GENERAL SPECIFICATION

CIVIL WORKS

GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

08 10/2019 EP Version of Group Standard

07 12/2018 General revision
06 09/2015 General revision of test requirements, standards update
05 01/2012 General update
04 10/2007 Update References
03 10/2005 Addition of “EP” root to GS identification
02 10/2004 Revised & 2, 3.2, 4.2.2.1
00 11/2001 First issue
Rev. Date Purpose of the revision

Owning entity: DSO/IP/TEC Managing entity: DSO/IP/TEC/GEO

Other Approving entity(ies):

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 2 of 15

1. Scope ....................................................................................................................... 3

2. Reference documents............................................................................................. 3

3. Applicability............................................................................................................. 5

4. Definitions of terms ................................................................................................ 6

5. Scope of supply ...................................................................................................... 6

6. Design ...................................................................................................................... 6
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 6
6.2 Soil consolidation ............................................................................................................ 7
6.3 Sheet pile walls ............................................................................................................... 7
6.4 Deep and shallow foundations ........................................................................................ 7
6.5 Storage tank foundations .............................................................................................. 10

7. Construction .......................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Origin and quality of materials ....................................................................................... 10
7.2 Ground in place............................................................................................................. 11
7.3 Pile load tests ............................................................................................................... 11
7.4 Layout tolerance ........................................................................................................... 12
7.5 Execution ...................................................................................................................... 13
7.6 Trimming ....................................................................................................................... 14

8. Quality control ....................................................................................................... 14

8.1 Materials quality control ................................................................................................ 14
8.2 Control during construction ........................................................................................... 14
8.3 Integrity testing.............................................................................................................. 14

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 3 of 15

1. Scope
This specification deals with foundations as per below information:
• Specification defines the minimum requirements applicable to the design and the
construction of the foundations
• Specification is for onshore structures. Offshore and nearshore structures are excluded
• Foundations can be:
- Deep, such as driven piles, bored and cast-situ piles, diaphragm walls, micropiles, etc.,
or
- Shallow, such as footings, rafts and pads.

2. Reference documents
This document is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized
GS GR CIV 500.
The reference documents listed below form an integral part of this General Specification.

Where there are national regulations, their particular requirements, and those of the standards
or codes to which they refer, shall be applied, supplementing or amending the provisions of this
document.

If there are no mandatory national regulations, international regulations, standards and codes
shall be applied.

If there are no applicable international standards and codes, the national standards and codes
shall meet all the following rules:
• Be chosen from the External Documents listed below, according to the projects in hand
• Be defined in the job specification.

In the absence of a specific exemption, duly justified by the Contractor and agreed by the
owner, codes and standards of different origins may not be used in whole or in part.

If certain points in these regulations need to be clarified, the contractor shall deal with the
changes and/or additions to be made, according to all the following requirements:
• To be described and justified
• To be adapted to the nature and environment of the structure
• To be considered acceptable only when they have been examined and approved by the
Company.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

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Standards and codes proposed by the Contractor shall meet all the following requirements:
• A definitive list of regulations be taken from the reference documents defined in this
specification and the project’s job specification
• As only the main standards are mentioned; Contractor be responsible for compliance with
any secondary standards.

The list provided in this document should not be regarded as exhaustive.

Unless otherwise stipulated, the applicable version of these documents, including relevant
appendices and addendums, is the latest revision published at the effective date of this
document.

External Documents

Reference Title

ASTM D1143/D1143M Standard test methods for deep foundations under static axial
compressive load

ASTM D4945 Standard test method for high-strain dynamic testing of deep
foundations

ASTM D5780 Standard test method for individual piles in permafrost under
static axial compressive load

ASTM D5882 Standard test method for low strain impact integrity testing of
deep foundations

ASTM D6760 Standard test method for integrity testing of concrete deep
foundations by ultrasonic crosshole testing

EN 1536/IN1 Execution of special geotechnical work. Bored piles

EN 1993-5 Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 5: Piling

EN 1997 (All parts) Eurocode 7 - Geotechnical design - All parts

EN 1998 (All parts) Eurocode 8 - Design of structures for earthquake resistance - All
parts

EN 12063 Execution of special geotechnical work. Sheet pile walls

EN 12699 Execution of special geotechnical works. Displacement piles

EN 14199 Execution of special geotechnical works. Micropiles

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 5 of 15

Reference Title

NF P94-150 (All parts) Soil: investigation and testing - Static test on single pile - All parts

NF P94-151 Soil: investigation and testing - Isolated pile test under static
transversal load

NF P94-153 Soil: investigation and testing - Tension rod test

NF P94-261 Justification of geotechnical work - National application

standards for the implementation of Eurocode 7 - Shallow
foundations

NF P94-262 Justification of geotechnical work - National application

standards for the implementation of Eurocode 7 - Deep
foundations

Total General Specifications

Reference Title

GS EP CIV 300 Reinforced and prestressed concrete - Execution

GS EP CIV 401 Minimum requirements for building design and construction

3. Applicability
This specification is applicable to the following engineering & construction tasks:
• Preliminary and basic design
• Development of Project Particular Specifications (PPS)
• Detailed design when PPS do not exist
• Construction
• Expertise.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 6 of 15

4. Definitions of terms
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
Company: Any entity of the TOTAL Group mentioned in the contract or the order.
Contractor Individual or company assigned the work contract. The Contractor may
be responsible for carrying out the execution studies.
Engineering company: Individual or company providing, according to this specification, the
following services:
• Basic studies and possibly detailed studies
• Potential procurement of material
• Placement of work orders.
PPS: Project Particular Specification

5. Scope of supply
The scope of supply is described in the order. It comprises all the constraints due to the
application of the regulations and those due to the proximity of the existing works or units,
operating or otherwise.

The utilities required for the site, for the inspections and for the tests, are the responsibility of
the Contractor (unless otherwise stipulated in the contract).

Waste management – including earth and rubble - is under the responsibility of the Contractor.

6. Design
6.1 General
The foundation design shall comply with regulations as follows:
• With local regulations if applicable, or
• With EN 1997-1, and
• With EN 1998-5 in case of location with seismic activity.

The foundations shall be designed:

• In the general case, on the basis of the geotechnical study specific to the project that
gathers geological and geotechnical data.
• If no geotechnical study is available, on the basis of a previous geotechnical study for a
nearby structure after approval from Company.
• On structural calculation loads.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 7 of 15

6.2 Soil consolidation

Soil consolidation shall be subject to approval by Company.

The Contractor or Engineering Company shall justify the soil consolidation method by providing
all the following documents:
• A detailed calculation note based on an appropriate geotechnical study
• A monitoring plan
• A project schedule.

The geotechnical study shall justify the followings:

• The allowable stress in the ground
• The allowable settlements of the structure to be set up.

6.3 Sheet pile walls

The implementation of sheet pile walls or ground anchorages shall be subject to approval by
Company.

Sheet pile walls may be permanent or temporary means for reinforcing an excavation.

Sheet pile walls shall comply with all the following requests:
• Execution to be compliant with EN 12063
• Corrosion protection to be in accordance with EN 1993-5 and the design life of the project.

The Contractor or the Engineering Company shall justify the proposed technique and the
anchoring depths by producing a calculation note based on an appropriate geotechnical study
and tolerable displacements.

Hydrology study shall be performed in order to:

• Assess the impact on local water paths in (water table impact) or out (avoid flooding) of
ground
• Avoid any dam effect.

The driving method generating vibrations shall be compatible with the surrounding structures.

6.4 Deep and shallow foundations

6.4.1 General
Foundations shall be designed in compliance with EN 1997-1 and its National Annexes.

If no National Annex is applicable; NF P94-261 and NF P94-262 apply.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 8 of 15

The selection of the foundation type and its sizing shall be supported by a detailed calculation
note produced by the Contractor or the Engineering Company.

The following points shall be justified:

• Selection of the foundation type giving the expected settlements and deformations
estimated in the geotechnical report
• Vertical bearing capacity
• Stability with respect to sliding and overturning, and imposed displacements
• Possible effects due to the presence of groundwater or runoff water. The level to be taken
into account is given in the geotechnical report.

The foundation design shall be done according to the following requirements:

• Concerning underground obstacles:
- The Engineering Company will find out from Company:
. Details of existing underground constructions (foundations, miscellaneous networks)
. Details of underground constructions to be realized within the civil works
- If in doubt, preliminary excavations to be considered, in agreement with Company.
• Concerning in situ testing program:
- To address any in situ testing programme that will be required to qualify foundation
type, capacity and serviceability (e.g. static/cyclic pile load test in tension/compression,
pile lateral load test, etc.).
• To be performed in accordance with dedicated codes and standards.

The Engineering Company shall take into account the potential interactions between the
projected foundation and the foundations close to the existing structures.

The new foundations shall not transfer loads to the foundations of existing structures.

Foundation tests may involve trial foundation or actual structure foundation. See 7.3.

6.4.2 Seating level of shallow foundations

The seating level of the foundations shall comply with all the following requests:
• Frost free
• Compliant with the recommendations of the geotechnical study
• Compatible with any surrounding foundations.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 9 of 15

6.4.3 Stability of shallow foundations

Shallow foundations shall be designed to meet all the following stability criteria in the three
sections below: Soil Bearing Pressure, Non Sliding and Settlements.
• Soil bearing pressure:
- For all load combinations, the allowable soil bearing pressure will not be exceeded for
any load combination.
- The allowable soil bearing pressure is defined by both:
. The geotechnical study
. The applicable standard taking into account settlement limitation.
- Non Overturning:
. For service loads, the ratio of the unfactored stability moment to the unfactored
overturning moment will not be less than 1.50.
. For columns and stacks greater than 30 m in height, this ratio will not be less than
1.66.
. A subgrade decompression limit may also be taken into account. This limitation is
based on the recommendations of the geotechnical engineer.
• Non Sliding:
- The horizontal active thrust will remain below mobilisable friction in the soil-structure
interface.
- The ratio of the unfactored resisting force to unfactored sliding on the horizontal thrust
force will not be less than 1.30.
- The cohesion effect will be neglected unless otherwise stated in the geotechnical
study.
- For the calculation of the resisting force, the passive earth pressure on vertical sides of
footings and walls will be neglected down to a depth of 0.50 m below the ground
surface, after completion of works.
- The coefficient of horizontal passive earth pressure to take into account is that from the
accidental case, unless special derogation allowed by Company.
- The concrete pavings and the miscellaneous kinds of platforms and roads (in gravel-
cement, gravel-slag, sand-cement, sand-slag, etc.) will not be taken into account when
assessing the passive pressure unless written Company agreement.
• Settlements:
- The limit values to be taken into account will be specified by the Engineering Company
and approved by Company.
- Predicted values will be estimated according to the geotechnical report.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 10 of 15

6.4.4 Deep foundations

6.4.4.1 Bearing capacity

Bearing capacity of deep foundations shall be calculated by the Engineering Company or the
Contractor according to the geotechnical report.

Test piles and loading tests on piles may be required to validate foundation design (see § 7.3).

6.4.4.2 Stability
The ability of deep foundations (piles, barrettes) to withstand horizontal forces shall be checked
on the basis of allowable horizontal forces provided by the geotechnical report.

For all calculations regarding deep foundations with several piles or barrettes, any group effect
shall be taken into account according to EN 1997.

When piles or barrettes are constructed, in ground, in place or backfill likely to settle on all or
part of their depth, calculations shall take into account the resulting negative skin friction.

6.5 Storage tank foundations

Foundations of storage tanks shall be designed and built in accordance with the
GS EP CIV 401.

7. Construction
Concrete works shall be executed according to GS EP CIV 300.

7.1 Origin and quality of materials

PPS shall specify:
• The characteristics and the quality of materials to be used, in case Company General
Specifications need to be supplemented or modified.
• Site specific requirements for the durability (corrosion, chemical attack…) of materials.

Piled foundations shall be reinforced unless it is demonstrated that they will not be subjected to
horizontal loads or bending moments.

If the ground is polluted and a decontamination is not feasible, the following requirements shall
be selected in accordance with the conclusions of the pollution report provided by Company:
• The materials used in the composition of the concrete
• The design
• The foundation calculation criteria.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 11 of 15

7.2 Ground in place

Contractor shall check the nature and quality of the ground encountered during construction.

If the characteristics of the encountered ground are not those expected, the Contractor shall
abide by all the below conditions:
• Inform Company
• Cannot change the sizing of the foundations without written consent from Company
• Be responsible for the final choice of foundation type
• Be informed of the characteristics of the structure to be founded and its peripheral links
• To provide the justification for sizing of foundations in accordance with this specification.

7.3 Pile load tests

Pile load tests shall be carried out in the following situations:
• When using a type of pile or installation method for which there is no comparable
experience
• When the piles have not been tested under comparable soil and loading conditions
• When the piles will be subject to loading for which theory and experience do not provide
sufficient confidence in the design. The pile testing procedure will provide loading similar
to the anticipated loading
• When observations during the process of installation indicate pile behavior that deviates
strongly and unfavorably from the behavior anticipated on the basis of the site
investigation or experience
• When additional ground investigations do not clarify the reasons for this pile behavior
deviation.

Before starting tests, Contractor shall provide drawings, tests schedule and arrangement to
Company for approval.

Test results may involve the adaptation of the design of foundations, in agreement with
Company.

No construction on site shall proceed before Company approval.

Where pile tests are required to confirm the assumed design parameters, the tests shall meet
the following requirements:
• Be adapted to the stress mode of deep foundations (compression or tensile) and as a
consequence of class of structure and the geotechnical category
• Be defined in PPS
• Be approved by Company

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 12 of 15

• Be performed to predetermined criteria

• Be carried out under the control of Company Representative on site.

The pile load test procedure shall be defined according to all the following requirements:
• With respect to the number of loading steps, the duration of these steps and the
application of load cycles
• Be such that conclusions can be drawn about:
- The deformation behavior
- Creep and rebound of a piled foundation from the measurements on the pile.
• Be provided in a document detailing the design and procedures of test arrangement
• Be agreed by Company before carrying out tests.

For trial piles, the loading shall be such that conclusions can be drawn about the ultimate failure
load.

Test requirements can follow a recognized code or guideline such as ASTM D1143,
ASTM D4945, ASTM D5780, ASTM D5882, ASTM D6760, NF P94-150 (Parts 1, 2),
NF P94-151, NF P94-153 as appropriate to the type of loading, test and consistent with the
standard adopted for design.

Dynamic load tests may be used to demonstrate the compressive resistance provided an
adequate site investigation has been carried out and the method has been calibrated against
static load tests on the same type of pile, of similar length and cross-section, and in comparable
soil conditions.

A factual report presenting all load tests results shall be provided to Company.

In case Company finds the results are not satisfactory, the following may be requested:
• New tests
• Structural reinforcements such as replacing failed piles.

These operations shall be carried out at no expense to Company.

7.4 Layout tolerance

Reference shall be made to the requirements of applicable codes and PPS.

In case of a slab founded on piles, the minimum distance between the axis of a pile and the
edge of the slab shall be, at least, 1.5 times the largest cross-sectional dimension of the pile.

Construction tolerances are given in GS EP CIV 401.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 13 of 15

7.5 Execution
Following norms apply for the execution of deep foundations:

Class Category Techniques implementation Standard

1 Simple drilled (piles and barrettes)

2 Drilled with mud (piles and barrettes)

3 Tubed drilled piles (casing in place)

1 EN 1536/IN1

4 Tubed drilled piles (casing removal)

Simple drilled or with mud with grooved surface

5
or

2 6 Auger pile simple rotation or double rotation EN 1536/IN1

7 Cast-in-place screwed
3 EN 12699
8 Tubed screwed

9 Driven precast, prestressed concrete

10 Driven sheathed (concrete - mortar - grout)

4 EN 12699
11 Driven cast-in-place

12 Enclosed Driven steel

5 13 Open Driven steel EN 12699

14 Driven H pile
6 EN 12699
15 Injected driven H pile

7 16 Driven sheetpiles EN 12699

17 Micropile type I
1 bis
18 Micropile type II EN 1536/IN1
EN 14199
19 Pile or micropile injected mode IGU (type III) EN 12699
8
20 Pile or micropile injected mode IRS (type III)

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 14 of 15

7.6 Trimming
The Contractor shall submit to Company, for approval, the technique of cutting off which it
intends to use.

In the case of the use of mechanical means (hydraulic concrete breaker, hydraulic concrete
splitter), their size and their type shall be selected in order to reduce the risk of cracks in the
piles heads.

8. Quality control
8.1 Materials quality control
Reference shall be made to the requirements of both:
• The codes in force
• The Company General Specifications (i.e. GS EP CIV 300 and GS EP CIV 401).

8.2 Control during construction

8.2.1 Shallow foundations

Any deviation from the design conditions shall be notified to the designer for verification.

Soft spots shall be removed and filled in with material with a similar modulus to the
surroundings.

A suitable protection shall be applied to the surface (typically blinding concrete) in the below
following cases:
• Where the subsoil is likely to degrade rapidly on exposure to the atmosphere, or
• Where a significant length of time is likely to pass between excavation to the subsoil and
pouring of the foundation structural concrete.

8.2.2 Deep foundations

Quality Control shall be in accordance with the appropriate standard as per the table in
section 7.5.

8.3 Integrity testing

Additional tests shall be performed to demonstrate the integrity of concrete, as per all below
requirements:
• To be carried out after cutting off
• Sonic tests involving the provision of steel pipes, 35 to 45 mm inside diameters,
embedded in the concrete of the pile
• Mechanical impedance (hammer) tests

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2
 General Specification GS EP CIV 500

Foundations for onshore structures

Rev.: 08 Effective date: 10/2019 Page: 15 of 15

• Coring to be instructed to check any anomalies

• Frequency of tests will be, as a minimum, as follows:
- Impedance tests be carried out on, at least, 10% of the piles, with a minimum of 5 piles
tested
- Sonic coring be carried out in accordance with the execution standards.

PPS shall specify methods to be used and units to be tested.

Company reserves the possibility to ask for the execution of supplementary integrity tests, which
type and number shall be defined in the order.

Company may also require piles load tests (see section 7.3) if there are a large number of piles
or when the procedures of execution could not be followed by reliable way.

If the inspection reveals defects on certain piles, the procedure shall meet all the following
requirements:
• Tests to be carried out on all the piles
• Repairs to be required on the faulty piles
• Contractor to submit to Company for approval, a solution for restoring the bearing capacity
of the piles.

This document is the property of TOTAL S.A., it contains confidential information which may not be disclosed to any third party,
reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of TOTAL S.A.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for applicable laws and regulations.
This GS is the TOTAL E&P transposition of the TOTAL S.A. Harmonized GS referenced in §2