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NEOM NEN PRC 001 - 02.00 Geotechnical Investigation Procedure
NEOM NEN PRC 001 - 02.00 Geotechnical Investigation Procedure
Document Approval
Job Title Engineering Manager - Director, Engineering Codes and Executive Director -
ETSD Standards, ETSD ETSD
List of Tables
Table 1: Table of Definitions ............................................................................................................... 4
Table 2: Table of Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 5
Table 3: Table of related NEOM Engineering Procedures ............................................................ 5
Table 4: Table of related NEOM Cost Estimation Manual and Procedures ................................ 6
Table 5: Table of related NEOM Programme, Planning & Control Manual and Procedures ... 6
Table 6: Recommended staging of Geotechnical Investigations based on Projects’ Types .... 7
Table 7: Typical in-situ Testing and Sampling ................................................................................. 8
Table 8: Typical Laboratory Tests ................................................................................................... 10
This Procedure establishes guidelines and recommendations for the design of geotechnical
investigations, with the objective of ensuring the collection of sufficient ground information for efficient
and optimal geotechnical design solutions, and for mitigating the effect of the geotechnical risk on the
project design and construction. It is intended for geotechnical engineers and contractors working on
NEOM projects.
2. Scope
This Procedure provides recommendations for the design of geotechnical investigations at different
design phases, and for various types of developments for NEOM. Geotechnical investigations shall
produce the necessary ground information and enable timely, reliable, and economic design solutions
to be developed. The guidelines presented henceforth set the minimum criteria for frequency of
exploration points and depth of exploration in relation to various structures at specific design phases.
In addition, in-situ and laboratory tests are recommended for the proper identification of the parameters
needed for design development, as well as the identification of geological hazards.
The requirements set forth in this Procedure are based on International and National Codes and
Standards, as well as industry best practices. Nevertheless, designers shall not be relieved from their
liability to provide safe designs, and thus will assess if the minimum requirements as set in this
document, are adequate and sufficient in relation to the project magnitude, complexities, and
constraints.
Geotechnical investigations must be conducted for all new projects and developments, as well as
expansions and upgrades of existing structures. For the purpose of advancing the design and providing
the required information, geotechnical investigations may be split into various phases corresponding to
the status of the design. Geotechnical investigations must be designed to allow identification of
subsurface formations, assessment of groundwater conditions, derivation of soil/rock strength and
deformation parameters/properties, determination of the chemical aggressiveness of the soil, and
identification of geological and seismic hazards, and problematic soils.
The Contractor maintains and implements a Quality Assurance program in line with NEOM-NEN-SCH-
002 Schedule Q Quality Requirements for Contractors and Appendix C. The Contractor shall abide by
the Environmental requirements as indicated in documents in Appendix D of this procedure.
Term Definition
As-Built documents, including drawings and notes that depict the final
As Built as-constructed state.
Refers to the required physical buildings or infrastructure such as
residential, business facilities, commercial & retail facilities, media
centre, recreation, entertainment & sports facilities, marinas, hospital,
Asset medical clinics, religious facilities, school, library, fire stations,
roads/streets/bridges, infrastructure system, and utility networks. Also, it
relates to components of buildings and structures that need to be tracked
and managed.
Different entities and divisions constituting NEOM organization, which
Department
may include the Project Department, Operations Department,
Abbreviation Description
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
BRE Building Research Establishment
EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
IBC International Building Code
IFC International Finance Corporation
ISSMGE International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program
PIANC Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses
SBC Saudi Building Code
TRB Transportation Research Board
US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
The requirements contained in the following procedures apply to the extent specified in this Procedure.
Table 3: Table of related NEOM Engineering Procedures
Table 5: Table of related NEOM Programme, Planning & Control Manual and Procedures
5. Procedure
During the Master Plan phase and/or concept design phase, geotechnical investigations shall be
designed to provide an initial ground model, which includes information about project location and
setting, history of the site, general geologic conditions, surface and groundwater conditions, geological
hazards, seismicity, and conceptual assessment of foundation types, need for shoring and for ground
improvement works.
The scope of work at the Master Plan phase and/or concept design phase is initiated by a desk study,
which evaluates the available and relevant collected documents. The data can be obtained from several
sources such as:
1. Topographical maps.
2. Geological maps and descriptions.
3. Hydrogeological maps.
4. Aerial/satellite photographs showing site history.
5. Previous investigations at the site.
In addition to the desk study, a site walkover survey, or otherwise called a site reconnaissance, is crucial
at this stage and shall aim at identifying geological hazards such as poor soil or rock conditions, surface
hydrology (including flooding), topographical constraints, and finalizing the selection of the site. The site
reconnaissance shall also provide essential information for planning and designing subsequent
geotechnical investigations. Moreover, geological mapping and a limited number of boreholes and test
pits (refer to Appendices A & B) with wide spacing are necessary to provide a preliminary understanding
of the subsurface conditions, assess the geological hazards, and the general suitability of the site.
During the (design development) schematic design phase, geotechnical investigations provide the
necessary data to develop the design of foundations and retaining walls, slope stability assessment,
pavement, and subgrade design, concrete exposure identification, and site seismicity. The cost of
design development (schematic) investigations should remain low compared to detailed design
investigation and the spacing of boreholes and test pits shall be designed to provide sufficient sampling
Geotechnical investigations may be conducted during construction to verify that the design parameters
are in-line with the prevailing geotechnical conditions. The objective of conducting investigations at the
construction stage is to collect information to determine if the existing conditions are in accordance with
the design, re-assess the long-term performance of the Works, identify any risk of failure, and highlight
any required adjustments to constructed works. The investigation during construction can be either
performed by the Contractor to confirm the site conditions and constraints (and/or to meet local authority
requirements), or it can be planned as Quality Control tests and/or post improvement tests that shall be
performed by the Contractor in accordance with specific project requirements. For example, ground
improvement might be extended deeper into the soil if, during construction, the post improvement tests
do not satisfy the target criteria of the design. Notwithstanding the above, geotechnical investigations
for verification during construction are highly site/project/structure specific and shall be adapted to
particular project requirements and conditions.
Depending on the project size, ground conditions, design schedule, and type of construction contract,
the geotechnical investigations can be performed in multiple stages involving concept, design
development (schematic), and detailed phases, or in a single stage; the following table gives
recommendations for the stages of investigations which can be adjusted by the geotechnical engineer
to suit project conditions:
In-Situ Tests
In-situ tests are conducted further to the minimum requirements of frequency of exploratory points and
their corresponding minimum depths, and the results are used for the characterization of the subsurface
formations. The list below presents the typical in-situ tests with the recommended standard. The
designer shall adapt the listed frequencies to the site conditions and add tests, as deemed necessary,
for the purpose of performing a safe and economic design.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests shall be performed on samples retrieved from boreholes and test pits, and their
frequency shall increase as the investigation phases progress. The below list presents typical laboratory
tests used for soil classification, determining the strength and deformation properties of soil and rock,
permeability, and chemical aggressiveness.
Geophysical Methods
Geophysical methods shall be applied in order to complement geotechnical data obtained from in-situ
and laboratory testing. They shall not form a substitute for drilling boreholes and excavating pits. The
interpretation of geophysical tests shall be calibrated with borehole logging and data. The selection of
geophysical methods depends on the local geology and the project conditions and extent. Typical
geophysical methods suitable for the geological conditions at NEOM are listed in table 3, together with
the purpose of their application. The frequency and locations of geophysical testing shall be developed
by expert(s) in geophysics in coordination with the designer considering the project geological
conditions.
6. Forms/Templates
7. References
Applicable International and National Codes and Standards are listed below; nevertheless, the design
of geotechnical investigations shall implement the minimum requirements set in this Procedure:
8. Appendices
Circular Tanks - Desk Study. Minimum depth of test Minimum 1 borehole at the Minimum depth of 1.5 times the tank Minimum 1 borehole at the center Minimum depth of 1.5 times the tank
- Walkover survey. pit 3m. center of the tank. diameter or 5m into competent rock. of tank and boreholes at diameter or 5m into competent rock.
- Test Pits. circumference at 50m spacing.
Retaining Structures - Desk Study. Minimum depth of A minimum of one borehole for Minimum depth below wall base shall be - A minimum of one borehole for Minimum depth below wall base shall be
- Walkover survey. borehole 15m. each the wall height, or 5m into competent each wall, and at intervals of 100 the wall height, or 5m into competent
- Geological Mapping 1/10,000. wall, and at 200 linear meter rock. m with rock.
- Minimum 1 borehole every 1000m, intervals. locations alternating from in front
and at a location of each high to behind the wall.
retaining structure. - Anchored walls: additional
locations in the anchorage zone
spaced at intervals of 150m.
- Soil nail walls: additional
locations behind the wall at a
distance of 1 to 1.5x the wall
height. Spacing shall be at
intervals of 150m.
- For extensive stretches, optimize
the number of boreholes according
to uniformity of ground conditions.
Rock Slopes and - Desk Study. Minimum depth of A minimum of one borehole at The minimum depth shall be defined - Minimum 2 boreholes every The minimum depth shall be defined
Hillsides - Walkover survey. borehole 15m. 200 linear meter intervals. based on ground stability requirements, or 150m. based on ground stability requirements, or
- Geological Mapping 1/10,000. 5m into competent rock. - Perform geologic mapping at 5m into competent rock.
- Minimum 1 borehole every 1000m, 1/2,000.
or at a location of each high slope. - Optimize the number of
boreholes according to uniformity
of ground conditions.
Landscape Areas - Desk Study. Minimum depth of test Minimum 1 test pit per Minimum depth of test pits 3m. Minimum 1 test pit per 5,000sqm, Minimum depth of test pits 3m.
- Walkover survey. pit 3m. 10,000sqm, but not less than 3 but not less than 3 pits.
- Geological Mapping 1/10,000. pits.
- Test pits at 500m grid pattern.
Seismic Site Class - Geological mapping 1/10,000. Minimum depth of - Boreholes at 500m grid Minimum depth of boreholes 30m. - Boreholes at 250m grid pattern. Minimum depth of boreholes 30m.
- Geophysical Testing: MASW, P&S boreholes 30m. pattern. - Mapping of geological hazards:
suspension Logging, Cross-hole - Mapping of geological 1/2,000.
seismic test. hazards: 1/5,000. - Geophysical Testing: MASW,
- Boreholes at 1,000m grid pattern. - Geophysical Testing: MASW, P&S suspension Logging, Cross-
P&S suspension Logging, hole seismic test. Engineer shall
Cross-hole seismic test. assess the frequency based on
Engineer shall assess the project geology/extent.
frequency based on project
geology/extent.
Concept / Master Plan - (Stages 2A, 2B and 3A) Design Development (Schematic) - (Stage 3B) Detailed - (Stage 3C)
Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration points
Application/Type of
Type of Structure Frequency of Exploration points Frequency of points Frequency of Exploration
Structure
points Exploration points points
Reclamation Dredging/ - Desk study. Minimum borehole depth to Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth to Minimum 3 boreholes Minimum borehole depth to reach
Lowering seabed - Site reconnaissance. reach 5m below design 1 (P)CPT per 10,000m2. reach 5m below design +A0.5.D0.33/50, where A 5m below design dredge level.
- Minimum 1 borehole per dredging level. dredging level. is area in m2 and
25,000m2. D is the average thickness
of material to
be removed in meters.
Slope Stability - Desk study. Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole or 1 Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole or 1 Minimum borehole depth:
- Site reconnaissance. - 0.5 H below the toe of the (P)CPT every 300m. - 0.5 H below the toe of the (P)CPT every 100m. - 0.5 H below the toe of the slope
- Minimum 1 borehole or 1 slope where H is slope slope where H is slope where H is slope height.
(P)CPT every 750m. height. height. But not less than the full thickness
But not less than the full But not less than the full of compressible or soft material,
thickness of compressible or thickness of compressible or plus 5m into dense stratum.
soft material, plus 5m into soft material, plus 5m into
dense stratum. dense stratum.
Fill Material - Desk study, Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth:
- Site reconnaissance, - H below the toe of the slope 1 (P)CPT per 10,000m2. - H below the toe of the slope (P)CPT per 5,000m2. - H below the toe of the slope
- Minimum 1 borehole and 1 where H is slope height. The additional where H is slope height. -See Note 1. where H is slope height.
(P)CPT per 25,000m2. But not less than the full investigation points as But not less than the full But not less than the full thickness
- Additional investigation thickness of compressible or needed if ground thickness of compressible or of compressible or soft material,
points as needed if ground soft material, plus 5m into conditions are variable. soft material, plus 5m into plus 5m into dense stratum.
conditions are variable. dense stratum. dense stratum.
Settlement and - Desk study. Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth:
Stability of subsoil of - Site reconnaissance. - H below the toe of the slope 1 (P)CPT per 10,000m2. - H below the toe of the slope (P)CPT per 5,000m2. - H below the toe of the slope
Reclamation Area - Minimum 1 borehole and 1 where H is slope height. The additional where H is slope height. -See Note 1. where H is slope height.
(P)CPT per 25,000m2. But not less than the full investigation points as But not less than the full But not less than the full thickness
- Additional investigation thickness of compressible or needed if ground thickness of compressible or of compressible or soft material,
points as needed if ground soft material, plus 5m into conditions are variable. soft material, plus 5m into plus 5m into dense stratum.
conditions are variable. dense stratum. dense stratum.
Near Shore Structures Rubble mound, Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth:
Vertical Breakwater (P)CPT every 500m. - H below the base of 1 (P)CPT every 300m. - H below the base of (P)CPT every 100m. - H below the base of breakwater
with thin rubble breakwater where H is breakwater where H is -See Note 1. where H is breakwater height
mound breakwater height including breakwater height including including rubble mound thickness.
Composite rubble mound thickness. rubble mound thickness. But not less than the full thickness
breakwater But not less than the full But not less than the full of compressible or soft material,
thickness of compressible or thickness of compressible or plus 5m into dense stratum.
soft material, plus 5m into soft material, plus 5m into
dense stratum. dense stratum.
-See Note 1.
Sloping Seawall Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth:
(P)CPT every 300m. - 0.75 H below the toe of 1 (P)CPT every 150m. - 0.75 H below the toe of (P)CPT every 50m. - 0.75 H below the toe of seawall
seawall where H is seawall seawall where H is seawall -See Note 1. where H is seawall height.
height. height. But not less than the full thickness
But not less than the full But not less than the full of compressible or soft material,
thickness of compressible or thickness of compressible or plus 5m into dense stratum.
soft material, plus 5m into soft material, plus 5m into
dense stratum. dense stratum.
-See Note 1.
Concept / Master Plan - (Stages 2A, 2B and 3A) Design Development (Schematic) - (Stage 3B) Detailed - (Stage 3C)
Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration Minimum Requirements/ Depth of Exploration points
Application/Type of
Type of Structure Frequency of Exploration points Frequency of points Frequency of Exploration
Structure
points Exploration points points
Vertical, Gravity Type Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Minimum borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Minimum borehole depth:
Seawall, and Quay (P)CPT every 300m. - 2 B below the base of wall 1 (P)CPT every 150m. - 2 B below the base of wall (P)CPT every 50m. - 2 B below the base of wall where
Wall where B is wall foundation where B is wall foundation -See Note 1. B is wall foundation width.
width. width. But not less than the full thickness
But not less than the full But not less than the full of compressible or soft material,
thickness of compressible or thickness of compressible or plus 5m into dense stratum.
soft material, plus 5m into soft material, plus 5m into
dense stratum. dense stratum.
-See Note 1.
Piled Structure Minimum 1 borehole and Borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Borehole depth:
(P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter 1 (P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter (P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter below
per 50 piles, below pile tip, per 30 piles, below pile tip, per 10 piles, pile tip,
or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a pile
or every 300m for sheet piles. pile group, whichever is or every 150m for sheet pile group, whichever is or every 50m for sheet group, whichever is greater.
greater. piles. greater. piles. For sheet piles, the minimum
- For sheet piles, the - For sheet piles, the borehole depth below the seabed
minimum borehole depth minimum borehole depth level shall be the wall height.
below seabed level shall be below seabed level shall be
the wall height. the wall height.
Heavy Seawall Minimum 1 borehole and Borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and Borehole depth: Minimum 1 borehole and 1 Borehole depth:
(ports, industrial, etc.) (P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter 1 (P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter (P)CPT: - 4 times the pile diameter below
per 50 piles, below pile tip, per 30 piles, below pile tip, per 10 piles, pile tip,
or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a or pile group, - or 1.5 times the width of a pile
or every 200m for large pile group, whichever is or every 100m for large pile group, whichever is or every 50m for large group, whichever is greater.
diameter piles(D˃1.2m) greater. diameter piles(D˃1.2m) greater. diameter piles (D˃1.2m)
Note 1: Notwithstanding the indicated figures, optimize the frequency of investigation considering soil uniformity.
Execution and completion of the investigations as set in the RFP and to the satisfaction of
NEOM,
Submitting plans/ layouts/ procedures/ method statements as necessary for all activities to
NEOM for approval before execution/ implementation,
Safety of all site operations and compliance with all NEOM Health and Safety regulations,
All investigations shall be executed in accordance with the applicable NEOM codes and
standards for safe execution and environmental controls,
Adhering to the Schedule of Works as set in the RFP,
Submitting certifications of Quality Management Systems,
Suitability of equipment,
Suitability of sampling methods and procedures,
Suitability of testing methods and procedures,
Submitting organization charts listing key personnel,
Submitting the necessary laboratory certifications and CVs of personnel,
Submitting a list of equipment and tools,
Knowledge of investigations (category, quality and quantity of equipment and labour required)
and site conditions (means of access, hydrological, climatic and meteorological conditions) as
to be able to complete the works in a timely manner and to the set standards,
Knowledge of any statutes, orders, regulations, by-laws or other constraints applicable to the
site or Works,
Obtaining all necessary permits and permissions for personnel and equipment from the relevant
authorities,
Offshore investigations required specialist certified vessels, procedures and operators shall be
certified by the KSA Marine Authorities,
All operations shall be planned and executed in accordance with any conditions prescribed in
the NEOM Land Use Permit,
All operations shall be planned and executed in accordance with Mandatory Environmental
Controls, detailed in NEOM Environmental Code of Compliance - Construction (ECC-C),
Protection of the environment as stipulated in Appendix No. 4,
Compliance with IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability,
Coordination with NEOM representatives to finalize the interfaces, create all necessary
documents, execution of the construction works and maintain safety and security requirements,
Protection of all existing utilities and services from damage during the execution of the
investigations: existing structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements and other facilities on or
adjacent to the site. Any damage shall be reinstated to original condition by the Contractor, as
acceptable to NEOM,
Re-execution of work and replacement of unfit work.
Providing adequate supervision according to the magnitude of work with qualified approved personnel
from Contractor’s direct hires in their respective disciplines to complete the scope of work according to
the project milestones ensuring related technical, safety and quality standards.
If any signs (visual and/or olfactory) of contamination are encountered, particularly Non-Aqueous Phase
Liquid (NAPL), the Contractor shall inform the Investigation Supervisor immediately.
The Contractor shall provide details of the drilling method in his method statement. Aquifer protection
measures are required where boreholes are constructed in the potentially contaminated ground where
the depth of the boreholes may penetrate an aquiclude / aquitard creating a potential preferential
pathway to an underlying aquifer.
During all site operations, the storage and use of potentially hazardous materials (e.g. fuels, oils and
solvents) shall take place in a manner that safeguards against accidental loss or spillage to the ground.
Any such loss or spillage shall be dealt with immediately to leave the ground in its previous condition.
The resulting contaminated materials will then be disposed off to an appropriate landfill facility.
Reinstatement Requirements:
Reinstatement shall be provided on a like for like basis unless otherwise instructed by the Investigation
Supervisor.