CIVIL WORKS

Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

STANDARD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC WORKS

CIVIL WORKS
( SPECIFICATION )

CIVIL WORKS FOR OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION LINES

ADWEA/ADDC/AADC STANDARD : S-AAA-CIV-OHL

(REV.0-2015)

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015)
Page 1 of 28
 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

CONTENTS

1 GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 3
2 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 3
2.1 Soil Investigation............................................................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Execution of Borings and In-Situ Tests (SPT) .................................................................. 4
2.1.2 Bore Logs .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Laboratory Tests ................................................................................................................ 6
2.1.4 Reports .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.5 Change of Investigation Program ...................................................................................... 8
2.2 Foundations ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.2 Foundation Types .............................................................................................................. 9
2.2.3 Soil Characteristics .......................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Protection of Tower Foundations .................................................................................... 10
2.2.5 Caps ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.3 Gantries ........................................................................................................................... 12
2.4 Access.............................................................................................................................. 12
2.5 Design of Foundations..................................................................................................... 13
2.5.1 Pile Foundation................................................................................................................ 13
2.5.2 Pad and Chimney Foundation ......................................................................................... 14
2.6 Erection of Foundations .................................................................................................. 15
2.6.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 15
2.6.2 Earth and Rockwork ........................................................................................................ 15
2.6.3 Concrete Work ................................................................................................................ 16
2.6.4 Bored Pile Foundations ................................................................................................... 23
2.6.5 Foundation Load Tests .................................................................................................... 24
2.6.6 Additional Civil Work ..................................................................................................... 27
2.6.7 Sign Boards for Road Crossings...................................................................................... 27
2.7 Factors of Safety.............................................................................................................. 28

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 2 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

CIVIL WORKS FOR OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION LINES

1 GENERAL
For Conceptual Foundations reference shall be made to:
 S-AAA-CIV 03 03 - Conceptual Foundations
This part of the Specification shall cover all items related to civil works within overhead and
overhead transmission line projects.
Works shall include, but not be limited to the following: geo-technical investigations, soil
resistivity measurements, selecting, design, setting out, installation and testing of all required
types of tower foundations for the different types tower types and location conditions. Provision
of tower platforms and/or stabilising of tower locations, access roads and provision of revetment
protection as/and where required.
For applicable technical standards, tests, reference shall be made to:
 S-AAA-CIV-GEN - General Requirements
(Applicable Technical Standards, Tests, etc.)

2 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

2.1 Soil Investigation

The soil conditions at site shall be investigated by the Bidder/Contractor prior to determining the
type of foundations for the transmission line. Soil investigations are to be performed in
accordance with DIN 4020, DIN 4021 or BS-5930 and BS-1377. Application of alternative
standards shall be subject to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval prior to the performance of the
site and laboratory tests.
Soil investigations shall be carried out at an early stage of the project to determine the ground
conditions at the different tower locations. Based on these findings, the Bidder/Contractor shall
propose his assumptions for the foundation design for each location selected to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC for approval.
For lines above 33 kV at all locations of transmission line towers (including gantries) and for
lines of 33 kV at every second suspension tower location and at every tension tower location the
following shall be carried out:
 Bore holes down to an average of 20 m
 Test pits at selected locations
 Plate load tests (at selected locations if applicable)
 Cone Penetration Tests (at selected locations and if requested/approved by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC)

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 3 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

 Compaction tests after filling, backfilling and compaction

 Soil resistivity measurements
 If the initial groundwater level is recorded higher than 4 m below surface, weekly readings
of the groundwater table up to the casting of foundations to monitor fluctuations of
groundwater.

For pole lines of 33 kV and below, initially only dead-end towers, angle towers and tension
towers and at every third suspension tower location shall be investigated, provided that the
resulting spacing between boreholes does not exceed 200 m. At locations where boreholes are
not being carried out, results of adjacent boreholes may be interpolated. If severe variations of
the ground conditions between boreholes are recorded, additional interim locations shall be
investigated.

2.1.1 Execution of Borings and In-Situ Tests (SPT)

2.1.1.1 Borings
The methods of boring shall enable undisturbed sampling as well as rotary coring. The minimum
borehole diameter for undisturbed sampling shall be 100mm. The equipment shall allow the
execution of Standard Penetration Tests and undisturbed sampling, for instance by using piston
sampler.
For the drilling works in cohesive and/or hard soils, a double tube core barrel of at least 3"
(7.5 cm) inside diameter shall be used exclusively, provided that this kind of boring can be
continued to the final bottom of the borehole in question. A 95 % core recovery is required.
Beyond this, the Bidder/Contractor may choose for his own convenience the type of equipment
and accessories to be used at each individual borehole and depth, provided that in
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC's opinion, the equipment chosen is suitable for the drilling. The
Bidder/Contractor may also choose the initial and intermediate diameters of each borehole for
his own convenience, provided that he will secure the aforementioned minimum acceptable size
of core.
Adequate casing has to be used to ensure the stability of the borehole. The Bidder/Contractor
will not be entitled to any compensation or additional payment for casing.
The method of drilling, casing and flushing shall be described in the offer. Bentonite shall be
added to the drilling fluid only after the explicit permission of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
It is to be emphasised that the Bidder/Contractor shall supply an equipment to take undisturbed
samples from cohesive and non-cohesive soils for laboratory tests, according to international
standards. The samples shall be treated in an adequate manner to avoid disturbances and drying
out.
All boreholes shall after completion of the investigation be refilled with sand and not left open.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 4 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.1.1.2 Sampling
All soils sampled by SPT, undisturbed sampling or core barrel have to be properly stored. Non-
cohesive soils have to be kept in water-tight boxes or bags. Borehole number and depth of
sample shall be written on the cover of the bags and boxes, and the cores must be placed in the
order as taken. The corresponding depth of the material shall continuously be written on the
partition walls of the boxes. Undisturbed samples shall be of 100mm dia and 450mm length.
Samples shall be collected in such a manner that the structure of the soil and its moisture content
are not changed.
The borders between different strata, and the sections of core boxes shall be fixed with thin
boards, and marked with the depth. Core boxes shall be designed for approximately 7 metre of
continuous soil samples. Before shifting the soil samples to the laboratory, the boxes shall be
stored accessible at any time for ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Ground-water and disturbed soil samples taken for the chemical analysis shall be kept in
watertight, durable plastic jars.
Color print photographs shall be taken of all cores packed in the core boxes, suitably labelled.
Negatives and six sets of postcard size prints shall be provided.

2.1.1.3 In Situ Testing

2.1.1.3.1 Standard Penetration Tests
In non-cohesive soils, Standard Penetration Tests (SPT’s) shall be performed from the cleaned
bottom of the boreholes down to 45 cm below. Standard penetration tests shall be carried at 1.0
m intervals and at every change in strata. The number of blows required to drive the sound each
15 cm into the soil has to be counted and kept in the bore log. Standard Penetration Test shall be
as described in BS 1377 Test 19.
The relative strength of cemented materials shall be tested with the Standard Penetration or
Dynamic Cone Tool, where core recovery is poor (less than 10%) or as directed by the Owner's
representative. The number of blows for each 75 millimetre penetration to a total penetration of
450 millimetres penetration shall be recorded or the test stopped at a total of 80 blows and the
penetration recorded.

2.1.1.3.2 Test Pits

The Bidder/Contractor shall excavate trial pits as and where directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC
of an area of approximately 5 m2 and a depth not exceeding 4 m. The Bidder/Contractor shall
carry out plate bearing tests in accordance with BS 5930 and BS 1377, using plate bearing
pressures of 100, 150, 200 and 300 kN/m2. Full records of load, settlement and time shall be
kept. The Bidder/Contractor may further be requested to carry out sand replacement tests to BS
1377.
All protection of the pits shall be provided by the Bidder/Contractor to prevent accidents. After
the completion of the investigations, the Bidder/Contractor shall refill the pits by suitable
material (concrete or gravel) as directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 5 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.1.1.3.3 Cone Penetration Tests (CPT)

The Bidder/Contractor shall supply all required equipment for the "Dutch Static Cone
Penetration Test" for the separate determination of cone resistance and friction. The type of
equipment quoted for shall be described in the offer.
The cone shall have a diameter of 3.6 cm (= 10 cm2) and a peak angle of 60° and the maximum
load to be applied either by anchors or by dead weight shall be limited to approximately 15 tons.
In case cemented layers occur into which the cone cannot penetrate, the Bidder/Contractor shall
pre-bore through the hard soil before the cone test is continued. However, this procedure shall
only be performed after explicit instruction of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC at site.
The Bidder/Contractor shall deliver copies of the original sounding records as well as the
elaborated cone test diagrams to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
In areas where access roads are not available and which are not accessible for the Dutch Cone
Machine another type of cone penetration tests may be performed after
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval. The equipment shall be light, transportable with four-wheel
drive vehicle or by hand. The cone shall be driven by a hammer, in accordance with one of the
International Standards.

2.1.2 Bore Logs

Detailed bore logs/field books must be kept for all borings. They shall include all pertinent data
and results and all observations, measurements or tests as directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
The bore logs/field books have to be submitted within 3 days after completion of each borehole.
Colored photographs shall be taken from all box samples and included in the final report.

2.1.3 Laboratory Tests

The Bidder/Contractor shall order Laboratory Tests to determine the necessary soil mechanic
parameters for the foundation design of towers and masts. The kind and number of tests to be
proposed by the Bidder/Contractor depending on the encountered soils and in view of his
foundation design ADWEA/ADDC/AADC and the results of the borings. The laboratory
programme shall be provided at least 3 days before testing, clearly stating time and location for
the testing.

2.1.3.1 Classification Tests

 Particle size distribution by sieve and/or hydrometer analysis
 Specific gravity of soil grains
 Bulk density and dry density determination
 Relative density determination for granular soils
 Water content determination
 Atterberg limit tests.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 6 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.1.3.2 Chemical Test

 Determination of chloride content in soil
 PH value in soil
 Total and water soluble sulphate content in soil
 Carbonate content in soil
 Organic matter in soil
 Sulphate content of ground water
 Chloride content of ground
 PH value of ground water.

2.1.3.3 Triaxial Tests on Soil

 Unconsolidated undrained tests
 Consolidated un-drained tests with pore pressure measurement
 Multi-state consolidated un-drained tests with pore pressure measurement
 Consolidated drained tests.

2.1.3.4 Direct Shear Tests on Soil

 Consolidated drained tests
 Consolidated constant volume shear tests.

2.1.3.5 Strength tests on rock or cemented material cores

 Point load tests
 Unconfined compression tests.

2.1.3.6 Compressibility (Consolidation) Tests

The tests are to be carried out in conformity with international standards ASTM, BS and/or DIN
by a well experienced Institute to be named by the Bidder/Contractor and approved by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. Other standards are subject to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval
prior to the performance of the laboratory tests.
Aggressiveness of soil and/or groundwater in view of sulphates and chlorides shall be evaluated
according to the BRE-Digest 363 and the CIRIA Guide for Concrete Construction in the Gulf.

2.1.4 Reports
Field reports have to be handed over to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC at site including bore-logs with
all pertinent data, SPT results, ground water levels, cone penetration diagrams, test pit logs, as
well as readings of groundwater levels within three days after completion of the corresponding
work.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 7 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Weekly Progress Reports on approved forms shall be submitted to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC at

site.
On completion of all field and laboratory work, the Bidder/Contractor shall submit to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC a Geotechnical Investigation Report, containing the procedure used
during the investigation, field test results, laboratory observations and test results both in tabular
and graphical form. Practical and theoretical considerations for the interpretation of the test
results, supporting calculations for the conclusions drawn etc., shall be included. The report shall
contain theoretical as well as practical considerations for the design and construction of the
different types foundations and any proposals which the Bidder/Contractor may consider
necessary to be made with regard to the parameters and dimensions of the standard foundations,
as well as clear recommendations for the need for special designs.
The Bidder’s/Contractor’s qualified geotechnical engineer shall visit ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s
office for a detailed discussion on the draft report. During the discussions
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC and the Bidder/Contractor shall decide on the amendments that need to
be made in the draft report. Thereafter, the Bidder/Contractor shall incorporate in the report the
agreed modifications, and after ADWEA/ADDC/AADC approves the report, the
Bidder/Contractor shall submit six (6) copies of the final report along with a reproducible set of
all tables, graphs etc. At least two original copies with colored photographs shall be submitted to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
The Bidder/Contractor shall prepare a schedule for construction purposes, which clearly
indicates the type of foundation to be installed at each site and records the soil investigation data
on which the choice has been made. The Schedule will be subject to the approval of
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC prior to commencement of foundation construction.

2.1.5 Change of Investigation Program

It is understood and expressly agreed that the above given investigation program in no way
defines or limits the method, the sequence of the work, the characteristics of the various working
phases, as will be actually required in ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s opinion in order to obtain the
best results of the exploratory work.
The above program is purely indicative and subject to any alteration, which will deem desirable
on the basis of intermediate information obtained in the course of work.
Where, in the opinion of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC, after examination of the
Bidder’s/Contractor’s soil investigation data, the nature of the ground warrants special
investigation and tests, the Bidder/Contractor shall carry out further investigations according to
the instructions of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC, until satisfactory information is obtained on the
ground bearing properties and foundation type.
The Bidder/Contractor shall conform with any directions issued by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC
concerning the amendment of the above program, no matter how extensive this amendment may
be, and he shall perform this work as continuously directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Allowance made for relevant provisions of the general program, shall not base any claim for

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 8 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

compensation or additional payment on a discrepancy between initially programmed work and

actually performed work.

2.2 Foundations

2.2.1 General
a) Tower foundations shall normally be single leg foundations of reinforced concrete each
tower foundation selected has to be proposed and justified by the Bidder/Contractor and
shall be approved by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
b) The Bidder/Contractor shall stake out the tower locations and submit to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC the foundation conditions including permissible bearing pressure
assumed at each tower, together with the type of foundation considered applicable.
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC may require the Bidder/Contractor to make additional soil
investigations at tower sites to verify the foundation conditions at no additional cost.
c) For his final foundation design the Bidder/Contractor has to perform the required soil
investigations and has to base his design calculations on the detailed information obtained.
The Bidder/Contractor is requested to quote firm unit rates for the different types of
foundations and towers as set out in the Bills of Quantities. These unit rates will be
considered as flat rates covering all foundation costs for any type of soil encountered along
the line and no adjustment of the rates will be permitted.
d) The number of towers set out in the Bills of Quantities against each type may change, as
well as the numbers of specific types of foundations. Their numbers will be adjusted and
remunerated according to the quoted unit rates. This will, however, not entitle the
Bidder/Contractor to a change of the quoted unit rates or to any other additional claim.

2.2.2 Foundation Types

2.2.2.1 For Transmission Lines of 33 kV Level and Higher

For the basic proposal the Bidder/Contractor shall consider foundations executed as cast in-situ
pile foundations. Offers for this type of foundations are considered mandatory.

2.2.2.2 Foundations for Different Ground Conditions

The foundations proposed by the Bidder/Contractor shall cover the following ground conditions:
a) Normal Ground Conditions
Foundations to be suitable for soft soil, sand or loose gravel, soft or hard rock, as per the soil
investigations to be carried out.
b) Subhka Areas and Weak/Aggressive Soil / Environmental Conditions
Foundations with permanent casings
c) Sand dune areas

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 9 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Where special ground conditions exist, which do not allow any of the above types in original or
modified form, special types of foundation have to be considered and proposed, and after
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval have to be applied.
Prior to the selection of foundation types the Bidder/Contractor shall submit all relevant
drawings and data for approval. The decision of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC as to which type of
foundation shall be employed at a given location shall then be final.

2.2.3 Soil Characteristics

The Bidder/Contractor shall ascertain the soil conditions and characteristics as detailed in
Section “Soil Investigation” of this Specification. After determining the specific soil
characteristics, the applicable type of foundation shall be defined.
The pile design shall be based on the worst case of the following two assumptions:
 According to their allowable skin friction and tip bearing capacity, and
 According to their resistance to uplift loads, where the concrete foundation shall be
assumed to mobilise the frustum of an inverted earth cone having an angle of not more
than 30° with the vertical from the foundation base (i.e. piles or pad and chimney type
foundations). The net weight of the soil shall be taken from the soil investigation report.
Angle of the inverted cone for the design can be suitably modified after
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC approval.

2.2.4 Protection of Tower Foundations

2.2.4.1 Stabilising Layer

At all locations where earth moving (e.g. land slides, erosion/dune shifting, etc.) is likely to
occur, tower foundations and leg structures shall be protected by means of an approved
stabilising material/soil to prevent erosion.
The protected area should reach at least 5.0 m beyond the edge of the foundations.
Tower locations where such protection is needed shall be decided upon by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC at site. Bidder/Contractor may propose appropriate alternative
solutions.
Fill for such stabilisation of tower locations will be remunerated according to the respective item
in the Pricing Schedule.

2.2.4.2 Foundation Platforms

In low lying, Wadi areas, Subkha areas, etc., the filling of foundation platforms may become
necessary to raise foundations sufficiently above the existing ground.
The sides of such platforms have to be protected against erosion by stone pitching of suitable
size, laid on a concrete bed, or by other approved methods. Platforms shall at least extend 5.0 m
beyond the foundation edges.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 10 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Fill used for such platforms, as well as the stone pitching, shall be paid according to the
respective item in the Pricing Schedule.

2.2.4.3 Material for Fill and Backfill

Material to be used for stabilising layers, platforms and access road, etc. shall be well graded
granular material. It shall be free from contamination and shall not be taken from areas falling
into Class 5 of the BRE Digest 363 and shall have a grading curve close to the following:
SIEVE % PASSING
25.4 mm 100
19.05 mm 70 – 100
9.53 mm 50 – 80
No. 4 35 – 65
No. 10 25 – 50
No. 40 15 –30
No. 200 5 –15
Note: the maximum allowable L.L. and P.I are 35
and 10 respectively
CBR = above 20%

2.2.5 Caps
In locations not liable to flooding of bearing surface water, all steelworks, whether part of the
tower or part of the stub-angle foundation shall be completely encased in concrete to ensure a
concrete cover of 100 mm for any part of the stub leg/tower steel in the ground. This shall apply
from a point 450 mm above ground down to the toe of the stub angle. Cleats fitted to the stub-
angles shall be considered.
All concrete foundations shall be at least 75 cm above the final ground of the tower location.
Free-standing length of pile foundations shall be limited to 2.0 m above Finished/ Natural
Ground Level. Foundations shall be of dense concrete, adequately sloped off around the steel leg
/ stub angle section and smoothly finished to ensure drainage of water away from the steel work.
No capping shall be commenced in any portion of the work until the designed portion has been
approved by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Final (future) finished ground level/elevation at the tower location shall be obtained from the
concerned local authorities during route approval, i.e. to consider future filling and development
works. In areas adjacent to roads (within 200 meters centreline to centreline), the tower location
level shall not be lower than the road level.
All tower foundation concrete above ground is to be protected equivalent to the concrete below
ground.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 11 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.3 Gantries
The gantry will be located at a distance of about 50 to 120 m from the terminal tower. As
protection against entrance of unauthorised persons, a fence of galvanised and plastic coated
steel mesh of an approved type and with a minimum height of the mesh of 3.0 m with galvanised
plastic coated steel posts and gates, shall be provided around the gantry. Unless a gantry is
located within a Sub or Power Station area, inclined holders with 4 strands of galvanised or
stainless steel barbed wire shall additionally be installed at the top of the perimeter fence. Proper
earthing of the fence shall be provided if required.
Foundation design, grounding and painting of the gantry, and for the design of its foundation the
same stipulations are valid as for towers and foundations.
An earthing grid up to outside of the fence has to be provided with stranded tinned copper
conductor of at least 95 mm² and conforming to the requirements of VDE 0141.
All areas of the gantry shall receive topping with gravel and shall be excavated to a depth of not
less than 150 mm referring to finished ground level. The bottom of the excavated area shall be
plain, topped and levelled with coarse gravel of 25-51 mm in size and of a thickness of not less
than 150 mm. Alternative solutions may be proposed by the Bidder/Contractor for
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval.
Fencing, earthing and gravelling of the gantry areas according to Gantry layout is deemed to be
included in the items “gantry” and “foundation for gantry” of the Price Tabulation Sheet.

2.4 Access
The Bidder/Contractor shall be responsible for the provision and maintenance of all access to the
transmission line routes and the tower locations as required for his erection work.
Access for later maintenance of the transmission line shall be instructed by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC and paid according to P.T.S. Such access may be used by the
Bidder/Contractor for his construction purposes, but shall be maintained to a standard in
compliance with the specification up to FAC and at no extra cost. All access provisions shall be
submitted for ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval prior to construction. Access provisions over
and above access instructed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC for future maintenance of the
transmission line shall be at the Bidder’s/Contractor's responsibility and at his own cost.
Maintenance roads along the line route instructed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC shall be routed at
a minimum distance between the edge of the road and the longest crossarm plus 5m. The
crossing of the line centreline by such maintenance road shall if possible be avoided.
Maintenance roads shall have a clear width of 4m at the top and with side slopes at a gradient not
steeper than 1:1. They shall be constructed from and approved gatch material and compacted by
roller to a minimum final thickness of 100cm. The final surface level shall be at least 70cm
above the existing ground level.
No separate payment shall be made to the Bidder/Contractor on account of slight changes on the
line routings such as they may be required in shifting the transmission line route due to the
requirements of local Authorities and ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. Further reference is made to the

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 12 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Special Conditions. Notice has to be given that the line routes contained in this Tender
Document are of tentative and preliminary purpose.
Material to be used for the construction of maintenance road shall fulfil the requirements listed in
article 2.2.4.3(material for fill and backfill).
For Typical Section of Gatch Road details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawings,
which are provided in the Drawing Section:
Drawing No. Title
DWG AAA CIV 11 04 Typical Section of Gatch Road

2.5 Design of Foundations

This section details the design parameters of foundation for towers and gantries for overhead
transmission line. The foundation should resist all the uplift and shear forces and transmit them
to the soil in a satisfactory manner without affecting the performance of the structure. The
Bidder/Contractor shall provide the uplift, compression and shear forces in the global direction
and along foundation (pile or chimney) slope.
For Tower Foundation details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawings, which are
provided in the Drawing Section:
Drawing No. Title
DWG AAA CIV 03 03 Conceptual Foundations

2.5.1 Pile Foundation

The pile foundation design shall be based on soil parameters and structural design of the pile
section in accordance with DIN 1045, DIN EN 1536, BS8004, BS8110. The following
parameters shall also be incorporated in the pile design:
a) Maximum Ultimate Uplift and Shear forces shall be selected for the design of piles.
b) Platform shall be assumed to provide lateral restraint but no skin friction shall be assumed.
c) It shall be assumed that soil doesn’t offer any skin resistance up to a depth of 2m from the
Natural Ground Level.
d) For design purposes, it shall be assumed that Ground water Table is 2m above the
measured level. Accordingly, the unit weights of soil and concrete shall be adjusted in the
calculations.
e) Angle of Friction shall be assumed as follows:
SPT Values Friction Angle
Less than or equal to 10 0
More than 10 but less than 25 30
More than or equal to 25 but less than 35 32

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 13 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

More than or equal to 35 34

f) Value of Ks= 0.62.

g) Minimum length pile shall be considered as 6.0m below Natural Ground Level.
h) For Pile Weight calculation, actual length of pile shall be calculated including platform
height and free standing length for all calculations including inverted cone-Frustum Angle
Method.
i) Skin friction in rock shall be assumed to be 10% of the minimum UCT value in the rock
layers as mentioned in soil investigation report.
j) Pile length shall be rechecked based on inverted cone-Frustum Angle Method as described
in the specification.
k) While deciding the pile length, the ratio of ultimate uplift capacity against ultimate uplift
forces shall not be less than 1.2.
l) Design of Reinforcement for the piles shall take into account additional moments due to
out of plumb, out of position and shear force. Bidder/Contractor shall provide the charts for
interaction diagram for calculation of reinforcement.
m) The nominal cover to reinforcement shall be 75mm. The center to center spacing of the
main reinforcement shall not be less than 100mm.

2.5.2 Pad and Chimney Foundation

The Pad and Chimney foundation design shall be based on soil parameters and structural design
in accordance with DIN 1045, BS8004, BS8110. In general, pad and chimney foundation shall
not provided in a moving sand areas. The following parameters shall also incorporated in the pad
and chimney foundation design:
a) Maximum Ultimate Uplift and Shear forces shall be selected for the design of Pad and
Chimney foundation.
b) Platform shall be assumed to provide lateral restraint.
c) For design purposes, it shall be assumed that Ground water Table is 2m above the
measured level. Accordingly, the unit weights of soil and concrete shall be adjusted in the
calculations.
d) The depth of pad and chimney foundation shall be based on inverted cone-Frustum Angle
Method as described in the specification.
e) While deciding the depth of foundation, the ratio of ultimate uplift capacity against
ultimate uplift forces shall not be less than 1.2.
f) The nominal cover to reinforcement shall be 75mm.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 14 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.6 Erection of Foundations

2.6.1 General
Tower foundation installation shall include tower site preparation, excavation, any measures
required to ensure slope stability or free drainage dewatering, foundation placement
measurements, assembly and placement of the approved foundation, foundation protection, as
well as backfill and clean-up.
The Bidder/Contractor shall employ templates for stub setting for each tower and gantries. In
general, all four stubs shall be set simultaneously using templates. However, in case of
undulating terrain or due any other specific problem, each stub may be set separately using
templates.
The Bidder/Contractor shall remove all vegetation and other debris from the tower site, which
will interfere with his operation. Vegetation and debris removed from the tower site shall be
disposed off outside the right of way as directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC and/or in
accordance with local regulations.
The ground levels existing before the installation of foundations have to be considered in
determining tower platform heights.
The Bidder/Contractor shall dispose of material and regulate the movement of equipment so that
grades shall not be exposed, and slopes necessary to develop required loading characteristics
shall be maintained, especially in side-hill locations.
The depth of pile foundations shall always be related to the lowest ground (not platform/fill
elevation in the area occupied by the foundation.

2.6.2 Earth and Rockwork

2.6.2.1 General
There will be no classification of excavated materials, and the term “Excavation” shall include
all materials to be excavated or to be removed within the Project, regardless of the type,
character, composition, or conditions of the material excavated and shall further include all
debris, junk, broken concrete, bricks, logs, stumps, roots, and all other material encountered
within the specified excavation limits.
The Bidder/Contractor is responsible for all necessary safety measures. He is liable for any
damage and accidents occurring while earth work is being carried out. Proper standing, including
any necessary re-arrangement protection of slopes or cribbing, preparation of design
calculations, etc. shall be deemed included in the prices.
In the event of soil slides occurring during earth and rock work, all damage will be to the
Bidder’s/Contractor’s debit. This also implies that no payment will be made for the additional
moving of soil resulting from such damage.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 15 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.6.2.2 Clearing and Grading

The sites of all tower base work shall be cleared and levelled so that on completion of the work
the finished reinstated ground level shall normally at least be the same as prior to
commencement of the work.

2.6.2.3 Backfilling
Refilling around the pile head pits shall be carried out only after all works within the excavations
have been inspected and approved by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Unless otherwise directed all filling shall be approved selected material, and shall be deposited
and compacted using approved material in layers not exceeding 150 mm thick for hand
compaction and 250 mm for mechanical compaction, loose depth.
During the placing of backfill the hole shall be kept free from water. All temporary timbering
and all decomposable material shall be removed from the excavations prior to backfilling.

2.6.2.4 Settlement
The Bidder/Contractor shall be responsible for making good all settlements of filling due to any
cause whatever which may occur up to the end of the period of maintenance.

2.6.2.5 Surplus Material

All material surplus to the requirement of fill, and all debris and rubbish shall be removed and
deposited as directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

2.6.3 Concrete Work

All concrete work shall be carried out in accordance with BS 8004 and 8110, or DIN 1045, latest
issue, under consideration of the particular requirements of the CIRIA Publication C577, 2002,
“Guide to the Construction of Reinforced Concrete in the Arabian Peninsular”, and Digest 363 of
Building Research Establishment Digest.
No concreting shall be commenced in any portion of the work until the preparations and the
concrete mix design have been approved, and permission been granted by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

2.6.3.1 Concrete Mix Design

The minimum characteristic strength of concrete used for construction @ 28 days to be
2
40 N/mm as per BS8110. The mix design of the concrete has to be approved, and its suitability
shall be proven in a trial mix at site. In case of use of ready mixed concrete, trial mixes shall only
be waived, if an earlier proven mix design is used.

2.6.3.2 Aggregates
Aggregates shall be crushed rock type and conform to the relevant applicable standard BS
882:1992. The combined aggregate shall be as coarse-grained and dense-graded as possible and

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 16 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

shall be according to the guidelines of BS 882. The maximum particle size shall be so chosen as
to be compatible with mixing, handling, placing and workability of the concrete.
For underwater concrete, proof shall be given that the mix is adequately cohesive and maintains
this property during placing by using under-water admixtures.
Aggregates shall - for all groups except the dune sand - be a product of crushed rock, with the
source and type being subject to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC´s approval. Only for exceptional cases
and upon ADWEA/ADDC/AADC´s specific written approval, aggregates of other origin may be
used for certain parts of the work.
Size of aggregate used in concrete: maximum aggregate size shall be 20mm, except for thick
elements (>900mm) where particular heat of hydration control is required. There, aggregate of
28mm max size may be used. For the required concrete of Grade 40 (C28 = 40 N/mm2), at least
one particle size fraction shall be in the 0-4 mm range.
Aggregates shall be of limestone source and shall be subject to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC´s
approval.

2.6.3.3 Cement
a) Type of Cement
The type of cement to be used shall depend on the constructional circumstances and on the
prevailing local conditions. Portland cement, Type I, may be used at places not exposed to
chemical aggressiveness, whereas Portland cement, Type V, shall in general be used for all
concrete work in foundations and plinths and in concrete structures covered by soil.
Moderate sulphate resistant cement as per ASTM C 150, type 2, may be used only after
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC's explicit written approval to replace the type V cement.
Cement shall be of recent manufacture and shall be used within a period of 3 months from
production.
Total cementitious contents in the mix shall be limited to avoid excessive risk of thermal and
shrinkage cracking. It shall always be in the range of 350 – 400 kg/m3, unless otherwise
approved by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. The proportioning of mixes for durability will be
primarily controlled through the specified limits on free W/C ratio. The W/C ratio shall always
lie in the range of 0.36-0.45. Appropriate use shall be made of approved admixtures to
simultaneously meet the requirements for W/C ratio and workability.
Before supplying cement to Site or receiving ready-mixed concrete, the Bidder/Contractor shall
submit to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC, the manufacturer’s statement of Specification and test
certificate together with date of manufacture of any cement to be used. ADWEA/ADDC/AADC
reserves the right to take samples and order any additional / re-tests in accordance with BS EN
196-7 : 1992, BS EN 196-6, BS 4450 and ASTMC 186.
In mix designs with an emphasis on durability, ground granulated blast furnace slag as per BS
6699 or EN 197 or microsilica may be incorporated in the mix. Proportions of slag shall
normally not exceed 60 %, those of microsilica shall not exceed 8%, for items thicker than 1.2m,
these proportions shall not exceed 10%.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 17 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

The cement shall be selected according to the recommendations of BRE-Digest 363 of 1991 and
as summarised here:
SO4 IN SOIL OR FILL SO4 IN CEMENT TYPE
GROUNDWATER
Soil Class by 2:1 water/soil extract – g/l
g/l
1 and 2 ≤ 2.3 ≤ 1.4 OPC
3 2.3 ≤ 3.7 1.4 ≤ 3.0 SRC / MSRC
4 and 5 ≥ 3.7 ≥ 3.0 SRC
b) Delivery and Storage
All accepted cement shall be properly protected, delivered and stored in dry weather-proof sheds
or covers. Cement shall be delivered in quantities sufficient to ensure continuity of the work, and
to enable all the necessary tests to be carried out before it is used, but should not be stored for
more than 6 weeks.
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC may reject any cement as a result of any tests thereof, notwithstanding
the manufacturer’s certificate. He may also reject cement, which has deteriorated owing to
inadequate protection or other causes or in any other case where the cement is not to his
satisfaction. The Bidder/Contractor must remove all rejected cement from the site without delay
and expenses for ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

2.6.3.4 Water For Concrete

Potable water shall be used, complying with the relevant standards for concreting. Water must be
free of detrimental substances (salt, oil, alkali, etc.).

2.6.3.5 Reinforcement
a) Epoxy Coated Reinforcement
Reinforcement is to be hot-rolled deformed high yield steel in accordance with DIN 488,
DIN EN ISO 15630 or BS 4449 – Grade 460 or higher. Only epoxy coated reinforcement shall
be used for foundations of transmission line towers.
The reinforcement steel shall be protected against corrosion with a fusion-bonded epoxy coating.
The coating shall be applied in accordance with ASTM A775/775M-01, and shall be supplied
from an approved coating factory using approved epoxy resins.
All handling and bending procedures shall be to the coating factory’s recommendations and
instructions, and as agreed with ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. A coating factory representative shall
ensure his product is used fully in accordance with his recommendations.
The Bidder/Contractor shall furnish to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC a certificate of compliance for
each shipment of coated bars.
b) Repair of Damaged Epoxy Coating

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 18 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

When the epoxy coating is damaged, (cut ends, accidental damage etc.) the coating shall be
repaired with parching material conforming to ASTM A775/A775M-01 and shall be carried out
in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The repair to the damaged area shall be carried out as soon as possible, and before oxidation of
the surface occurs. In no case shall the repair be delayed more than 8 hours. Any trace or rust or
oxidation must be removed by grinder or wire brush prior to touch-up.
c) Fabrication
All reinforcements shall be bent cold unless otherwise permitted by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Bar cutting equipment shall have padded supports and contact areas. Bar bending equipment
shall have padded supports and contact areas and shall be fitted with nylon or plastic mandrels
supplied by, or approved by, the coating factory representative.
d) Site Installation and Handling
Reinforcement of all types shall be stored on Site in protected racks above ground in an
approved manner so as to avoid damage to the coating. Direct metal to coating contact should be
avoided wherever possible.
The number, size, form and disposition of bars shall be strictly in accordance with the drawings
and bending schedules or as directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. Reinforcement shall be
checked after being fixed and no concrete shall be placed around the reinforcement until such
checking has taken place.
Equipment for handling epoxy coated bars shall have padded contact areas. Bundles shall be
lifted with a strong-back or have multiple supports to prevent bar-to-bar abrasion from sags in
the bundle. Bars or bundles shall not be dragged or dropped. Any coating damage due to
handling, shipment and placing shall be repaired as described above.
All tie-wires or other devices used to connect, support, secure or fasten epoxy coated
reinforcement shall be made of, or coated with, a dielectric material such as nylon, epoxy or
plastic. All bundles shall be identified at the factory with durable tags to allow checking of
coating quality control at site. Reinforcement shall not be straightened or re-bent in a manner,
which may cause injury to the material. Bars with shapes not shown on the drawings shall not be
used.
All reinforcing bars shall be bent in accordance with the relevant standard. In particular, no
reinforcement shall be heated. All reinforcement shall be rigidly fixed in position to the concrete
cover specified by an approved means.
Prior to concreting the Bidder/Contractor shall ensure that the reinforcement is cleaned of all
concrete from previous pours and any damage to the coating is repaired.

2.6.3.6 Concreting
Concreting for pile foundation shall be done through tremie-pipes or equivalent devices to
prevent segregation. Alternatively pumping methods may be proposed by the Bidder/Contractor.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 19 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

For concreting in hot weather, ACI Standard 305R "Hot Weather Concreting" and the "CIRIA –
“Guide to the construction of reinforced concrete in the Arabian Peninsular”. and its
recommendations shall be followed and various means may be employed to lower the
temperature of concrete such as:
 Cooling coarse aggregate with water by sprinkling and shading
 Using chilled water
 Using crushed ice
 Avoiding the use of the hot cement
 Shading mixer drums, facilities and material by use of permanent wet burlap coverings
 Adequately watering of sub-grade, form-work and reinforcement
 Insulating water supply lines and tanks and/or painting exposed portions white
 Working only at cooler daytime
 Covering freshly poured concrete with polythene sheets
 Intensive moist-curing with potable water of the concrete placed.
 Curing the concrete continuously with water at least for 7 days and as detailed in CIRIA’s
“Guide to the construction of reinforced concrete in the Arabian Peninsular”. Attention to
curing requirements is important at all times; it is especially in hot, dry weather because of
greater danger of cracking. The use of ice to lower the temperature of fresh concrete must
be carefully controlled. If flaked ice is used in the mix, it must be of such a size that it will
melt completely in the mix and that no ice remains once the batching is complete. The
temperature of fresh concrete must in no case exceed + 30°C. When discharged in the
form-work, particular care shall be given for thick section (>900mm) where insulation
boards shall be used to reduce temperature gradient.

2.6.3.7 Testing
Throughout the construction period the quality of concrete mixed at and/or delivered to Site has
to be controlled. Tests shall be carried out in the presence of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC or under
the supervision of an approved office for testing of such kind of works. The following minimum
numbers of tests shall be carried out:
a) Water
One chemical water analysis every 3 months of construction. First analysis before start of
foundation works.
b) Cement
b1) For site mixed concrete if applicable and or approved by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC
 One setting test to vicat per car-load
 One boiling test per car-load.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 20 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

b2) For ready mixed concrete

 Mill certificates of the cement used in the plant
 Chemical composition in line with DIN 1164 or BS 12.
c) Admixtures and Additives
Three (3) samples of each kind of admixture and additive before start of casting of the first load
bearing structural member.
d) Concrete delivered to Site
 One set of at least six (6) test cubes for every 100 m3 or every daily pour of concrete or as
directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC. The compression strength tests shall be carried out
after seven (7) days for the first two cubes of each set, and after 28 days for the second two
cubes of the set, and - if requested – the last two cubes of each set may be tested in case of
failure of a cube.
 Slump tests are to be executed for every truck load supplied during concreting and as per
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC's instructions, provided concreting is proceeding.
 Concrete temperature is to be recorded at the arrival of concrete at Site.
 Bimonthly or for every 750 m3 of concrete cast, the Bidder/Contractor shall prepare the
following for durability testing, which - after approval of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC – may
be carried out through the concrete supplier:
- Rapid test for chlorides
- Rapid test for sulphates
- A Trial panel, from which at 28 days 3 Nos. Cores, 75mm diameter and 75 mm long,
shall be taken for water absorption testing (to BS 1881).
- 3 Nos. blocks, 200 x 200 x 120 mm thick, for water penetration testing (to DIN
1048).
- 4 Nos. cubes, 150 mm, for rapid chloride permeability testing (to AASHTO T-277)
curing of samples shall be as close to the current Site practice as possible.
e) Reinforcement
The Bidder/Contractor shall provide copies of the manufacturer’s test certificates with each
consignment of reinforcement brought to Site. In addition and before the execution of works, and
for every 100 T in each shipment, two (2) samples of each bar size shall be tested as follows:
 Chemical composition to be tested to BS 4449
 Mechanical properties test including tensile properties, elongation, bend test and re-bent
test
 Cross sectional area and mass test
 For detailed curves, diagrams and tables, reference is made to DIN 1045 or the relevant
BS, both latest editions.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 21 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

In case of failure of tests of reinforcement, retesting shall be carried out as BS4449.

For epoxy coated reinforcement, following additional tests shall be carried out in line with the
guidelines of A775/775M-01:
 Coating thickness
 Holidays on the coating
 Adhesion of the coating.

2.6.3.8 Concrete Quality Requirements

The following are the test requirements shall be met to prove the durability of the concrete:
 Slump: Piling concrete to be self levelling with a slump above 175 mm, all other concrete
generally not to exceed 100 mm:
Applicable Standard Concrete in Areas Classified According to
Test CIRIA Section 5, Table 5.1
a to c d & f* e **
Water permeability as per DIN 1048 25 mm 15 mm 10 mm
Water absorption as per BS 1881 < 2.5%
Chloride permeability AASHTO T-277 - 2500 C 1000 C
Rapid chloride to AASHTO T-277: Curing of samples shall be as close to the
permeability current site practice as possible

Notes:

* Water retaining structures and Basements in areas with high water table

** Marine structures and structures in areas with highly aggressive soil conditions, classified
as class 4 & 5 as per the BRE Digest 363
 Aggregates contamination limits shall be as follows:
Chlorides Sulphates Reference
Coarse Aggregates < 0.03% < 0.4% CIRIA
Fine Aggregates < 0.06% < 0.4% CIRIA
RC with SRC < 0.20% < 4.0% CIRIA
RC with OPC < 0.30% < 4.0% CIRIA
Not Reinforced Concrete < 0.60% < 4.0% CIRIA

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 22 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.6.3.9 Compaction, Curing and Protection

During pouring the concrete of the pile heads or caps, etc. shall be thoroughly compacted, by an
approved type of mechanical vibrator, to a maximum subsidence without segregation and
thoroughly worked around reinforcement or other embedded features, into the correct shape and
form. Experienced personnel only shall operate vibrators. Care shall be taken to ensure that
inserts, fixtures, reinforcement and form-work are not displaced and disturbed during vibration
of the concrete. Over vibration or vibration of very wet mixes is harmful and should be avoided.
Thorough compaction is essential to ensure that concrete is in immediate contact throughout with
the ground, form-work and embedded fixtures and anchor stubs; therefore the Bidder/Contractor
shall submit for approval a Method Statement detailing the method to be used to ensure the
satisfactory placing, compaction, curing and protection of concrete.
The compaction is not to be confined to the upper surface of the layer deposited, but the whole
mass of concrete must be thoroughly punned and/or vibrated. Concrete has to be brought up in
layers to become consolidated, with the mass assuming a jelly-like consistency and the water just
appearing on the surface. Reinforcement or form-work must not be moved by placing and
compacting the concrete.
Adequate curing and protection of the fresh concrete to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s satisfaction is
mandatory.
Unless otherwise approved, there shall be no joints in concrete foundations. Where the
construction of the foundation is such that joints are unavoidable, adequate bonding between the
old and new concrete shall be ensured by exposing the larger aggregate particles near the surface
by scaling hammer and leaving a clean surface free from loose particles. Immediately before
placing the new concrete, this cleaned surface shall be primed with a bonding agent to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC’s approval.
Not less than 10 cm of blinding concrete shall be placed as a base for all concrete to be placed
below ground. The surface of the blinding and the vertical surfaces of all structures in contact
with the ground or filling shall have a dense, continuous and water-proof membrane of approved
thickness and material applied.
In the case of piles penetrating into caps or beams, etc., i.e. not for single pile foundations, water-
tight connections of pile shell and the protective membrane have to be guaranteed.
Parts of the line(s) pass through areas with extraordinarily aggressive soils. Special precautions
to protect the concrete shall be proposed by the Bidder/Contractor, and will be subject to the
approval of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

2.6.4 Bored Pile Foundations

As standard solution, cast in situ bored piles as per DIN EN 1536, DIN 4014, DIN 1054 or BS
2004 and BS 8004 shall be proposed for execution. Piles shall be a minimum of 6 m below
natural ground level. Immediately after drilling, reinforcement has to be placed, ensuring a
minimum concrete cover of 75 mm by using concrete spacers made from the same concrete mix
design, and the pile has to be cast.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 23 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Either a temporary or a permanent casing, as per design, shall be provided. This shell shall
remain partly or as a whole in the ground to:
 Protect the fresh (“green”) concrete
 Prevent loosening of soil in vicinity of the pile
 Avoid contamination of the concrete
 Prevent penetration of aggressive components into parts of the concrete structure.

2.6.4.1 Foundations with Permanent Casings

Permanent casings of at least eight (8) mm thickness shall be provided from the top of the pile
down to at least 2.0m below finished ground. Should the ground water table be at 2.5 m below
ground level, casing will be extended to become 3.0 m below finished ground surface. This
procedure shall be applicable for areas not affected by tidal effects. For such areas, casings shall
project 0.5 m below the lowest water level anticipated. Permanent casings shall be provided for
foundations in
 Wadi areas
 Subkha areas
 Areas of highly aggressive soil (according to the soil investigation)
 Areas defined by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Exposed parts of the casings and down to at least 50 cm below ground have to be adequately
corrosion protected by an approved coal tar epoxy coating of at least 250 µ thickness.

2.6.4.2 Drilling Operation

A full string of casing up to the bearing strata is a must, except in rock, rock type, or safely
standing soils. Where required, casing pipes shall penetrate ahead of the removal of soil, likewise
during drilling above the ground-water table.
In the vicinity of underground water, additional water has to be filled up during the drilling. The
hydrostatic head pressure shall be at least 1.0 m above the ground water table when filled boring
tools are extracted.
Casing pipes shall not be deepened by means of jetting.
The following types of tests are to be considered for piled foundations:

2.6.5 Foundation Load Tests

2.6.5.1 Foundation Type Load Tests

The Bidder/Contractor shall carry out successful foundation load tests in order to prove the
suitability of the foundation selected with particular type of soil. The results of the tests shall be
submitted in a format as advised by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 24 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Prior to commencement of piling the Bidder/Contractor shall install one test piles of each type
proposed. The piles shall be test loaded by tension, compression and horizontal forces applied in
the direction of the resultant of the vertical and horizontal forces on the pile.
Tested piles shall be considered as acceptable in case the obtained load-settlement/heave-
diagrams do not indicate movements beyond permissible limits as per the approved design or
relevant and approved Standards.
Working piles shall not be installed until the load tests have been conducted and evaluated and
unless authorised by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC.
Unless otherwise directed by ADWEA/ADDC/AADC, the following guidelines shall be applied
for pile tests:
3 pile configuration with the reaction piles of the same length as the test piles is to be used with
the middle pile being tested for tension and the reaction piles being used to evaluate compression
to a minimum of 1.25 times working load.
The pile test loads shall be as mentioned in Schedules ‘Factor of Safety’. The test load shall be a
product of maximum ultimate uplift load, i.e. 1.5 times maximum uplift load under broken wire
or 2.5 times the maximum uplift load under normal conditions, and the factor of safety. The pile
testing procedure and method of statement including loading cycle shall be submitted to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC for approval.
If the pile test results are not to the satisfaction of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC, the
Bidder/Contractor shall change the pile type and choose an other type of pile approved by
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC for which test piles will be constructed and the load test performed until
the Bidder/Contractor gets successful results without extra cost or extension of time.

2.6.5.2 Foundation Routine Load Test

The Bidder/Contractor shall perform routine uplift tests at working foundations in order to
guarantee the design requirements given in this Specification. Test shall be carried out at 3% of
the piles, at least, however, at one pile of each type of foundation.
Load has to be applied in direction of the stub. The pile test loads shall be as mentioned in
Schedules ‘Factor of Safety’. The test load shall be a product of maximum working uplift load
(i.e. during Normal or Broken Wire Condition) and the factor of safety. The pile testing
procedure and method of statement including loading cycle shall be submitted to
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC for approval.

2.6.5.3 Procedures for Testing and Recording

The following load cycles shall be applied:
LOAD (%) TIME SETTLEMENT CONDITION
0 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
25 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
50 1 hr S≤0.25 mm

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 25 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

75 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
100 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
50 15 min OFFLOADING
0 15 min OFFLOADING
100 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
125 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
150 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
175 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
200 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
225 1 hr S≤0.25 mm
250 24 hrs S≤0.25 mm
200 15 min S≤0.25 mm
150 15 min OFFLOADING
100 15 min OFFLOADING
50 15 min OFFLOADING
0 1 hr OFFLOADING

On every increment, settlements shall be recorded after 30”, 2’, 4’, 8’, 15’, 30’, 1h. Movement of
the pile head shall be less than 0.25 mm within that hour , or until 2 hours have elapsed,
whichever occurs first, before the application of the new load increment.
For working piles, the load cycles will be terminated at a maximum of 150 %.
For arrangement of Pile Load Tests details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawings,
which are provided in the Drawings Section:
Drawing No. Title
DWG AAA CIV 03 01 Pile Loading Test: Compression (Proposal 1)
DWG AAA CIV 03 02 Pile Loading Test: Compression (Proposal 2)
DWG AAA CIV 03 04 Arrangement of Pile Load Test

2.6.5.4 Integrity Testing

Integrity testing shall be carried out on all working piles. Test procedure and test locations shall
be subject to approval. All piles, which, in the opinion of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC are defective
shall be rejected and replaced by the Bidder/Contractor without claiming extra cost or time
extension.

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 26 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

2.6.5.5 Test Reports

Reports on pile testing shall be submitted to ADWEA/ADDC/AADC and shall contain, among
others, the following information:
 Layout of test equipment and description
 Pile identification, diameter and length
 Sketch of soil conditions and ground water location
 Complete records of level, load cell and dial gauge readings against date and time
throughout the test in a tabulation
 Graphs of load and settlement/heave versus time
 Graphs of settlement/heave versus load
 Remarks concerning any unusual occurrences during the loading of the pile.
ADWEA/ADDC/AADC will decide on completion of tests and evaluations whether the test piles
shall be left in place or shall be extracted. No extra payment will be made for the extraction of
test piles.

2.6.6 Additional Civil Work

According to the project requirements, ADWEA/ADDC/AADC may instruct the
Bidder/Contractor to perform additional work such as:
 Removal of sand dunes
 Additional concrete work
 Masonry work
 Steel reinforcements
 Extra pile length per meter.
The Bidder/Contractor shall indicate the rates for the above work in quantities as specified in the
Bills of Quantities.

2.6.7 Sign Boards for Road Crossings

At every road crossing of the line on both sides of the road, at a distance of approximately 250 m
away from the road crossing, a caution board, as per the requirements of the Works Department
and at least 200 cm wide and 100 cm high, with the wording, “DANGER, HV (specify voltage)
OVERHEAD LINE CROSSING 250 m AHEAD”, both in the Arabic and English languages,
shall be installed on both sides of the carriageway. The board shall be painted with luminous
letters.
The caution board shall be supplemented by the traffic warning sign for height restrictions.
For Sign Board and Road Crossing details, reference shall be made to the below listed drawings,
which are provided in the Drawings Section:

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 27 of 28

 CIVIL WORKS
Civil Works for Overhead Distribution Lines

Drawing No. Title

DWG AAA CIV 15 OHL Warning Sign (Road Crossing)

The design for the signboard has to be submitted for the approval of ADWEA/ADDC/AADC
and other authorities concerned.

2.7 Factors of Safety

SCHEDULE C1 FACTORS OF SAFETY
ITEM DESCRIPTION FACTOR OF SAFETY
2 Tower Foundation
2.1 Pile Type Tests (Maximum Ultimate Uplift Load) 1.2
2.2 Pile Routine Test (Maximum Working Uplift Load) 1.2

S-AAA-CIV-OHL (Rev.0-2015) Page 28 of 28