TRANSMISSION CONSTRUCTION STANDARD TCS-Q-113.02, Rev.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SCOPE

2.0 DEFINITIONS

3.0 CONFLICTS AND DEVIATIONS

4.0 GENERAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General Requirements

4.2 Safety Requirements

5.0 CODES AND STANDARDS

5.1 Company Standards

5.2 International Standards

6.0 CLEARING SITE AND ROUGH GRADING

6.1 Clearing of Existing Materials and Miscellaneous Fill Materials

6.2 Rough Grading

7.0 EXCAVATION

7.1 General
7.2 Excavation for Buildings and Structures
7.3 Utility Trenching
7.4 Bracing and Shoring

8.0 DEWATERING

8.1 Groundwater
8.2 Surface Runoff

9.0 SELECTION AND TYPES OF CONTROLLED FILL MATERIALS

9.1 Types of Controlled Fill

9.2 Requirements of Controlled Fill Materials
9.3 Acceptance of Controlled Fill Materials

10.0 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Sub-grade
10.2 Backfill
10.3 Embankments
10.4 Test Section for Embankments

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11.0 SLOPE PROTECTION

11.1 Permanent Slopes

11.2 Temporary Slopes

12.0 SABKHAH SOILS

12.1 General
12.2 Improvement of Sabkhah Soils
12.3 Drainage Control

13.0 QUALITY CONTROL, INSPECTION AND REPORTS

13.1 Quality Control and Inspection

13.2 Reports

14.0 FINAL GRADING AND CLEANUP

15.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND APPENDICES

15.1 Bibliography
15.2 Appendices

16.0 FIGURES

Figure 1 - Slope Protection for Foundation

Figure 2 - Utility Trench
Figure 3 - Dewatering Scheme
Figure 4 - Gutter Isometric View - Slope Protection
Figure 5 - Gutter Longitudinal Section - Slope Protection
Figure 6 - Gutter Section “A-A” - Slope Protection
Figure 7 - Soil Particles Sizes for Ground Improvement Techniques
Figure 8 - Approximate correlation of soil ratings base on CBR values for use in
pavements.

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TRANSMISSION CONSTRUCTION STANDARD TCS-Q-113.02, Rev. 0

1.0 SCOPE

This Transmission Construction Standard covers the mandatory requirements for the
construction of safe and reliable facilities by controlling earthwork in the system of Saudi
Electricity COMPANY (SEC). This Standard is applicable for all the works for the
COMPANY including, but not limited to, the following:

a. Clearing site and rough grading

b. Excavation

c. Bracing and shoring

d. Dewatering

e. Selection of fill materials

f. Preparation and compaction of existing sub-grade

g. Backfilling

h. Construction of embankment

i. Slope protection

j. Developing Sabkhah Area

k. Final grading and cleanup

2.0 DEFINITIONS

2.1 Backfill Refers to the construction of earth fill in confined spaces, such as the
refilling operations above concrete structures, or refilling in trenches
around pipes, direct buried cables, etc.

2.2 Base course The layer or layers of specified or selected material of designed
thickness placed on a sub-base or sub-grade to support surface course
such as asphalt concrete, aggregate surfacing or concrete pavement

2.3 Borrow Pit A site where earth material is removed by mechanical equipment and
transported to an off-site location for use in grading

2.4 Borrow Pit Boundary: The boundary for a Borrow Pit is defined in the Borrow Pit
permit

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2.5 Controlled Fill This is defined as the placement of earthfill of specified engineering
properties (gradation, plasticity index, California Bearing Ratio,
thermal conductivity, etc.) and compacted to a required density.

2.6 Existing grade Existing grade is the grade prior to grading

2.7 Fill Fill is a deposit of earth material placed by artificial means

2.8 Finished grade Finished grade is the final grade of the site, which conforms to the
approved plan by the COMPANY.

2.9 Grade Grade shall mean the vertical location of the ground surface

2.10 Grade Slope Refers to cut and fill side slope as per site requirements or as indicated
in the approved drawings. Standard for Cut=1:2 (vertical: horizontal)
and for Fill = 1:4. Berming system is also applicable for cut slope.

2.11 Grading Leveling at site any excavation, filling or a combination thereof

2.12 Rough Grade Refers to grading the construction site to approximate design contours

2.13 Select Fill Materials, obtained from a specified source such as a borrow area, of
acceptable quality having a specified characteristic to be used for a
specific purpose. The material, if not of acceptable quality, shall be
improved by mixing at site with suitable material to meet the specified
characteristics such as gradation, CBR, plasticity index, etc.

2.14 Sub-base The layer or layers of specified or selected material of designed

thickness placed on a sub-grade to support a base course

2.15 Sub-grade The existing underlying ground prepared and compacted for
supporting foundations of structures, embankments, pavements, etc.

3.0 CONFLICTS AND DEVIATIONS

3.1 Any conflicts between this Standard and other applicable Saudi Electricity Company
(SEC) Standards, Industry Standards, Codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing
by the COMPANY Representative.

3.2 Any request to deviate from this Standard shall be directed to the Manager of
Transmission Standards and Specifications.

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4.0 GENERAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General Requirements

4.1.1 All works performed and all materials furnished shall be in conformity with
the lines, grades, cross-sections, dimensions, and material requirements,
including tolerances, shown on the plans/drawings or indicated in the
specifications.

4.1.2 All materials to be incorporated into the work shall meet or exceed the
appropriate AASHTO, ASTM, or other Standard and specifications as
required by the plans/drawings and specifications but in no case shall be less
than the requirements of this Standard.

4.1.3 All materials shall be inspected, sampled, tested and accepted by the
COMPANY Representative before incorporation into the work.

4.1.4 Field and laboratory tests required to determine compliance with the
compaction requirements of this Standard shall be done by an Independent
Agency approved by the COMPANY.

4.1.5 No material, regardless of its source, shall be incorporated in the Work until
representative samples taken and tested by the SEC approved Independent
Laboratory have been reviewed and approved by the COMPANY
Representative.

4.1.6 Sub-grades or bottom of excavation for structures shall be firm, dense and
thoroughly compacted as specified under Construction Requirements. It shall
be free from mud and muck, and sufficiently stable to remain firm and intact
under the feet of the workmen.

4.1.7 Adequate dewatering equipment to remove and dispose all surface and
groundwater entering the excavations and other parts of the work, shall be
provided at site and maintained properly.

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4.2 Safety Requirements

4.2.1 The safety provisions of Construction Safety Manual (Appendix I) shall be

strictly followed.

4.2.2 Excavation by the use of explosives shall be with prior written approval from
the SEC.

4.2.3 The stability of adjacent structures or facilities including public safety shall
not be impaired or endangered by excavation works.

4.2.4 All existing underground utilities, which may be uncovered or otherwise be

affected by the excavation work shall be properly protected, by shoring,
bracing, and supporting, etc., as needed.

5.0 CODES AND STANDARDS

The latest revisions/amendments of the following Standard and specifications are intended as
guidance in providing an acceptable level of quality and practice. In case of conflict between
these Standards and the text of this Standard, the latter shall govern:

5.1 COMPANY Standards

5.1.1 TCS-P-104 Underground High Voltage Cable Installation Standards

5.1.2 TCS-Q-113.01 Asphalt Concrete Paving

5.1.3 TCS-Q-113.03 Cast-In-Place Concrete

5.1.4 TES-P-122.11 Access Roads and Structure Pads

5.1.5 TES-S-130 General Procedures/Safety Standards for Blasting near

SEC Facilities

5.2. International Standards

5.2.1 ASTM C 127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates

5.2.2 ASTM D 421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-
Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants

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5.2.3 ASTM D 422 Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

5.2.4 ASTM D 698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics

of Soil (Moisture-Density Relations) Using Standard Effort
(12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

5.2.5 ASTM D 854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Pycnometer

5.2.6 ASTM D 1194 Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static Load
and Spread Footings

5.2.7 ASTM D 1556 Test Method for Density of Soil in place by the Sand-Cone
Method

5.2.8 ASTM D 1557 Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of

Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-
m/m3))

5.2.9 ASTM D 1558 Test Method for Moisture Content Penetration Resistance
Relationships of Fine-Grained Soils

5.2.10 ASTM D 1586 Test Method for Penetration Test and Split Barrel
Sampling of Soils

5.2.11 ASTM D 1632 Practice for making and Curing Soil-Cement Compression
and Flexural Test Specimens in the Laboratory

5.2.12 ASTM D 1633 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Moulded Soil-
Cement Cylinders

5.2.13 ASTM D 1739 Test Method for Collection and Measurement of Dustfall
(Settleable Particulate Matter)

5.2.14 ASTM D 1883 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils

5.2.15 ASTM D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water

(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

5.2.16 ASTM D 2922 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate in
Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

5.2.17 ASTM D 4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table

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5.2.18 ASTM D 4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density

5.2.19 ASTM D 4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity
Index of Soils

5.2.20 ASTM D 4791 Test Method for flat particles, elongated particles, or flat
particles and elongated particles in coarse Aggregate

5.2.21 AASHTO T-180 Test Method for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using
a 4.54 kg (10-lb) Rammer and 457 mm (18-in.) Drop

6.0 CLEARING SITE AND ROUGH GRADING

6.1 Clearing of Existing Materials and Miscellaneous Fill Materials

6.1.1 The site shall be cleared of all boulders, debris, decomposable materials such
as wood, grass, plants, tree stumps, etc., to the satisfaction of COMPANY
Representative.

6.1.2 All existing miscellaneous fill, broken building materials, or damaged

concrete shall be removed from the area.

6.1.3 Where structural support is required, the soil that softens due to rainfall,
groundwater, disturbance, exposure or any other cause shall be excavated and
replaced with controlled fill.

6.1.4 Burning of rubbish and organic materials, resulting from the site clearing
operations, shall not be permitted on the site or adjacent property.

6.1.5 All surplus materials, resulting from the site clearing operations, shall be
transported to and dumped in municipal approved dump areas, with prior
approval from the COMPANY Representative

6.1.6 Care shall be taken to protect existing utilities, site improvement works and
existing structures.

6.2 Rough Grading

Rough grading shall be done to the approximate finished lines and grades shown on
approved drawings. This area shall then be inspected and approved by the
COMPANY Representative before commencing any work.

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7.0 EXCAVATION

7.1 General

7.1.1 Prior to excavation, information about all existing underground services such
as gas, water, telephone lines, sewage lines, electric cables, etc., shall be
obtained from ministries, municipalities, utility companies and other affected
agencies. Excavation shall be carried out with special care and with proper
permissions to avoid any interference with these systems. Only manual
excavation shall be employed in locations where underground utilities are
present. Any damage caused shall be repaired expeditiously and restoration of
services shall be made without delay.

7.1.2 Safe working distances and overhead clearances shall be maintained at all
times when working near or under energized overhead lines or substation
structures to ensure safety of personnel and avoid accidental disruption of
power. Safe working distance shall be in accordance with Chapter 14 of
Construction Safety Manual (See Appendix II).

Work permits shall be secured prior to excavation in locations classified as

restricted areas such as inside substations, power plants, and near or under
overhead power lines.

7.1.3 Subject to permission from concerned agency of Saudi Arabian Government,

any blasting in the proximity of facilities shall be approved by the SEC as per
TES-S-130, General Procedures/Safety Standards for Blasting near SEC
facilities. The danger of damage to existing structures shall be minimized by
limiting velocity, induced in any structure due to ground motions created by
blasting to a maximum of 50 mm/sec. No blasting shall be permitted in the
vicinity of concrete within 7 days of its placement.

Blasting shall be controlled to avoid injury to human beings, damage to

adjacent structures and shattering or weakening of the rock below foundation
level. All blasting shall conform to the local and government regulations.

7.1.4 Excavation in all types of soil and rock shall be treated as unclassified
excavation.

7.2 Excavation for Buildings and Structures

7.2.1 Excavation Limits for Structures

Pits and trenches shall be excavated to grades and depths shown on the
approved drawings. Trenches and pits in loose earth shall be at least 300 mm
bigger in both plan dimensions than the size of foundations. Trenches and
pits for footings in stiff cohesive material or rock shall not be wider than
necessary for formwork and bracing.

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Machine excavation shall be controlled to prevent undercutting the proper

sub-grade elevations and shall not be used within 1.50 m of permanent
structures and facilities. In an existing SEC facility, top 1.50 m excavation
shall be done manually. Only hand tools shall be used for excavation around
permanent structures and facilities.

7.2.2 Excavation below Elevations Shown on the Drawings

If foundation is designed for being supported on rock, excess excavation

below foundation level shall be filled with concrete having a minimum
compressive strength of the excavated rock. If there is no data about the
compressive strength of the underlying rock, or, if the rock strength is greater
than 5500 psi, then, use concrete specified for severe exposure condition.

Excess excavation below foundation level, when foundation is supported on

soil, shall be filled with selected fill materials (as specified in this Standard)
compacted to 85% relative density (ASTM D 4253 and D 4254) for
cohesionless, free draining soils containing less than 15% non-plastic material
passing 75 micron sieve, or 95% of the maximum density as determined by
ASTM D 1557 for soils containing more than 15% material passing the 75
micron sieve.

7.2.3 Bottoms of Foundation Excavations

Bottoms of excavations shall be smooth and free of loose earth or sand. Any
soft or loose spots of insufficient bearing shall be compacted to the density as
stipulated in Section 7.2.2 or they may be removed and replaced with concrete
or with compacted Select Fill materials (as specified). Excavation bottoms for
support of foundations shall be level or stepped and shall not be sloped.

7.2.4 Protection of Adjacent Buildings and Existing Structures

Excavation shall not be extended below the elevation of adjacent existing

foundations unless underpinning and shoring requirements have been fully
established and complied with or the slope of the excavation in soil is such
that the closest edge of the existing footing to the excavation is at least 1.0 m
away from the line that leads up at an angle of 30° to the horizontal from the
bottom of excavation (See Figure 1).

Excavation slope (as shown in Figure 1) must be checked for stability. This is
applicable to all types of foundations.

7.3 Utility Trenching

7.3.1 Applicable provisions of SEC Underground High Voltage Cable Construction

Standard TCS-P-104 “Trenches” shall be followed.

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Also, special trenching and backfilling requirements of the Government

agencies (Ministries, Municipalities), having jurisdiction, shall apply.

7.3.2 Utility trenching shall follow strictly the approved alignment requirements.
Care shall be taken such that pipes, cables, and duct runs shall be made as
straight as possible, both horizontally and vertically, and if a deflection must
be made, it shall be along a smooth and gradual curve to avoid stressing the
ducts, cables or pipes.

7.3.3 All excavations shall be extended at least 150 mm below the bottom of pipe
or power cable to provide an all around 150 mm minimum clean sand bedding
(See Figure 2). The gradation of clean sand shall conform to Section 9.1.3.
The thermal conductivity of sand around power cables shall comply with
design requirements.

7.3.4 Trenches shall be excavated to the grade shown on the profile with a
minimum of 1000 mm and 500 mm earth cover over the top of the service line
in traffic areas and non-traffic areas, respectively (See Figure 2). Excess
excavation below required level shall be backfilled with selected fill materials
compacted to 95% of the maximum density as determined by ASTM D 1557
for soils containing more than 15% material passing the 75-micron sieve or
85% relative density (ASTM D 4253 and ASTM D 4254) for free draining
cohesionless soils containing less than 15% non-plastic material passing 75-
micron sieve.

7.3.5 Soft or loose spots in the trench shall be compacted to the density as per
Section 7.3.4 or the soft materials shall be removed and replaced with selected
fill materials that is compacted to the density per Section 7.3.4.

7.3.6 The trench bottom shall be continuous, smooth and free of loose debris and/or
sharp rocks which could damage the service line/power cable.

7.4 Bracing and Shoring

7.4.1 The sides of pits and trenches shall be sloped back to the natural angle of
repose of the soil to avoid caving. Sides which cannot be sloped, because of
space limitation due to adjacent structures, or unrestrained sand masses (loose
sand) shall be shored adequately to resist earth movement, protect workers,
and protect on-going work and existing property.

7.4.2 Shoring shall not be braced against forms. Forms shall be properly braced and
tied together, independent of shoring.

7.4.3 Excavated soils, construction materials, or heavy machineries shall not be

placed at the top of excavations or embankments unless they are set back at a
previously established safe distance from the top of excavation.

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8.0 DEWATERING

8.1 Groundwater

When it is required to excavate below Ground Water Table (GWT), a suitable

dewatering system shall be provided to keep the excavated area dry. Sheet piling may
be required for deep excavations. It will be important to maintain the bottom stability
of excavations by sheeting and dewatering. Appropriate shoring shall be installed and
dewatering done to lower the GWT to a depth of approximately 1.0 m below the
maximum depth of excavation (See Figure 3).

In order to obtain a stable bottom of the excavation, dewatering should be carried out
in advance of excavation. Dewatering shall be performed by carefully installed well
point system which should be properly designed, having sufficient knowledge of
local condition. The problem of bottom “heave” can be anticipated by adopting a
designed dewatering system. A typical dewatering procedure could be as follows:

Excavate to near the anticipated ground level. The sides may be supported by sheet
piles.

Install well points around the perimeter of the area to be excavated.

The well points could be jetted or drilled into position. The well points should extend
below the excavation to a depth of at least about 1.5 times the excavation depth
below the ground water level. The well points should be spaced about two meters
center to center (other depth-spacing criteria may be adopted to suit the field
conditions).

Dewatering should be accomplished by pumping from the well points. After

dewatering, excavate the remaining soils to the final grade. Supplemental well points
may be necessary to lower ground water levels below the bottom of the interior of the
excavation.

Typical grain size distribution range of the soils encountered at the study area or from
the gradation charts shall be obtained. This should assist in the design of a well point
system, the size of the screening, the sand filter and the size of the vacuum pump, if
necessary.

8.2 Surface Runoff

Grading in the vicinity of excavations shall be controlled to prevent surface water

running into excavated areas. Any water accumulated in the excavations shall be
removed by pumping or by other means as approved by the COMPANY
Representative.

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9.0 SELECTION AND TYPES OF CONTROLLED FILL MATERIALS

Controlled fill shall be free of organic matters, rubbles, cobbles and boulders, and other
deleterious substances.

9.1 Types of Controlled Fill

The following four (4) types of controlled fills are classified for earthworks.

9.1.1 General Fill (Class D) shall meet the following gradation requirements:

a. Maximum particle size = 100 mm

b. Between 80% and 40% by weight passing the 2.0 mm mesh sieve

c. Not more than 15% by weight passing the 75 micron mesh sieve; less
than 4 plasticity index. Where binding effect is required between soil
particles as in uncontained embankments, a maximum of 20% by
weight material passing the 75 micron mesh sieve shall be provided.

9.1.2 Select Fill shall be a well graded granular material as shown in Table-I.

Table-I

USA Standard Sieve Percent Passing

Size (mm)

50 100

19.0 95 to 80

2.0 80 to 50

0.250 50 to 25

0.075 20 to 5

Where free draining properties of the controlled fill are essential, such as
groundwater table being within 1.5 m depth below the bottom of foundations
or pavements, the material passing the 75 micron mesh sieve shall be between
5% and 10% by weight. Where groundwater is not a problem and binding
effect is required between soil particles, as in uncontained embankments and
surfaces exposed to erosion, near maximum limit of 20% by weight material
passing the 75 micron mesh sieve shall be provided.

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9.1.3 Clean sand satisfying the following USA Standard sieve size gradation shall
be used for bedding around utilities as shown in Table II.

Table II

USA Standard Sieve Size (mm) Percent Passing

4.75 100
2.00 95 to 80
0.425 80 to 40
0.250 60 to 20
0.075 Less than 10

9.1.4 Aggregate sub-base and base course materials shall meet the following
gradation as shown on Table III and physical properties as shown on Table
IV.

Table III GRADATION

Sub-base Material Classes Base Course Material Classes

CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B
Sieve Well graded Uniform mixture of Well Mixture of all Uniform
Size gravel with gravel and/ or stone graded aggregate mixture of
(mm) sand & silt fragments with sand gravel uniformly graded crushed rock or
sand, silt and clay from coarse to fine crushed gravel
101.6 - - - - -
63.5 100 - - 100 -
50.8 90 - 100 100 - 90 - 100 -
38.1 - 70 - 100 100 60 - 90 100
25.4 - 55 - 85 - 42 - 77 60 - 100
19.0 * - 50 - 80 - 35 - 70 55 - 85
12.7 - - - 25 - 60 -
9.51 - 40 - 70 - - -
4.76 35 - 70 30 - 60 - 15 - 40 35 - 60
2.00 - 20 - 50 80 max. 10 - 26 25 - 50
0.425 - 10 - 30 - 5 - 15 15 - 30
0.250 - - - - -
0.075 0 - 15 5 - 15 15 max. 2-9 8 - 15

* If less than 30% of the sample is retained on a 19 mm sieve, Moisture-Density Relations of

soils shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D1557, Method C. If the retained sample on a
19 mm sieve is 30% or more, tests shall be as per AASHTO T-180, Method D

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TABLE IV PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sub-base Material Base Course Material

PHYSICAL CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
REQUIREMENTS A B C A B

Liquid Limit (Max %) - 25 25 - 25

Plasticity Index (Max %) - 6 6 6 4-8

Sand Equivalent (Min %) 25 25 25 30 50

Loss by abrasion (Max %) 50 50 50 40 40

Thin and elongated pieces, by

weight (larger than 25 mm, - - - 5 5
thickness less than 1/5 length)
as per ASTM D 4791
(Max %)

Friable Particles (Max %) - - - 0.25 0.25

Soundness Test using MgSO4
(Max. %)
Coarse Aggregate 18 18 18 18 18

Fine Aggregate 20 20 20 20 20

9.2 Requirements of Controlled Fill Materials

The COMPANY Representative shall approve the depth of the fill after the
availability of soil reports. Aggregate sub-base and base courses, if specified, shall
be used as fill material for access roads, substation yards, designated roadways,
parking lots, and material yards where heavy traffic load is expected.

Controlled Fill materials shall be required up to 1.0 m of the bottom elevation of

foundations, concrete sidewalks/pavements, slabs on grade, and asphalt concrete
surface/binder courses depending on the existing sub-grade soil condition.

Minimum depth of filling shall be 600 mm if the bottom of excavation reveals good
soil/ hard surface.

Sand shall be used for bedding around service lines such as pipes, conduits, and
cables. In all other instances, “General Fill” shall be used as sub-base unless
otherwise specified.

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9.3 Acceptance of Controlled Fill Materials

Fifty kilogram bag samples of each material to be used as controlled fill shall be
collected in the presence of COMPANY Representative and submitted for testing to
an independent soil testing laboratory, approved by the COMPANY, at least ten
(10) days prior to commencing controlled fill operations. The testing laboratory
shall perform at least one of each of the following tests on fill samples and submit
the test results to the COMPANY.

i. Mechanical analysis (Gradation), ASTM D 422

ii. Plasticity Index, ASTM D 4318

If the results from the above tests meet the specification requirements, the testing
laboratory shall determine the CBR, Sulphate and chloride content including the
compaction characteristic of the fill material by conducting one of the following tests
(item a or b below) that is applicable to the gradation, plasticity and drainage
characteristics of the fill material:

a. Modified Compaction, ASTM D 1557, Method D, Minimum of Five

Moisture Density Determinations per Test for soils containing more than
15% materials passing the 75 micron sieve; or

b. Maximum and Minimum Index Density of Soils and Calculation of Relative

Density, ASTM D 4253 and D 4254 for free draining soil containing less
than 15% non-plastic materials passing the 75 micron sieve.

c. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) for each class of fill materials
compacted in the laboratory after four (4) days soaking as determined by
ASTM D 1883 shall be as follows:
Table V

Material Class CBR Values

Class A, B, C Not less than 50

Sub-base Class D (General Fill) Not less than 15

Base Course Class A & B Not less than 100

Note: The correlation of the soil ratings based on CBR values is given in
Figure 8.

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d. The Sulfate and chloride contents of controlled fill for each class of fill
materials shall also be determined. Borrowed fill with greater Sulfate or
chloride content than the existing soil in the site shall not be used as
controlled fill for improvement of existing facility.

No material shall be used as a controlled fill until it is tested, as above, by the

soil testing laboratory, and approved by the COMPANY Representative.

Changes in the controlled fill material may be made when characteristics of

materials, job conditions, weather, test results or other circumstances warrant.
Each time, a change in fill material has to take place, the new material shall
be tested as above and test results submitted to COMPANY Representative
for approval and acceptance before using in the work. A change in controlled
fill material and related tests shall be planned so as to avoid construction
delays.

Final acceptance of controlled fill material rests with the COMPANY

Representative, whose decision shall be final and binding.

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10.0 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Sub-grade

10.1.1 The existing ground surface shall be proof-rolled by the same equipment that
will be used to compact the controlled fill materials prior to the placement of
first lift of controlled fill (sub-base). Compaction of the sub-grade may be
facilitated by maintaining its moisture content at or slightly wet or dry (±2 %)
of the optimum moisture content determined from laboratory tests.
Depending on the type of structure supported, sub-grade shall be compacted
to develop the following degrees of compaction to about 300 mm below the
ground surface:

Table-VI Compacted Density Requirements of Soils for Different Works

Type of Supported Structure Degree of Compaction Required

Service Lines, Concrete Slabs, Minimum of 75% Relative density (ASTM D 4253
and parking areas and ASTM D 4254) for free draining soils
containing less than 15% by weight finer than 75
micron sieve non plastic material or 90% of the
maximum density as determined by ASTM D 1557
for soils containing more than 15% material passing
the 75 micron sieve.

Light Traffic Road, e.g., Plant
roads for operations and
maintenance only and not
frequently subjected to traffic.
service lines/ power cables
below these roads
Minimum of 80% relative density (ASTM D 4253
and ASTM D 4254) for free draining soils
containing less than 15% by weight finer than 75
micron sieve non plastic material or 92% of the
maximum density as determined by ASTM D 1557
for soils containing more than 15% materials
passing the 75 micron sieve.

Foundations of all facilities Minimum of 85% relative density (ASTM D 4253

including buildings,
transformers, circuit breakers,
etc, heavy traffic roads carrying
high density of heavy trucks and
equipment.
and ASTM D 4254) for free draining soils
containing less than 15% by weight finer than 75
micron sieve non plastic material or 95% of the
maximum density as determined by ASTM D 1557
for soils containing more than 15% material passing
the 75 micron sieve

Service lines or power cables In addition to above, technical requirements of the

below ministry and municipality concerned Ministry or Municipality shall govern.
roads

Note: ASTM D 2922 can be used for testing the compaction of the soil at site if
permitted by the COMPANY Representative, provided the soil is uniform.

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The compaction of the sub-grade or excavation shall be checked and

approved by the COMPANY Representative before the sub-grade is covered
up with further construction such as sub-base/base course or concrete
foundation.

Where soft or otherwise unacceptable zones are disclosed, they shall be

removed and replaced with approved controlled fill materials compacted as
discussed above.

10.1.2 In case of filling Sabkhah or areas of high water table, the requirements for
proof-rolling the ground surface may be waived by the COMPANY
Representative if proof-rolling is not feasible. For modification to Sabkhahs,
refer Section 12.0. Dewatering shall be done for areas of high water table.

10.1.3 Hand or mechanical tampers shall be used in places inaccessible to rollers.

10.2 Backfill

10.2.1 All formworks shall be completely removed but in no case less than 24 hours
after placing concrete. All debris shall be cleaned out and permission to
backfill shall be secured from the COMPANY Representative.

10.2.2 Trenches, pits and other excavations shall be backfilled with materials
described in Section 9.1. The location of each type of fill shall be governed
by Section 9.2. As far as possible, excavated materials shall be used as
backfill provided they meet the requirements of controlled fill specified in
this Standard.

10.2.3 Unless directed otherwise by COMPANY Representative, backfill adjacent

to or against any structural concrete shall not be placed until the concrete in
the adjacent structure has attained a minimum of 75% of its design strength
and is coated with coal tar epoxy.

10.2.4 Backfill materials shall be placed in uniform layers not exceeding 300 mm of
uncompacted thickness. Increased thickness may be permitted for non-
cohesive materials by the COMPANY representative if the specified
compacted density can be obtained.

10.2.5 Unless specified otherwise, backfill shall be compacted to densities indicated

in Table VI at or slightly wet or dry (± 2 %) of optimum moisture content.

10.2.6 Where controlled fill is placed adjacent to walls, which are not designed as
retaining walls, either the difference in elevation of the top of the controlled
fill on both sides of the wall shall not be more than 300 mm, or the wall is to
be adequately braced.

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10.2.7 All utility lines shall be laid on a clean sand bed compacted to the density
criteria of Table VI. Sand shall conform to Section 9.1.3 and thermal
resistivity of sand around power cables shall comply with design
requirements. After utility lines have been laid, clean sand shall be carefully
placed and compacted beneath the bottom half of the service lines to assure
firm support. Careful backfilling and compaction by tamping or inundation
with water shall continue above the service lines.

10.2.8 Finished grades adjacent to structures shall slope away from the structures to
minimize ingress of precipitation and quickly drain away the surface runoff.

10.3 Embankments

10.3.1 Prior to placing the first layer of controlled fill, sub-grade shall be leveled, if
necessary moistened, compacted, tested and then scarified so that the surface
material of the sub-grade is as compact and well bonded with the first layer of
controlled fill as is specified for succeeding layers of controlled fill. Test
criteria for the sub-grade shall be as per Section 9.3. Bond between a sloping
sub-grade and controlled fill shall be improved by benching the sub-grade.

10.3.2 Unless otherwise specified, all controlled fill shall conform to soil gradation
specified in Section 9.1. The location of use of each type of controlled fill
shall be determined by provisions of Section 9.2.

10.3.3 Unless specified otherwise, all controlled fill shall be compacted to densities
indicated in Table VI.

10.3.4 Moisture content shall be uniform throughout the layer to be compacted and it
shall be as close as practicable to the optimum moisture content from
laboratory compaction tests, which will result in the maximum densification
of the material to be compacted.

10.3.5 Compaction of cohesionless soils by saturation and vibration shall be

acceptable, provided, it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
COMPANY Representative that required densities can be achieved by this
method.

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10.4 Test Section for Embankments

10.4.1 On large earthwork projects, the COMPANY Representative shall direct for
the construction of a test section using the material and equipment to be used
on the project. This shall provide the basis for the most practicable processing
and placing procedures for representative soils under job conditions. By
varying the placement procedure within certain limits, by exercising rigid
control over the relatively small volume of the section, and by keeping
complete records of the tests, the most applicable procedures shall be
determined during the initial stages of construction. Results of field density
tests made on the test section shall provide the necessary information for
establishing construction control procedures consistent with design
requirements. This is to establish the moisture content of the borrow material;
methods for correcting borrow material’s moisture content if too wet or too
dry; roller characteristics; number of roller passes; thickness of layers; and
effectiveness of power tamping in places inaccessible or undesirable for roller
operation.

If the size of the project does not warrant a test section, then experience from
the initial placing operations shall be used to determine the above
characteristics.

10.4.2 Characteristics determined above shall be used to facilitate construction

control. Compliance with estimated number of passes of a particular roller
over a predetermined layer thickness shall not, however, be considered as
meeting the density requirements. Acceptance or rejection of earthwork shall
depend on field density test results.

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11.0 SLOPE PROTECTION

11.1 Permanent Slopes

All permanent slopes shall be designed based on the stability considerations of the
embankment and foundation materials.

Based on feasibility and economic considerations, permanent slopes shall be

protected against erosion by one of the following measures:

a. Provide a minimum of 200 mm thick rip-rap of 150-200 mm size stones over

a 100 mm thick layer of 40 mm size crushed stone on compacted slope. Rip-
rap and crushed stones shall be continued over the level ground beyond the
toe, and over the top embankment beyond the top edge, for a minimum
distance of 1.0 meter or to the edge of pavement, if any, whichever is less.
Riprap shall be tightly hand packed with least possible void space. Riprap and
crushed stone materials shall be hard and durable.

b. A layer of hot asphalt concrete mix, conforming to surface course per Asphalt
Concrete Paving Standard, TCS-Q-113.01, shall be placed on clean,
compacted and primed embankment slope to provide a 50 mm minimum
compacted asphalt pavement thickness.

If the top surface of the embankment is paved, the increased runoff from
precipitation shall be collected by provision of curbing around edges of the
pavement and directing the flow of water down the slope through cement
grouted rip-rap gutters. Typical sections of curbs and gutters arrangement are
shown in the attached drawings (Figures 4, 5 and 6). Precast concrete gutter
units may be used if approved by COMPANY Representative.

c. Protection wire-mesh designed as slope protection blanket to intercept rock-

fall shall be provided around the structure pads. The mesh shall be flexible
hot-dip galvanized wire mesh.

d. Rock-fall protection netting

e. High resistance rock-fall netting

f. Galvanized box gabions

g. Lined Concrete of minimum 150 mm thick with reinforcing wire mesh.

Compressive strength f’c of concrete shall be minimum of 21 MPa.

11.2 Temporary Slopes

The temporary slopes, when constructed, shall be maintained in a stable and firm
condition including proper surface drainage and control of erosion.

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12.0 SABKHAH SOILS

12.1 General

Sabkhah is an expression used to describe salt-encrusted, evaporative flats that are

underlain by sand, silt or clay. These are usually formed under hot, arid climates, and
are associated with a shallow, saline groundwater.

These soils are either situated along the coasts (Coastal Sabkhahs) or farther inland
(Continental Sabkhahs).

The bearing capacity and compressibility characteristics of these soils in the virgin
state rarely meet routine design requirements. Therefore, before any construction
activity, the soil has to be either treated, or replaced, or the foundation loads must be
transferred through end bearing piles to the underlying dense soil or rock.

12.2 Improvement of Sabkhah Soils

Measures to enhance the properties of Sabkhah must be taken before any construction
takes place on the soil. Control of groundwater rise is a vital corrective measure, in
conjunction with soil densification. If various densification and drainage control
techniques fail to improve the soil properties, i.e., the required bearing capacity and
warranted settlement, pile foundations shall be used, if Sabkhah site cannot be
abandoned altogether.

Selection of an improvement method, as appropriate to the structure type; its loading

and settlement sensitivity; thickness of Sabkhah; its location with respect to other
strata; its type (clayey or sandy), etc., is largely case dependent. This shall be based
on the soil investigation report for the proposed site. One of the techniques of
determination of type of improvement is shown as a function of Particle size (Fig. 7).

The detailed report about the Sabkhah soil and the recommended methods of
improvement shall be submitted to The COMPANY. The selection of the type of
improvement shall be done by the COMPANY Representative.

Steel casing shall be used in the following cases:

1. Piling in Sabkhah areas

2. Piling in valleys (Wadi) subjected to flooding
3. Chimney in case of Pad and Chimney type of foundations

12.2.1 Shallow Soil Densification

On small scale construction projects, such as small equipment foundations,

service roads, single storied buildings or equivalent, shallow soil modification
techniques, such as those mentioned below, are adequate to improve the soil
properties in sustaining the required design loads for the application in
question.

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a. Excavation and Replacement:

This scheme is suited to modification of shallow Sabkhah soils, i.e., if

the Sabkhah layer is of shallow depth. The fill of appropriated soil to
replace the Sabkhah layer shall be as classified in Sec. 9.1, and
compacted to the required density as suggested in Table VI.

b. Displacement, Excavation and Replacement:

This procedure is used for access roads and pavements, and when
subsurface conditions favor displacement. Filling proceeds from one
end of the area to be developed, by building a rolling surcharge fill,
which penetrates and displaces the Sabkhah soil to a certain depth.
The Sabkhah in front of the surcharge fill is excavated to a firm base
and the rolling surcharge is pushed forward to displace any Sabkhah
material that may have squeezed in after excavation. This is continued
until the entire filling procedure is completed.

c. Surficial Chemical Stabilization:

Sabkhah soils stabilized with cement, lime, etc., have numerous

applications such as in backfilling, paving slopes, embankment
protection, lining ditches, access roads, etc. Properly chemically-
stabilized soils gain higher strength, more erosion resistance, markedly
high volume change stability against swelling and shrinkage. It is
essential to assess the performance of chemically-stabilized Sabkhahs
upon wetting, as related to the type of construction.

12.2.2 Deep Soil Densification

Deep soil modification techniques have to be adopted, as suited to the case in

question, on large scale construction projects.

The suitability of these improvement techniques is dependent on the required

depth and degree of compaction, type of Sabkhah soil (clayey or sandy), its
clay and organic contents, gradation, contents of fines, degree of saturation,
location of groundwater table, risks involved, available equipment and time,
local experience and economic feasibility of the structure.

a. Vibration Methods

i. Vibroflotation:

This is a traditional deep compaction method, employed for

granular soils. In this method, 0.3 m to 0.45 m diameter poker
vibrators (vibroflots) are used to transmit vibrations to the soil
along the whole length of the vibrator or at the tip. The
vibrators are provided with water jets/ compressed air at top

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and bottom to improve the penetration rate and to stabilize the

borehole. The vibrators are also provided with fins to increase
the efficiency and to reduce the twisting during compaction. A
cutting ring is used to widen the hole when there are cemented
layers or seams in the soil.

While employing this method, care shall be taken to ensure

that the flush water does not cause leaching of salt in the
Sabkhah soil, and that the fines (smaller than 75 micron sieve)
in the Sabkhah soil are not excessive. Vibroflotation is
preferred for Sabkhahs containing mainly gravel and coarse
sand because of the lateral displacement of the vibrator during
compaction as they are more difficult to compact.

ii. Vibro-compaction:

This method is used for deep compaction of saturated granular

soils. A vibratory hammer, which is attached to a pipe or a
probe, is used and vibrated down into the soil. In contrast to
vibroflotation, the vibrations are in the vertical direction only.
The shaft is pulled out slowly as the soil is vibrated. The
required spacing of the compaction points depends on the
depth, permeability, gradation and fines’ content of the soil.
Sabkhahs containing medium to fine sand are generally
compacted by this method.

iii. Vibro-replacement:

This method is employed in Sabkhahs containing mainly soft,

relatively impervious and cohesive soils. These soils are
penetrated with low pressure, large volume bottom jets with
the displaced material brought to surface through the water
flow. Resistant layers are overcome by direct impact of the
machine. On reaching the desired depth, gravel backfill is
tipped around the machine to fall down the annulus against
continuing upward flow of water from the bottom jet. Gravel
accumulates at the base of the column building upwards, with
diameters at each level depending upon the soil resistance and
the shearing and flushing action.

iv. Blasting:

This method is used for granular soils to reduce liquefaction

potential and settlements. Explosive charges are placed in
suitably spaced, jetted or drilled boreholes at elevations
corresponding to 50% to 75% of the required depth of the
compaction. The efficiency of the method depends mainly on
the pore water pressures generated by blasting and the time to

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dissipation, and the size of the liquefied zone around the

detonation point.

Test blasting is recommended for large jobs in order to

determine the optimum spacing of the boreholes, the size of the
charges, and the intervals and sequence of blasting.

b. Displacement Methods

i. Stone, Gravel and Sand Columns:

This method involves the formation of compacted “columns,”

or pillars, within fine grained or stable, insensitive, cohesive
soils and cohesionless soils using poker vibrators. The
machine penetrates a thick-walled, steel casing initially closed
at the bottom by a gravel plug, both by vibratory impact (drop
hammer) and by its own weight. There is no removal of soil,
which is displaced laterally involving local shearing as in
driven piling. Compressed air is used through the bottom jet
during penetration.

On reaching the requisite depth, the gravel plug is extruded and

new material is added as the casing is withdrawn. The
machine is lowered on top acting to displace the backfill
laterally and downwards like a vibratory hammer. The
procedure is repeated at each measured lift until the column is
completed. The columns are placed in a triangular or
rectangular grid pattern at spacing as determined by soil
conditions and approval of the COMPANY.

A blanket of sand or gravel, 0.6 m or more in thickness, is

usually placed over the top of the stone columns. This blanket,
along with the columns serves both as a drainage layer and
large diameter drains. Also, it distributes the stresses from the
structures above and reduces settlement.

ii. Compaction Piles:

This method is economical for relatively small areas compared

with other soil improvement methods for fine-grained soils.
The compaction is partly caused by the vibrations from driving
the piles and partly by displacement of the soil caused by the
piles. A relatively large spacing is normally chosen for the
first few piles. Additional piles are then driven if the required
penetration resistance and relative density have not been
reached.

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iii. Dynamic Compaction (Heavy Tamping):

This method involves the compaction of granular soils, using

heavy tamping, where pore water pressure variation becomes
virtually instantaneous and used to densify loose granular fills.

iv. Dynamic Consolidation:

This is similar, in essence, to dynamic compaction; however, it

deals with the improvement of fine grained soils, using several
phases of heavy tamping, with time intervals dictated by pore
water pressure response and dissipation. This method does not
work properly if the low permeability Sabkhah layer exceeds 3
to 4m in thickness. A 1m thick layer of free draining material
is normally placed over the area before the tamping to improve
the transfer of energy to the soil.

v. Squeeze and Compaction Grouting:

Granular soils can be improved by squeeze and compaction

grouting.

At squeeze grouting, relatively thin cement slurry is used,

where the grout penetrates into the soil. Relatively thick slurry
is employed at a relatively high grout pressure in compaction
or consolidation grouting. This method is mainly applied in
Sabkhahs containing soft compressible silts and sandy silts
below the groundwater table. The boreholes are vertical and
grouted from the top downwards. Penetration grouting using
cement, silica or different chemicals is employed to reduce the
permeability of the soil, rather than to reduce the
compressibility or to increase the shear strength and the
bearing capacity of the foundation soils.

12.2.3 Loading Methods:

Preloading:

Preloading followed by complete or partial unloading is used to reduce the

settlements in Sabkhahs containing granular soils. Bonding between soil
particles is not destroyed during the loading, and compressibility is greatly
reduced. Vertical sand wicks at uniform spacing can be used to accelerate the
consolidation.

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12.3 Drainage Control

In order to protect the Sabkhah itself (against salt dissolution), as well as the
embedded substructures against brine saturation due to capillarity, it is vital to
implement effective drainage control measures in conjunction with soil densification
techniques.

Radial and horizontal sand/gravel drains are effective means of controlling drainage
in Sabkhah. However, these drains may become clogged if the Sabkhah contains a
large proportion of fines.

Geotextiles are versatile, cost-effective and multi-functional (reinforcement,

separation, drainage, etc.) materials that are used in drainage control of Sabkhah
soils intercepting the capillary fringe. The use of Geotextiles significantly improves
the inferior properties of Sabkhah sub-grade, particularly when the natural Sabkhah
Fabric Aggregate (SFA) system is saturated.

Other methods generally used for Drainage control are:

a. Well Point system, (See Section 8.0)

b. Two-Way Subsoil Drainage system

c. Cofferdams

d. Electro-osmosis

e. Electrolysis

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13.0 QUALITY CONTROL, INSPECTION, AND REPORTS

13.1 Quality Control and Inspection

The quality of construction shall be determined by visual examination, by

measurements, and by testing. The extent to which each of these procedures is
employed shall depend on local conditions, on the importance and value of the work
being inspected. The frequency of each type of inspection shall vary as the work
progresses. During the entire construction stages, testing shall be conducted at
frequent intervals.

The inspection operation shall determine whether requirements of the approved

plans/drawings and specifications are being satisfied. Testing shall be sufficient to
provide adequate quality control and to furnish the necessary permanent records.
Testing shall be performed on selected samples of work or materials, which are
representative of some unit of work or material. More specifically, inspection shall
determine whether the material meets the gradation requirements, whether
compaction equipment complies with specification and is maintained in working
order, whether the thickness of lifts and the number of passes produce adequate
compaction, and whether moisture is at optimum limit and uniformly distributed
within the layer. Inspection shall be supported with field tests to determine the
degree of compaction and conformance of the supplied material.

Mechanical tamping when used around structures, along abutments, and in areas not
accessible to the rolling equipment, shall be checked by frequent density tests.

The areas of low density, and any other faults, shall be identifed by ascertaining the
causes and shall be rectified on instructions from COMPANY Representative by
sprinkling, scarifying, removal, or re-rolling, as required. As a minimum, one field
density test (ASTM D 1556 or ASTM D 2922) shall be made as follows:

a. In areas where degree of compaction is doubtful

b. In localized areas of concentrated controlled fill operations

c. For every 100 square meters of controlled fill when no doubtful or

concentrated areas occur on large earthwork projects

d. For every 25 linear meters of controlled fill when no doubtful or concentrated

areas occur on small earthwork projects, such as backfilling utility trench
excavations

e. In areas subjected to structural loads, such as foundations for buildings,

transformers, circuit breakers, etc.

f. During each shift involving placing of earth materials

g. For each layer of controlled fill placed

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13.2 Reports

A record shall be maintained throughout the construction operations. Reports shall

be made of every test performed in the laboratory and in the field by the approved
independent testing agency and shall be submitted directly to the COMPANY.
COMPANY Representative shall make daily reports concerning adequacy, progress
and the comments on decisions.

14.0 FINAL GRADING AND CLEANUP

14.1 At the end of all construction work, all holes, ruts, settlements and depressions shall
be filled and the whole area graded to final design elevations. All areas disturbed by
construction shall be restored to their original condition to the satisfaction of the
COMPANY Representative.

14.2 All debris, waste, excavated spoils and surplus articles and materials shall be
transported and/or discarded in a manner approved by the COMPANY
Representative.

15.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND APPENDICES

15.1 Bibliography

1. Soil Dynamics, Deep Stabilization and Special geotechnical construction by

NAVFAC Dept. Navy, U.S.A. April 83

2. Geological Survey (Drilling in Sabkhahs of Dhahran Area) by Ministry of

Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Jeddah, K.S.A.

3. Geotechnical Investigation for New Generation Projects at Ghazlan by OEO,

K.S.A.

4. Pile foundation (Second Edition), Robert D. Chellis

5. Soil Survey for Engineering by ABA Brink, TC Partridge & AAB Williams

6. Design and Construction of Foundations, by Cement and Concrete

Association

7. Developments in Soil Mechanics, by C.R. Scott

8. Indian Practical Civil Engineer’s Handbook, by P.N. Khanna

9. Specialists Ground Treatment by Vibrating and Dynamic methods, by D.A.

Greenwood, K. Kirsh & G.K.N. Keller Limited

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10. Geotechnical Properties of Soils, by Dr. Saad A Aiban, K.F.U.P. M.

11. Soil Stabilization and Ground Improvement “Overview” by Dr. Saad A

Aiban, K.F.U.P.M.

12. Chemical Stabilization of Soils Using Cement and Lime, by Dr. Omer
Sayeed Baghbara Al-Amoudi, K.F.U.P.M.

13. Principles of Geotechnical Engineering, by Brajer M Das, P W S

Engineering, Boston, U.S.A.

14. Soil Stabilization and Grouting, by Hans F Winterkorn, Sibel Pamuken

Ph.D., Princeston Univ, U.S. A.

15. Symposium on Maintenance System and Application of Materials in the

Saudi Arabian Environment, by Research Institute, K.F.U.P.M.

16. Foundation Analysis and Design, by Joseph E. Bowles McGraw Hills Co.,
Inc,. U.S.A.

17. General Specifications for Building Construction in Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia- Latest Edition.

15.2 APPENDICES

I. Construction Safety: Special Manual Chapter No. 6: Excavation.

II. Construction Safety: Special Manual Chapter No. 14: Electrical Hazards.

Note: These Safety Manuals will be revised/updated by the concerned Department.

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Appendix I. CONSTRUCTION SAFETY: SPECIAL MANUAL NO. 6.483

ISSUED BY: INDUSTRIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT

(LOSS PREVENTION)

SUBJECT: CHAPTER 6.0 EXCAVATION.

6.0 EXCAVATION.

6.1 Introduction

Construction w6rk involving excavation, either in sandy, rocky asphalt, or concrete

areas should be adequately protected by the installation of construction fences,
barricades, guard rails, warning tapes, road and traffic signs, and warning lights. This
is based on the assumption that once an area is excavated the ground cannot be relied
upon to support its own weight. For example, an excavated rocky area may appear
solid and stable when structures on it are on the verge of collapse. Stability should
not be taken for granted. Workers and the public must be protected from injury.

Accidents due to excavations may involve injuries that are minor, serious, disabling
or fatal as well as property damage. It is essential that appropriate precautions be
taken to prevent collapse of any excavated structure or area.

Excavation work done in urban areas and cities usually involve the presence of
underground facilities such as utility lines (water, electricity, gas or telephone),
tanks, process piping, and drainage systems. If they are dug into, undercut, or
damaged in any way injury or death may result. Interruption of service,
contamination of water, disruption of processes, or extensive delay of Government
projects may also occur. These accidents will cause direct and indirect losses to the
COMPANY.

6.2 References For Standard Safety Requirements.

6.2.1 SEC Accident Prevention Manual.

6.2.2 Loss prevention requirements in construction contracts under Schedule A.

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6.3 Prior To The Start Of Work

The following items should be seriously considered prior to starting an excavation in

order to determine the safety measures needed:

6.3.1 Size of the area to be excavated. According to OSHA if an excavation is

deeper than 1.5m (5 ft.) adequate bracing and shoring must be provided or
the trench must be sloped

6.3.2 Purpose of excavation

6.3.3 Nature and type of ground surface to be excavated

6.3.4 Proximity to adjacent structures

6.3.5 Method of excavation.

6.3.6 Adjacent roads and walkways

6.3.7 Weather conditions

6.3.8 Sources of vibration

6.3.9 Position of any underground utilities such as water, gas, electric and
telephone lines

6.4 Work Permit

A work permit should be obtained from the Operations Supervisor of SEC before
any excavation work in a restricted area is started. Normally, a separate work permit
is required for each excavation. Refer to SEC General Instruction LP-002/83 or
Chapter 13 of this manual for Work Permit procedures.

6.5 Underground Utilities And Obstructions.

6.5.1 Mechanical excavators should not be used in an area where underground

utilities, pipes, cables, vessels, or tanks are known or suspected to exist until
all such obstructions are exposed by manual digging.

6.5.2 Mechanical excavators should not be used within 3m (10 ft.) of known
underground utilities and obstructions.

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6.6 Safety Precautions To Be Applied In Excavation Work

6.6.1 Shoring should be used immediately, or the sides sloped to a safe angle, if
there is a possibility of the sides of an excavation collapsing.

6.6.2 Shoring material must meet accepted engineering requirements and

standards.

6.6.3 Excavations should be provided with appropriate road, traffic, or warning

signs to warn the public of construction hazards

6.6.4 A careful inspection of the excavation area and the shoring system should be
made each day by the Contractor and the SEC Project Management Team.

6.6.5 Workers should not be allowed to work in location where there is a

possibility of being struck by a mechanical excavator

6.6.6 Wooden planks or temporary walkways should be installed over an excavated

area for use by workers crossing to the other side

6.6.7 Trenches should not be used. for dumping materials and rubbish

6.6.8 Warning lights and barricades should be installed on each side of an

excavation

6.6.9 Any excavation made in public roads, streets and sidewalks should be cleared
in advance with Government Relations and have the approval of relevant
authorities- See Paragraph 6.4 or Chapter 13 of this manual.

6.6.10 Excavations should be back filled properly after installation of electrical

equipment such as ring main unit, mini-pillar boxes, pole mounted
transformers, etc.

6.6.11 Excavation of hard rock that requires drilling and blasting activities shall be
covered by a special permit. SEC Government Relations, Industrial Security
Department, and Project Management must be consulted and informed before
any blasting work.

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Appendix II. CONSTRUCTION SAFETY: SPECIAL MANUAL NO. 6.483

ISSUED BY: INDUSTRIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT

(LOSS PREVENTION)

SUBJECT: CHAPTER 14.0- ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

14.0 ELECTRICAL HAZAR

14.1 Introduction

As a source of power, electricity is in some ways less hazardous than steam or other
sources of energy. If used properly it is a most versatile form of energy. However, if
one fails to take suitable precautions in its use the result may be bodily harm or
property damage as there are hazards in installing, maintaining, and using electrical
equipment. Control of most of these hazards is neither difficult nor expensive but
ignoring or neglecting them may lead to serious accidents. Current flow is the factor
that causes injury in: electric shock. The severity of the shock is determine4 by the
amount of current flow through the victim. Other factors affecting the severity of
injuries are the parts of the body injured, duration of current flow through the victim,
the frequency of the alternating current.

14.2 References For Standard Safety Requirements

14.2.1 SEC Accident Prevention Manual

14.2.2 SEC General Instruction NO. LPOO2/83, Work Permit

14.2.3 Guidelines on Clearances, Hold Tagging procedures, and Switching Orders

14.2.4 OSHA Regulations and Standards, Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations
for Construction

14.2.5 National Electrical Code

14.2.6 National Electrical Safety Code

14.2.7 Contract Schedule A, Loss Prevention Requirements

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14.3 Current Through The Body

Serious shock is not entirely dependent, upon the voltage of the power source. The
ratio of the voltage to the resistance determines the current flow and the resulting
hazard. This ratio is presented in the following formula

Current through the body = Voltage applied to the body divided by. Resistance of
the body

14.4 Temporary Electrical Facilities

The Contractor will have to make temporary electrical installations within the
construction site and other nearby facilities on most big construction projects. As
construction activities increases more electrical equipment, tools, and wiring are
installed to meet the increase in work volume. Regardless of the changes that occur,
good safety advice requires that all temporary electrical facilities be made in
accordance with established safety code and engineering standards. The following
rules apply

14.4.1 The Contractor is responsible for temporary electrical facilities within the
construction site as specified in the contract. Connections should be made
with the existing SEC power supply and in coordination with SEC Power
Operations and the Area Affairs Organizations

14.4.2 All electrical connections and installations, whether temporary or permanent,

shall be done according to the provisions of SEC Engineering Standards,
National Electrical Code, and .National Electrical Safety Codes

14.4.3 All electrical supply, communication lines, and equipment shall be of suitable
design and construction, for the services and conditions under which they are
to be operated

14.4.4 All electrical supply, communication lines, and equipment shall be

constructed, protected, worked, and maintained so as to reduce hazards to life
and prevent danger.

14.4.5 All work on or near electrical equipment or lines shall be carried out by, or
under the immediate supervision of, a qualified craftsman. Whenever
possible the equipment or line shall be de-energized. A Work permit is
needed for this type of work

14.4.6 All temporary wiring shall be installed in safe locations to prevent their
damage. The installation should not pose a tripping hazard in the construction
site

14.4.7 All electrical connections shall be in accordance with SEC Engineering

Standards. Taped joints without a splice box are not permitted. Connections
to socket outlets are made with the proper plugs only

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14.5 Work on Energized Equipment or lines

14.5.1 Any work on energized equipment or lines requires extreme caution,

planning, and thorough knowledge of the job. Personal protective clothing,
equipment, and live line tools should be ready. A working panel and live line
tools should be ready. A work permit is required.

14.5.2 Employees shall not work alone on live equipment nor on energized lines.
Another electrician, lineman, or helper should be standing by to give
assistance if needed. Lead men, supervisors, or a foreman should be present
to monitor the job

14.5.3 The power supply shall be checked to know the exact voltage. This will
determine the type of safety protection required to accomplish the job safely.
The following should be followed

14.5.3.1-5 KV is the maximum voltage on any line or equipment which can

be worked on by hand with an electrician's rubber glove with test
rating of 20 KV

14.5.3.2-Work on any line or equipment above 5 KV shall be done with the

line or equipment de-energized and grounded. This type of work
requires approved live line tools. Hold tags are placed on de-
energized switches, disconnects, etc.

14.5.3.3-When working on energized line or equipment, the following

safeguards should be applied

14.5.3.3.1 Employees shall be insulated from insulated parts of

energized lines or equipment

14.5.3.3.2 Employees shall be insulated or isolated from the

ground and grounded structures other than the one
being worked on

14.5.3.4-In no case, when employees are working on the same pole,

Substation structures or from a bucket truck, shall they work
simultaneously on energized wires or equipment of different phases
or polarities.

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14.5.4 Safe Working Distances-2.4 Kv And Above

Employees shall not approach or take any conductive object, except with
approved devices, any closer to unguarded live parts than as shown in the
following table

Table 14.5: Safe Working Distances

AC voltage Range (Phase to Phase) Minimum approach

Kilovolt Distance (Meters)

2.1-15 0.61

15.1-35 0.71

35.1-72 0.91

72.1-121 1.02

121.1-169 1.12

169.1-242 1.52

16.0 FIGURES

Figure 1 - Slope Protection for Foundation

Figure 2 - Utility Trench
Figure 3 - Dewatering Scheme
Figure 4 - Gutter Isometric View - Slope Protection
Figure 5 - Gutter Longitudinal Section - Slope Protection
Figure 6 - Gutter Section “A-A” - Slope Protection
Figure 7 - Soil Particles Sizes for Ground Improvement Techniques
Figure 8 - Approximate correlation of soil ratings base on CBR values for use in
pavements.

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Minimum B or 1.0 m whichever

is greater

Excavation Slope (Slope stability must

be analyzed / checked)
Existing B
footing

30°

FIGURE # 1- SLOPE PROTECTION FOR FOUNDATION

(N.T.S)

FINISHED GRADE

Minimum Earth
cover (See Section Compacted backfill conforming to
7.3.4 ) local municipal requirements
and/ or TCS-Q-113.02.

Service Line/
Power Cable Minimum 150 mm clean sand
bedding on all sides

FIGURE # 2- UTILITY TRENCHING

(N.T.S)

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WELL POINTS
Header

FIGURE # 3 - DE-WATERING SCHEME

Minimum 1.0 m
Excavation

Lowered Ground level

(N.T.S)

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California Bearing Ration (CBR)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

AASHTO SOIL CLASSIFICATION

A-1-b A-1-a
A-2-7 A-2-6 A-2-5 A-2-4
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7-6 A-7-5

UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION

GW
OH CH GM-u GM-d
MH OL GC
CL SW
ML SM-d
SC
SM-u GP
SP

General soil rating as subgrade, subbase or base

Subgrade Poor Medium Good Excellent

Subbase Unacceptable Acceptable Good Excellent

Base Acceptable

Fig- 8 Approximate correlation of soil ratings based on CBR values for use in pavements.

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