aspects.

QC Manager Responsibilities: Include overseeing quality control processes, ensuring compliance

with regulations, managing QC staff, implementing quality control methods, and continuous improvement
of quality operations.

WQR (Welding Quality Reports), MQMR (Monthly Quality Management Reports),

PQI (Product Quality Index), and Audit: These are various reports and audits that ensure and
monitor quality standards and processes within an organization.

Audit: An official inspection of an organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body. In quality

management, an audit refers to a systematic examination of quality processes.

Attachment in Schedule Q: Schedule Q typically specifies the auditing requirements and may
include attachments like audit checklists, guidelines, and forms required for conducting the audit.

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control):

Quality Assurance (QA): The systematic processes used to ensure the quality and standards are met
throughout the production process.

Quality Control (QC): The operational techniques and activities used to fulfill quality requirements,
often involving testing and inspections.

Standard: established requirements agreed upon by a recognized authority, ensuring that

materials, products, processes, and services are fit for their purpose.

Code: A set of rules or principles, often established by a standardizing authority, designed

to influence or control the quality, safety, or performance in a specific domain.

Specification: Detailed, precise instructions or requirements are designated for the materials,
construction, processes, and products to ensure they meet set standards and quality.

Abbreviations for Standards and Specifications:

SATIP: Saudi Aramco Typical Inspection Plan
SAIC: Saudi Aramco Inspection Checklist
SAES: Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
BeltranPage 11
SAEP: Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SATR: Saudi Aramco Test Report
SAMSS: Saudi Aramco Material System Specifications
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials
AWWA: American Water Works Association
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
NCR Contents (Non-Conformance Report):
Description of the non-conformance
Identification numbers (e.g., NCR number, project number)
Date of identification
Affected product or process
Corrective actions taken
Root cause analysis
Preventive actions
Signatures of relevant personnel
SAEP 381 Escalation: It refers to the escalation procedure in Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
(SAEP) 381, often outlining steps to manage and resolve issues that cannot be settled at lower levels of
management.

Schedule Q refers to a part of a contract or project documentation that specifies quality requirements,
expectations, and often includes guidelines for inspections, tests, and audits.

ISO 9001-2015: An international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS) that specifies
requirements designed to help organizations ensure they meet the needs of customers and other
stakeholders.

SATIP-A-114: Likely a specific Saudi Aramco Typical Inspection Plan document designated as "A-
114," providing detailed inspection steps and criteria for excavation and backfill.

SAES-A-114 refers to a specific Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard marked "A-114," which would
detail the technical requirements and specifications for certain excavations and backfills.

Civil Test: Refers to tests performed in civil engineering projects to ensure the quality and integrity of
structures, including soil tests, concrete tests, load tests, etc.

ITP: inspection test plan

1. Documents review
 Soil testing and review test report geo technical investigation requirments.
2. Material receiving
 Select fill and maral cap material inspection.
3. Installation

BeltranPage 12
  Soil protection control drainages and dewatering inspection full placement and compaction
inspection
4. Testing
 Compection test FDT(field densty test)
5. Pre-commissioning
SAES (SAUDI ARAMCO ENGINEERING STANDARDS)
SAES-A-114 (EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING)
SAES-Q-001 (CRITERIA FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE)
SAES-Q-004 INSTALLATION OF PILES AND CONDUCTORS FOR OFFSHORE STRUCTURE)
SAES-Q-005 (CONCRETE FOUNDATION)
SAES-Q-006 (ASPHALT AND SULFUR EXTENDED ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVING)
SAES-Q-007 (FOUNDATION AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR HEAVY MACHINARY)
SAES-Q-009 (CONCRETE RETAINING WALL)
SAES-Q-010 (CEMENT BASED NON SHRINK GROUT FOR STRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT GROUT)
SAES-Q-011 (EPOXY GROUT FOR MACHINARY SUPPORT)
SAES-Q-012 (CRITERIA FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PRECAST AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
STRUCTURE)
SAES-Q-014 (OFFSHORE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS)

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM C 31-C 31M-00 Making Curing Concrete Specimens Field
ASTM C 39-C 39M-01 TM Compr. Strength Concrete Specimens
ASTM C 42-C 42M-99 TM Drilled Cores Sawed Beams of Concrete
ASTM C 94-C 94M-00 Specification for Ready Mixed Concrete
ASTM C 138-C 138M-01 TM Density, Yield & Air Cont. of Concrete
ASTM C 143-C 143M-00 TM for Slump of Hydraulic Concrete
ASTM C150 Standard Specification for Portland cement
ASTM C 171-97a Specification for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
ASTM C 172-99 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
ASTM C 173-C 173M-01 TM Air of Mixed Concrete by Vol Method
ASTM C 192-C 192M-00 Making Curing Concrete Specimens Lab
ASTM C 231 - 97 Air Content of Freshly Mixed Conc-Press Methods
ASTM C 260 - 01 Air Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
ASTM C 309 - 98a Liquid Membrane-Form Comp. for Curing Concrete
ASTM C 642-97 TM Density, Absorption & Voids in Hard. Concrete
ASTM C1064 Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
ASTM C 1077-00 Practice for Labs Test Concrete & Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C 1152-C 1152M-97 TM Acid Sol. Cl- in Mortar & Concrete
SAEP (SAUDI ARAMCO ENGINEERING PROCEDURE)
SAEP-1150-Inspection-Coverage-on-Projects

BeltranPage 13
SAEP-1152 Approval Procedure for Ready-Mixed Concrete Mix Design
SAEP 381 Project Quality Issues Escalation Process
SAEP-383 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories, Geotechnical engineering Offices and Batch
Plants

SAMSS (SAUDI ARAMCO MATERIAL SYSTEM SPECIFICATION)

SAMSS-097-Ready-Mixed-Concrete
SAMSS 088 TURBINE OILS
09-SAMSS-106-Epoxy-Coating-of-Steel-Reinforcing-Bars

ASPHALT SEAS-Q-006
Asphalt work as per Aramco standards
1st step:
Sab say pahlay sub-grade ready Karna ha agr sub-grade purana pass hota ha to us kaCBR test ho
ga agr us ki CBR value 5% ati ha to ok agr nai ati to phir sab-base dalni ha sab-base ki CBR value 15%
minimum ani chahiya 20cm layer ki aur is ki compaction 95% ani chahiya.
Sub-base ki 2 class hain A & B
A class k liya aggregate ka size ho ga 2.5 inch
B class k liya 2 inch
2nd step:
Iss main base-course dalni ha 150mm ki compacted layer honi chahiya is ki FDT 100% ani
chahiya aur is ka ak test 180m² k bd hota ha aur is moisture +_1.5 hota ha aur is k aggregate ka size.
Class A: 2.5 inch
Class B: 1.5 inch
3rd step:
3rd step prime coat ka hota ha ya base course k upar tanker k sath supray kiya jata ha is k liya
Aramco k 2 MC use hotay hain MC-70 & MC-250 aur MC-70 ka distribute rate 0.65 to 1.75 liters per
square metar hota ha MC-70 ka temperature 50°C to 80°C tak hota ha Aur MC-250 k liya 65°C to 105°C
tak hota ha distribution rate 0.9 to 1.5 liter per m2 hota Aur ya tab Karna ha jab atmospheric temperature
16°C ya is say upar ho aur dono side pay 300 mm zayda Karna ha aur is ka curing time 24 hour ha us k
bd hmm asphalt kar saktay hain aur barish k mosam ya sand storm main nai kar saktay aur is ka ak test
10,000m² k bd hota ha testkay liye ak plate ya cardboard ka piece Rakha jata ha us par tanker say spray
kia jata, upar supray ho jati ha aur bd main laboratory baja jata ha jahan iss ki thickness test ho jata.
4th step:
Is main hmm asphalt binder kartay hain is mix thickness 70mm hoti ha lakin ya drawing k design
par depend b hota ha.
Asphalt ki 3 types hain:
1.Hot mix asphalt (General ha ya zayda use hoti ha) is ka temperature 139°C to 163°C tak hota ha
2.polymer-modified Hot mix asphalt
3.sulfur extended hot mix
Is ka temperature 130°C say 140°C tak hota ha jab batching plant say niklti ha aur jab unload kartay hain
tu minimum temprature 115 °C tak hona chahiya
Is ki compaction 96% hoti ha is ko Marshall density kahtay hain is ka test core cutting kar k laboratory
main Baja jata ha. Asphalt karnay k liya atmospharic temperature 4°say upar hona chahiya Is k test k liya
jo core cutting ki jati ha wo 4000 m2 ho to 600 m2 k bd agr 4 say upar 20000 tak ho to phir 900m2 k bd
agr 20000 say upar ho to 1200m2 k bd ki jati ha Is ka size 1.5 inch aur 1 inch hota ha.
5th step:

BeltranPage 14
 Is step main tack coat kartay hain tab tak tack coat nai kar saktay jab tak asphalt ka temperature
90°C tak na a jay main MC-70 use kartay hain is ka curing time 1,2 hour hota ha ya agr 3 din say zayda
ho jay to dubara kartay hain aur clening b kartay hain agr upar koi sand wagara ho to aur raniy aur foggy
weather main nai kar saktay aur ya kartay waqat temperature 16°C say upar hona chahiya ya 16 hona
chahiya aur is ko b spray tanker k sath kiya jata is ka distribute rate 0.25 liters per square m hota ha is ka
ak test 10000 m2 k bd hota ha.
6th step:
Wearing course karni ha is step main is ki 3 class hoti hain (A.B.C) Is size 3 hotay hain
3/4 inch
1/2 inch
3/8 inch
Is ki mix leayr 70 mm ki hoti ha normal 50mm ki hoti ha ya as per IFC drawing. Is ki compaction 96%
aur core cutting ak din bd kar saktay hain. Core cutting 4000 m main 600 m2 k bd 20000 main 900 m2 k
bd aur 20000 say upar 1200 m2 k bd hoti ha ya compaction test k liya ki jati ha is ko Marshall density
kahtay hain aur jo core cutting ki jati ha us ka size 10 cm hota ha aur is ka temperature 139°C to 163°C
hota ha aur compaction tab tak tak karni ha jab tak is ka temperature 90°C na ho Jay us k bd hmm tack
coat kar saktay hain.
Quantity: 1 ton asphalt say 7.5 m2 area hota ha asphalt ki thickness 50 mm ho to or 9cm main 4.5 hota ha

Asphalt Quantity= area x thickness x 2.3 constant value of compaction

Ans will be in tons

BeltranPage 15