SPARK-EASTERN PERIPHERAL ROAD PROJECT

Contract No. 6600044021

Doc. Name Method Statement for Embankment Construction in Sabkha Areas Rev. 0.2

Doc. No. SPARK-EPR-MST-006 Page 1 / 14

METHOD STATEMENT FOR EMBANKMENT

CONSTRUCTION
IN
SABKHA AREAS

SPARK-EASTERN PERIPHERAL
ROAD PROJECT

BI-25-00040-0003
Contract No.: 6600044021

0.1 October
16th,
2019

Rev. Date Prepared by Reviewed by Reviewed by Reviewed by Reviewed by Approved by

Xie Kangda Liu Yingchao Qiu Jianbo Shabbar Abbas Assad Ullah Bai Xiao
Civil Engineer Site Engineering Construction QC Manager HSE Sr. Project
Manager Manager Supervisor Manager
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CONTENTS

NO. TABLE OF CONTENTs PAGE

1.0 TITLE 3
2.0 INTRODCTION 3
3.0 SCOPE OF WORK 3

4.0 REFRENCED DOCUMENTS 3

5.0 MATERIALS 3
6.0 EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES 4
7.0 METHODOLOGY 4
7.1 REMOVAL OF UNSUITABLE MATERIAL 4
7.2 ROCK FILL 5

7.2.1 COMPACTION CONTROL TEST 5

7.2.2 MONITORING SETTLEMENT 6
7.2.3 WELL COMPACTED FILL MATERIAL 6
7.3 FILTER LAYER 7
7.4 PLACEMENT OF GEOTEXTILE 7
7.5 INSTALLATION OF GEOGRID 7
7.6 CONVENTIONAL EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION 8

8.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 8

9.0 HEALTH,SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENT 9
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1.0 TITLE
Method Statement for Embankment Construction in Sabkha Areas

2.0 INTRODCTION
This method statement is intended to address the embankment construction methodology in
Sabkha, in accordance with applicable standards/specifications. Sabkha is saline (generally
coastal) deposit generally consisting of saturated, loose silty sand and possibly clay.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

This method statement shall be applied to embankment construction in all sabkha areas within the
SPARK-Eastern Peripheral Road Project. Initially identified sabkha areas are EPR 0+800 to 3+075
& EPR 9+500 to 10+000.

4.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENT

 Approved IFC Drawings

 Approved Project Quality Plan

 Approved ITP

 HSE PLAN

 MOT General Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

5.0 MATERIALS

 Rock Boulders (Grading 150mm-300mm)

 Fill Material (Min. A-2-4 with CBR Value 20, to be used over geotextile over Rock Boulders)

 300gms Polyester Geotextile (300 gsm, 17KN Tensile Strength)

 Biaxial Polypropylene Geogrid (30KN Tensile Strength)

 Filter Material (ASTM, C-33, Table-2, Size Number 357)

 Embankment material (Per MOT Specifications)

 Subgrade material (Per MOT Specifications)

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6.0 EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES

1. Excavator

2. Dump Trucks

3. Bulldozer

4. Scrappers

5. Loaders

6. Motor Grader

7. Vibratory Roller

8. Water Tanker

9. Survey equipment

10. Other miscellaneous

7.0 METHODOLOGY
Except for the preparation of test section for rock embankment to decide on the compaction effort
for the same, no details for embankment construction are provided in the MOT specifications.
Hence, this work methodology is based on the details provided in the applicable IFC Drawing # HA-
034902 Sht. 002. The details of this work methodology are as hereunder:
7.1 Removal of Unsuitable Material
Contractor has conducted geotechnical investigations to verify the location of Sabkha areas
through 3rd party, Gulf Consult, report of which shall be submitted to Saudi Aramco.
Unsuitable material shall be replaced with specified rock boulders to a depth of 1m after
removal of sand overburden. This excavated material shall be hauled to the location
R2
specified by Saudi Aramco.
7.2 Rock Fill
The aforementioned excavated areas shall be backfilled using rock boulders of 150mm –
300mm gradation to the design height. Individual pieces are to be neither elongated nor
flat, the longest dimension not exceeding twice the shortest dimension. At least 75% of the
material shall be greater than 20 cm.
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The rock boulders are placed with the self-unloading trucks, and the loader/excavator shall
be used to spread them in such a manner that larger rock boulders are well distributed and
voids are filled to the maximum practical extent by the smaller particles. The layer surface
shall be bladed to a neat and homogeneous mass prior to start of compaction. Any large
particles protruding through the surface shall be replaced with smaller particles. Heavy
bulldozer shall be used for initial breakdown compaction and then rollers shall be used to
achieve the final compaction per compaction control criteria established through
compaction control test.
7.2.1 Compaction Control Test
Compaction Control Test is warranted to identify the required compaction
effort/number of roller passes using the material and equipment available. The
compaction control test shall be performed in presence of Saudi Aramco
representative and approved by him. The steps involved in the Compaction Control
Test are as listed hereunder:
1. Compaction Control Test section shall be constructed on a firm surface
approved by Saudi Aramco representative, material and layer thickness shall be
selected based on MOT Specifications guidelines. Contractor intends to use 10
Ton roller, and corresponding layer thickness for it is max 500mm.
R2
2. CCCC intends to construct a test section of 200 m length, where a 5 sqm area
shall be selected to install 20 leveling points. These leveling points shall be
installed in such a way that no gridline shall have less than 3 such points and
no point shall be less than meter away from the layer edge. Short rebar
hammered and flush with the layer top shall be used to mark the leveling point
and measuring levels.
3. Compaction shall commence with 03 passes of vibratory roller, to be used for
construction, and level readings hall be taken on each leveling point using a 30
sq. cm moveable flat plate. This plate shall have a hole to visually establish the
location of leveling point rebar.
4. Further levels readings shall be taken after 2 more passes of the vibrator roller.
Now if the average settlement is less than 1% of the compacted layer thickness,
or as accepted by the Saudi Aramco representative, the compaction control test
is complete.
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5. If the average settlement is more than 1% of the compacted thickness of the

layer thickness, step 4 above shall be repeated till the average settlement of
less than 1% of the compacted layer thickness if achieved.
6. This verified rolling pattern, number of roller passes, roller and other variables
shall be used to compact the rock embankment. In no case, number of passes
shall be less than 5.
In initial stages of the work, this verification procedure shall be performed for
each change of material and minimum once per week. Once a reliable rolling
pattern is established, this frequency would be reduced after approval be Saudi
Aramco representative.
Temporary concrete bench marks shall be provided for compaction control and
R1 settlement measurements.
Documentation of these rock fill compaction tests shall be maintained in the

project records.

Compaction Control Test shall be witnessed and subject to acceptance by Saudi

R2 Aramco representative.

7.2.2 Monitoring Settlement

On completion of the embankment, precise leveling of the crest of the embankment
shall be carried out. This shall consist of leveling transverse sections (a minimum
of 5 points) at a maximum spacing of 30 m along the embankment. Levels shall be
taken at suitable time intervals until the average rate of settlement over a period of
1 month does not exceed 0.05 mm per day. Permanent pavement construction
works will not be performed until the specific criteria is achieved or permission is
granted by Saudi Aramco representative. Settlement monitoring shall be witnessed
R2 by Saudi Aramco representative.
7.2.3 Well Compacted Fill Material
After the rockfill construction is complete, 60 cm fill material conforming to
minimum MRDTM 210 Classification (AASHTO Classification) A-2-4 with a minimum
CR value of 20 shall be placed in layers of maximum 20 thick layers, compacted to
Type 95 degree of compaction. Its thickness shall vary at sides to be in line with
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embankment side slope, in accordance with IFC drawings. This layer shall be
constructed in accordance with approved Method Statement for Earthwork.
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7.3 Filter Layer

A compacted filter layer of 20cm thickness, consisting of ASTM C33, Table 2, Size No. 357,
shall be the next layer after the abovementioned well compacted fill layer. Filter layer shall
have under and above it Polyester Geotextile weighing 300gsm with tensile strength of
17KN and biaxial polypropylene with tensile strength of 30KN, in accordance with IFC
drawings, i.e. firstly geotextile shall be placed and then geogrid under the filter layer and
vice versa above the filter layer.

7.4 Placement of Geotextile

Geotextile fabric shall be placed in the manner and at the locations shown on IFC drawings.

Minimum overlap of the fabric sheets in either direction shall be 600 mm.
Geotextile fabric will be rejected if it has defects, rips, holes, flaws, deterioration, or damage
incurred during manufacture, transportation or storage. The surface to receive the fabric
shall be relatively smooth, free of obstruction, debris or sharp objects that may puncture
the fabric. Any fabric damaged during installation or during placement of filter materials,
slope protection or other materials shall be repaired or replaced. On instruction by Saudi
Aramco representative, extensively damaged fabric shall be removed and replaced. When
the majority of the fabric is undamaged, individual isolated cuts, tears or punctures may be
repaired by placing a patch of geotextile fabric over the damaged area. The patch shall
extend at least one meter beyond the damage in all directions.
Construction equipment will not be permitted to operate directly on the fabric. The fabric
shall be protected at all times during construction from contamination by surface runoff and
any fabric so contaminated shall be removed and replaced with uncontaminated fabric.
Fabric shall be covered with the specified next layer within 14 days after placement; if
damage or deterioration is evident, fabric not covered within this time shall be removed and
replaced at the. Fabric not covered within 30 days after placement shall be removed and
replaced.

7.5 Installation of Geogrid

Geogrid shall be laid shall be smooth, level and as specified on IFC drawings. The surface
to receive geogrid shall be free of obstructions, depressions or debris that may adversely
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affect the installation of the geogrid. The geogrid shall be placed smoothly and stretched
over the prepared surface, either parallel or perpendicular to the centerline. Geogrid mats
shall be unrolled as near to the final placement location as possible, and shall not be
subject to unnecessary dragging or any other abuse. Geogrid mats shall be overlapped in a
pattern that uphill mat overlaps the downhill mat, and minimum overlap shall be 15 cm.
The overlapping mats shall be tied together with plastic ties, as per recommendations by
the manufacturer. Geogrid shall not be left exposed to sun, and lag time between the
geogrid placement and next layer shall in no case exceed 14 days.

7.6 Conventional embankment Construction

After the filter layer and the required installation of geogrid and geotextile installation, the

remaining of the embankment shall be constructed in the conventional manner for

construction of embankment, in accordance with the approved Method Statement for

Earthwork. other matters needing attention

8.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall sample and test all materials to ensure conformance to applicable

specification requirements.

On completion of each layer compaction, QC inspector shall inspect the work and elevations shall

be verified by the surveyor. Once compaction testing inspection accepted by Saudi Aramco, QC

inspector shall allow to continue with next layer.

All QA/QC records shall be maintained, and submitted to Saudi Aramco.

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9.0 HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENT

The health and safety shall severely monitor all construction activities to ensure that all the work

being carried out in safe manner and creating a healthy environment at site. All works performed

by individuals shall comply with the Aramco health and safety standards.

Contractor site supervisor shall conduct a daily tool box meeting and working environment. He is

responsible for achieving the target and the project milestones. Construction safety inspector shall

closely monitor and ensure that all works carried out in highly safe manner, gearing the workers

with full strength of safety equipment, preparation of safety barricading and dust control where ever

applicable in safe manner, Safe work ability of equipment to be used and fulfill any other safety

requirement during work execution. He shall also check and ensure that only qualified personnel

are carrying out the equipment and machinery related works.

9.1 All excavation/backfilling works shall be done safely in accordance to the requirement of
schedule “D”.
9.1.1 Safety staff shall be present at the work site while contractor personnel are working,
including nights, weekends, holidays and extended working hours.
9.1.2 Contractor shall provide and maintain in good working order suitable firefighting
equipment and shall provide trained and qualified fire watch personnel for all
working activities involving ignition sources.
9.1.3 Contractor shall comply with all medical requirements in the construction site.
9.1.4 Contractor shall prepare and environment management plan about earth work.
9.1.5 Any near miss or accident shall be reported immediately and recorded.
9.1.6 Weekly safety statistics reports shall be prepared and recorded.
9.1.7 Grading and excavation shall be planned in a safe manner.

9.2 Before excavation activities being following factors shall be evaluated.

9.2.1 Purpose, Size of excavation to be performed.
9.2.2 Soil classification (shall be determined by geotechnical/soil analysis)
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9.2.3 Stability and proximity of adjacent structures, including the location and depth of
foundations.
9.2.4 Location of underground obstruction such as pipe, electric cables and other utilities.
9.2.5 Presence of process equipment or piping with the potential of hydrogen and other
toxic materials (e.g. H2S).
9.2.6 Weather and soil moisture conditions, Especially high water tables.
9.2.7 Sources of soil vibrations (Highway traffic, machinery, rail road’s etc.)
9.2.8 Location and type of barricades, signs and lighting.
9.2.9 Method of excavating and removal of soil.
9.2.10 Emergency rescue equipment shall be made available.
9.2.11 The impact the excavation will have on access for emergency vehicles/Personnel
and aggress of personnel in the event of emergency.

9.3 Permits
9.3.1 Saudi Aramco work permit(s) per GI-2.100 shall be obtained as required before the
excavation work is started.
9.3.2 The work permit issuer and receiver shall ensure that underground
utilities/Installations have been located and marked (e.g. by flags and chalk) before
excavation activities begin

9.4 Protection against side wall side in

9.4.1 Protective systems
A. Suitable shoring shall be installed, or the sides benched or sloped back to a safe
angle, For all excavations 1.2 meters (4ft) deep or greater or for soil piles over 1.5
m (5ft) high
B. The determination of slope angle, benches or choice and design of shoring shall
be based on an evaluation by the excavation competent person of pertinent
factors. Such as:
C. Since any Previously distributed soil is considered to be type C soil, excavation in
previously distributed soil (e.g. fill) shall not be sloped at angle greater than1.5
horizontals and 1 vertical, measured from the horizontal.
D. Shoring material shall be in good condition
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E. Workers shall be trained to look for signs of shoring or side wall bulge, surface
cracking, Sand penetration from behind shoring or cracked shoring, which can be
a warning sign of collapse that is about to happen.

9.5 Hazardous materials

9.5.1 When hazardous materials are known or suspected (e.g. sludge, asbestos)
excavation work shall not be started until SA environment protection department
(EPD) is contacted and has evaluated the potential hazardous and specify the
precautions to be taken.
9.5.2 If materials suspected of being hazardous are unearthed during excavation
activities, all work stop until the material is identified by SA EPD, Appropriate
removal and disposal procedures are established, and work practices are modified
as needed.

9.6 Emergency response

Emergency response shall be provided uninterrupted and separately.
9.6.1 Appropriate emergency rescue equipment (e.g. breathing apparatus, full body
harness and lifeline, basket stretcher (shall be readily available during work.
9.6.2 A stand by man shall be attendance until the work is completed for any excavation
that has been determined to be a confined space.
9.6.3 A fire watch shall remain in place any time an ignition source (e.g. welding, cutting)
is present in the excavation and for 30 minutes after the ignition source has been
removed.
9.6.4 Personnel entering bell bottom pier holes or other similar deep and confined
excavations shall wear full body harness with a lifeline attached to it. The lifeline
shall be separate from any line used to handle materials and shall be individually
attended at all times while the employee wearing the lifeline is in the excavation.
Mechanical excavation shall be available on site to lift incapacitated workers from
the excavation.

9.7 Risk Assessment should be revised under the following condition:

 If change in activities
 If change in equipment and machine
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 If change in condition
 If change in skilled work force
 Periodically revision

9.8 Protective and Safety Equipment

Following personnel protective equipment’s are mandatory at site all the time
 Safety Helmet
 Safety Shoes
 Safety Glasses
 Coverall
 Hand Gloves
Other personnel protective equipment should be worn by the worker as required by the job
e.g.
 Full Body harness
 Face shield
 Reflective vest

9.9 Information to personnel

 Supervisor shall conduct prestart meeting prior to commence of any job and he must
deliver enough knowledge to worker about the task.
 Working area permit and permission shall be prepared as per drawing and closely
supervised.
 All work permits and permission shall be obtained as per drawing and closely
supervised.
 Use cable/metal and pipe detector for locating underground utilities.
 Inspect the area as per drawing of underground utilities.
 Excavation shall be sloped and have a shoring system shall be used.
 All excavations shall be inspected by competent personnel.
 Excavated area shall be barricaded with sign board.
 During lifting the working area shall be barricade with sign board.
 All equipment shall be parked away from the edge of the excavation slope.
 Tag lines shall be used to control the suspended load in all lifting operations.
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 Rigging supervisor shall monitor the lifting activity.

 Riggers shall be third party certified and shall give clear hand signal to crane operator.
 Safety officer and supervisor both shall closely to monitor the work.
 All equipment shall be equipped with a backup alarm, a fire extinguisher and seat belt.
 Operator shall have a license and shall be third party certified.
 A skilled flag shall by responsible for controlling the movement of all heavy equipment.
 All members of the team shall undergo safety induction relevant to their job.
 Only experience/skilled persons shall be deployed for the job.
 Sufficient drinking water will be available for the workforce at all times.
 Heat stress shelter and beach umbrella shall be provided on site for worker.

9.10 Emergency procedures:

 Emergency plan will be furnished depending on the location and condition of site.
 Safety officers shall be available at all the time during working hours to insist in the
case of any accident or to act in an any emergency.
 First aid kit shall be provided at job site.
 Display the emergency phone numbers on job site.