Outside Plant Volume Op 02 Construction Standards

November 2015
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI TELECOM COMPANY
OUTSIDE PLANT
VOLUME OP 02
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 1 (71)

November 2015
Control Page
DOCUMENT AMENDMENT RECORD

Change Approved by
Prepared/Updated by Brief Explanation
Number /Date
Kelly Fournier/Karamatullah
1 Jan/ Anghel Teodorescu Revision of Existing Guidelines
Karamatullah Jan/Chokri
2 November 2015 Revision of Existing version
dridi
Approvals
NAME DEPARTMENT SIGNATURE DATE

OSP Standards and
Yousef I. Alshaea Specifications Section December 2015
Manager
Fixed Network ISP

Yousef I. Alshaea December 2015
Integration Director

November 2015
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................. 4
2 CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES.................................... 6
3 DAMAGES AND RESPONSABILITIES ............................................................. 9
4 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR CIVIL WORK......................................... 9
5 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR AERIAL NETWORK ........................... 59
6 ANCILLARY NETWORK ITEMS (CABINETS DISTRIBUTION POINTS ETC.) 63
7 CABLE INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 68
8 EARTHING .......................................................................................................... 95
9 PRESSURIZATION ............................................................................................. 98

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1 GENERAL
PREFACE
1.1.1 The aim of this document is to provide the installation agency with clear
Guidelines on the standards, methods and practices required for installation of
Outside Plant Network.
1.1.2 This document must be updated to reflect the latest technical developments in
Outside Plant Networks, and to ensure that the most up-to-date methods and
practices are maintained in the installation of the network.
1.1.3 Amendments to this Generic Specification may be made as and when required
and confirmed at every 5 years as a maximum. Any changes in this document
shall be approved and recorded in the Revision Reference Sheet, and the new
issue number and date shall be reflected in the headers and footers.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
These standards are to be applied in conjunction with following STC documents:
- CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (Volume OP-03)
- DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS (Volume OP-04)
- PLANT UNIT DESCRIPTION (Volume OP-05),
- MATERIAL SPECIFICATION (Volume OP-06)
DEFINITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY
STC Saudi Telecom Company Engineer
The Engineer The agency to carry out the Design of the Outside
Plant
Network.
The Installer An agency contracted by STC to carry out the Installation Work.
The Supervisor The agency responsible to carry out the Supervision of the
installations in the Outside Plant Network.
Standards The STC Planning, Construction, Material and documentation.

In the case of conflict with any other documents or standards, the latest issue of
these documents shall be the source of reference.
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are used in this text:

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ABD As-Built Drawing
AC Alternating Current
BSW Buried Service Wire
CTB Cable Terminal Box
C ITU International Telecommunication

union
DC Direct Current
DP Distribution Point
HH Hand hole
MDF Main Distribution Frame
MH Manhole
MUX Multiplexer
OD Outside Diameter
FO Fiber Optic
RE Reference Equivalent
RSU Remote Subscriber Unit
SAP Services Access Point
SRE Sending Reference Equivalent
STB Subscribers Terminal Box
ODF Optical Distribution Frame
WORKMANSHIP, MATERIALS, PLANS AND VARIATIONS.
1.5.1 All construction and installation shall be performed in a thorough and

workmanlike manner in accordance with the approved standards and shall be
subject to acceptance by STC.
1.5.2 Acceptance Testing shall be witnessed by STC or their nominated

representatives
1.5.3 Appropriate notification times for such acceptance testing shall be established
prior to the commencement of the works.
1.5.4 All materials used shall comply with the Material Specification unless otherwise
instructed by STC.
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1.5.5 If any error or ambiguity is discovered in the documentation, the Installer shall
bring the item to the attention of STC.
1.5.6 The Installer shall be responsible for maintaining a concise record of all
variations to the design Engineers, in accordance with the documentation
procedures described in Section 5.
1.5.7 All working documentation and detailed plans (As-Built Drawings) required for
the permanent installations of the work that has to be prepared by the installer,
must be approved by the engineer or supervisor.
2 CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES
GENERAL
2.1.1 In order to provide working and maintenance clearances from other utilities,
Separations must be maintained in accordance with the Construction Guidelines.
2.1.2 As the majority of STC installations are underground, the requirements for co-
ordination with the Kingdom's electrical power installations are described in this
general section. Arial networks are referred to Section 5 (separately) in existing
network in south only.
SEPARATION FROM ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS.

When crossing and adjacent to electrical installations, the following guidelines
shall apply:
2.2.1 Duct and cable installations shall be located to provide reasonable practical
clearance from Saudi Electric Co standards, traffic signal posts and similar
installations. If a minimum clearance of 150-mm is not obtained then a concrete
separator of 50 mm thickness or a PVC sleeve is required at the affected
location. All applicable regulations from STC, Ministry of Municipal and Rural
Affairs (MOMRA) or Ministry of Transport (MOT) shall be adopted. See
Volume OP-03 Construction Guidelines.
2.2.2 For parallel installations between telephone and power cables, the separations
indicated by Construction Guidelines shall be applied.
2.2.3 For those cases where the standard separation cannot be achieved, an alternative
Installation is indicated for parallel runs of less than 10 m.
2.2.4 These separations are not based on agreements between STC and Industry and
Electricity Authorities. These are STC safety requirements, from which any
deviations shall be referred to the Engineer.
2.2.5 At underground crossings with power cables, the separations indicated by

Construction Guidelines shall apply.

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2.2.6 Where voltages of 69 kV and greater are encountered, the Electrical Protection
Group of STC shall be informed of the installations, irrespective of whether the
indicated safety separation can be achieved.
2.2.7 Attention should be given to the requirements for maintenance ducting to be

installed under all protection slabs, irrespective of the utility, which is below the
slab.
2.2.8 Previously SEC used to place 110KV & 33KV cable 1500mm below surface, but
now its depth is not more than 1meter, in this case we need to keep our cable at
clearance of 1 meter.
2.2.9 Electrical cables are not permitted to share duct space or pass through telephone
manholes and vice versa.
3 DAMAGES AND RESPONSABILITIES
DAMAGE CLAUSE
The Installer shall solely be responsible for any claims for damages due to his
execution of work, and is required to report such damages to the relevant
authority and to the Supervisor, including any damages to STC installations.
PERMITS AND RELEASE CERTIFICATES
3.2.1 It is incumbent upon the Installer to seek and obtain all permissions relevant to
the works and to have existing facilities located, prior to commencing activities.
3.2.2 Such permissions include a ‘permission to work’ from the STC's Operations and
Maintenance Department, where the activities involve existing plant (e.g.
extensions or rehabilitation).
3.2.3 Upon completion of installations which involve an approval from Municipalities

or private individuals, the Installer shall obtain a certificate of acceptance of his
work, by the concerned authority (e.g., A Reinstatement Certificate, following
the completion of conduit or direct buried cable (DBC) installations).

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Civil Works

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4 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR CIVIL WORK
GENERAL
4.1.1 Installer shall show evidence that he is aware of the Kingdom's Highway
Specifications Prior to the execution of any excavation work.
In this context, reference shall be made to the latest revisions of:
4.1.2.1 "Ministry of Transport General Specifications for Road & Bridge Construction”
4.1.2.2 "Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Installation Standards for Highways"
4.1.3 Further, the Installer is forewarned that there may be superior and controlling
specifications appertaining to the particular highways concerned, issued by local
Municipalities and City Administrations.
4.1.4 All aggregates, filler material, Portland cement, water and bituminous materials
utilized for highway re-construction shall comply with the standards detailed by
the documentation obtained under Section 4.1.1.
4.1.5 For assistance to the Installer, the remainder of this section indicates minimum
Standards and directions, which are acceptable to the STC for the underground
installation of its plant. These standards are to include the following items:
Filling, compaction, sub-grade, granular sub-base, aggregate base, concrete base,

prime coat, tack coat, bituminous base course and wearing course, concrete
pavement, paved (tiled) surfaces.
The above mentioned activity list is applicable kingdom wide as per the
MOMRA and MOT specification.
SAFETY ON SITE
4.2.1 Warning signs, fencing, traffic barriers, accesses etc., shall be provided and
maintained so as to safeguard and cause minimum inconvenience to the public.
Flashing amber warning lights shall be operated at night. Local authority
directions shall be followed if so required. Pedestrian accesses shall be provided
at 100 m intervals, and cross roads shall have decking provided to permit the
passage of vehicular traffic.
4.2.1.1 The Inspectors shall fill the quality assurance form for (safety, civil, HH/MH and
Cable installation/duct installation) during project implementation and PAT.
Templates for Quality Assurance Forms can be found on the PAT procedure
document.
4.2.2 The Installer's name, emergency contact address and telephone number shall be
prominently posted at the site in both the Arabic and English languages. Size of
the posting must respect MOMRA & MOT requirements for the working
location.
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4.2.3 The minimum disturbance to the surrounding area shall occur. This is with
respect to noise, pollution, damage and inconvenience. If work location is inside
city centres or along schools, working hours must be adapted to reduce the
disturbance as much as possible.
4.2.4 All debris shall be removed from the site and disposed immediately in the
specific area as per MOMRA/MOT requirements.
4.2.5 In general, the site shall be restored to the condition in which it was found, as a
minimum, unless otherwise advised by the Supervisor.
4.2.6 The locations in highways and sidewalks shall be in accordance with the latest
regulations of:
MOMRA - Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
(Usually applying to residential and industrial areas, see Construction Guidelines

regarding the continuation of lines and levels of existing installations.)
(b) MOT - Ministry of Transport
(usually applying to the major highways outside, and connecting the above areas)
Where conflict, obstacles or other unforeseen indications for variations are

encountered, the supervisor shall be informed in order that the appropriate
instructions may be issued.
These appendices will be revised periodically according to the latest agreements.

However it is the responsibility of the Engineer and the Installer to ensure that
they are in possession of the current revisions regarding such installations.
4.2.7 The approved drawings will have taken into account existing and future utilities
and plans for the area where such have been available.
4.2.8 This consideration does not absolve the Installer from the responsibility of
obtaining the necessary releases and permits to implement the works.
4.2.9 Documentary evidence of the lines, levels and grades to be achieved shall be
obtained prior to the commencement of works. This evidence shall become the
property of STC.
BREAKING OF PAVED SUFACES AND EXCAVATION
4.3.1 In accordance with the approved drawings the line of works shall be established.
Any obstacles found as unforeseen in the design shall be brought to the attention
of the Supervisor.
4.3.2 The use of Underground Service Detectors, pilot excavations, etc., shall be
utilized to minimize the possibilities of damage to existing services, existing
services must be marked on the plan and at the ground to guide the machine
operator/labour. existing services.

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4.3.3 The breaking of surface (asphalt, tiles, etc.) shall be performed so as to provide a
clean-cut edge for restoration purposes. Use the proper equipment like asphalt
cutter or trencher and avoid direct use of excavator otherwise it will damage
asphalt partially.
4.3.4 The works shall be excavated to the agreed allowances or as indicated by the
approved drawings. Variations may be authorized by the supervisor
4.3.5 Inspector must fill the Site instructions Form for major changes in design or in
cost.
4.3.6 The excavations shall be provided with all strutting, piling and sheeting
necessary to maintain the stability of the surrounding ground and structures.
4.3.7 The design of such works should permit their removal where practical.
4.3.8 Excavations shall be left open for the minimum amount of time and must be
protected with proper practical safety, night lightings, at every 100m pedestrian
bridges and any other equipment required for the safety of the population.
4.3.9 Immediately before the installation of the plant involved, the excavation shall be
cleaned and trimmed as necessary.
4.3.10 If necessary, by pumping or other approved means, the excavations shall be

maintained free from water. Continuous pumping shall not take place without
approval from the supervisor.
4.3.11 100+100mm of sand bedding, stone free screened material shall be laid below
and on top of the cable/duct system/PE pipe /HDPE duct. Cable will be placed in
the centre of the trench, then covered with sand. Fill the trench with stone free
soil up to 45cm then lay detectable warning tape with STC logo.
FILLING, BACKFILLING, COMPACTION
4.4.1 INTRODUCTION
In order to comply with increasingly stringent standards of highway

reinstatement (following utility installations), 3 classes of compaction and
reinstatement are to be utilized by the STC
Class A: To cover the highest standard, which is applied only to the major dual-
carriageway trunk roads and required to meet exact standards of reinstatement,
applies to MOT.
Class B: To cover main high traffic roads including dual-carriageways, applies to

MOMRA Main Roads.
Class C: To cover Branch roads, or residential roads, unspecified roads, major District
roads, asphalted sidewalks, parking area, etc., applies to MOMRA.
4.4.2 TERMINOLOGY AND ABBREVIATION

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Sub-grade For the purposes of utility installation the sub-grade comprises all
material below the level of the course (i.e. the original un compacted
ground or scarified and compacted material).
Sub-base Graded mixture of crushed rock/gravel, sand, clay silt (including a

binder if none is naturally present) comprises the layer between sub-
grade and base course.
Base Course The layer of asphalt immediately below the wearing course of the
highway may also be constructed of graded aggregate or concrete.
Wearing Course Final asphalt surfacing of highway.
Prime Coat & Cut back (i.e. thinned) bitumen suitable for spray,
Tack Coat application to assist the bond between asphalt layers and prevent water
penetration to lower layers of construction.
Track Coat AASHO(T) American Association of State Highway Officials (Testing).

American Society for Testing and Materials (Standards).
Test to determine density-void ratio and stability flow value of hot-mix
Marshal Test Asphalt asphalt.
CBR California Bearing Ratio (a method of assessing the strength of

road construction materials.)
MPD Modified Proctor Density
MD Maximum Density
PI Plasticity Index
RD Relative Density
MR Moisture Range.
4.4.3 FILLING
4.4.3.1 Natural hollows or over-excavation shall be filled with hard-core, excavated

material or mass concrete filling to TS 4001, class F as instructed. Compaction
shall be in accordance with highway requirements.
4.4.3.2 Unauthorized over-excavation shall be at the Contractor's own expense
4.4.4 BACKFILLING - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.4.4.1 Material for backfilling shall be uniform in character throughout, free from
substances that by decay, erosion or otherwise may cause the formation of
cavities, and affect the stability of the filling and/or damage the installed plants.
Filling material need to be purchased from approved suppliers from
MOMRA/MOT.
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4.4.4.2 Backfilling shall not commence until the work to be covered has been approved
by the Supervisor. Exceptions to this ruling must be obtained in writing from the
Supervisor.
4.4.4.3 The period of time between the placing of structural concrete and the
commencement of backfilling process need to complete in presence of STC
inspector.
4.4.4.4 Fill shall be placed in approximately 20-cm layers and compacted in accordance
with highway requirements.
4.4.4.5 Compaction tests shall be performed on a regular basis, as specified by the

Supervisor, or to satisfy the Authority regulating the highway involved.
Duplicates of records shall be handed over to the Supervisor.
Compaction test must be verified from LAB assigned by MOMRA. It’s

contractor responsibility to bear the testing cost and to the get clearance
certificate.
4.4.4.6 Care shall be taken to ensure that no damage occurs to the installed plant, or
adjacent services.
4.4.4.7 Where the specified compaction produces practical difficulties in achievement,

the installer may propose an alternative backfilling procedure for the approval by
the Supervisor and the concerned municipality.
4.4.4.8 Compaction equipment shall be supplied to the site for the inspection and
approval of the Supervisor, prior to the commencement of the work.
Unsatisfactory equipment shall be immediately replaced or repaired, as
appropriate, for the satisfaction of the Supervisor. (To get the required result,
need to use proper equipment for example; Vibrator for concrete in trench, for
compaction need Roller, jumper and for asphalting, Roller 90cm to 100cm and
asphalting paver machine, if there is milling machine )
REINSTATEMENT GENERAL
4.5.1 Asphalt and Sub-base reinstatement for the Classes A, B, C, and other
unspecified paved surface shall be according to MOT, or MOMRA
Specification.
4.5.2 Any damage occurred due to the negligence of the Contractor is part of their
responsibility.
4.5.3 REINSTATEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS
4.5.4 CLASS A
(a) Minimum width of reinstatement of asphalt = 1.0 m. For trenches

of width greater than 1.0m the cut shall be according to MOT
Specification.

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(b) Paragraph number remained for indexing purposes
(c) Backfilling (sub-grade) below sub-base shall be compacted

according to MOT, MOMRA Specification and STC Practice.
(d) Sub-base Maximum thickness of layers 150 mm, shall be

compacted to 100% MPD, according to MOT,MOMRA Specification.
Asphalt work shall be done according to regulations given by MOMRA
and MOT respectively.
In any case the minimum requirements shall apply as follows.

Sub-base shall consist of crushed aggregate, sand, clay and silt in
accordance with the following ASTM(S) grading.
Sleeve
ASTM
s % Passing(by Weight)
grading(inches)
i
z
e
50 (2") 100
37.5 (1.5") 90-100
25 (1") 70-90
20 (3/4") 55-60
10 (3/8") 45-65
4.75 No.4 34-56
2 No.10 22-42
0.3 No.40 10-24
0.075 No.200 2-6
Minimum CBR = 60%

(d) Paragraph removed from list. Paragraph number remained for
indexing purposes
(f) A plasticity index should be prepared for the sub-grade material -

where applicable. The PI shall be less than 6%.
(g) Prior to asphalt laying, the edges of the old asphalt shall be re-
cut to expose a fresh clean surface according to MOT or MOMRA
Specification. All dust and debris shall be removed from the surface to
be asphalted. The edges of cut asphalt shall be sprayed with cut-back
rapid with curing bitumen RC-2, and the whole of the surface to be
asphalted shall be sprayed with a cut-back medium curing bitumen MC-
1 prime coat, at the rate of 1.5 l/m2.

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(h) The asphalt base course shall be laid 24 hrs after the spraying of
the prime coat. The asphalt base course shall consist of mineral
aggregate and bituminous material in accordance with the following
% Passing(by Weight)
Sleeve size ASTM grading(inches)

50 (2") 100
37.5 (1.5") 90-100
25 (1") 70-90
20 (3/4") 55-60
10 (3/8") 45-65
4.75 No.4 34-56
2 No.10 22-42
0.3 No.40 10-24
0.075 No.200 2-6
Fine aggregate shall consist of all material passing the No. 4 sleeve. Fine
aggregate produced by crushing and retained by the No. 10 sleeve, shall
be examined for the presence of at least one mechanically fractured face.
Such fractured material shall comprise at least 85% of the material-
passing sleeve No. 4.
The "Sand Equivalent" of the total aggregate shall be a minimum of

50%, as determined by AASHO(T) 176.
Bituminous asphalt cement shall be of Grade 60-70 penetration and the

content shall be between 3 and 5%, by weight.
The actual asphalt mix to be used shall be determined by the Marshall

Test and shall satisfy the following requirements:
Stability 500 kg minimum

Flow 2-5mm
Voids in total mix 2-7%
Voids filled with asphalt 55-70%
Loss of Marshall Stability 25% maximum
(i) The installation of an asphalt base course may be in one layer, if

less than 80 mm is required, and shall be in two layers if more than 80
mm is required. If two stages are required, a tack coat of RC-2 shall be
applied between layers at the rate of 0.5 l/m2. The compaction required
shall be 95% of the maximum density according to the mix design.
(j) The preparation of asphalt cement shall involve heating all
materials within a range of 135° to 163°. All material heated more than
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42°C above the maximum shall be subject to re-testing. Materials

delivered to the site for placing shall be at a minimum temperature of
139°C. Below this temperature the material shall be discarded.
(k) The asphalt-wearing course shall consist of mineral aggregates
and bituminous material in accordance with the following:
Mineral
% Passing
aggregates ASTMS
(by weight)
Sleeve Size mm (inches))
13.0 1/2" 100
10.0 3/8" 80
4.75 No.4 54-76
2.0 No.10 32-50
1.0 No.20 20-35
0.3 No.40 14-26
0.075 No.200 2-8
13.0 1/2" 100
10.0 3/8" 80
The fine aggregate passing sleeve No. 4, and retained by No. 10 shall
contain not less than 90% with fractured faces.
The "Sand Equivalent" of the total aggregates shall be a minimum of
60%.
Bituminous Asphalt Cement - shall be of grade 60-70 and the content
shall be between 4-5.5%, by weight.
The Marshall Test shall be used to determine the mix, which shall satisfy
the following requirements:
Stability 750 kg minimum

Flow 2-5mm
Voids in total mix 2-5%
Voids filled with asphalt 70-80%
Loss of Marshall stability 25% maximum
The compaction required shall be not less than 97% of the maximum
density according to the Marshall test.
(l) Asphalting Should not be delayed by more than two days, all
vertical surfaces shall be re-cut to expose fresh asphalt, and re-coated
with RC-2 bitumen.
(m) All joints and contact surfaces of Krebs, gutters, manholes shall
receive a thin uniform coating of asphaltic material, prior to the placing
of the fresh mixture.
(n) Cores may be requested for the determination of thickness of the
bituminous base.
(o) Adjacent structures and Properties shall be protected from
splattering during the application of bituminous material.
Any deposits marring any appurtenances shall be removed by the
Contractor.

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Job mixes for asphaltic cement, in general, shall be submitted to the

Supervisor for his approval. The Marshall test procedure will be used to
determine the percentage of liquid asphalt to be incorporated in the
mixture. Job-mix formula appropriate to the conditions encountered
within the Kingdom shall be utilized as the basis for design.
4.5.5 CLASS B REINSTATEMENT
(a) Minimum width of reinstatement of asphalt = 0.60 meter and

limited to 1.00 meter.
(b) The provision and specification of sub-base should be according
to MOT, or MOMRA Regulation.
(c) Asphalt reinstatement shall follow the installation details Class A
Para. ( h ) to ( l)
4.5.6 CLASS C REINSTATEMENT
(a) The provisions of Class C are intended to cover the majority of

the STC installations, which exist in residential areas, low traffic roads,
unspecified roads, major District roads, and sidewalks.
(b) Width of Asphalt & Tile is limited to 0.40 meter. In case the
width exceeds more than 0.40 meter in the “main cities”, the STC
Construction Manager has to approve it.(Main cities are listed in the
attachment)
( c ) The provision and specification of sub-base shall be according to
MOT, or MOMRA Regulation.
( d ) Asphalt reinstatement shall follow Class A Para. (h) to (l), with
the exceptions that total thickness shall be limited to 100/150 mm and/or
two layers (i.e. wearing course, base course, base plus wearing courses,
or two base courses).
Asphalt faces shall not be re-cut, except where damaged.
4.5.7 NO REINSTATEMENT
4.5.7.1 In the situation where installations take place through plantation areas, non-
asphalted hard shoulders, or bare earth, the backfill shall be replaced in 300-mm
layers, and compacted to meet local standards as may exist. If no standards exist,
a minimum of 90% MPD shall be achieved.
4.5.7.2 Trees, flower beds, lawns etc. shall be replaced/restored to their original standard
as far as is reasonable. The Supervisor's direction shall be applied.
4.6 UNDERGROUND DUCTS
4.6.1 DEPTH OF COVER
The depth of installation, (or required "cover") shall always be measured

to the top of the installation.
4.6.2 GENERAL INSTALLATION DETAILS FOR DUCTS

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4.6.2.1 The line and level of the duct formation shall be kept as straight as possible.
Bends will be required for duct formations to be routed around corners at
intersecting roads. (For safety reasons manholes shall usually be planned and
located away from intersections)
4.6.2.2 The configuration of the duct formation shall be as shown in Construction

Guidelines, Section 3.1 or as indicated on the detailed drawings or as specified
by the supervisor on-site.
4.6.2.3 Duct laying shall not be done in the absence of the Supervisor unless prior
permission has been received.
4.6.2.4 All ducts shall be located in accordance with applicable MOMRA Standards. In
the absence of approved MOMRA Standards, the Technical Department of the
STC must be consulted to ensure compliance with the appropriate standard
which may vary depending upon the nature of the undertaking.
4.6.2.5 When routes must be constructed in the vicinity of electrical plant, Section 2.2
and Planning and Design Standards, shall be consulted.
4.6.2.6 As far as is practicable, ducts shall be watertight between manholes. A PVC

solvent shall be used. Installation methods shall prevent sand and soil from
entering the ducts.
4.6.2.7 At manhole, Hand hole and vault walls the bond between the outside surface of
the duct and the wall shall be watertight, as far as is practicable, to prevent
seepage of water into the manhole. Use of end caps, duct plugs and duct sealing
by using STC duct sealing material to be made sure.
4.6.2.8 Ducts shall be terminated flush to Hand hole, manhole and cable vault inside
walls. Edges shall be bevelled off.
4.6.2.9 Ducts entering manholes, Hand hole and cable vaults shall be plugged and
watertight. The plugging mechanism or material shall be readily removable to
allow for future cable installation.
4.6.2.10 Ducts shall enter manholes, Hand hole and cable vaults at 90° ± 10° to the
structure's walls. Spacing of the conduits shall be done at minimum 6m from the
manhole end wall and the maximum bending angle shall be 6 degrees.
4.6.2.11 Wherever practicable, ducts shall leave a manhole in a standard formation and
enter the subsequent manhole with each duct in the same relative location.
4.6.2.12 At location between manholes where the duct formation have to be modified
due to obstructions the formation shall be altered to minimize the movement of
each duct.
4.6.2.13 The duct formation may be curved to approximately 90°. The cold bending
radius for PVC duct shall not be less than 12 meters. Preformed bends and/or 5°
couplings shall be used where smaller radius is required.

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4.6.2.14 Upon completion of cable installations in new duct systems, at least 50% of the
remaining unoccupied bores shall be provided with a draw cord. This cord shall
be of sufficient strength to enable the pulling in of the pulling rope.
4.6.2.15 Only one form of construction shall be utilized between 2 manholes.
4.6.2.16 Where the required depth of cover cannot be achieved, and with the prior
approval of the Engineer or Supervisor, concrete slabs (poured in-situ) may
(Generic Specification Page 22 (75)) be provided above or integral with the duct
structure. The slabs may be reinforced (minimum 6-Kg steel/m2).
4.6.2.17 Split ducts may be used to replace a damaged length of PVC duct.
4.6.3 PVC DUCTS IN CONCRETE
4.6.3.1 The method of construction shall ensure that the standard spacing is maintained
and that all space between the ducts and a minimum of 75-mm surrounding the
ducts is filled with concrete. The space or clearance among the ducts shall be 30-
mm. Duct spacers shall be used at every 2.0-m along the duct line to position the
ducts.
PVC spacers will be applicable only when we are using the PVC and the 110
mm HDPE pipes.
4.6.3.2 The formation shall be built up utilizing the materials covered by the latest issue
of 'General Specification for Building and Constructions', part 3, Chapter:
'Concrete and Reinforced Concrete' issued by Ministry of Public Works and
Housing of Saudi Arabia, and installed according to Section 4.12.
The concrete shall be permitted to "key" into the sides of the excavation.
4.6.3.3 Concrete immersion vibrators ("pokers") shall be of 30-mm maximum OD, and
shall only be used in the 75mm plus space between the ductwork and the sides of
the excavation.
4.6.3.4 In soft ground, reinforced concrete may be required. The Supervisor is required
to approve such installations. See also Section 4.12.
4.6.3.5 In locations where concrete encased PVC ducts are installed with less than a
400-mm depth of cover, as may occur with a road crossing, the concrete
formation shall be increased by an additional 100-mm thickness of R/C slab. See
also Section 4.11.4.
CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER UTILITIES in Duct
Separation alternative 1 Separation alternative 2

Utility Parallel distance Parallel distance
Cross over Cross over
>10 m <10m
Water mains sewer
pipes manholes 300 mm 150 mm 150 mm 100 mm
joint boxes
November 2015
SEC standard bases

Traffic signal 150 mm 100mm
Bases
Power cables: < 600 V 300 mm 300 mm 100 mm 100 mm
< 13.8 KV 1000 mm 1000 mm 200 mm 100 mm
< 33 KV 2000 mm 1000 mm 500 mm 100mm with reinforcement the
conduit. Structure for 500 mm
<69 KV 5000 mm 1000mm 1000mm
beyond power cable
DIRECTLY BURIED CABLE INSTALLATIONS
Separation alternative 1 Separation alternative 2

Utility Parallel
Parallel distance
distance Cross over Cross over
<10m
>10 m
Water mains sewer 50 mm with PVC
150 mm sleeving extending
pipes manholes 300 mm 150 mm
with PVC 500 mm beyond
joint boxes utility
SEC standard bases 50 mm separator, concrete slab or PVC sleeving
150 mm
Traffic signal Bases Extending utility 500 mm beyond
100 mm concrete 100 mm PVC sleeving extending
Power cables: < 600 V 300 mm 300 mm
slab protector 500 mm beyond utility
100 mm sep. to a 200 mm concrete
200 mm concrete slab extend. 500mm beyond the
< 13.8 kV 1000 mm 1000 mm
Slab separator power cable. Slab to include
100 mm PVC maintenance duct
< 33 kV 2000 mm 1000 mm 500 mm 100 mm separation to a 300 mm
reinforced concrete slab, extending
500 mm beyond the power cable.
<69 kV 5000 mm 1000mm 1000mm Slab to include 100 mm PVC
maintenance duct
4.6.4 PVC DUCTS IN SAND
4.6.4.1 The dimensions of the PVC-ducts, duct spacers etc. All ducts shall be located in
accordance with applicable MOMRA Standards. In the absence of approved
MOMRA Standards, The Technical Department of the STC must be consulted to
ensure compliance with the appropriate standard which may vary depending
upon the nature of the undertaking.
4.6.4.2 Duct spacers (PVC or Aluminium type) shall be used to position ducts in proper
formation and to support the ducts while maintaining adequate duct separation in
preparation for subsequent sand embedding.
4.6.4.3 The sand shall be compressed between each layer and there shall be a minimum
covering of 10 cm of sand.

November 2015
4.6.4.4 Minimum covering above upper duct layer shall be 100-mm.
4.6.4.5 The separation either longitudinal or perpendicular, to other services, should be

150-mm. Where such is not possible a separating/retaining layer of 50-mm of
concrete is required.
4.6.4.6 The Supervisor shall have the discretionary authority to change the construction
method to PVC in concrete or steel ducts. He should indicate the circumstances
for such requirement.
4.6.4.7 If ducts up to 6 ways are to be laid, those shall be supported by spacers (to TS
4116) so that the formation will maintain the standard spacing between ducts
throughout the length of the installation. Sand up to the appropriate highway
specification, shall be placed to fill all spaces between ducts and shall be
compacted.
4.6.4.8 The duct formation is to be covered with 100mm of sand. This is to be followed
by approximately 200-mm of suitable backfill and a plastic warning tape.
Warning tape shall be in accordance with the MAT spec’s. Backfill and
compaction shall follow Section 4.4
4.6.5 SUB-DUCTS ( 32 mm HDPE pipe )
4.6.5.1 Sub-ducts shall be installed, where possible, as a continuous length between

manholes. For economy of material usage one joint may be permitted in a length
of sub-duct. The joint shall be made so as to produce the minimum interference
with the installation procedures of both the sub-duct, subsequent cabling, and
possible future additions of sub-ducts, if the first installation does not consist of
the full complement. The installer shall show evidence that the joint is able to
withstand the typical forces applied to the sub-duct during installation and
subsequent cable pulling.
4.6.5.2 The chosen duct bore shall be mandrel and cleaned prior to the sub-duct
installation.
4.6.5.3 Sub-ducts shall be secured to the main bore by suitable means, so as to prevent
movement during subsequent cable installations, and the lifetime of the
installation.
4.6.5.4 After installations, the sub-ducts shall be mandrel tested and sealed with end
caps. The duct cord shall be tested for necessary strength for pulling of the cable
hauling wire.
4.6.5.5 The individual sub-ducts shall exit the main duct parallel to its axis and be
trimmed square to the manhole wall, approximately 50-mm from the duct face.
4.6.5.6 Mini ducts (50-mm PE duct) shall be used to protect the cables in hazardous
areas like wadi crossings or road crossings. Mini ducts may also be used for
extra protection at crossings with high voltage cables, or to give additional
protection to cables when required by difficult soil condition..

November 2015
4.6.5.7 The fabric sub-duct, which consists of multiple inter-connected fabric cells, shall
be used primarily in the underground duct network as a linear for occupied
110mm OD. main duct, when required by difficult duct access / space conditions
(e.g. where placement of additional polyethylene sub-ducts in an occupied duct
are no longer feasible).
4.6.5.8 Upon completion of cable installations in new duct system, at least 50% of the
remaining unoccupied bores shall be provided with a draw cord. This cord shall
be of sufficient strength to enable the pulling in of the pulling rope.
4.6.5.9 Material shall comply with TS 4111.
4.6.6 STEEL DUCTS.
4.6.6.1 Where the installation of steel ducts has been specified as part of the design, or
as may be required by the on-site conditions, their installation shall comply with
either: Section 4.6.3 for concrete surround or Section 4.6.4 for sand surround.
4.6.6.2 Steel ducts shall comply with TS 4114 and, where coupled to PVC ducting, the
connecting fittings shall comply with TS 4111.
4.6.6 HDPE DUCTS IN SAND
The dimensions of the HDPE-ducts, duct spacers etc. All ducts shall be located in
accordance with applicable MOMRA Standards. In the absence of approved
MOMRA Standards, The Technical Department of the STC must be consulted to
ensure compliance with the appropriate standard which may vary depending
upon the nature of the undertaking.
4.6.4.2 Duct spacers (Aluminium type) shall be used to position ducts in proper
formation and to support the ducts while maintaining adequate duct separation in
preparation for subsequent sand embedding.
4.6.4.3 The sand shall be compressed between each layer and there shall be a minimum
covering of 10 cm of sand.
4.6.4.4 Minimum covering above upper duct layer shall be 100-mm.
4.6.4.5 The separation either longitudinal or perpendicular, to other services, should be

150-mm. Where such is not possible a separating/retaining layer of 50-mm of
concrete is required.
4.6.4.6 The Supervisor shall have the discretionary authority to change the construction
method to HDPE in concrete or steel ducts. He should indicate the circumstances
for such requirement.
4.6.4.7 If ducts up to 6 ways are to be laid, those shall be supported by spacers (to TS
4116) so that the formation will maintain the standard spacing between ducts
throughout the length of the installation. Sand up to the appropriate highway
specification, shall be placed to fill all spaces between ducts and shall be
compacted.

November 2015
4.6.4.8 The duct formation is to be covered with 100mm of sand. This is to be followed
by approximately 200-mm of suitable backfill and a plastic warning tape.
Warning tape shall be in accordance with the MAT spec’s. Backfill and
compaction shall follow Section 4.4
4.6.7 HDPE DUCTS IN CONCRETE
The method of construction shall ensure that the standard spacing is maintained
and that all space between the ducts and a minimum of 75-mm surrounding the
ducts is filled with concrete. The space or clearance among the ducts shall be 30-
mm. Duct spacers shall be used at every 2.0-m along the duct line to position the
ducts.
a spacers will be applicable only when we are using the HDPE and the 110 mm
HDPE pipes.
4.6.3.2 The formation shall be built up utilizing the materials covered by the latest issue
of 'General Specification for Building and Constructions', part 3, Chapter:
'Concrete and Reinforced Concrete' issued by Ministry of Public Works and
Housing of Saudi Arabia, and installed according to Section 4.12.
The concrete shall be permitted to "key" into the sides of the excavation.
4.6.3.3 Concrete immersion vibrators ("pokers") shall be of 30-mm maximum OD, and
shall only be used in the 75mm plus space between the ductwork and the sides of
the excavation.
4.6.3.4 In soft ground, reinforced concrete may be required. The Supervisor is required
to approve such installations. See also Section 4.12.
4.6.3.5 In locations where concrete encased PVC ducts are installed with less than a
400-mm depth of cover, as may occur with a road crossing, the concrete
formation shall be increased by an additional 100-mm thickness of R/C slab. See
also Section 4.11.4.
4.6.7 ROAD CROSSINGS.
4.6.7.1 The crossing of roads and highways with Direct Buried Cables, coupled with the
requirements of maintenance, possible future cable additions and the inherent
problems of re-excavation across road junctions, implies the use of short sections
of conduit at such points.
4.6.7.2 Thrust boring or Directional drilling shall be used, where excavation is

prohibited by local authorities.
4.6.7.3 Directional drilling may be preferred where in some circumstances local

authorities or road authorities place restrictions with regard to the minimum bore
size/distance.
4.6.7.4 Road Crossings' shall be constructed in accordance with the installation type (see
Section 4.6.2, 4.6.3, 4.6.5, 4.6.6).

November 2015
4.6.7.5 Construction Guidelines, Section 3.4 shall be referred to for the installation type
to be applied in any given circumstance.
4.6.7.6 To be noted for the installation of road crossings, is the requirement for the free
passage of longitudinally installed utilities below the crossing. Hence the depth
of installation may have a lower limit applied (refer to Construction Guidelines,
Section 2.2, MOMRA working agreement), as well as a structural requirement
for a minimum depth below the highway surface Should particular installations
produce a conflict between these requirements, the issue shall be referred to STC
for re-solution.
4.6.7.7 All road crossings shall have the duct ends plugged. The ends of such ‘'un
terminated’ ducts, shall be identified by marker plates as per Construction
Guidelines, Section 5.1.
4.7 MANHOLES, HANDHOLES, PULLING BOX, TUNNELS AND

EXCHANGE ENTRIES.
4.7.1 EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING FOR MANHOLES.
4.7.1.1 Excavation and backfilling for manholes etc. shall be performed in accordance
with Section 4.1 to 4.5. ( Manhole should be as per design, avoid to install in
front of Gate or Road intersection, the level of manhole cover should be little
higher than road level and distance from property is as per MOMRA
specification)
4.7.1.2 For the installation of precast structures, the bottom of the excavation shall be
levelled with a layer of compacted gravel, hard core or similar material, as
acceptable to the Supervisor. The resultant level shall permit the structure to be
installed to the required surface level with the minimum adjustment to the frame
and cover height.
4.7.1.3 In-situ work shall have the bottom of the excavation levelled with a minimum of
5-cm blinding mix. The level shall permit the structure to be completed to the
required surface level as in Section 4.7.2. Blinding shall not be considered as part
of the specified cover to reinforcement.
4.7.1.4 Dewatering systems may be used for the removal of an excessive continuous
inflow of water (underground water) to conduit or cable trenches or manhole pits
where such inflow prevents normal working operations. Use of well-point
systems shall require prior authority of the STC supervisor.
4.7.2 CONCRETE STRUCTURES.
4.7.2.1 Concrete structures shall comply with the manhole construction guideline GL
621211-03-11 regarding structural design.
4.7.2.2 Earthing facilities shall be provided as may be required by the design and
according to MAT 3511 and, Section 8, Earthling.

November 2015
4.7.2.3 The completed installation shall comprise a watertight conduit structure,

furnished with cable supports, cable pulling facilities, ladders, bonding and
earthing materials etc., as specified by the engineers drawings, and free from
construction materials, debris, water etc. The manhole shall have a marking plate
installed in accordance with Construction Guidelines. Section 5.1.
4.7.2.4 The reinforcing steel of the manhole shall be bonded
with the Earthing system of the manhole to permit the inter-connection of all metallic-
conducting materials in the manhole. See Section 8, Earthing.
4.7.2.5 Provision shall always be made for the maximum designed numbers of ducts to
exit the manhole. Preferably, pre-formed plastic duct terminators (socket banks)
shall be cast into the manhole structure, during its construction.
4.7.2.6 Ductwork Should be casted directly into the manhole wall, the additional duct
capacity (poke-out) shall be stopped approximately 100-mm from the manhole
outer wall, and plugged at both ends. A layer of sand will be placed around the
poke out duct nest.
4.7.2.7 The bottom ducts shall always be the continued part of the duct runs, to permit
easy access to the unused bores.
4.7.2.8 Manholes shall be "tanked" painted with an approved waterproof sealant to

prevent deterioration of the concrete. Material utilized for tanking shall comply
with the engineer or supervisor who may give authorization to dispense with this
requirement where evidence of a lack of adverse ground conditions can be
presented.
4.7.2.9 When existing structures have large extension works added, for example in the
form of tunnels abutting to an exchange, suitable provision shall be made for
relative movement.
4.7.2.10 Large underground structures adjoining to exchanges (i.e. manholes, tunnels etc.)
shall be provided with ventilation facilities to be designed by the engineer.
4.7.2.11 Manhole accessories including Galvanized ladder, Cable brackets, cable barriers,
Pulling eye, Sump hole cover and proper grounding and direction of exchange
should be towards exchange/Host.
4.7.3 EXCHANGE ENTRIES.
4.7.3.1 In order to permit the required entry of cable plant to the exchange, the engineer
shall liaise with the building designers to ensure that adequate provision is made.
4.7.3.2 Exchange entries may consist of:
- Duct banks entering a cable vault end wall
- tunnels opening into a cable vault,

November 2015
- or for small rural sites, a set of preformed bends to TS 4111. Such

arrangements shall be installed so that the end of the bends exit the exchange
floor, or container pad, on the tangent and perpendicular.
4.7.3.3 In the situation that an extension to an existing exchange entry is required or that
the task of providing the entry is part of the OP works the following
requirements shall be followed, in conjunction with the approved design.
4.7.3.3.1 In all cases ducts shall be sealed with removable plugs or if containing cables,
removable sealing compounds. The entrance shall be watertight.
4.7.3.3.2 Earthing and bonding facilities shall be provided at all exchanges in accordance
with Section 8, MAT 3511 and STC building standards.
4.7.4 DIRECT CONDUIT ENTRANCE - CONTAINER EXCHANGES.
4.7.4.1 Entrance ducts in container exchanges shall be constructed to match the bores in
the bottom of the container.
4.7.4.2 The conduit formation shall normally feed from the street line parallel to and
approximately 2500mm of the building wall. 90° PVC or HDPE bends
conforming to TS 4111, shall be used to terminate the ducts under and through
the floor of the container. A cable racking facility shall be designed and installed
horizontally on the inside wall directly above the duct entrances.
4.7.4.3 Horizontal cable support members shall be installed and anchored to the
container wall to provide adequate support for vertical cable joints and stubs,
consistent with the ultimate capacity of the container.
4.7.4.4 Overhead cable ladders (trays) shall be placed to route stub cables to the MDF.
4.7.5 CABLE TRENCH ENTRANCE - SMALL EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.
4.7.5.1 The cable entrance trench shall normally be perpendicular to the street line with
entrance ducts entering at the front-end wall. The ducts shall be cantered in the
trench, spaced on 150mm centres, with a minimum of 150mm from the bottom
of the trench.
4.7.5.2 Cable supports spaced 1000mm apart shall be designed and installed on the
exterior side wall of the trench. Removable and adjustable cable brackets are to
be used. The first cable will always be placed in the first vertical duct row closest
to the exterior wall, starting with the bottom layer duct and terminating first and
closest, to the duct entrance.
4.7.5.3 Two horizontal cable supports shall be installed for the entire length of the cable
trench, above the finished floor of the building. These supports shall be designed
to support vertical joints consistent with the ultimate capacity of the building.
4.7.5.4 Adequate cable ladders (trays) shall be designed and installed to support cable
stubs from the jointing area on the wall to the vertical side of the MDF. To limit
cable congestion above the MDF these cable racks shall be separated, and in

November 2015
addition to, those, provided for equipment cabling on the horizontal side of the
MDF.
4.7.5.5 A removable decking system shall be provided to ensure easy access to the cable
trench at floor level. The trench shall be equipped with a pulling iron centrally
located at the opposite end of the duct entrance. A line-feeding hole (approx.
150mm diameter.) shall be provided 1000mm above the floor level on the duct
entrance wall. The hole shall be aligned with the centre line of the duct structure,
and if possible, slanted 30° into the cable trench.
4.7.6 CABLE VAULT ENTRANCE - LARGE EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.
4.7.6.1 The duct banks shall be located in a manner, which allows cables to be easily
routed to the MDF without encountering cable congestion in the long term.
4.7.6.2 The cable entrance shall be located in the front of the building at the end of the
vault. The ducts entering the vault shall be positioned so that the cables can be
placed on their respective position with little or no bending.
4.7.6.3 Ducts shall preferably enter the vault via pre-fabricated socket banks or plastic
terminators. lf cast in-situ they shall be perpendicular to the wall, at 150mm
centres. The duct ends shall be bevelled so as to remove any sharp edges.
4.7.6.4 The opposite wall to the duct entrance shall have two cast-in pulling-irons
cantered vertically and horizontally with each duct entrance formation for the
pulling of network cables. Pulling-eyes shall be anchored to resist a pulling force
of 50 KN.
4.7.6.5 Two line feeding holes (150mm diameter) equipped with removable covers shall
be installed through the basement wall to permit the pulling of network cable
into the vault. Holes shall be inclined 30° into the cable vault and located directly
above the two duct formations. The contractor must provide ceiling inserts for
suspending cable ladders. These can either be provided during construction or at
the time of installing the ladders and uprights.
4.7.6.6 Access to the cable vault or exchange via a tunnel shall be prevented by suitable
locking facilities.
4.7.6.7 The manhole cover shall be lockable with a locking bolt according to TS 4701.
4.8 CABLE SUPPORTS
4.8.1 Each cable shall be provided with adequate supports at approximately 1000mm
centres. In Manholes and Vaults joints shall be horizontal. In small exchange
buildings joints shall be located vertically. A suitable rack shall support the joint.
4.8.2 Supports shall be installed so as not to hinder the installation of additional cables,
and to allow adequate access for jointing purposes and reasonable working space
for maintenance. A working space of 1000mm shall be achieved where possible.

November 2015
4.8.3 Craftsmanship of the cable vault racking (and the termination joints it supports)
shall be of the highest standard both in function and appearance, with suitable
finishes applied to the installed framework.
4.8.4 Provision for the installation of air feed pipes shall be allowed for in the
construction of vault racking.
4.8.5 The cabling running from termination to equipment (MDF, DDF etc) shall be
provided with adequate ladders or trays to allow a neat workmanlike installation
to be achieved.
4.8.6 Cable brackets, trays and supports, shall ensure that the cables are supported so
as to induce the minimum strain into the materials. Manufacturer installation
recommendations shall be followed regarding handling, bending and setting
radii. No sharp edges and protruding bolts etc, which may damage cable sheaths
shall be permitted.
4.8.7 Earth bonding shall be provided as required by the design for manholes and for
all cable vault installations. Earthing material shall comply with MAT 3511.
4.8.8 Anchors, bolts and similar fixing devices for concrete shall be installed as per the
manufacturer’s instructions in a neat and workman-like fashion.
4.9 OUTDOOR CABINETS - CIVIL WORKS./FDT/MSAN/E-CABINET
4.9.1 Cabinets shall be located in accordance with Planning and Design Standard.
(Must be avoided to place in front of private property, the suitable place is along
the park, Mosque, school away from the Gate/door)
4.9.1.1 Where not provided as part of the cabinet structure, a base/foundation shall be
installed which allows free access for cabling and which sets the base of the
cabinet 400mm above the finished pavement level as established by the
Municipality. The foundation shall ensure the stability of the cabinet, whilst
occupying the minimum necessary space within the street, so as not to obstruct
other services. Cabinet base and Cabinet (supplier should be approved from
STC material section or LAB test report) as per STC standards.
4.9.1.2 The precast concrete base for the copper cabinet in the secondary network shall
be installed during construction of civil works, and the base shall be contact with
the HH.
4.9.1.3 Cabinet protection posts shall be installed at cabinet locations vulnerable to

vehicular damages. For cross-connection type cabinets and remote access node
system type cabinets, 150-mm diameter posts shall be used.
4.9.1.4 The standard cabinet protection procedure shall place two posts with their centre
lines 400mm in front of the cabinet and 250mm from the side faces. The posts
are to be installed to a depth of 800mm, in a 600mm deep concrete pad, 400mm
square. The top 200mm shall be backfilled with clean earth or sand. The surface
shall be reinstated to the existing standard. See Section 4.4 and TS 4006.
Additional protection posts may be installed, at the Engineer's discretion, in
November 2015
locations where the safety of craftsman and network plant indicates the
advisability of such additional protection.
4.9.1.5 The cabinet cross connection shall comply with MAT 3001 and earthing
facilities shall be provided according to MAT 3511 and Section 8.
4.9.1.6 The designation of the cabinet shall be durably marked on the cabinet exterior
and interior. Exterior designation shall be on the upper part of each side panel so
that it can be easily identified from the roadway. See Construction Guidelines
Section 5.6.
4.9.1.7 Cabinets for remote access nodes (RAN) shall comply with the approved
manufacturers material specifications.
4.10 RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION AND EXTENSION

ACTIVITIES
4.10.1 Existing cable plant shall be fully protected to the satisfaction of the Supervisor,
before any demolition or rehabilitation work is permitted to commence.
4.10.2 Conduit additions shall only take place after all options of sub-ducting, re-
configuration of existing plant and pair-gain systems have been examined.
4.10.3 Cable Repair Centres of the concerned authorities shall be notified prior to the
commencement of work in order that accidental damages may be promptly
attended to.
4.10.4 The cutting of existing concrete structures for additions and extensions shall
utilize the latest techniques and tools available, so as to cause the minimum
damage to the remaining structure.
4.10.5 The entry of additional ducts into a manhole/Hand hole / pulling box or cable
vault shall preferably utilize a "core-drill" of appropriate diameter, with the duct
epoxy bonded into the concrete.
4.10.6 Larger numbers of ducts may have the appropriate penetrations cut, and the
resultant cavities sealed to comply with Section 4.
4.10.7 The joining of new concrete to old, shall result in a structurally integral
construction, unless designed otherwise by the Engineer.
4.10.8 The final installation shall comply with Section 4.
4.10.9 Where ducts are to be added to existing routes, due care and attention shall be
given to the requirements of other utilities Due to the requirements that other
utilities may have for the underground road space, the requirement to increase a
manhole's capacity shall preferably be met by demolishing the old structure and
rebuilding in the same location. Only where it can be determined that there will
not be a future requirement for the road space, may an additional manhole be
constructed adjacent to an existing one.

November 2015
4.10.10 A minimum of 4 ducts shall interconnect such installations.
4.10.11 Additional ductwork shall be entered into existing manholes so as to result in the
minimum cabling problem reconcilable with the expansion requirements.
4.10.12 It is recognized that the decision as to the construction techniques necessary may
only become apparent after excavation of the works to be extended or
rehabilitated. Hence the Engineer or Supervisor shall be present during the
decision-making stages of such works to provide instructions as required.
4.11 NON-STANDARD DUCT INSTALLATIONS
4.11.1 BRIDGE CROSSINGS.
4.11.1.1 The Engineer shall produce a design for the required number of conduit ways,
consulting where necessary with the Engineering Authority responsible for the
bridge structure, regarding allowable loading, attachment mechanisms, and
technical design requirements.
4.11.1.2 Written authorization shall be obtained, to allow the installation to take place.
4.11.1.3 The installations shall, where possible, be self-supporting. Hangers shall permit
the installation to perform as designed by the engineer with due regard for
thermal movement and any necessary restraints.
4.11.1.4 In some instances it may be possible to cast a section of PVC duct in concrete, as
an extension/addition to the bridge structure
4.11.2 BURIED WADI CROSSINGS.
4.11.2.1 Conduit installed alongside bridge structures which cross wadis shall be installed
in a location least likely to result in disturbance of the conduit and least likely to
result in any risk to the integrity of the bridge foundations and structure.
4.11.2.2 Conduit shall be constructed so as to provide maximum protection to cables

during the most adverse conditions of flooding and erosion. For ground
conditions not subject to erosion, such as rocky ground, the conduit may be
encased in concrete. The concrete may be keyed into the sides of the excavation
and erosion dams provided as required. Reinforcement may be specified if
erosion and exposure of the conduit is a potential risk. For deep alluvial soils
subject to scouring, continuous polyethylene pipe extending to each bank of the
wadi may provide better protection for the cable.
4.11.2.3 In some cases, the crossing will be necessary through an area where water is
present or continually flows and it may be necessary to use different construction
techniques, which may involve dewatering, or diversion of the flowing water, or
use of caissons or waterproof piling, or underwater excavation and installation.
4.11.2.4 Mini ducts (50-mm PE ducts) shall be used for FO-cables. In case of copper
cable , the use of PVC 110 mm duct or HDPE is recommended. Please refer to
OP3 paragraph 3.7

November 2015
4.11.2.5 The installation procedures utilized shall take all precautions to prevent erosion
effects due to the installation of the conduit works
4.11.3 CROSSING OF PIPELINES
4.11.3.1 Any excavation shall be done in accordance with the requirements of the Owner
of the plant.
4.11.3.2 The contractor is required to submit a method of procedure for the crossings,
which shall be approved by the plant owner and by STC. This method of
procedure shall include a written description of the installation activity and
drawings showing the affected plant and the protection required. It is anticipated
that the precautions required will necessitate sensitive site working procedures,
such as no mechanical excavations, only hand digging, and staged shoring and
backfilling.
4.11.3.3 The authority shall identify the depth of the plant. The number of ducts/pipes to
be installed and their outer diameter shall determine the width of the trench.
(a) Special care should be taken when digging above or close to the ARAMCO Pipe
lines. Only ARAMCO approved contractors should be used and full set of
documentation and necessary permits should approved by ARAMCO prior
works started.
4.11.3.4 The duct/pipe shall be extended for a minimum of 10-m at either side of the
pipeline/s.(as agreed during permit process)
4.11.4 CONDUIT REQUIRING ADDITIONAL PROTECTION OR SUPPORT.
4.11.4.1 Where the Engineer foresees a future requirement for a conduit structure to be
self-supporting (e.g. it is known that another utility will be installed below the
structure, and large scale excavations will ensue) or the conduit may be at some
potential risk due to other forms of construction activities, he shall design the
conduit as an integral Road Construction structure, utilizing the anticipated
loading to be applied.
4.11.4.2 Alternatively, in the situation that the conduit may have to be self-supporting, he
may liaise with the Municipality for permission to install a lightweight structure,
with built-in steel framing.
4.11.4.3 The Municipality shall be provided with detail of the installation, in order to
facilitate its support during the future construction.
4.11.4.4 Detail shall be provided to the Municipality for the completion of the conduit
structure to STC standards, by their future contractor. It shall be understood that
such works will only take place with prior notification to STC.
4.11.4.5 Due to the rarity of certain installation conditions such as river or estuary
crossings, swamp or marshland etc., this standard does not enter into the required
details for such special installations.
November 2015
4.11.4.6 In the event that such conditions are encountered, STC shall appoint specialized
engineers to design for the unusual conditions.
4.11.4.7 There are (dry river bed or gutter) wadi at every 1km/5km for road protection in
case of flood, for that extra depth is needed for cable in duct at the depth of 1.8m
to 2.5m
4.11.5 EROSION DAMS.
4.11.5.1 Erosion Dams shall be provided in locations with suitable soil conditions which,
in the opinion of the supervisor, may suffer from the effects of ground and flood
water.
4.11.5.2 Dams shall be constructed of concrete, with a minimum of 200mm keyed into
the excavation walls and trench bottom. Minimum thickness shall be 100mm. If
the dam is provided on a buried cable route, a spare duct or opening shall be
provided for each cable.
4.11.5.3 The opening shall be provided with a removable plug. See Construction
Guidelines.
4.11.6 WADE/CULVERT/NALLA/STREAM CROSSING
A culvert is a closed conduit used to convey water from one area to

another, usually from one side of a road to the other side.
Low-water crossing designs have multiplied as structures were adapted to

meet site-specific conditions, cost feasibility, available materials
Railway Crossings are not allowed in close proximity to bridges, culverts

and switches.
Install the fiber system a minimum 1.8meter to 2.5 meters) below the
bottom of all culverts on the Railroad's right-of-way, or around the end of the culvert (field
side)
Restore all disturbed ditches and culverts to water-carrying capability
Culverts can be divided into two functional types: Stream Crossing and
Runoff Management.
The first culvert type, stream crossing culvert, is self-defining.

A culvert is required where the roadway crosses a stream channel to allow water to pass
downstream. The second type culvert, runoff management culvert, is one which is
strategically placed to manage and route roadway runoff along, under, and away from the
roadway. Many times these culverts are used to transport upland runoff, accumulated in
road ditches on the upland side of the roadway, to the lower side for disposal. These
culverts are commonly called cross-drains.
4.12 CONCRETE WORK
4.12.1 REINFORCEMENT.

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4.12.1.1 Bending shall be by approved means producing a gradual even motion. All
bending shall be performed cold.
4.12.1.2 Bends shall comply with the bending schedule, which shall conform to BS 4466,
or as otherwise specified on Drawings and Bending schedules as approved by the
engineer. Bars incorrectly bent shall only be used if the method of re bending
does not injure the material. No reinforcement may be bent when in position in
the works, without approval.
4.12.3.3 Faces in contact with concrete shall be free from grout, projecting nails, splits or
other defects. Joints shall prevent the leakage of grout and avoid the formation of
fins or other blemishes. The resultant finish of the concrete face shall comply
with MAT specs. and the drawings. Any defective concrete finish will be
rejected.
4.12.1.4 Bond length and splicing of bars shall conform to the requirements of CP114.
4.12.2 FIXING OF REINFORCEMENT.
4.12.2.1 Reinforcement shall be accurately fixed and by approved means maintained in

the positions shown on the drawings.
4.12.2.2 Bars intended to be in contact shall be wired together with annealed soft-iron
tying wire, minimum gauge No. 16 (diameter = 1.29 mm).
4.12.2.3 Immediately before concreting, the reinforcement shall be examined for accuracy
of placing and cleanliness.
4.12.2.4 Cover to reinforcement shall be in accordance with the following, or as described

on the drawings. A plus 3-mm tolerance shall apply.
Concrete GRADE Interior Cover (mm)Exterior
30 30 40
25 30 50
4.12.2.5 Chairs or other forms of spacer and/or subsidiary reinforcement shall be

employed to maintain the reinforcement in its correct position, which will not
normally be shown on drawings.
4.12.2.6 Scaffold boards shall be provided to ensure being walked upon during the
placing of concrete or other operations does not displace the reinforcement.
4.12.2.7 Welding of reinforcement shall not take place without the Supervisors approval.
concrete has attained a compressive strength of not less than 10 MPA or twice
the stress to which it will then be subjected, whichever is the greater.
4.12.2.5 Chairs or other forms of spacer and/or subsidiary reinforcement shall be

employed to maintain the reinforcement in its correct position, which will not
normally be shown on drawings.

November 2015
4.12.2.6 Scaffold boards shall be provided to ensure being walked upon during the
placing of concrete or other operations does not displace the reinforcement.
4.12.2.7 Welding of reinforcement shall not take place without the Supervisors approval.
4.12.2.8 Mesh reinforcement shall be overlapped by a minimum 300 mm
4.12.3 FORMWORK.
4.12.3.1 Formwork shall be designed and so constructed that the concrete can be properly
placed and thoroughly compacted and that the hardened concrete shall conform
accurately to the required shape, position and level, subject to the tolerance and
to the standards of finish specified. The deflection of the formwork shall not
exceed 30 mm.
4.12.3.2 When concrete is to be vibrated, special care shall be taken to maintain the
stability of the formwork and the tightness of the joints during compaction.
4.12.3.3 Faces in contact with concrete shall be free from grout, projecting nails, splits or
other defects. Joints shall prevent the leakage of grout and avoid the formation of
fins or other blemishes. The resultant finish of the concrete face shall comply
with MAT specs. and the drawings. Any defective concrete finish will be
rejected.
4.12.3.4 The Supervisor may at his discretion order the defects to be cut out and made
good.
4.12.3.5 Plastering of defective concrete as a means of making good will not be

permitted, except that in the case of minor porosity on the surface, the Supervisor
may approve a surface treatment of rubbing down with cement and sand mortar
of the same richness as in the concrete. This treatment shall be made
immediately after removing the formwork.
4.12.3.6 Unless otherwise described 25mm x 25mm chamfers shall be formed on all
external corners of concrete members.
4.12.3.7 Openings for inspection and escape of washing out water shall be formed so that
they can be conveniently closed.
4.12.3.8 The construction of the formwork shall ensure easy removal.
4.12.3.9 All forms shall be removed without damage to the concrete. The use of mould
foil or other material to facilitate this shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer.
4.12.3.10 Before placing concrete, all fixings, bolts and cores or similar devices used for
forming openings shall be in place.
4.12.3.11 The Supervisor and/or the Engineer shall be informed in advance when the
contractor intends to strike any formwork.

November 2015
4.12.3.12 The time at which the formwork is struck shall be the Installer's responsibility. It
is recommended that formwork not be struck until the concrete has attained a
compressive strength of not less than 10 MPA or twice the stress to which it will
then be subjected, whichever is the greater.
4.12.3.13 Formwork, which is to have high frequency usage, e.g., in precast work, shall be
steel fabricated.
4.12.3.14 The Engineer shall approve the material and position of any ties passing through
the concrete. The whole or part of the tie shall be capable of being removed so
that no part remaining embedded in the concrete shall be nearer the surface of the
concrete than the specified thickness of cover to the reinforcement. Any holes
left after the removal of ties shall be filled with concrete or mortar of approved
composition, unless directed otherwise by the Supervisor
4.12.4 CONSTRUCTION BAYS AND FORMED JOINTS.
4.12.4.1 The Installer shall agree with the Engineer, prior to the commencement of
concreting, upon the sequence of placing concrete and the positions of vertical
and horizontal joints, whether shown or not on the drawings. When not indicated
on the drawings the following general rule shall apply:
4.12.4.2 Joints in slabs are to be located at or near the quarter points of the span in slabs,
except where otherwise instructed.
4.12.4.3 Vertical wall joints shall be away from corners. Horizontal joints above splays or
openings.
4.12.4.4 Expansion joints shall be formed in the positions indicated and to the details
shown on the drawings.
4.12.4.5 The expansion joint shall be filled with bitumen impregnated fiber board to its
full depth and width. The infilling will be permitted to be used as permanent
formwork only for the second casting. Where the fiber board is exposed it shall
be cut back for a depth of at least 20mm from the chamfered edge, and filled and
pointed with a resilient liquid polysulphide polymer sealant to the manufacturer’s
instructions
4.12.4.6 Concreting shall be carried out continuously up to construction joints.
4.12.4.7 Whenever the placing of the concrete is discontinued other than at the exposed
faces, this discontinuity shall form a construction joint. Construction joints are to
be made only along a horizontal or vertical plane except that in the case of
inclined members they shall be at right angles to the principal axis. Care shall be
taken to prevent off-setting of the joint and to ensure water tightness.
4.12.4.8 The joints shall in every way satisfy the requirement of the Engineer, and be in
accordance with the drawings.
4.12.4.9 At construction joints, the laitance film and porous layer of the already set
concrete shall be removed and the surface scabbed and then wire-brushed and
thoroughly cleaned.
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4.12.5 JOINING NEW CONCRETE WORK TO EXISTING.
4.12.5.1 Existing concrete shall be broken out as described or directed and scabbed to
form a suitable key for the new concrete. The provisions of Section 4.12.4.6 shall
apply.
4.12.5.2 Where necessary the reinforcement in existing concrete shall be exposed, cleaned
and bent to its correct shape.
4.12.5.3 Immediately before new concrete is poured the faces of the existing concrete
shall be thoroughly wetted or coated with an approved bonding agent.
4.12.5.4 New reinforcement shall be securely wired to the existing reinforcement.
4.12.6 CONCRETE.
4.12.6.1 Materials for the production of plain and reinforced concrete work shall comply
with the latest issue of ‘General Specification for Building and Constructions’,
part 3, Chapter: ‘Concrete and Reinforced Concrete’ issued by Ministry of Public
Works and Housing of Saudi Arabia.
4.12.6.2 The Engineer shall have the right to order that any materials, which do not meet
with his approval, shall not be used in the works. The Installer shall have the
right to sample test and give an opinion on such materials. If after this, the
Engineer rejects the materials, they shall be immediately removed from the Site
by the Installer.
4.12.6.3 At 28 days the compressive strength of the concrete shall not be less than the
strength as described in the latest issue of ‘General Specification for Building
and Constructions’, part 3, Chapter: ‘Concrete and Reinforced Concrete’ issued
by Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Saudi Arabia, and installed
according to the approved drawings. Testing shall be done with all expenses to
be borne by the Installer.
4.12.6.4 Aggregates shall be measured by weight.
4.12.6.5 Suggestions for the proportions of cement, aggregate and water are given in the
latest issue of ‘General Specification for Building and Constructions’, part 3,
Chapter: ‘Concrete and Reinforced Concrete’' issued by Ministry of Public
Works and Housing of Saudi Arabia, and installed according to Section 4. The
actual mix ratios of aggregate to cement shall be determined by the Installer
4.12.7 REQUIREMENTS IN HOT WEATHER.
4.12.7.1 In hot weather the Installer shall present for the Engineer's approval his proposals
for dealing with the following:
- Reduced workability
- Excessive plastic shrinkage
- Rapid strength gain but possible low final strength

November 2015
- Rapid drying-out of concrete.
4.12.7.2 Initially, the installer shall double the number of test cubes made. Half of them
shall be cured under site conditions in order to ascertain the relationship between
site-cured samples and lab-cured samples.
4.12.7.3 The number of slump tests shall initially be twice that normally required.
4.12.7.4 Air temperatures shall be measured every two hours, and the temperature of
every batch of concrete shall be recorded as it is deposited at the work place.
4.12.8 CONCRETE MIXING.
4.12.8.1 A Materials Engineer shall be employed to supervise the work of the concrete
laboratory, testing of aggregates, quality control and the like.
4.12.8.2 A competent and experienced person shall be employed at the works by the
Installer, whose duty shall be to supervise all states in the preparation, placing
and curing of concrete.
4.12.9 CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT.
4.12.9.1 The concreting plant shall be suitable in type, capacity and design for its
purpose. The performance of the plant and its disposition shall be to the
satisfaction of the Engineer.
4.12.9.2 All concrete except where specifically permitted by the Engineer in writing shall
be mixed in weigh batch mixing machines. The machine shall have a large water
storage tank with a gauge so that a predetermined quantity of water can be
injected into the mixer drum. The machine shall be in full working order when in
use and shall be calibrated at regular intervals and when deemed necessary by
the Engineer.
4.12.9.3 Aggregate stockpiles shall preferably be shielded from the direct rays of the sun
or cooled by spraying with water; water tanks and pipes shall be insulated, to
ensure that the temperature of concrete when deposited shall not exceed 32°C.
4.12.9.4 With the approval of the Engineer, admixtures may be employed to retard setting
time or enhance workability, or induce early bleeding etc.
4.12.9.5 The dry concrete ingredients shall be mixed until a uniform colour is obtained.
After the addition of the water the concrete shall be mixed for a further 2 minutes
or until a uniform colour is achieved.
4.12.9.6 During mixing of the concrete due account must be taken of the water contained
in the aggregates. The total water in the mix shall not exceed the amount used in
the trial mix.
4.12.9.7 The Installer shall take all precautions to the satisfaction of the Engineer to
protect the concrete from the injurious effects of the elements.

November 2015
4.12.9.8 The concrete shall be of such consistency that it can be readily worked into the
corners and angles of the formwork and around reinforcement without
segregation of the materials or bleeding of free water at the surface. When a
suitable amount of water has been determined, the resulting consistency shall be
maintained throughout the work and approved tests such as the slump test, shall
be conducted as required.
4.12.9.9 On striking of formwork it shall present a face which is uniform, free from
honeycombing, surface crazing or excessive dusting. In order to satisfy the
Engineer that the workability of the proposed mixes is adequate for the specified
requirements, the Installer shall carry out a series of workability tests on the
preliminary trial mixes.
4.12.9.10 These tests shall be carried out in accordance with BS.1881, or such other
procedure as may be approved by the Engineer.
4.12.9.11 The samples to be tested shall be obtained from the batches used for the
preliminary test cubes. In addition the installer shall supply for each of the grades
of concrete a section of formwork complete with reinforcement fixed in position
and generally representative of the sections commonly to be employed in the
Works. The capacity of this trial section of formwork shall be at least half a
batch of concrete but in any case not less than 1/4 m3. The formwork shall
comply with the requirements of this Specification for formwork. The mould
shall be filled in the presence of the engineer with concrete of the same mix and
batch from which the preliminary test cubes are made and shall be compacted in
the same manner and with the same equipment as are proposed for the works.
This procedure shall, if necessary, be repeated with modified mixes until the
appearance of the concrete after striking the mould is acceptable to the Engineer,
after which it shall be used as the standard for that grade.
4.12.10 TRANSPORT AND PLACING.
4.12.10.1 The method of transporting concrete shall be to the approval of the Engineer.
Concrete shall be so transported that contamination, segregation or loss of the
constituent materials does not occur.
4.12.10.2 Concrete batched off-site shall be transported by truck mixer with the mixer
rotating slowly until it arrives on site. Alternatively, the aggregates and 80% of
the required water may be batched off-site with the cement and remaining water
being added on site not more than 15 minutes before the pour commences.
Concrete transporters shall be kept as cool as is practicable.
4.12.10.3 The concrete shall be compacted and in its final position within 1 hour of the
introduction of water to the cement and aggregates, unless a longer time is
agreed by the Engineer. The time of such introduction shall be recorded on the
delivery note together with the weight of the constituents of each mix.
4.12.10.4 When truck-mixed concrete is used, water shall be added under supervision,
either at the Site or at the central batching plant, as agreed by the Engineer but in
no circumstances shall water be added in transit.

November 2015
4.12.10.5 Unless otherwise agreed by the Engineer, truck mixer units and their mixing and
discharge performance shall comply with the requirements of BS. 4251.
4.12.11 READY-MIXED CONCRETE.
4.12.11.1 Ready-mixed concrete as defined in the materials covered by the latest issue of
‘General Specification for Building and Constructions’, part 3, Chapter:
‘Concrete and Reinforced Concrete' issued by Ministry of Public Works and
Housing of Saudi Arabia, and installed according to Section 4, and batched off
the site, may be used only with the agreement of the Engineer or Supervisor.
4.12.12 CONCRETE PLACING.
4.12.12.1 Placing shall not commence until sufficient standby pumps and vibrators are on
site to cope with breakdowns.
4.12.12.2 No concrete shall be batched until formwork is ready and all reinforcement is
fixed in place.
4.12.12.3 All formwork and reinforcement contained in it shall be clean and free from
standing water immediately before the placing of the concrete.
4.12.12.4 The Supervisor shall be given 24 hours notice in the form of a "Request to
Concrete" in order that he may check the work. shall be placed in any part of the
structure until the supervisor has counter-signed the submitted "Request to
Concrete".
4.12.12.5 Upon arrival at the place of deposition, the batch should be accompanied by a
document from the concrete batcher station stating (a) the grade of concrete, (b)
workability (c) aggregate size (d) type of cement and (e) time of batching of the
concrete.
4.12.12.6 If concreting is not started within 24 hours of approval being given, approval
shall again be obtained from the Supervisor.
4.12.12.7 Concreting shall then proceed continuously over the area between construction
joints. Fresh concrete shall not be placed against in-situ concrete which has been
in position for more than 30 minutes unless a construction joint is formed in
accordance with Section. 4.11.4. When in-situ concrete has been in place for 4
hours or less, as directed by the Supervisor, depending upon the mix, type of
cement and weather conditions, no further concrete shall be placed against it for
a further 20 hours.
4.12.12.8 Concrete, when deposited, shall have a temperature of not less than 5°C and not
more than 32°C. It shall be compacted in its final position within 30 minutes of
discharge from the mixer unless carried in purpose-made agitators, operating
continuously, when the time shall be within 2 hours of the introduction of cement
to the mix and within 30 minutes of discharge from the agitator.
4.12.12.9 Except where otherwise agreed by the Supervisor, concrete shall be deposited in
layers to a compacted depth not exceeding 300mm.

November 2015
4.12.12.10 Unless otherwise agreed by the Supervisor, concrete shall not be dropped into
place from a height exceeding 2 meters. When turning or chutes are used they
shall be kept clean and used in such a way as to avoid segregation.
4.12.12.11 No concrete shall be placed in flowing water.
4.12.12.12 The area of each concrete pour frontage shall be kept to a minimum and suitable
means shall be provided to avoid premature stiffening of concrete placed in
contact with hot dry surfaces. Where necessary the surfaces, including
reinforcement, against which the concrete is to be placed shall be shielded from
the rays of the sun and shall be sprayed with water to prevent excessive
absorption by the surfaces of water from the fresh concrete.
4.12.12.13 Due to rapid stiffening in hot weather all clean-up operations such as application
of resin cure membranes and dust reducers, and surface finishing, etc., shall
follow closely behind final tamping.
4.12.13 COMPACTION OF CONCRETE.
4.12.13.1 All concrete shall be compacted to produce a dense homogeneous mass. Unless
otherwise agreed by the Supervisor, it shall be compacted with the assistance of
vibrators. Sufficient vibrators in serviceable conditions shall be on site so that
spare equipment is always available in the event of breakdowns. As a general
guide one working vibrator shall be available for each 6 m3/hr of concrete being
placed.
4.12.13.2 Vibration shall not be applied by way of the reinforcement. Where vibrators of
the immersion type are used, contact with reinforcement and all inserts shall be
avoided.
4.12.13.3 Concrete shall not be subjected to vibration between 4 and 24 hours after
compaction.
4.12.13.4 Unless otherwise directed by the Supervisor, approved power vibrators of the
immersion type shall be used. They shall be inserted at such distances apart or
applied in such a manner as will ensure that the concrete is satisfactorily and
uniformly compacted.
4.12.13.5 Vibrators shall penetrate the full depth of the layer and where concrete is placed
over previously placed concrete not more than 4 hours old the vibrators shall
enter and re-vibrate that layer to ensure that successive layers are combined
together.
4.12.13.6 Over-vibration, causing segregation, surface laitance or leakage through

formwork shall be avoided. Immersion vibrators shall be withdrawn slowly to
prevent the formation of voids. Vibrators shall not be used to work to concrete
along the forms, or in such a way as to damage formwork or other parts of the
structure, or displace the reinforcement or other embedded items.
4.12.13.7 Internal vibrators shall be capable of producing not less than 10,000 cycles per
minute and external vibrators not less than 3,000 cycles per minute.

November 2015
4.12.14 CURING.
4.12.14.1 Concrete shall be protected during the first stage of hardening from the harmful
effects of sunshine, drying winds, cold, rain or running water. The protection
shall be applied as soon as practicable after completion of placing by one or
more of the following methods:
(A) A layer of sacking, canvas, hessian, straw mats, or similar absorbent

material, or layer of wet sand shall cover the concrete
(B) Alternatively after thorough wetting, the concrete shall be covered with a
layer of approved waterproof paper or plastic membrane kept in contact with the
concrete.
(C) Except in the case of surfaces, to which concrete has subsequently to be

bonded, the concrete may be cured by the application of an approved coloured
liquid curing membrane.
4.12.14.2 Application shall be made by low-pressure spray in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions. On vertical surfaces, the curing membrane shall be
applied immediately after removing the formwork.
4.12.14.3 All concrete shall be covered for at least 14 days after placing and kept
continuously wet for the initial 7 days.
4.12.14.4 Concrete placed in ground containing deleterious substances shall be kept free
from contact with such ground or water draining for a period of 3 days, or as
instructed by the Engineer or Supervisor.
4.13 TESTING ON COMPLETED PLANT - CIVIL WORKS.
4.13.1 All new ducts, sub ducts and mini ducts shall be rodded and cleaned before
testing. A test mandrel with a main body of 200-mm length and 95 mm diameter,
shall be pulled through each new 100-mm duct in the formation. If any
obstruction is encountered, the duct must be cleaned again and, if necessary,
repaired before it is tested again. See Construction Guidelines, for the test
mandrel and bore meter.
4.13.2 Bends of radius 2m and less, which will not pass the reference mandrel, shall be
proven with a ball mandrel of 95-mm diameter.
4.13.3 At the discretion of STC, a pressure test may be requested as a test of the water
tightness of the completed ductwork.
4.13.4 Such testing shall be limited to not more than 1 duct way being tested per section
of conduit i.e. between manholes/Hand hole. Should the chosen test location fail
to hold the required pressure for the indicated time, 100% of the ducts within the
same section shall be tested.
4.13.5 If the fault is found to exist in one duct only the STC shall have the discretion to
accept the installation. If further ducts show leakage, the Engineer shall instruct

November 2015
the installer to repair the affected duct ways. Upon repair, the section shall be
given a 100% repeat of the pressure test.
4.13.6 Pressure testing shall consist of pressurizing a duct to 25 KPA (0.25 kg/cm2),
allowing the pressure to stabilize, after which the pressure shall remain within +
2 KPA (0.02 Kg/cm2) for 30 minutes.
4.13.7 The results of compressive strength testing shall be provided for all structural
concrete. shall be placed in any part of the structure until the supervisor has
counter-signed the submitted "Request to Concrete".
5 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR AERIAL

NETWORK
5.1 GENERAL
5.1.1 Poles, stays and struts shall be placed so as not to obstruct pedestrian and
vehicular traffic, and also cause the minimum disturbance.
5.1.2 The conditions under which poles are to be erected as well as height of poles are
given in the STTP Practice and Material Specifications. Where variations from
the approved design are indicated, reference shall be made to the Supervisor,
e.g., for minimum clearance, obstructions, power separations, and the like.
5.1.3 Poles and the associated stays shall be placed so that they are not closer to
roadways than specified by MOMRA or the MOT and where this is not
specified, the distance shall be not less than 1000mm and should preferably be
approximately 2000mm. If there is a roadside ditch, the poles should normally be
placed outside and away from the roadway.
If the roadway is winding or poorly defined, the pole line shall, as far as is
practical, be set as a straight line along the route of the roadway.
5.1.4 Attachment devices for aerial cables shall comply with MAT-7101.
Such devices shall be attached to the poles so that the applied forces are taken up
and distributed in a symmetrical and balanced way.
5.2 POLES
5.2.1 Excavations for poles shall be of sufficient diameter to permit compaction of the
concrete fill around the pole and throughout the entire depth of the hole. The use
of mechanical augers is preferred.
5.2.2 Ground bearing pressures shall be taken into account, with testing performed
where required. In ground where excavation to full depth cannot be carried out
because of bed-rock below ground level or mounting directly on rock, the butt of
the pole shall be fixed by means of two plate dowels and wedges and poles
stayed with three stays at horizontal angles of 120°.

November 2015
Alternative methods of mounting in rock may be presented to the Supervisor or

approval, e.g., Rock Auger or blasting.
The setting of different types of poles in light soil and hard soil shall be
according to the following:
Length of Pole Setting Depth
8m 1.50m
9m 160m
10m 170m
5.2.3 When erecting poles in ground with poor bearing capacity, the poles shall have
adequate footings and anchors provided so that they can support loads from lines
and stays.
5.2.4 Poles shall be set plumb except at corners where they shall be set raked against
the load so that pole tops will be in line after the load is applied. The rake of the
pole shall not exceed 50mm for each meter of pole length after the cables have
been installed at the required tension. Terminal poles shall be set so as to be
plumbed and in line after the load has been applied.
5.2.5 Each pole shall be clearly and durably numbered with the correct identification
number, on the side that faces the carriage-way. See Construction Guidelines.
5.2.3 When erecting poles in ground with poor bearing capacity, the poles shall have
adequate footings and anchors provided so that they can support loads from lines
and stays.
5.2.4 Poles shall be set plumb except at corners where they shall be set raked against
the load so that pole tops will be in line after the load is applied. The rake of the
pole shall not exceed 5-cm for each meter of pole length after the cables have
been installed at the required tension. Terminal poles shall be set so as to be
plumbed and in line after the load has been applied.
5.2.5 Each pole shall be clearly and durably numbered with the correct identification
number, on the side that faces the carriage-way. See Construction Guidelines.
5.3 STAYS AND STRUTS
5.3.1 Poles shall be stayed and strutted as indicated by the Engineer.
5.3.2 In situations where a "slack" end span is specified, the last but one pole may be
stayed. The cable suspension strands will then be attached to the end pole with
the minimum tension force being applied, so as to leave this pole without undue
strain.
5.3.3 The stays shall normally have an inclination of 45°, i.e. the height from ground
level to where the stay is applied on the pole shall equal the distance from the
base of the pole to the eyelet of the stay rod. A stay spread to height ratio of 1:1
is the ideal.
November 2015
5.3.4 Stay spreads of more than 1 : 1.25 or less than 1 : 0.8 shall not be used without
the permission of the Supervisor.
5.3.5 Stay wires shall normally be secured to a pole at the same height as the cable is
being supported, unless indicated otherwise.
5.3.6 The hole for the stay block shall be dug to a depth of approximately 1.50mm.
When the excavated material is replaced, it shall be packed down tightly over the
stay block and if stones are available, these shall be used to "wedge" the stay
block into place in the hole.
An alternative installation may utilize mass concrete anchor.
5.3.7 Stays to be installed in rock shall utilize drilled rock anchors.
5.3.8 The stay shall be made clearly visible by a coloured sleeve secured around the
stay, from ground level to a minimum height of 200-cm.
5.3.9 Electrical continuity shall normally be maintained between the stay wire and the
cable suspension strand with the exceptions of electrically insulated stays at
crossings with overhead power lines, and wind stays, as specified by the
Engineer.
5.3.10 Where a strut is to be installed, the base of the strut shall have an adequate
footing provided, which shall take into account the available bearing pressures.
6 ANCILLARY NETWORK ITEMS (CABINETS,

DISTRIBUTION POINTS ETC.).
6.1 CABINETS.
Prior to the installation of cabinet confirm the safe location, avoid to place in
front of door, intersection of road, safe place for work, preferred is public park,
School and public property, Foundation should 20cm away from property and
height from the ground level is 40cm. Use the precast bend and length should not
exceed 150m from HH/MH
6.1.1 Cabinets shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.1.2 Cables shall be installed in the cabinet according to the instructions of the
manufacturer. Due regard shall be taken to the cable installations in order to
avoid congestion for further cable installations.
6.1.3 Cables shall be installed on IDC terminal blocks, it is of importance that the tools
used for the installations do not harm the wires or IDC terminal block, therefore
only manufacturers original tools shall be used, and the tools shall be maintained
in correct working order.
6.1.4 Wires shall be neatly placed in their guide rings and follow the shortest run to
their IDC connectors, only allowing sufficient slack for possible maintenance.

November 2015
6.1.5 Earths, screens (and any armoring) shall be bonded to the cabinet earth in
accordance with Section 8.
6.1.6 Cabinets shall be earthed in accordance with Section 8.
6.2 DISTRIBUTION POINTS (DP’S) HOUSING
6.2.1 All DP housings shall be clearly and durably marked with the appropriate
designation of the DP or DP's inside. The legend shall be readable from a
distance of 3m.
6.2.2 The fixing methods for wall and indoor DP housing shall take into consideration
wall finishes and possible hidden wiring, piping, etc. All installations shall be in
a workmanlike fashion with fittings being located vertically in accordance with
the manufacturer’s directions.
6.2.3 POLE DP’s.
6.2.3.1 Pole DP's shall be located on the same side of the pole as their related cable. If
fed by underground cable the cable and joint leading up to the housing shall be
enclosed in a steel pipe section guard.
6.2.3.2 Height above ground shall be minimum 3m. when terminated from an
underground cable. When the DP is terminated from an aerial cable, it shall be
placed approximately 0.3m. below the cable.
6.2.4 WALL MOUNTED DP’s.
Wall mounted DP's shall be located not lower than 'normal working height'
approximately 1.5 - 1.7 m, but preferably well above the reach of unauthorized
personnel.
6.2.5 PILLAR DP’s.
6.2.5.1 The function of the Pillar DP in the local network is threefold:
(a) As the connection point to the subscriber BSW.
(b) As an above ground jointing facility. In this function, the DP housing

contains a "Looped" secondary cable, from which 10 pair cables are jointed and
terminated onto the connecting block(s), and the remainder of the pairs continue
through.
(c) Additionally straight and branch jointing of the network shall be performed in
this point, with up to 4 exiting cables permitted as well as the tails to the DP
block if any.
6.2.5.2 In order to accommodate the principal requirement for looping 50-pr cable
through the DP, and the less frequent need for branch jointing cable, two sizes of
pillar will be installed. The same installation requirements shall apply to each
type.

November 2015
6.2.5.3 Pillar type DP's shall be located with due regard for traffic, both pedestrian and
vehicular, and where possible approx. 200mm. from a wall. The pillar DP's shall
preferably be located at the edge of pavement of either street or sidewalk.
6.2.5.4 The base installation of the pillar shall ensure its stability and facilitate the entry
of the required cables. See Section 8.2.5 regarding earthling of pillars.
6.2.6 INDOOR DP HOUSING
6.2.6.1 A suitable location shall be determined which shall be dry, preferably allow
adequate illumination, and have due regard for the cable installation
requirements and security.
6.2.6.2 The written consent of the building owner shall be obtained.
6.2.6.3 An installation height of approx. 1500mm. and clearances of 200mm. on either

side and 1200mm. in front are to be desired.
6.2.7 SUBSCRIBER TERMINAL- BLOCK
6.2.7.1 The subscriber terminal- block shall be placed on the subscriber's property wall,
or on the inside of a boundary wall. A height of approx. 1.50m above ground
level or normal working height for the installer is preferred.
6.2.7.2 A steel 'U' /Plastic guard shall be placed to protect the exposed BSW. The
protection shall extend 300mm below ground level, and, where the BSW passes
through the wall, shall extend 100mm beyond this point.
6.3 PAY TELEPHONE BOOTH
6.3.1 GENERAL.
6.3.1.1 Provision of telephone booths involves two groups of installers:
- OP for civil and booth installation.
-Inside plant, pay-phone installers for the box installation itself.
6.3.2 POWER CONNECTION.
6.3.2.1 Complete installation requirements for the electrical power connection to the
public power supply are not provided under the terms of this document, as local
authority standards will apply.
6.3.2.2 Construction Guidelines Section 4.2 and Material specs. provide the basic
installation requirements to be followed. Co-ordination with the local power
authority is essential for the necessary permission to connect.
6.3.2.3 Attention is drawn to the requirement of a Standard Earth at the circuit breaker
installation point (See Section 8.3).
6.3.3 INSTALLATION OF BOOTH.

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6.3.3.1 The concrete base shall be cast according to the dimensioning shown in
Construction Guide-lines or to the manufacturers installation standards.
6.3.3.2 Protection posts may be installed as required by the Engineer.
6.3.3.3 The standard protection procedure shall place three posts, each with their centre
lines 1000mm distant from the shelter central pillar. Since the shelter shall
normally be located on the corner of a street with the booth access facing the
pedestrian sidewalk, one post shall be directly located on each side, in line with
the central pillar and one post directly behind the shelter.
6.3.3.4 The booth itself shall be assembled and installed according to the supplying
manufacturer's constructions. The BSW connection shall be provided in
accordance with Section 7.2.18.
6.3.3.5 The area disturbed by the installation shall be restored to its original condition.
6.4 RISER PROTECTION.
6.4.1 All external risers shall be protected by steel 'U' sections secured to the wall or
pole at 1000mm intervals. Protection shall be provided for a height of 3m.

November 2015
Copper / Fibre
Optic Cabling

November 2015
7 CABLE INSTALLATION
GENERAL
Note: Test all drums with OTDR before issuing/installation to avoid re-work.
During the pulling Inspector should watch bending radius, kinks, pulling force,
use of Lubricant properly, tension within range, cable guides, Pushing rollers
and enough labours to control the process.
7.1.1 Cable drums shall be rolled in the direction indicated, and handled only with
equipment specifically designed for the purpose (cable trailer, drum jacks, lifting
strops and axles etc). If forklifts are used for lifting of the drums the forks shall
be long enough to support both flanges of the drums.
7.1.2 Cable shall not be pulled along the ground, and operations shall only commence
after the Supervisor is satisfied that adequate facilities are available on the site to
allow correct installation methods to be followed (roller, winches, tension
gauges, lubricants, man power etc). Avoid to place cable without cable drum.
7.1.3 During installation the cable shall be carefully inspected. Each case of damaged
cable discovered before or during installation or by tests or observations after
installation shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Supervisor. The
damaged cable section shall be repaired or replaced promptly. Cable found faulty
after being installed shall be replaced by new undamaged cable.
7.1.4 Cable cores shall be protected at all times. When the cable sheath is opened, the
cable core shall be protected to prevent the ingress of moisture and deleterious
material. If jointing or other work has to be interrupted, the cable core shall be
effectively sealed by an approved method.
7.1.5 For pressurized cables, drum lengths shall be pressurized and shall be pressure
checked upon arrival at the work site. lf the pressure has fallen by 10% of that
indicated by the last pressure test data, within a six month period (pressure fall
shall be reduced pro-rata for time periods less than six months e.g. 3 months, 5%
fall), the drum shall be returned to the stores for examination. Pressure shall also
be checked after cables have been installed.
7.1.6 Cables, which have to be left un-terminated, shall be adequately sealed and
protected required to cover with End caps to all un-terminated cables in yard or
on site.
7.1.7 In all cases the applicable MAT-Spec and the manufacturer’s guide-lines and
instructions on the use and installation of the cables shall be followed (e.g.
bending radii, pulling forces, cleaning fluids etc.).
7.1.8 At all times adequate measures shall be taken to protect existing plant from
damage.

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7.1.9 Plant identification shall be assisted by marking plates and tags to be installed as
indicated by these standards. Reference should be made to the Engineer for any
additional information on designations, which may be required due to on-site
variations to those provided by the approved drawings.
7.2 DIRECT BURIED CABLES.
7.2.1 The most economical method of installation, which is consistent with the ground
conditions encountered, shall be utilized. e.g.. open trench, in duct, in sub-duct
(machine, manual labour and Blowing), ploughing, boring and the like.
7.2.2 Ensure that the cable route is staked, graded and pre-ripped( applicable in long
distance and soft soil, use of Mole Plough).
7.2.3 Where trenching is utilized, the cable bed shall be reasonably levelled. lf the
surrounding ground material is liable to be damaging to the cable, a sand bed
shall be provided, to a minimum thickness of 200mm. The Supervisor shall be
consulted regarding such requirements. (sand bedding 200mm and cover
thickness 200mm).
7.2.4 The backfill may consist of the excavated material where suitable.
7.2.5 If the excavated material is unsuitable (e.g. rock) the cable shall be surrounded
by a minimum thickness of 200mm of sand. Centre the cable in the sand layer
and avoid (zigzag, Ups and downs).
7.2.6 After watering the sand layer make compaction using:
- mechanical type of compactor if the cables are directly buried in sand.
- hand tamper if the cables are passing through PVC ducts.
7.2.7 Trench width shall allow adequate compaction of the backfill material,
nominally 300mm, should be suitable. The backfill and resurfacing operation
shall allow the guidelines laid down in Section 4.
7.2.8 Installation depths and locations are covered by Construction Guidelines.
7.2.9 Warning tape shall be installed above the cable in accordance with Construction
Guidelines. Warning tape shall be 70-mm wide, of yellow PVC, durably marked
with the text ‘TELEPHONE CABLE/ In case non-metallic cable is used then
detectable warring tape is required ) and the telephone handset logo at not more
than 500mm intervals.
7.2.10 Jointing points may have enlarged excavations to facilitate access. Joints shall be
bent out of the straight cable route.
7.2.11 When backfilling around joints particular care shall be taken not to stress the
region where the cable enters the joint enclosure.

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7.2.12 Cable marking plates shall be located for every joint, change of cable direction or
as indicated by the Supervisor. On straight cable sections, markers shall be
provided at 400-m. intervals.
7.2.13 Marker Plates may be fixed to walls or posts as required.
7.2.14 Due regard for workmanship, legibility and defacing of property shall be shown
7.2.15 Alternatively, methods to trace non-metallic cables may be proposed to STC(

Metallic & detectable warning tape with STC LOGO according to Design
guidelines.
7.2.16 When crossing or adjacent to electrical installations, Construction Guidelines

shall be applied. The Inspector/Consultant will verify rocks and prepare Rock
profile will approve if same as per BOQ otherwise will get approval from his
office
7.2.17 ROAD CROSSINGS.
7.2.17.1 Where directly buried cables cross roadways, rail tracks or in other
circumstances as directed by the Supervisor, short lengths of conduit or mini
duct may be installed by keeping clearance from the other services as required by
MOMRA, Service owner requirement and STC standards
7.2.17.2 The type of road crossings shall be in accordance with the details of Construction
Guidelines.
7.2.17.3 If indicated by local conditions and at the discretion of the Supervisor, additional
ducts may be installed if such is judged as being an expediency to future works.
7.2.18 BURIED SERVICE WIRES. (BSW'S)
7.2.18.1 BSW's may be installed jointly with secondary or primary directly buried cables,
in which case they shall be installed at the same depth as these cables. When
installed in an exclusive trench the depth shall be reduced. See Construction
Guidelines.
7.2.18.2 Vacant lots: Should a BSW be indicated for installation on a vacant lot, 5 meter
of the wire shall be coiled and sealed in a plastic bag, and buried at the property
boundary. A marker shall be installed at or near the burial point.
7.2.18.3 The BSW shall be marked at the DP (See Construction Guidelines 5.6.5.) and at
the subscriber termination block by a marking plate. The plate is to be on the
roadside of the wall, and at a height of approx. 1200mm. See Construction
Guidelines for marking information.
7.2.18.4 BSW's shall not normally be installed in the primary cable duct system,
(However conduit designed specifically for subscriber feeds may be encountered
and clearly such are not controlled by this restriction). BSW's may be placed on
top of the conduit.

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7.3 CABLE IN DUCT, SUB-DUCT AND MINI DUCT.
7.3.1 All ducts shall be cleaned and mandrel tested before cables are installed.
7.3.1.1 Any potentially damaging situations determined during the mandrelling

operations shall be examined before proceeding with any installation.
7.3.2 Cables except FO cables shall always be allocated on bottom of duct bank so as
not to obstruct future placing of other cables, i.e. placing shall always start at the
bottom row of the duct assembly, placing the cables row after row, unless
otherwise specified by the Engineer. FO cables shall be installed in the upper
layer of the duct formation.
7.3.3 Ensure that a swivel connector shall be used to attach the grip to the pulling rope.
Cable shall be pulled using cable protection guides and every effort shall be
made to reduce the possibility of any damage to the cable.
7.3.4 Two or more primary or secondary cables may be pulled into the same duct
providing the combined cable diameters do not exceed 90% of the duct diameter
and the length of the cable section will allow easy placing. An adequate swivel
attachment shall be used in order to prevent twisting of the cables. Future
possible requirements for the need to remove the cable shall also be considered.
7.3.5 Ducts allocated to junction cables shall normally not have any other cable type
installed in them.
7.3.6 Cables being pulled into duct shall be lubricated with an approved lubricant as
required. Suitable precautions must be taken to ensure the maximum allowed
pulling force, according to the cable supplier's directions, is not exceeded.
7.3.7 Cables shall be "set" in manholes in such a manner that they do not block vacant
ducts or restrict the working space. Suitable cable bearers according to MAT
2021 shall be installed and the cable shall be secured to the bearers.
7.3.7.1 The bending radii of the cable shall be kept as large as possible, and under no
circumstances be less than that specified either by MAT spec or by the
manufacturer.
7.3.7.2 The cable shall not be flattened, kinked nor frequently re-bent about the same
point.
7.3.7.3 Prior to commencing the "set" of a cable, the sealed end shall be opened, to
permit the conductors to move freely, during the operations.
7.3.7.4 Should the jointing of the cable not be a follow-on procedure, the cable shall be
re-capped after its installation.
7.3.8 When the cable has been secured in the manhole the duct shall be sealed with a
suitable (approved material from STC) compound, which will allow the removal
of the cable at a future date. Cree page of the cable after installation shall be
prevented.

November 2015
7.3.9 In every manhole each cable shall be labelled with a metal tag on which cable
data, (Size, Type and Cable Number) shall be indelibly inscribed also avoid
cable crossing See Construction Guidelines.
7.3.9.1 Cables shall also be supplied with a marker tag on each side of a joint.
7.3.10 Cable shall be suitably protected between time of placing and jointing. Sufficient
time after placing shall be permitted, to allow for sheath retraction.
7.3.11 At the discretion of the Engineer, and as indicated by the site conditions "Cable
Protection" may be installed over vulnerable cables (e.g. where significantly
exposed under a manhole frame and cover).
7.4 AERIAL CABLE
7.4.1 CABLE ON POLES.
7.4.1.1 Aerial cables shall be placed on the street side of the pole.
7.4.1.2 The minimum clearance from ground to the lowest point in the span of the cable
shall be 5-m. At entrances to factories, open areas etc., the minimum clearance
shall be increased to 6.5 m. At thoroughfares or road crossings the current
specifications of MOMRA or MOC shall apply.
7.4.1.3 A new cable shall preferably be placed underneath an existing cable. Vertical
clearance at the pole between cables shall be at least 200mm.
7.4.1.4 The tensioning force applied to the suspension wire shall be calculated so that
the most unfavourable loading conditions do not cause the resultant stress to
exceed 70% of the tensile strength of the wire.
7.4.1.5 The suspension strand shall be electrically continuous throughout its entire
length. It shall be bonded to other suspension strands supported on the same
poles and earthed to each DP earth bar. See also engineering Standardd 4.5. A
standard earth shall be installed at 1-km intervals, to which all suspension strands
and screens etc. shall be bonded. See Section 8.3 Standard Earth.
7.4.1.6 For straight lines or lines with an angle of deflection of less than 30°, poles shall
be provided on the route at intervals of approximately 50-m.
7.4.1.7 In order to prevent "galloping" all aerial cables shall be twisted about one turn
for every 20-m of span.
7.4.1.8 When high voltage (over 600 V) or un-insulated power lines and telephone aerial
cables are parallel the minimum distance between them shall be at least 1.5 times
the height of the power pole.
7.4.1.9 Cable guards shall be applied over the cable at points of potential abrasion.
7.4.1.10 Jointing shall be carried out as soon as possible after placing the cable. The joints
on the span shall always be situated within one meter of the pole or placed down
the pole where practical.
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7.4.2 CABLE ON BUILDING AND PERIMETER WALLS
7.4.2.1 Making holes for cables and for suspension devices shall be carried out with the
minimum possible damage to the wall surface, and any required restoration shall
be carried out.
7.4.2.2 Where possible, cables shall be run in straight lines, vertically and/or
horizontally and placed so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.
7.4.2.3 Where cable is required to cross an access between buildings, a vehicle clearance
of 6.5-m shall be achieved. If such is not possible, the cable shall be laid
underground, with a transition from aerial cable. The Supervisor's assistance
shall be sought where clarification of the installation requirements is necessary.
The distance between attachment points shall be determined by the nature of the
supporting wall and the size of the cable. For cable bends a point of attachment
shall be provided on each side of the bend as close to the bend as possible.
7.5 INTERNAL CABLING
7.5.1 Indoor cables/wires may be installed in ducts, cable trays/ladders on raceways or

attached directly to walls.
7.5.2 Where possible, ducts and other installations into which cable can be
conveniently installed shall be chosen.
7.5.3 Cables in vertical shafts shall be secured according to the manufacturer’s

recommendations and at not more than 200-cm intervals.
7.5.4 All necessary precautions must be observed when pulling cables through
conduits to ensure damage to the cables or conduit does not occur.
7.5.5 Holes required for cables or attaching devices shall be made with the minimum
possible damage to the wall surface. Any damage or disfigurement shall be
restored.
7.5.6 Where practical, cables which are surface mounted shall be run in straight lines
vertically and/or horizontally, and placed as inconspicuously as possible.
7.5.7 Where external cables enter a building for transition to indoor cable, the
maximum indoor length of the polyethylene-sheathed cable shall be 5-m if not
protected by a flame retarding material i.e., sleeve or duct.
From the building entrance to the equipment room required to be protected with
fire retardant pipe. From the building entrance to the equipment room required to
be protected with fire retardant pipe.
7.5.8 Suitably aesthetically pleasing channelling or ducting shall be used to protect and
mask the indoor installations.

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7.5.9 Where the running of large numbers of indoor cables occurs, (e.g. termination
joints to MDF cable vaults), particular care shall be taken to ensure that a neat
workmanlike and logical cabling system is provided. The Engineer or the
Supervisor shall advise as necessary.
7.5.10 Holes made for the vertical passage of cable through a building (e.g.. MDF
access) shall be sealed with fire retarding materials, in accordance with the
prevailing building specifications.
7.5.11 As required by site conditions, fire protective sealing shall also be applied to
horizontal cable access holes, as indicated by the Engineer (e.g., generator
rooms).
7.5.12 If AC mains cables are installed adjacent to the telecom cables a minimum
separation of 20-cm shall be allowed between them. Alternatively, the AC mains
may be installed in earthed metal conduit in which case the spacing requirement
may be reduced.
7.5.13 AC mains cables and telephone cables may be installed together in raceways
made of plastic, if a divider is available securing the separation of the different
types of cables..
7.6 FIBER OPTICAL CABLES
7.6.1 GENERAL COMMENTS REGARDING FO CABLE – LD, JCN &

ACCESS
7.6.1.1 The transmission quality and characteristics of fibre optical cable are degraded
when the cable is subjected to excessive pulling tensions, compressions or to
small bending radii. Additionally, the number of fusion joints in a repeater
section are designed to a minimum, to reduce transmission losses.
7.6.1.2 To reduce the number of fusion joints in an fiber optical cable network cable reel
lengths may be as much as 2 and possibly 4-km for conduit installation, and may
exceed 8 km for buried installations.
Consequently the Engineer, accompanied by the Supervisor, will survey the

route and determine the drum-end joint locations to avoid cutting the cable due
to unforeseen conditions..
7.6.1.3 Because of the structure of the fiber optical cable, extra care should be taken to
avoid damage during handling and placing. Sharp bends should be avoided and
precautions taken to prevent the cable being deformed during placing. Any such
damage alters the transmission characteristics to the extent that the cable section
may have to be replaced.
The following should be observed:
Pulling tension must not exceed 2.0 KN for duct cables and 1.0 KN for direct
buried cables.

November 2015
The minimum dynamic bending radius for moving cable is 20 times the outside
diameter of the cable.
The minimum static bend for fixed cable is 10 times the outside diameter of the
cable, If the cable is laid out on the ground, no traffic of any form can be allowed
to run over it.
7.6.1.4 The cable should not be cut at any point that is not specified by the Engineer.
The Supervisor/Engineer should be consulted regarding any circumstances
developing which may require additional cable cuts and consequent joints.
7.6.1.5 The work area should kept free of scrap fiber. Waste fiber should be disposed of
in such a manner so as to prevent particles blowing into people’s eyes.
7.6.1.6 Always wear safety glasses when working with optical fibers
7.6.2 DIRECTLY BURIED CABLE
The most economical method of installation, which is consistent with the ground
conditions encountered, shall be utilized. e.g.. trenching (machine, manual
labour), plough, boring and the like. Ensure that the cable route is staked, graded
and pre-ripped.
7.6.2.1 The depth of installation and related details, etc., are given in Construction
Guidelines.
7.6.2.2 The backfilling operation shall follow Section 4.4. However, the first 200-mm of
fill surrounding the cables shall be sand, containing no particles larger than 10-
mm. The cable shall be cantered in the sand bed.
7.6.2.3 Cable markers shall be placed as per Section 7.2.
7.6.2.4 In open rural areas where obstacles do not impede the movement of large, heavy,
placing equipment, mole-plough shall be used.
7.6.2.5 If plough of cable is to take place, every precaution is to be taken to ensure the
smooth payout of cable from the plough shoe. The plough shall be suited with a
braking device for the cable drum in case of sudden stops in the plough. The
plough shoe shall be provided with separate outlets in order to achieve the
placement of e.g., warning tape at its appropriate depth. Care shall be taken to
prevent trapping or wedging the cable between rocks or other debris disturbed by
the passage of the plough
7.6.2.6 Warning tapes, lightning protection wire etc. shall be installed during the plough
operation as per Construction Guidelines.
7.6.2.7 Long distance cables shall normally be directly buried in rural areas. Where
rocky or stony soil conditions exist then the cables shall be installed in a rigid
duct for further protection. In this case consideration shall be given to mole
plough whereby the cable and duct may be installed at the same time.

November 2015
7.6.2.8 For junction and access routes, conventional trenching (machine or manual
labour) of Optical Fiber buried cables shall be installed in a rigid duct for extra
protection
7.6.3 CABLE IN DUCT
Section 7.1 and 7.3 shall apply, however the following points shall have
precedence.
7.6.3.1 Cable tension shall be monitored continuously during installation. The absolute
force applied to the cable during the pulling shall be monitored continuously.
7.6.3.2 Due to the long installation lengths required, pushing jetting or blowing
technique are required. The Engineer shall approve the installation work plan
prior to the commencement of the cable installation.
7.6.3.3 Urban junction and access cables shall normally be installed in ducts.
7.6.3.4 Generally, where cable is installed in sub-ducts, care shall be taken to ensure that
any pulling lubricants being used do not "pack" or otherwise form obstructions to
the cabling progress. The use of lubricants is to be carefully controlled by the
Supervisor
7.6.3.5 All Fibre Optical cables to be hauled in existing or new conduits shall be placed
in sub-ducts.
7.6.3.6 Fibre Optical cables shall be installed in the upper layer of a duct route whenever
possible.
7.6.3.7 Warning markers shall be placed in at least 3 locations in the manhole, to inform
of the presence of Fiber Optical cable.
7.6.3.8 One marker shall be fixed on the manhole collar, adjacent to the manhole marker
plate. Warnings shall also be secured adjacent to the relevant duct entrances.
7.6.3.9 Cables shall be provided with marker tags according to Section 7.3.9. In every
manhole each cable shall be labelled with a metal tag on which cable data, (Size,
Type and Cable Number) shall be indelibly inscribed also avoid cable crossing
See Construction Guidelines.
7.6.5 FO INDOOR CABLES
Section 7.1 and 7.5 shall apply, however the following points shall have
precedence.
7.6.5.1 Normally a transition will be required from polyethylene sheathed external cable
to an indoor cable with a flame retarded sheath, e.g. halogen free polyethylene
co-polymer. This transition shall take place in the cable vault.
7.6.5.2 A dedicated cable tray shall be provided for the placing of external and internal
cables, from the duct entry of the cable vault or container to the ODF. The
November 2015
external cable shall be protected by a flame retarded halogen free flexible tubing,
of colour orange.
7.6.5.3 As an alternative to the use of an indoor cable, a flame retarded sheath, e.g.
halogen free polyethylene co-polymer material can be shrunk onto the external
cable, if the indoor length is relatively short.
7.6.5.4 Care shall be taken that no sharp edges, small bends, or other potential hazardous
obstacles exist on the cable route through the building (e.g., conduit, trunking,
plenum ducts, etc.).
7.6.5.5 Marking tags shall be provided along the cable, at regular intervals, not
exceeding 10-m. (if there is more cable then form in the bank by lose lasing
taking at corners)
7.6.5.6 All accesses formed through the building shall be re-sealed so as to comply with
the fire protection standards, as laid down in the STC Building Specifications.
7.7 JOINTING AND TERMINATING OF CABLE
7.7.1 GENERAL
7.7.1.1 Before jointing of cable shall commence, the Supervisor should be assured that
all materials, tools, test equipment and provisions for emergency closure of the
joint, are available at the location and most important is jointing vehicle to
protect fibre from moisture and dust.
7.7.1.2 Manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of material and cable

preparation shall be followed.
7.7.1.3 Care shall be taken that the work is protected against the entry of deleterious
substances.
7.7.1.4 Jointing errors: All errors in the jointing of cable pairs, determined by the
commissioning tests, shall be corrected to achieve the standards laid down in
Section 7.7.
7.7.1.5 The location of the joints, if not specified by the design, shall consider the
requirements of future cable placement or reinforcement, and access for
maintenance.
7.7.1.6 Under normal conditions a maximum of 4 cables may converge on one joint
enclosure. The configuration may therefore be 1 + 3 or 2 + 2: (applicable in
copper cable or existing joints (Flat or box type) while all other new joints are
dome type & multiple cables eateries up to 64
7.7.1.7 Economic and engineering considerations may outweigh the general guideline.
7.7.1.8 "Termination" type joints may have more than 4 cables entering a joint e.g..
- Termination joint in a cable vault - "Looped" DP

November 2015
- Cabinet stub cables (if required).
7.7.1.9 Enclosures shall be applied according to the manufacturer's directions, so as to

achieve an air and watertight environment within the joint.
7.7.1.10 Materials shall comply with TS 3442 and TS 3441.
7.7.1.11 Joint enclosures shall only be utilized with the cable type for which they are
designed.
7.7.1.12 Where lead sleeves or other forms of metallic enclosure are utilized, adequate
anti-corrosion measures shall be provided.
7.7.2 INSTALLATION OF JOINT ENCLOSURES IN MANHOLES.
7.7.2.1 The location of a joint enclosure in a manhole shall be specified by the Engineer.
For any deviations, an approved sketch will be required.
7.7.2.2 Where more than one bay is available, the joint enclosures shall alternate
between the bays, and also vertically.
7.7.2.3 In order to facilitate future cable re-arrangements "branch" cables joining a

"main" cable, shall be looped at least halfway around the manhole, before
entering the joint.
7.7.2.4 "Through going" main cables shall not be crossed over a duct face to reach a
joint location.
7.7.2.5 Branch cables which must cross from one side of the manhole to the other, shall
be led preferably above the duct faces, or if necessary, below (for the bottom
cables).
7.7.2.6 At the discretion of the Engineer, according to very special site conditions, "Joint
Protection" may be installed over vulnerable joint enclosures, or over cables of
particular importance.
7.6.4.1 In the manhole, the Optical Fiber splice will be housed at the top of the racking
directly within the manhole. The splice would be supported by a bracket, which
will also support the cable as it enters the splice closure. Cable slack should be
kept to the minimum but providing sufficient slack to allow ease of access to
perform splicing operation. This slack should be racked carefully to minimize the
space used, to protect it from damage.
7.6.4.2 Transition joints between duct cables and direct buried cables shall be made in
the last manhole of the duct route.
7.7.3 INSTALLATION OF ENCLOSURES - DIRECTLY BURIED.

November 2015
7.7.3.1 Directly Buried joints should not be made in potentially hazardous locations, e.g.
road junctions crossing another utility.
7.7.3.2 The precautions outlined in Section 7.2 shall be followed regarding the
backfilling around joints and placing of joint markers.
7.7.3.3 Directly Buried joint enclosures shall be placed in ground surrounded by sand
without further encasement, or joint stabilizer. A layer of bricks or concrete tiles
shall be installed approximately 30-cm above the joint enclosure.
7.7.4 CONDUCTOR JOINTING.
7.7.4.1 Conductor jointing shall consist of forming a durable connection between two or
more conductors, complying with TS 3551 or TS 3553 regarding resistance and
physical strength, of the completed work. No electrical contact with adjacent
conductors shall be possible. ‘Crimping’ tools shall be regularly serviced.
Jointing sequences and arrangements shall follow accepted telecommunication
practices. The splicing modules shall be numbered with a waterproof pen.
7.7.4.2 In Primary cables, and all buried secondary cable joints, ‘dead pairs’ shall be
jointed through, where possible. ‘Dead pairs’ left in a joint are to be insulated
from each other by cutting with appropriate tool. The maximum length of
conductors shall be left in such cases, so as to facilitate possible future use.
7.7.4.3 All cable pairs which have one end terminated at an accessible test point (e.g..
MDF, cabinet), but which are not terminated at the far end ("stumped pairs"),
shall be "back jointed", to facilitate testing and future use. The requirement may
be rescinded by STC in certain circumstances where alternative verification
procedures are involved (i.e. jointing integrity is assured). The "stumped" pairs
shall be looped back to the cabinet and/or exchange in ten pair groups; pair 1
jointed to pair 6, 2 to 7, 3 to 8, 4 to 9 and 5 to 10, repeated as required.
7.7.4.4 All screen, earth conductors and armouring etc shall be made electrically
continuous, through the joint. Should the existing cable not contain a screen etc
(e.g.. indoor cable), an earth bond wire shall exit the enclosure. See paragraph
8.1.10.
7.7.5 CUT OVER, OF PAIRS IN SERVICE (WORKING) AND TRANSFER OF

CABLES.
7.7.5.1 The existing joint shall be prepared and pairs identified for the required cutover
works.
7.7.5.2 Verifications shall be done of all working pairs to confirm circuit and recording
as required by STC.
7.7.5.3 Full co-ordination with STC shall be given to ensure the minimum disruption to
subscribers through using a non-break transfer method.

November 2015
7.7.5.4 Cable pairs shall be tee-jointed with a 10 pair half tap splicing modules as
scheduled, or using approved jointing techniques and testing as specified. See
Section 7.8 and Construction Guidelines 6.1.
7.7.5.5 Any faults introduced, as a result of the contractor’s negligence shall be repaired.
7.7.5.6 On completion of the cutover, all dead pairs shall be removed, ensuring there are
no faults on final joint.
7.7.5.7 Updated records shall be returned to STC in an agreed format.
7.7.5.8 All scrap and debris shall be removed, including redundant jumpering on MDF
and in the cabinet.
7.7.6 CUTOVER OF PAIRS NOT IN SERVICE (NON WORKING) AND

TRANSFER OF CABLES.
7.7.6.1 The existing joint shall be prepared and pairs identified for the required cutover
works.
7.7.6.2 Verification shall be done of all non-working pairs and recording as required by
STC.
7.7.6.3 Full co-ordination with STC shall be given to ensure the minimum disruption to
subscribers.
7.7.6.4 Cable pairs shall be tee-jointed as scheduled, using approved jointing techniques
and testing as specified. See Section 7.8 and Construction guidelines 6.1.
7.7.6.5 Any faults introduced, as a result of the contractor’s negligence shall be repaired.
7.7.6.6 On completion of the cutover, all dead pairs shall be removed, ensuring there are
no faults on final joint.
7.7.6.7 Updated records shall be returned to STC in an agreed format.
7.7.6.8 All scrap and debris shall be removed, including redundant jumpering on MDF
and in the cabinet.
7.7.7 CABLE TERMINATIONS.
7.7.7.1 The location of all cable terminations shall be specified by the Engineer, or the
Supervisor. Should the design require modification on-site the supervisor shall
be consulted and the engineer shall be notified.
7.7.7.2 Screens and armouring shall be made available for earthling at all termination
points.
7.7.7.3 Within cable vaults, the termination locations shall be according to the
Engineer's drawing with modification only made after consultation with the
Engineer. The joint shall be secured in a neat and professional fashion to the

November 2015
racking system provided. No strain shall be transmitted to the cable once the
joint is secured.
7.7.7.4 The location of the terminal block shall be according to the approved drawings.
Any on-site variation must be authorized by the Supervisor.
7.7.7.5 The termination of cables at DP blocks shall utilize materials according to MAT
specifications, and shall be installed according to the manufacturer's installation
procedures.
7.7.7.6 All terminations shall be labelled according to the details of Construction

Guidelines, Section 5.7 with the appropriate designation for the terminating
pairs.
7.7.7.7 For the termination of the 4 pair BSW in the distribution point, pair one and pair
two of each BSW will be terminated at the Subscriber Terminal Box and at the
DP.
7.7.7.8 Terminations of BSW's or Drop wires shall use material to TS 3112.
7.8 TESTING OF COMPLETED PLANT - ELECTRICAL.
7.8.1 Electrical and transmission tests of completed cable and network items shall be
performed. The testing shall verify the compliance of the plant with the
requirements of Construction Guidelines in conjunction with the stipulated
Planning design of the installation.
7.8.2 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS OF COMPLETED PLANT
Note: All measurements converted to 45°C
Item Measurement Frequency/ Conductor diameter. STANDARD Notes

no. Voltage Mm
1 Insulation Resistance D.C. 250 V Cellular ins.:1000 M . km Air core and self Air core and
Solid ins.:2000 M .km support cable self supp. cable
2 Insulation Resistance D.C. 250 V 1000 MΩ/km Jelly -filled cable
3.a Conductor loop D.C 0.4 317 /km
Resistance
3.b Conductor loop D.C 0.5 1 /km
Resistance
3.c Conductor loop D.C 0.65 137/km
Resistance
3.d Conductor loop D.C 0.9 85 /km
Resistance
4 Resistance D.C 4%
unbalance
5.a Attenuation of 1000 ± 200 Hz 0.4 1.8 dB/km
cable pairs
5.b Attenuation of 1001 ± 200 Hz 0.5 1.45 dB/km
cable pairs
November 2015
5.c Attenuation of cable 1002 ± 200 Hz 0.65 1.1 dB/km

pairs
5.d Attenuation of 1003 ± 200 Hz 0.9 0.8 dB/km
cable pairs
JOINTING INTEGRITY
Continuity All pairs free from Open
Shorts
Grounds
Pair Integrity All pairs free from Crosses
Splits
Transpose
Reverse
Electrical requirements of completed plant
7.9 JOINTING AND TERMINATION OF FIBER OPTICAL CABLES.
7.9.1 The joints shall be encased in a joint enclosure according to MAT-4121. The
fibers shall be protected and stored, inclusive spare fibers, in fiber splice trays.
No bare fibers are allowed to appear outside the splice trays.
7.9.2 The instructions of the supplier of joint enclosure shall be applied regarding the
installation and sealing of the closure.
7.9.3 The optical fibers shall be jointed by the use of fusion splicing. Mechanical
splices (connectors) shall only be allowed for temporary connections.
7.9.4 The splicing device shall be capable of jointing all common types of single mode
fibers without exceeding the specified attenuation. It shall be able to
automatically carry out the major adjustments necessary and evaluate the quality
of the joint.
7.9.5 After jointing, the jointing machine shall determine the actual splice loss at 1300
nm and either display or print the value. The accuracy of this reading shall be
within ± 0.1 dB.
7.9.6 The typical splice loss shall be 0.15 dB and not exceed 0.3 dB. (it should exceed
0.06db)
7.9.7 The FO joints shall be protected and stored, with the spare fibers, in “fiber
organizer cassettes”. The fiber organizer cassettes and the joint enclosure to
accommodate these cassettes shall fully comply with MAT Spec 4121. Bare
fibers must not be stored outside the cassettes.
7.9.8 The termination of FO-cables shall be done according to the instructions of the
supplier of termination equipment.

November 2015
7.9.9 Cable jointing (splicing) shall be performed by qualified personnel, using proven
methods that will cause the minimum of mismatch or other disturbance to the
characteristics of the cables, and in particular will assure satisfactory operation at
the operating wavelength.
7.9.10 The jointing methods to be utilized shall be submitted for the approval of the
Transmission Engineer, along with test measurements of cables jointed with the
proposed methods.
7.9.11 The Engineer shall be informed for the allowed joint loss component of the
power budget be likely to be exceeded.
7.9.12 Approval of Transmission results shall be given by the Transmission Engineer.
7.9.13 The terminal end of the cable will normally be spliced to a pre-manufactured
"tail", terminating with a demountable connector, mating with a similar unit on
the terminal rack or patch panel. Cable clamping devices may be provided to
restrain the in-coming cable, and relevant strength members.
7.10 TESTING OF COMPLETED PLANT - OPTICAL
7.10.1 Installers shall submit to the Engineer their proposals of test procedures and
format of reporting for implementation and acceptance of an FO cable link. A
link is deemed as the span between two regenerators housed in stations/shelters
physically connected by fusion spliced fibers.
7.10.2 As a minimum the following shall be reported:
- The splice loss of each fiber at each single joint measured both directions by
means of OTDR at 1550 nm.
- The optical length from the cable termination at the measurement end of each
section and to the distant termination by means of OTDR at 1550 nm.
- The overall quality check record of each section on each
- Fibre, measured in both directions of the link by means of OTDR at 1550 nm.
- The attenuation per fiber of the link measured at 1300/1550 nm and/or at

1490/1625 nm in both directions of transmission.
7.11 EARTHING AND PROTECTION
Section 8 shall be applied
7.11.1 All metallic components within the cable must be continuous within the section
(i.e., between transmit and receive points), unless specified otherwise by the
Engineer.

November 2015
7.11.2 Metallic cable sheaths and moisture barrier shall be bonded to the termination
racks, or repeater cases
8 EARTHING
8.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLE
8.1.1 Protection against overvoltage’s shall be provided both at the exchange MDF,
and in the cable plant. This protection shall partly consist of Earthling procedures
to be outlined below. This section deals only with the cable plant from the
termination joints in the cable vaults, with earthling to be provided as follows:
- Earthling of screen and metallic sheath.
- Earthling of terminals in cabinets and DP's.
- Earthling of the armouring of armoured cables.
- Earthling of suspension strands of aerial cable.
8.1.2 Earthling material shall comply with MAT 3511.
8.1.3 Within a cable vault, or equivalent cable termination facility, all screens, metallic
sheathings or armouring, suspension wires etc., shall be connected to the earth
bar provided on the cable racking.
8.1.4 If requested by the Engineer, the integrity of the earth bar connection to the main
exchange earth shall be tested. It shall comply with the building specifications of
the STC.
8.1.5 Primary cables shall have moisture barriers and screens earthed at cable vault
and cabinets to their respective earthling terminals. In addition the moisture
barriers and screens shall be earthed in all cable joints.
8.1.6 Secondary cables shall have moisture barriers and screens earthed at both
cabinets and DP's to their respective earthling terminals.
8.1.7 All armouring shall be earthed at vault, cabinets, and DP. Additional points may
be provided as required.
8.1.8 Conductive suspension strands of aerial cable shall be earthed as described in

paragraph 7.4.1.5.
8.1.9 All manhole furnishings shall be earth bonded by the provision of an earth
ribbon around the inside of the manhole perimeter, with earth ribbon installed
into each jointing bay for connection to cable earth’s during jointing. The bond
ribbon shall be secured to the manhole walls at 300-mm intervals and connected
to an earthling rod with the specified standard earth resistance.

November 2015
8.1.9.1 The reinforcing steel of manholes shall have at least two earth wires bonded to
the steel and accessible on the inside of the manhole, for connection to the
bonding ribbon.
8.1.10 Transition joints between cables containing moisture barriers, screens, armouring
etc, to cable which lack one or more of such earthling facilities, shall have all the
relevant elements bonded together, and through to the outgoing cables elements
incoming moisture barrier and armouring, to be connected to outgoing moisture
barrier. Where no outgoing element is present, i.e. with TS 2004, the incoming
earth’s shall be led out of the enclosure to permit bonding to external earthling
facilities.
8.2 EARTHING OF CABLE TERMINATIONS
8.2.1 At vault/exchange terminations a separate earth strand shall be connected to each

joint and bonded to the termination rack earth system.
8.2.2 Terminal blocks in cabinets shall be connected to the cabinet earth terminal,
which shall be connected to a standard outside earth.
8.2.3 Earth terminals of external (wall mounted or pole mounted) DP's shall be earthed
to a standard earth within an aerial network.
8.2.4 Wall mounted DP's fed by a DBC shall be provided with an earth terminal for
possible future earthing requirements.
8.2.5 EARTHING OF PILLAR DP’s.
8.2.5.1 When pillar DP's consist of a metal housing, buried to a depth of at least 0.5-m,
no additional earthing shall normally be installed.
8.2.5.2 If the pillar housing is of plastic or similar non-conductive material, the

following shall apply:
If the support to the DP is a steel stake or similar conductive structural item, and
the installation requires at least 0.7 m driven into the ground, no additional
earthling shall normally be installed.
If the DP is supported by a non-conductive structure (e.g., concrete, buried

plastic base) a standard earth shall be installed and bonded to the earth terminal
of the DP.
8.2.6 Indoor DP's shall be provided with an earth terminal, for possible future earthing
requirements.
8.3 STANDARD EARTH
8.3.1 The standard Earth in outside plant applications shall normally be around 5-10 Ω
earth resistance.

November 2015
8.3.2 The standard earth shall consist of two earthing rods driven, where possible,
consecutively into the ground. Where rocky soils prevent such installations, the
rods may be driven separately with a minimum separation of 1.50-m.
Interconnection between rod and earthing bar shall consist of earthing.
8.3.3 The standard earth may also consist of earth wire(s) buried in the trench of the
incoming cables if necessary to achieve the prescribed earth resistance.
8.3.4 Electronic equipment in the network shall have a standard earth corresponding to
an exchange of the same size. A service access point shall have standard earth
corresponding to the expected ultimate utilization of the service access point.
8.3.5 The interconnecting strand shall be buried at a depth of approx. 300-mm. with a
warning tape placed 100-mm above the strand.
8.3.6 The standard earth shall be tested on a random basis but as a continuous testing
program.
9 PRESSURIZATION
9.1 GENERAL
This section is only applicable to work on existing cable networks and not to any
new cable networks where jelly filled cables are installed. Air pressure feeding
systems shall not be interconnected beyond the exchange feed panel.
9.2 AIR PRESSURE SUPPLY - WITHIN EXCHANGE
9.2.1 AIR COMPRESSOR/DRYER (MAT 6002).
9.2.1.1 The room in which the compressor/dryer is to be placed shall be dry and well
ventilated. It is usually installed in the cable vault close to the network cables to
be pressurized.
9.2.1.2 The compressor/dryer shall be connected to standby power of the exchange in

addition to the public mains.
9.2.1.3 The air connection between the compressor/dryer and the pressurization rack
shall be done with polyethylene tubing. A shut-off valve for isolating the air
supply to the entire pressurization rack shall be provided.
9.2.1.4 Alarms from the compressor/dryer shall be interconnected with the exchange
alarms, as per the Engineers design.
9.2.2 PRESSURIZATION RACK.
9.2.2.1 The pressurization rack shall consist of standard 0.60m x 2m rack on which can
be mounted the following equipment:
- Main Supply Manifold

November 2015
- Feeding Panel
- Pressure Regulator
- Flow Transducers
- Alarm Blocks.
9.2.2.2 A shut-off valve shall be provided on each individual Feeding Panel to control
the air supply to a given air pipe.
9.2.2.3 The pressurization rack shall be located in a dry and well- ventilated room and as
close to the cable joints as possible.
This requirement will usually imply installation in the cable vault.
9.2.3 FEEDING PANEL.
9.2.3.1 The feeding panel consists of the assembly of a manifold, pressure regulator and
flow transducers.
9.2.3.2 The feeding panel shall be mounted on the pressurization rack.
9.2.3.3 The air connections to the cables shall be made as specified by the Engineer.
Connections shall be made to the termination joint of PES cables and to various
points across the cable via an air pipe feeding system.
9.2.3.4 The air connection between the pressurization rack and the individual cables
shall be laid in a suitable PVC toughing with a removable cover which shall be
placed high on the cable vault racking and shall lead to the pressurization rack.
Check valves shall be installed between the primary cable joint and the PVC
tubing.
9.3 AIR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -EXTERNAL TO

EXCHANGE
9.3.1 AIR PIPE FEED SYSTEM.
9.3.1.1 Air pipes from the feeding panel shall be installed into the conduit system in
accordance with the Engineer’s design. All procedures utilized for the
installation of PES and EES cables shall be followed. See Section 7.
9.3.1.2 Air pipes shall be labelled in each manhole with similar tags and identifications
as shown in Construction Guidelines
9.3.1.3 Air pipes shall be installed pressurized, and shall be tested for pressure integrity
on completion of the pulling operations. An internal pressure of 1000 mbar shall
be maintained.

November 2015
9.3.1.4 Whenever possible, the air pipe shall be placed in a duct occupied by a small
cable or an existing air pipe. The cable must not exceed 50-mm in diameter.
9.3.1.5 When more than one air pipe is required, they shall be installed in the same duct.
9.3.1.6 Air pipe shall be placed in the top position on the manhole rack and secured with
cable ties.
9.3.1.7 Consecutive pipe sections must be immediately connected and pressurized.

Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent ingress of water during
installation.
9.3.1.8 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS.
9.3.1.9 Distribution manifolds shall be installed at approx. 600 meter to 800 meter
intervals .
9.3.1.10 Pressurization equipment (manifold, flow transducers) shall be installed in the

top corner areas of manholes. Equipment shall be positioned for easy access for
maintenance and testing operations.
9.3.2 PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.
9.3.2.1 Pressure transducers shall be installed in cabinets at intervals along each primary
cable (approx. every third cabinet).
9.3.2.2 The air connection to the cable shall be made with polyethylene tubing. The
tubing shall not be directly buried.
9.3.2.3 The transducer signalling output shall normally be connected to the first primary
pair in the cabinet.
9.3.2.4 The transducer shall be labelled in accordance with Construction Guidelines.
9.3.3 FLOW TRANSDUCERS.
9.3.3.1 A flow transducer shall be installed at each manifold location. It shall be fitted to
the input port of the manifold so that only the airflow to the manifolds will be
measured.
9.3.3.2 The transducers shall meet the requirements specified in MAT 6002.
9.3.3.3 Electrical connection shall be made from the transducer to a cable pair. The
connection shall normally be made in a cabinet. The wire connection from the
transducer shall be replaced with a BSW (TS 2221), and sealed to the transducer
housing.
9.3.3.4 Alternatively, the wire connection can be made in a joint.
9.3.4 VALVES.

November 2015
A pressure flange shall be provided at every joint. A test valve shall also be
installed.
9.3.5 AIR PLUGS.
Air plugs shall be formed at all pressurized cable terminations in cabinets and at
transitions to non-pressurized cables.
9.4 PRESSURIZATION MONITORING
This section deals with the equipment installed for the Pressurization, Alarm and
Monitoring System (PAMS).
9.4.1 EXCHANGE MONITOR.
9.4.1.1 The exchange monitor shall be installed in a dry, dust proof and well-ventilated
room. Considering the delicate circuitry of the exchange monitor, it shall be
located in a controlled air environment (i.e. switching area). The installation shall
be in accordance with the exchange floor plan space allocation.
9.4.1.2 The equipment shall be mounted on a separate universal rack with front access
only. The rack shall measure 60-cm in width and either 270- cm or 290-cm in
height depending on the exchange site.
9.4.1.3 The exchange monitor shall be installed as specified by the manufacturer and
programmed with pressure system data provided by the network design
Engineer.
9.4.1.4 All the primary pairs, to which sensing devices are connected, shall be wired to
the exchange monitor using a tie cable as specified by the Engineer. The tie cable
shall be 100 pairs. Installed spare capacity shall be a minimum of either 25 pairs
or 25 % of the sensing devices connected, whichever is the smaller.
9.4.1.5 The equipment shall be hardwired to the power supply. Connection made with a
plug shall not be permitted.
9.4.2 DATA CENTRES.
9.4.2.1 Data centres shall be installed at locations specified by the engineer for the
purpose of taking and displaying pressurization data.
9.4.3 CROSS-CONNECTING BLOCKS.
9.4.3.1 Interfacing of all sensing device connections and the exchange monitor shall be
done on cross connecting blocks mounted on the main distribution frame, the
exchange monitor rack and vault area for feeding panel and dryer alarms.
9.4.3.2 A schematic of the basic system arrangement is given in Construction

Guidelines.
9.5 TESTING OF COMPLETED PLANT - PRESSURE

November 2015
All pressurized cable and air pipe systems shall be tested for compliance with the
requirements of Construction Guidelines, in conjunction with the planning
design of the installation.
The current process flow involves Planning, Design and Implementation

activities. As a high level process, Planning issues the Planning Memo which
Network Design converts to ISP and OSP SOW and WO’s. Implementation OSP
Contractors implement the WO and delivers the complete Civil and Fiber for
MDU Integration.

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November 2015

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 1 (71)

DOCUMENT AMENDMENT RECORD

NAME DEPARTMENT SIGNATURE DATE

Fixed Network ISP

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 2 (71)

2 CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES.................................... 6

3 DAMAGES AND RESPONSABILITIES ............................................................. 9

4 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR CIVIL WORK......................................... 9

5 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR AERIAL NETWORK ........................... 59

6 ANCILLARY NETWORK ITEMS (CABINETS DISTRIBUTION POINTS ETC.) 63

7 CABLE INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 68

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 3 (71)

These standards are to be applied in conjunction with following STC documents:

- CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (Volume OP-03)

- DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS (Volume OP-04)

- PLANT UNIT DESCRIPTION (Volume OP-05),

- MATERIAL SPECIFICATION (Volume OP-06)

STC Saudi Telecom Company Engineer

Standards The STC Planning, Construction, Material and documentation.

The following abbreviations are used in this text:

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 4 (71)

ABD As-Built Drawing

BSW Buried Service Wire

CTB Cable Terminal Box

C ITU International Telecommunication

MDF Main Distribution Frame

RSU Remote Subscriber Unit

SAP Services Access Point

SRE Sending Reference Equivalent

STB Subscribers Terminal Box

ODF Optical Distribution Frame

WORKMANSHIP, MATERIALS, PLANS AND VARIATIONS.

1.5.1 All construction and installation shall be performed in a thorough and

1.5.2 Acceptance Testing shall be witnessed by STC or their nominated

2 CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES

SEPARATION FROM ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS.

2.2.5 At underground crossings with power cables, the separations indicated by

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 6 (71)

2.2.7 Attention should be given to the requirements for maintenance ducting to be

3 DAMAGES AND RESPONSABILITIES

PERMITS AND RELEASE CERTIFICATES

3.2.3 Upon completion of installations which involve an approval from Municipalities

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 7 (71)

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 8 (71)

4 INSTALLATION STANDARDS FOR CIVIL WORK

In this context, reference shall be made to the latest revisions of:

Filling, compaction, sub-grade, granular sub-base, aggregate base, concrete base,

MOMRA - Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

(Usually applying to residential and industrial areas, see Construction Guidelines

(b) MOT - Ministry of Transport

Where conflict, obstacles or other unforeseen indications for variations are

These appendices will be revised periodically according to the latest agreements.

BREAKING OF PAVED SUFACES AND EXCAVATION

Network Sector CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Page 10 (71)

4.3.10 If necessary, by pumping or other approved means, the excavations shall be

FILLING, BACKFILLING, COMPACTION

In order to comply with increasingly stringent standards of highway

Class B: To cover main high traffic roads including dual-carriageways, applies to

4.4.2 TERMINOLOGY AND ABBREVIATION

Sub-base Graded mixture of crushed rock/gravel, sand, clay silt (including a

Wearing Course Final asphalt surfacing of highway.