QUALITY MANUAL

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No of Revision / Document Title : Prepared Checked Approved

Revision Establishment Civil Works Quality Construction
Procedures

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Omar Abdullah
Description : S. Phiske Abdullah Al- Ofi
Construction- Excavation and Backfill
Implementation Document No : MISCL – QMECP – 0004 QA / QC Construction Managing
Date Engineer Manager Director
Contents / Reason for Revision

Jan.12, 2012
0 Establishment and Implementation
Jan.13, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scope ....................................................................................................... 3
2. Conflicts and Deviations ........................................................................... 3
3. References ............................................................................................... 3
4. Definitions ................................................................................................ 3
4.1 General. ................................................................................................ 4
4.2 Fill and Backfil ...................................................................................... 4
4.3 Excavation ............................................................................................ 4

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1 Scope

This Makana Standard defines the requirements for excavation, placement, inspection, and
management of earth and rock materials during construction and/or maintenance.

2 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this Standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

2.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-111 Borrow Pit Requirements
SAES-L-450 Construction of on-Land and Near-Shore
Pipelines
SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings under Roads and Railroads
SAES-Q-001 Criteria for Design and Construction of Concrete
Structures
SAES-Q-006 Asphalt Concrete Paving

SAES-Q-007 Foundations and Supporting Structures for Heavy

Machinery
SAES-S-070 Installation of Utility Piping Systems

Saudi Aramco General Instructions

GI-0002.100 Work Permit System
GI-1021.000 Street and Road Closure: Excavation,
Reinstatement and Traffic Controls

Saudi Aramco Manuals

Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual

Saudi Aramco Blasting Services Manual

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Inspection document "Schedule Q"

Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide

Guide No. 06-002-2008 Excavations and Shoring

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM C136 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
ASTM D422 Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
ASTM D1140 Standard Test Methods for Amount of Material in
Soils Finer than the No. 200 (75-um) Sieve
ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit
Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone
Method
ASTM D1557 Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
Using Modified Effort 56,000 ft-lbf/ft³
(2700 KN- M/M³)
ASTM D2167 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit
Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon
Method
ASTM D2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes
ASTM D2937 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place
by the Drive-Cylinder Method
ASTM D4253 Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils
Using a Vibratory Table
ASTM D4254 Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils
and Calculation of Relative Density
ASTM D4318 Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of
Soils
ASTM D6938 Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water
Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth)

Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02100 Site Preparation, Excavation, and Backfill
Specification

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3 Definitions

Brackish Water: Water with Total Dissolved Solids of 10,000 ppm or more.

Clean Sand: Soil meeting the following gradation containing less than 3% weight of organic
material or clay:

Sieve Size Percent Passing

¼ in (6.25 mm) 100
No. 10 (2.00 mm) 90 - 100
No. 200 (0.075 10 or less
mm)

Company Representative: Saudi Aramco's authorized representative with overall authority

and responsibility for the project.

Contract or Contract Documents: Any and all documents, including design drawings,
which Saudi Aramco has transmitted or otherwise communicated, either by
incorporation or by reference, and made part of the legal contract or purchase order
agreement between Saudi Aramco and MAKANA.

Contractor: The party responsible for performing excavation and backfill, including
work executed through the use of sub-contractors

Dune Sand: is wind-deposited sand consisting of relatively single-sized particles generally

passing the No. 16 sieve (1.18 mm) and usually containing less than 10% soil particles
passing the No. 200 sieve (0.074 mm).

Fill Material: see section 6.2.1.

Hard Rock: see Rock Excavation, section 7.5.

Marl: is a wide variety of calcareous soil materials found in Saudi Arabia which may vary
from clay to gravel sizes and often include cobble and boulder sized pieces.

Rocks: have various hardness and engineering properties. "Rock" may refer to anything
from boulder-size individual pieces to hard, intact bedrock. See section 7.5 for
classification of rock by excavation methods.

Sabkha: is a saline (generally coastal) deposit generally consisting of saturated, loose silty
sand and possibly clay.

Select Fill Material: see section 6.2.2

Soft Rock: see Normal Excavation, section 7.5.

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4 General

4.1 Quality Control

MAKANA shall institute a quality control program that will verify or ensure that
the work performed under the contract meets the requirements of this Standard and
the design drawings as per Inspection document "Schedule Q".
Saudi Aramco shall have access to all facilities and records of MAKANA for the
purpose of conducting performance inspection/audits. During the audit, any
inspection, test reports, and/or engineering analyses and calculations associated with
the scope of work shall be furnished upon request.

Inspection & Testing Agency

4.1.1 MAKANA's quality control testing requirements shall be performed by

either a Saudi Aramco-approved independent testing agency or by
MAKANA's own laboratory, approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department.

4.1.2 All required laboratory and field acceptance tests required in Section
6.3.3 and all seismic refraction testing required in Section 7.5 shall be
performed by a Saudi Aramco-approved independent testing agency.

4.1.3 If testing and/or inspection is done by Saudi Aramco, this does not
relieve MAKANA of the responsibility to meet all requirements of this
Standard. Should it be later found that some work has been completed
not in compliance with this Standard, it shall remain MAKANA's
responsibility to repair or reconstruct deficient work until specifications
are met at no cost to Saudi Aramco.

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Submittals

MAKANA shall be responsible for transmitting the following submittals to the

Saudi Aramco Company Representative:

4.1.4 Reports including all laboratory and field test logs and comments. Field test
reports shall include density and moisture content test logs indicating
location by coordinates and elevation. Reports shall be submitted on the
following:

4.1.4.1 Bi-weekly.

4.1.4.2 At earthwork completion: A complete record of all test logs

and comments for permanent project records.

4.1.5 Borrow (Fill) Materials and Water. Sources and test results of all borrow
materials and compaction water used for fill prior to beginning fill
operations.

4.1.6 Excavation Plan, including a Pre-Excavation checklist, as per the Saudi

Aramco Safety Management Guide 06-002-2008. All excavations,
including shoring and sheeting materials and systems, shall meet the
minimum requirements established by the Saudi Aramco Safety
Management Guide 06-002-2008. If an Excavation Plan is required and
shoring is used, the Plan is to:
a) Describe the materials and shoring system to be used.
b) Indicate whether or not any components will remain after filling or
backfilling.
c) Provide plans, sketches and/or detail along with calculations.
d) Indicate the sequence and method of shoring installation and
removal.

4.1.7 Dewatering. If dewatering of an excavation is required, MAKANA shall

submit proposed methods and details to the Saudi Aramco Company
Representative for review, before beginning dewatering and excavation.

4.2 Environmental

4.2.1 Contaminated Soils

Known contaminated soils within the construction limits shall be managed

in accordance with a contaminated soil management plan provided by Saudi
Aramco prior to the start of excavation. If unexpected

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soil contamination is encountered during the work, MAKANA shall stop

work and notify the Saudi Aramco Company Representative immediately.

4.2.2 Erosion/Sediment Control

MAKANA shall ensure that all areas shall be maintained using temporary
erosion and sediment control measures during construction or until relieved
by the Saudi Aramco Company Representative or until permanent measures
are completed and functioning in a satisfactory manner.

4.2.3 Dust Control

MAKANA shall employ dust control measures during construction. The

adequacy of the dust control shall be determined by the Saudi Aramco
Company Representative.

4.3 Drainage and Dewatering

4.3.1 All temporary drainage and dewatering methods and disposal of water
are subject to approval by Saudi Aramco.

4.3.2 MAKANA shall employ temporary drainage measures during construction.

Ponding of water on placed fill or within excavations shall not be allowed.

4.3.3 Surface water shall be prevented from flowing into excavations by

ditching, trenching, forming protective swales, pumping, or other
approved measures.

4.3.4 If required in the contract documents, prior to excavation, an approved

dewatering system shall be installed and operated when necessary to
lower the groundwater.

4.3.5 All diverted and pumped water shall flow to specified collection areas
and shall be disposed of as directed by the Saudi Aramco Company
Representative. Excavations for foundations and other underground
installations shall not be used as temporary drainage ditches.

4.4 Safety and Protection

All excavation and trenching shall be done in accordance with all Saudi Aramco
safety requirements including, but not limited to, the Saudi Aramco Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide 06-002-2008.

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4.4.1 Required Permits

All necessary permits must be obtained from Saudi Aramco prior to

performing any earthwork. One or more of the following permits are
required as applicable:

 Saudi Aramco Form "Work Permit" (GI-0002.100)

 Saudi Aramco Form “Confined Space Entry Permit”
 Saudi Aramco Form "Borrow Pit Permit" (SAES-A-111)
 Saudi Aramco Form "Land Use Permit"
 Saudi Aramco Form "Site and Drainage Permit"
 Other applicable Saudi Aramco Permits as specified in the Project
Execution Plan.

4.4.2 Safety

4.4.2.1 MAKANA shall place and maintain in good condition

temporary fences, guardrails, barricades, lights, shoring,
bracing, and other protective measures required for the safety of
personnel and the premises as described in the Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide 06-002-2008 and the Saudi Aramco
Construction Safety Manual.

4.4.2.2 Any construction or maintenance work which restricts the full

use of a pedestrian or vehicular roadway shall comply with GI-
1021.000, Street and Road Closure: Excavation, Reinstatement
and Traffic Controls.

4.4.2.3 Excavation safety shall be as per the Saudi Aramco Safety

Management Guide 06-002-2008, including:

 Underground Utilities and Installations.

 Protection against Sidewall Cave-in.

Commentary Note:

When any excavation or trench reaches a depth of 1.2 m

(4 ft) or when soil banks are greater than 1.5 m (5 ft),
shoring shall be installed or the sides shall be sloped or
benched.
Specific requirements are given in Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide 06-002-2008.

 Safe Entry and Exit.

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 Hazardous Atmospheres and Confined Spaces.

 Edge Protection, Clearances, Barricades, and Fixed
Lighting.
 Inspection Frequency.
 Backfilling and Removal of Shoring.
4.4.3 Protection

4.4.3.1 No excavation is permitted under existing foundations.

Excavations are not allowed to intersect a 45 degree plane
extending downward from the bottom edge of existing
foundations unless an engineered support system is in place
prior to the start of work or the excavation is in stable rock.

4.4.3.2 Excavations adjacent to existing underground installations

(e.g., piping, manholes, electrical and duct banks) or
sidewalks shall use bracing and shoring to protect those
installations during construction.

4.4.3.3 Structures that require passive soil pressure for stability (e.g.,
light poles or tower foundations) should be properly braced
whenever an excavation is within the passive pressure zone
(generally a distance of 1.5 times the embedment depth of the
foundation). Fill or backfill of the excavation must meet the
compaction requirements in Paragraph 6.3.2.5.

4.4.3.4 All reference points, property markers, bench marks, etc., will
be carefully maintained during excavation, backfilling,
compaction and earthwork. Unless otherwise specified, damage
to a reference point by MAKANA during performance of the
work shall be repaired or replaced by MAKANA to the
satisfaction of the Saudi Aramco Company Representative at no
cost to Saudi Aramco.

4.4.3.5 MAKANA shall be responsible for preserving and avoiding

damage to trees, shrubs, and all other vegetation in the areas
beyond the designated excavation area.

4.4.4 Rock Blasting

All rock blasting shall follow the procedures in the Saudi Aramco Blasting
Services Manual.

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4.4.5 Hazards

Whenever Saudi Aramco determines that any excavation or embankment or

fill on Saudi Aramco property which was created by a Contractor and which
is a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects the
safety, use or stability of a roadway or drainage channel, the responsible
contractor, upon receipt of a notice in writing from Saudi Aramco, shall
immediately repair or eliminate such excavation or embankment so as to
eliminate the hazard.

4.4.6 Clean

4.4.6.1 Soil that is spilled or washed onto paved areas or streets shall
be removed daily from the surface.

4.4.6.2 Soil that is spilled or washed into drains, pipes, gutters, or

ditches or onto adjacent sites shall be removed daily.
MAKANA shall provide measures to prevent recurrence.

5 Fill and Backfill

5.1 General

Fill and backfill materials shall be from either on-site excavation, designated borrow
areas, or off-site sources conforming to the following criteria or as recommended by
a geotechnical report. All borrow material and its source of supply shall be approved
by Saudi Aramco. Stockpiles of cohesive soil shall be protected from freezing.

5.2 Fill and Backfill Materials

Fill or backfill materials shall meet the requirements given in Sections 6.2.1 or
6.2.2 below. Other fill materials may be used with the approval of the
Supervisor, Civil Engineering Unit, Consulting Services Department.

'Fill Material' shall be used for all fills except where 'Select Fill Material' is
specified. As a minimum, 'Select Fill Material' shall be used within 0.6 m (2 ft) of
the bottom elevation of foundations, spread footings, or slabs-on-grade when fill is
required to achieve final grade. 'Select Fill Material' shall also be specified for
backfill which will be in contact with concrete or steel structures.

Commentary Note:

Foundations may be constructed directly on undisturbed soil. Excavation of

undisturbed soil and replacement with Select Fill Material should not be
performed except as noted in 7.2.2 or as recommended in a geotechnical
report.

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Soils shall be classified per ASTM D2487.

6.2.1 Fill Material

Fill material shall consist of gravel, sand and/or marl. The maximum size
of the fill material shall be one-half the lift thickness or 75 mm
(3 inches), whichever is less. Fill material shall be free of frozen lumps,
organic matter, trash, chunks of highly plastic clay or other unsatisfactory
material.

6.2.2 Select Fill Material

Select fill shall be composed only of inorganic material and shall have
100% passing the 5 cm (2 in) sieve and from 0 to 20% passing the No. 200
sieve. That portion of the material passing the No. 40 sieve shall have a
maximum liquid limit of 35 and a maximum plasticity index of 12 per
ASTM D4318. Liquid limit and plastic limit tests are not required for
select fill material with less than 15% passing the No. 200 sieve.

Commentary Note:

Clean sand and dune sand can be used as Select Fill Material. If sand
is used as fill material, see Paragraphs 6.3.2.8 and 6.3.2.10.

6.2.3 Compaction Water

Water used for compaction of fill material shall be reasonably free of salts,
oil, acid, alkalis, organic matter, or other deleterious substances. Use of
water with a TDS in excess of 10,000 ppm such as brackish water,
seawater or water obtained from ground pits such as subkha water is not
allowed unless it is proven and verified by the Company Representative
and the Project Inspection Representative that there is no other source of
water available within 20 km and all concrete to be supported by or buried
within the fill is designed for either Exposure Type II or III as defined in
SAES-Q-001 Table 1.

Exception:

The compaction water TDS requirements do not apply to fill or

backfill which will be below the surrounding area natural water
table.

6.3 Performance Requirements

6.3.1 Site Preparation of Areas to Receive Fill, Pavement or Loads

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6.3.1.1 Areas to receive fill, foundations, or pavement or areas to be
used in the future to support structural loads shall be prepared
in accordance with PIP CVS02100, Section 4.3.1 and 4.3.6,
and shall be free of roots, trash, snow, ice or other unsuitable
material. Stripping shall consist of the excavation, removal,
and satisfactory disposal of all topsoil and soil containing
organic material or excessive. Such material shall not be used
as fill material under any circumstances.

6.3.1.2 All areas to receive fill, foundations, or pavement or areas to be

used in the future to support structural loads shall have the in-
situ soil proof rolled and inspected, after clearing and grubbing,
for soft spots or loose zones. Proof roll may be defined as
crossing the area with a heavy (minimum10-ton weight)
rubber-tire or steel-wheel roller.

6.3.1.3 All observed soft spots or loose zones shall be compacted in-
place or excavated to firm soil and replaced with properly
compacted fill.

6.3.1.4 The top 6 inches (150 mm) of any area to receive fill,
foundations, pavement or areas to be used in the future to
support structural loads shall be scarified and recompacted.
The density of the top 6 inches (150 mm) in these areas shall
not be less than that required in paragraph 6.3.2.5 at the time
that the fill, foundation, pavement, or concrete is applied.

6.3.2 Fill Placement and Compaction

6.3.2.1 Compacting shall begin only after the fill or backfill has been
properly placed and the material to be compacted is at the
proper moisture content. Compaction shall be performed with
equipment compatible with soil type.

6.3.2.2 Fill material shall be placed in lifts not exceeding 200 mm

(8 in) in loose depth. Fill materials shall be placed in lifts not
exceeding 100 mm (4 in) in loose depth for hand-operated
compaction. Other lift thicknesses may be approved by the
appropriate Saudi Aramco Inspection Representative based on a
field test section using the intended compaction equipment.

6.3.2.3 Fill and backfill adjacent to structures such as retaining walls,

pits, and basements shall not be compacted with heavy
equipment, but shall be compacted with hand-operated
equipment to a distance of 1.2 meters (4 feet) or greater beyond
the sides of the structures. Every effort shall be made

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to place backfill materials symmetrically and in uniform layers

to prevent unnecessary eccentric loading on a structure or
foundation.

6.3.2.4 Bedding and backfill for pipeline and utility trenches shall
conform to SAES-L-450, SAES-L-460, or SAES-S-070 as
appropriate.

6.3.2.5 Fill or backfill placed beneath and/or adjacent to grade beams,

mats, buildings, and process areas shall be compacted to at least
90% of the maximum Modified Proctor density as determined
by ASTM D1557. For cohesionless free draining soils, 70%
relative density as determined by ASTM D4253 and ASTM
D4254 shall be used.

For foundation static loads over 320 kPa (6500 psf) and
foundations for vibrating or heavy machinery as defined in
SAES-Q-007, and for asphalt and concrete pavement
subgrades, fill shall be compacted to 85% relative density for
cohesionless soils or 95% of the maximum density as
determined by ASTM D1557 for cohesive materials.

When the backfill material cannot clearly be classified as

cohesive or cohesionless both relative density and Proctor
density tests must be performed per the above paragraph. The
backfill shall then be compacted to the greater density.

6.3.2.6 All other fill shall be compacted to a density equal to that

shown on the drawings or equal to that of the adjacent in-situ
material as appropriate.

6.3.2.7 The moisture content of the material being compacted shall be

within 3%, plus or minus, of the optimum moisture content as
determined by ASTM D1557. However, for cohesionless free
draining soils when ASTM D4253/ASTM D4254 are the
appropriate test procedures, there is no applicable optimum
moisture content.

6.3.2.8 Compaction by water jetting or flooding is not permitted for

most fill material. However, flooding may be used if the fill
material is cohesionless freely draining sand.

Commentary Note:

Water flooding may be the most effective compaction

technique for poorly graded and single-size sands, as these

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sands are difficult to compact with mechanical compactors.

6.3.2.9 In no case shall compaction be allowed on slopes greater than 1

(V) to 5 (H) (20% slope). A series of horizontal benches, steps,
or terraces, at least 10 feet (3048 mm) wide, should be cut into
existing and natural slopes prior to adding new fill.

Construction of new slopes shall be accomplished by

compacting horizontal fill layers at least 1 roller width beyond
the design edge of the slope and then trimming back to achieve
the final slope dimensions.

6.3.2.10 If clean sand or dune sand is used for fill, surface protection
will be required. A cap layer of compacted cohesive material
150 to 300 mm (6 to 12 in) in thickness will generally be
sufficient. Capping material shall have a maximum size of one-
half lift thickness or 75 mm (3 in), whichever is less, and shall
have between 11-35% passing the No. 200 sieve. The capping
material shall have a maximum liquid limit of 35 and a
maximum plasticity index of 12, per ASTM D4318.

6.3.2.11 Compacted surfaces of fill and backfill shall be finish graded to

the cross sections, lines, grades, and elevations as indicated on
the drawings.

6.3.2.12 Final slopes shall be protected from erosion.

Commentary Note:

Slopes steeper than 1 (V) to 5 (H) (20% slope) may require

erosion protection, such as a cohesive marl (plasticity index
greater than 12, compacted as per Section 6.3.2.9), oil or
chemical spray or asphalt/concrete surfacing.
6.3.3 Testing

6.3.3.1 Gradation, density, and moisture content control tests shall be

performed at the following minimum frequencies: one standard
sieve analysis (ASTM C136, ASTM D422 or ASTM D1140)
and one Modified Proctor Test per ASTM D1557 with
corresponding Proctor curve performed for each type of fill
material or where there is a change in the type or the source of
material. For cohesionless free draining soils, ASTM D4253
Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a
Vibratory Table and ASTM D4254 Minimum Index Density
and Unit Weight of Soil and Calculation of

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Relative Density shall also be performed.

6.3.3.2 In-place density and moisture content of soils shall be

determined by the sand-cone method per ASTM D1556, nuclear
method per ASTM D6938, the rubber balloon method per
ASTM D2167, or the drive-cylinder method per
ASTM D2937. Acceptance testing of in-place density and
moisture content (field density testing) on compacted fill will
be performed at the following rates:
1. Under all foundations - one test every 1000 ft² (90 m²)
of each lift.
2. Under area paving - one test every 2000 ft² (180 m²) of
each lift.
3. Road base and sub-base - one test every 2000 ft²
(180 m²) of base or sub-base.
4. Backfill of trenches - one test for every 50 linear ft
(15 m) of each lift.
5. General fill - one test every 5000 ft² (460 m²) of each
lift.

6.3.3.3 As a minimum, at least one in-place density test must be

performed on every lift of fill and further placement shall not
be allowed until the required density has been achieved.

The number of tests shall be increased if a visual inspection

determines that the moisture content is not uniform or if the
compacting effort is variable and not considered sufficient to attain
the specified density.

The Project Inspection Representative may approve a decrease

in the number of tests once a compaction procedure has proven
to meet compaction requirements.

6.4 Base Course

The base course for roads, parking areas, and other areas to be surfaced shall be
prepared in accordance with SAES-Q-006.

7 Excavation

7.1 General Excavation

General excavation shall be performed after clearing and stripping has been

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completed in accordance with PIP CVS02100, Section 4.3.1.

7.2 Structural Excavation

Structural excavation shall include excavations for footings, grade beams, pits,
basements, retaining walls, man holes, catch basins, pipeline thrust anchors, etc.

7.2.1 Excavation shall be performed as required by the design drawings to the

dimensions, grades, and elevations as noted and as required for formwork
and allowance for compaction equipment.

7.2.2 When soft and compressible soil is encountered at footing grades as

shown on the drawings, such soil shall be removed and replaced with
compacted fill or backfill as specified in Sections 6.2 and 6.3.2 or lean
(2000 psi minimum 28-day compressive strength) concrete.

7.2.3 Over-excavation at footings shall be backfilled with compacted fill or

backfill as specified in Sections 6.2 and 6.3.2 or lean (2000 psi minimum
28-day compressive strength) concrete.

7.3 Earthen Structures

Earthen structures include permanent work items such as ponds, canals, ditches,
etc. Excavation for such work shall be made to the lines, grades, and cross sections
as shown on the drawings.

7.3.1 Side slopes of excavations shall be cut true and straight and shall be
graded to the design cross section. Unstable soil in the slopes shall be
removed and the slopes properly prepared as described in Section
6.3.2.9. The bottoms of excavations shall be graded to the elevations and
configurations as shown on the drawings.

7.3.2 Over excavation shall be backfilled with suitable material and compacted in
accordance with Section 6.3.2.

7.4 Trenching

Trenching for pipelines and underground utilities shall conform to SAES-L-450,

SAES-L-460, or SAES-S-070 as appropriate.

7.5 Rock Excavation

Seismic velocities will be the sole factor in determining the appropriate category for
the excavation of rock. Excavation of rock will fall into the following categories,
based on the seismic velocities measured in the field by refraction seismic testing.

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7.5.1 Normal Excavation

Normal Excavation is excavation that can be accomplished using rippers

(defined as soils and rock falling within the CAT D9N "rippable" range of
seismic velocities as shown in the Caterpillar Handbook of Ripping, latest
edition) and/or heavy backhoes (for trenches and isolated small excavations,
defined as soils or rock with seismic velocities of 1530 mps or less)
operated in accordance with good construction practice. Normal excavation
includes all soils and also includes soft, weathered and/or fractured rock
that does not require blasting or pneumatic rock breakers to facilitate
excavation.

7.5.2 Rock Excavation

Rock Excavation is excavation that cannot be accomplished using rippers

(defined as soils and rock falling outside the CAT D9N "rippable" range of
seismic velocities as shown in the Caterpillar Handbook of Ripping, latest
edition) and/or heavy backhoes (for trenches and isolated small
excavations, defined as rock having seismic velocities greater than 1530
mps) and which requires blasting or pneumatic rock breakers to facilitate
excavation.

7.6 Disposal of Materials

All excavated materials that are unsatisfactory for use as fill or backfill or that
are surplus to that needed for backfilling shall immediately be disposed of at a
location designated by the Saudi Aramco Company Representative.

Construction- Excavation and Backfill