QP Specification For Onshore Pipeline Construction (QP-SPC-L-018-R1)

ENGINEERING STANDARDS
SPECIFICATION FOR ONSHORE PIPELINE

CONSTRUCTION
DOC NO: QP-SPC-L-018

(FORMERLY ES.5.14.0051.RA)
REVISION 1
TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

SPECIFICATION FOR ONSHORE PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1
TABLE OF CONTENT
FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.0 CUSTODIAN ........................................................................................................................................ 5
3.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.0 APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................................... 5
5.0 TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................................................................. 7
6.0 REFERENCE CODES, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 7

6.1 INTERNATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS ........................................................................................................... 8
6.2 QP SPECIFICATIONS & STANDARDS ................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 CONFLICT BETWEEN CODES ........................................................................................................................... 10
7.0 PRE - CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 10
7.1 CONSTRUCTION PLAN ................................................................................................................................... 10
7.1.1 Description of the construction .............................................................................................................. 11
7.1.2 Health, Safety and Environment ............................................................................................................. 11
7.1.3 Quality Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 12
7.2 PIPELINE CORRIDOR/ROUTE SURVEY AND MARKING .......................................................................................... 12
7.2.1 Pipeline Corridor ..................................................................................................................................... 12
7.2.2 Pre-Construction Survey & Marking ....................................................................................................... 12
7.3 PARALLEL OFFSET DISTANCES REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................... 13
7.4 PREPARATION OF THE WORKING WIDTH - GRADING OF ROW .............................................................................. 13
7.5 CARE OF EXISTING FEATURES/STRUCTURES....................................................................................................... 14
8.0 UNLOADING, STOCKPILING, HAULING AND STRINGING OF MATERIALS ........................................... 15
9.0. PIPELINE TRENCH EXCAVATION AND COVER DEPTHS ....................................................................... 18
9.1 TRENCH EXCAVATION ................................................................................................................................... 18
9.2 BLASTING AND MECHANICAL/HYDRAULIC ROCK BREAKING.................................................................................. 19
9.3 PRE-PADDING ............................................................................................................................................. 21
9.4 COVER DEPTHS ........................................................................................................................................... 21
10.0 CROSSINGS ...................................................................................................................................... 21
10.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 21
10.2 SPECIFIC CROSSING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 23
10.2.1 Pipeline Crossing Angle........................................................................................................................... 23
10.2.2 Underground Pipeline Crossing Major Road/Highway ........................................................................... 23
10.2.3 Underground Pipelines Crossing Tracks ................................................................................................. 24
10.2.4 Aboveground Pipelines Crossing Tracks ................................................................................................. 25
10.2.5 Underground Pipeline Crossing Existing Underground Pipeline/Facilities ............................................. 25
10.2.6 Underground Pipeline Crossing Existing Aboveground Pipelines ........................................................... 25
10.2.7 Aboveground Pipeline Crossing Existing Aboveground Pipelines .......................................................... 26
10.2.8 Underground Pipeline Crossing Overhead Transmission Lines .............................................................. 26
10.2.9 Underground Cables Crossing Pipeline Corridor .................................................................................... 26
10.2.10 Underground Pipeline Crossing Wadi ..................................................................................................... 26
11.0 PIPELINE BENDS ............................................................................................................................... 27
12.0 LINING-UP AND WELDING ................................................................................................................ 29
Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 2 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

13.0 PROTECTIVE COATING ...................................................................................................................... 30

13.1 ABOVE GROUND PIPELINE FACILITIES ......................................................................................................... 30
13.2 UNDERGROUND PIPELINE COATING/FIELD JOINTS .......................................................................................... 30
13.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 30
13.2.2 FBE Coating Application .......................................................................................................................... 31
13.2.3 Shrink Sleeves Application ...................................................................................................................... 31
13.3 INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF PIPE COATING ....................................................................................................... 31
13.4 FINAL HOLIDAY DETECTION TEST .................................................................................................................... 31
14.0 LOWERING-IN .................................................................................................................................. 31
15.0 TIE-INS ............................................................................................................................................. 32
16.0 WASHOUTS AND DRAINAGE ............................................................................................................ 33
17.0 PADDING AND BACKFILLING OF THE TRENCH ................................................................................... 33
18.0 SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS ON THE PIPELINE ....................................................................................... 35
18.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................... 35
18.2 VALVE STATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 35
18.3 PIG LAUNCHER / PIG RECEIVER STATIONS......................................................................................................... 35
18.4 INSULATION JOINTS ...................................................................................................................................... 36
18.5 FLANGED CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................... 36
18.6 PIPELINE MARKERS ...................................................................................................................................... 36
18.7 ANCHOR FLANGES/ANCHOR BLOCKS .............................................................................................................. 36
18.8 BARRED TEES .............................................................................................................................................. 36
18.9 FITTINGS FOR CORROSION MONITORING AND INHIBITOR INJECTORS .................................................................... 36
19.0 FINAL TESTING ................................................................................................................................. 36
20.0 CATHODIC PROTECTION/TEST STATIONS ......................................................................................... 37
21.0 FINAL CLEAN UP OF THE CONSTRUCTION ROW ................................................................................ 37
22.0 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................. 38
22.1 AS- BUILT DOCUMENTATION .................................................................................................................... 38
22.2 PIPE BOOK ................................................................................................................................................. 39
23.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE ....................................................................................................................... 39
APPENDIX A- LIST OF QP ONSHORE PIPELINE TYPICAL DETAILS DRAWINGS............................................. 40
REVISION HISTORY LOG ................................................................................................................................. 41

FOREWORD
This document has been developed by Technical Services Department, reviewed by
Corporate Quality and Management Systems Department and circulated for user
departments’ review before endorsed by Corporate Management for use as QP
Specification for Onshore Pipeline Construction.
This document is the replacement of the old version of ES.5.14.0051.RA. This QP
Technical Specification will supersede the said specification and serve as a technical
guidance for preparing project specification on the specific subject.
This document defines minimum requirements for various activities to be performed by
QP Contractor for the construction and installation of underground and aboveground
pipeline within the State of Qatar.
This document is published for Corporate Departments/ Contractors/ Consultants
utilization. It should be emphasized that the document is be used for Corporate
operations wherever applicable and appropriate.
The document in its present numbering, layout and format was prepared in accordance
with the new standardization procedures.
The document in its present form reflects as far as possible the current QP requirements
taking into account the known available industry practices and the applicable latest
national and international codes and standards and is in compliance with MoE
requirements, which are applicable for pipeline construction within the State of Qatar.
The document is subjected to periodical review to re-affirm its adequacy or to conform to
any changes in the corporate requirements or to include new developments on its
subject.
It is recognized that there will be cases where addenda, data sheets, or other
clarifications need to be attached to the document to suit a specific application or service
environment. As such, the content of the document shall not be changed or re-edited by
any user (QP or its contractors, suppliers, agents, etc.), but any addenda or clarifications
entailing major changes shall be brought to the attention of the Custodian Department.
The Custodian of this document is Corporate Technical Services Department (EE).
Therefore, all technical comments, views, recommendations, etc on this document
should be forwarded to the same and copied to Manager, Corporate Quality &
Management Systems Department (QA).

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Specification shall be read in conjunction with other QP relevant
specifications/procedures, international standards as applicable, approved
drawings and with pipeline typical details drawings, listed in appendix A of this
specification.
Contractor or their Sub-Contractors shall execute the work in full compliance with
QP requirements and Qatar local laws, by-laws, ordinances, regulations, and
shall provide all plant, services and labor inclusive of supervision thereof.
Contractor or their Sub-Contractors shall be deemed to have inspected and
examined the work areas and the surroundings and to have satisfied himself, as
far as practicable, as to the form and nature thereof, of the extent and nature of
work and the means of access to work areas.
Contractor or their Sub-Contractors shall be deemed to have obtained all the
necessary information related to risks, contingencies and all other circumstances,
which may influence the work scope activities.
2.0 CUSTODIAN
The Custodian of this specification is QP-Technical Services Department (EE)
who is responsible for the accuracy and quality of its content and for its future
revisions.
3.0 SCOPE
This Specification defines the minimum requirements for the construction and
installation of onshore and near shore pipelines including cross-country pipelines
for aboveground and underground pipelines, within the State of Qatar.
This specification does not cover in details the construction activities listed below.
More details about each activity can be found in QP relevant specifications
/procedures:
- Welding
- Coating/wrapping/painting
- Hydrostatic Testing
- Pipeline Cleaning, Gauging and Flooding
- Pre-Commissioning
- Pigging
- Hot Tapping
- Cathodic Protection
- Commissioning
4.0 APPLICATION
This Specification applies to Onshore Pipelines and does not currently cover
Offshore Pipelines within the territorial limits of the State of Qatar. The

demarcation between offshore and onshore pipelines shall be at the ESD valve
located/installed at the landfall (beach landing valve).
This specification applies to rigid metallic pipelines.
It does not apply for flexible pipelines or those constructed from other materials
such as glass-reinforced plastics.
This specification is applicable to new pipeline systems and may be applied to
modifications made to existing ones. It is not intended that it should apply
retroactively to existing pipeline systems.
5.0 TERMINOLOGY
5.1 DEFINITIONS
ARMCO Barrier Corrugated steel crash barrier designed to prevent a
vehicle from leaving a race track.
Contractor The party, which entered into contract with QP for the
execution of activities as mentioned in a written
agreement.
Cross-Country Pipeline and its appurtenances used to transport fluids
Pipeline across the country between isolated plant areas
Sub-Contractor The party, which entered into contract with Contractor for
the execution of activities as mentioned in a written
agreement.
Pipeline A system of pipes and other components used for the
transportation of fluids, including the pipeline and its
related appurtenances between (but excluding) plants.
A pipeline extends from pig trap to pig trap (including
the pig traps), or, if no pig trap is fitted, to the first
isolation valve within the plant boundaries or a more
inward valve if so nominated.
Pipeline Corridor Constitutes an exclusive land area, used for pipeline and
related activities.
Top soil The uppermost layer of the soil that has the darkest color
or the highest content of organic matters.
Sabkha Arabic name of flat and very saline areas of sand or silt
lying just above the water table.
Shall It is used where the provision is an absolute requirement
to be followed strictly in order to conform to this
specification.
Should It is used where provision is recommended to conform to
this specification.
May An acceptable option or options under the contract.
March chart A time chain chart/diagram that can be used effectively in
any construction process.

Must Used where a provision is a statutory requirement.

Wadi An Arabic word of a dry river bed which could be
temporarily filled with water following rain.
Will An essential action or need to meet the mandatory
requirement.
5.2 ABBREVIATIONS
ASHGAL Qatar Public Works Authority (QPWA).
CP Cathodic Protection.
CSWIP Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection Personnel
FBE Fusion Bonded Epoxy.
FOC Fiber Optic Cable.
HSE Health, Safety and Environment.
KAHRAMAA Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation
(QGEWC).
MIC Mesaieed Industrial City.
MMUP Ministry of Municipalities & Urban Planning.
MoE Ministry of Environment.
NDT Non Destructive Testing.
NGL Natural Gas Liquids.
QNG Qatar National Grid.
QNHD Qatar National Height Datum.
QP Qatar Petroleum.
QTEL Qatar Telecom.
RLIC Ras Laffan Industrial City.
RO Road Opening.
ROW Right of Way.
PQP Project Quality Plan.
PUP Pipe Union Piece.
WPQR Welding Procedure Qualification Record.
WPS Welding Procedure Specifications.
6.0 REFERENCE CODES, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The work shall comply in all respects with the latest editions of the listed codes and
standards, unless otherwise amended by this Specification.

6.1 INTERNATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

API SPEC 5L Specification for Line Pipe
API RP 5L1 Recommended Practice for Railroad Transportation of
Line Pipe
API 600 Bolted Bonnet Steel Gate Valves for Petroleum and
Natural Gas Industry
API STD 1104 Standard for Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
API RP 1102 Steel Pipelines Crossing Railroads and Highways
API RP 1110 Recommended Practice for Pressure Testing of Liquid
Petroleum Pipelines
API RP 1109 Marking Liquid Petroleum Pipeline Facilities
ASME B16.10 Face to Face and End to End Dimensions of Valves
ASME B16.5 Pipeline flanges and flanges fittings
ASME B16.9 Factory made wrought iron steel butt-welding fittings
ASME B31.4 Liquid Transportation Systems for Hydrocarbons, Liquid
Petroleum Gas, Anhydrous Ammonia and Alcohols
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Pipeline Systems
BS 7361 Part1 Cathodic Protection Part 1 - Code of Practice for Land
and Marine Applications
EN 10204 Metallic Products – Types of Inspection Document
ENA-M1 KAHRAMAA Regulations for Clearances and Works in
the Vicinity of Extra High Voltage Installations
ISO 13623 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries- Pipeline
Transportation Systems
NACE RP 0572 Design, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of
Impressed Current Deep Ground Beds
NACE SP 0177 Mitigation of Alternating Current and Lightning Effects
on Metallic Structures and Corrosion Control System
NACE RP 0169 Control of Corrosion on Underground of Submerged
Metallic Piping Systems
NACE RP 0274 High Voltage Electrical Inspection of Pipeline Coatings
Prior to Installation
NACE RP 0490 Holiday Detection of Fusion Bonded Epoxy External
Pipeline Coating of 10 to 30 mills
PFI ES 24 Pipe Bending Methods, Tolerances, Process and
Material Requirements
SSPC-SP Steel Structure Painting Council Surface Preparation

6.2 QP SPECIFICATIONS & STANDARDS

The latest revision of QP Standards and specifications shall be applied.
ES.S.60 Specification for the Non-Destructive Testing of Welds
ES.2.14.0046 Engineering Standard for Cathodic Protection for
Onshore Facilities
ES.2.14.0047 Engineering Standard for Pre-Design for Site Survey CP
design of Onshore Facilities
ES.5.06.0018 Pig Trap Selection for Design and Fabrication
ES.5.06.0024 Design, Manufacture, Testing and Supply of Pig
Signaler (Intrusive Type)
ES.5.14.0952 Onshore Pipeline Ball Valves
ES.5.14.0954 Onshore Barred Tees
HSEGL-11-01 QP Guidelines for Managing HSE in Contracts
HSEPR-QP-11 QP Procedure for Managing HSE in Contracts
QP-GLD-S-031 QP Guideline for Safety of Pigging Facility
QP-PHL-S-001 Corporate Philosophy for Fire and Safety
QP-SPC-L-002 Standard Specification for Painting and Wrapping of
Metal Surfaces
QP-SPC-L-005 Specification for External FBE coating for Onshore
Pipelines.
QP-SPC-L-006 Specification for Field Joint FBE Coating.
QP-SPC-L-007 Specification for Heat Shrink Sleeves for Corrosion
Protection of Pipeline Girth Weld Joints.
QP-SPC-L-010 Specification for Cleaning, Gauging and Flooding of
New Pipelines.
QP-SPC-L-011 Specification for Hydrostatic Testing of New Pipelines.
QP-SPC-L-012 Specification for Pre-Commissioning and
Commissioning of Pipelines
QP-STD-L-008 QP Technical Standard for Corrosion Inhibitors and their
Injection Package for Oil and Gas Production Facilities
QP-STD-L-009 QP Technical Standard for Corrosion Monitoring
Systems for Oil and Gas Production Facilities
QP-STD-L-014 QP Corporate Standard for Pipeline Integrated
Management Systems
QP-STD-L-017 QP Standard for Onshore Pipeline Transmission and
Distribution Systems of Gas and Liquid Hydrocarbons
QP-STD-Q-004 QP Corporate Standard for Quality Requirements for
Projects

QP-STD-R-001 QP Standard on Materials for Sour Service

QP-STD-R-006 Welding of Onshore Transmission Pipelines,
Supplementary to API 1104
QWI-TDO-04-08 Work Instruction for Working on QP Pipelines
QP-SPC-ENV-001 Specification for Waste Management
QP-SPC-ENV-006 QP Standard for Environmental Requirements for Site
Preparation, Abandonment and Restoration
6.3 CONFLICT BETWEEN CODES

In case of any conflict between the requirements of this specification and the
referenced codes, standards and specifications, the following precedence shall
be applicable:
a) Statutory requirements of the State of Qatar
b) Purchase Order/Project Specifications
c) QP Standards/Specifications
d) International Codes and Standards
Any deviations from those listed in this specification shall require QP approval.
7.0 PRE - CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
7.1 CONSTRUCTION PLAN

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a construction plan for review and
approval prior to commencement of construction. The construction program shall
take account of seasonal restrictions and allow sufficient float to create a realistic
achievable schedule. This plan shall be adequate with the complexity and the
hazards of the work and should include the following, but not limited to:
 Description of the construction work
 HSE Plan
 Project Quality Plan
The Contractor shall provide all necessary calculations and procedures to ensure
that the pipeline will be installed in a safe and timely manner and with minimum
impact on the environment. The construction plan should cover the following
activities, but not limited to:
 Health, Safety and Environment
 Quality Assurance and Control
 Preparation of March Chart
 Preparation of ROW
 Trenching
 Stringing and Cold Bending
 Welding and Non-Destructive Testing

 Field Joint Coating

 Pre-padding, Lowering-in and Tie-ins
 As-Built Survey, Post-Padding, Fiber Optic Cable installation (if applicable),
Backfilling Bund Formation and Site Reinstatement
 Crossings (roads, railways, rivers, sabkha areas, pipelines, cables, etc.)
 Concrete Coatings for river crossings, swamp, wet terrain, etc.
 Fabricated assemblies, Valve stations and Pigging stations
 Cathodic Protection
 Filling, Cleaning, Gauging and Hydrostatic Testing
 Pre-commissioning
 Permanent Pipeline Markers, Crossing Markers and Safety Barriers
 Commissioning
 Preparation of As-Built Records
7.1.1 Description of the construction
The construction should identify methods, personnel and equipment required for
the construction of pipeline and its appurtenances, construction procedures,
supervision/inspection and method statements.
Contractor shall submit documentation for the items of lifting, test equipments and
other tools used in construction activities. Documentation shall include but not
limited to:
 Quality plans and manuals
 Material handling procedure
 Mechanical test reports
 Pressure test reports
 Inspection reports
 Manufacturing and fabrication procedures
Special construction, such as tunnels, pipelines bridges and horizontal directional
drilling shall require supplemental pipeline installation procedures to be prepared.
7.1.2 Health, Safety and Environment
The construction plan should address the HSE plan which shall contain
Contractor’s HSE policy, HSE organization structure, details of risk assessment
and controlled measures. Contractor shall submit HSE plan for QP HSE
Department for review and approval. It should take into consideration the
requirements of the relevant Qatar legislation and applicable QP standards (i.e.
QP-PHL-S-001 & QP-SPC-ENV-006).
The Contractor shall ensure a ventilation of minimum 12 air changes per hour in
blasting operations. Blasting and painting materials shall not be used until

reviewed and endorsed by QP Industrial Hygienist for their hazards and control
measures.
MoE Project Environmental Clearance shall be obtained, prior to commencement
of any construction work activity.
7.1.3 Quality Plan
Quality in construction of onshore pipeline as part of PQP shall be in accordance
with QP-STD-Q-004 requirements. Contractor shall submit Method of Statements
detailing the requirements including, but not be limited to the codes, standards,
processes/activities, personnel qualification, equipment, Quality Assurance
/Control, HSE and records to be used in the construction activities for review and
approval prior commencement of work.
7.2 PIPELINE CORRIDOR/ROUTE SURVEY AND MARKING
7.2.1 Pipeline Corridor
The dedicated Pipeline Corridor shall approved by Qatar Authority (MMUP, MoE
and Industrial Governing Authority i.e. RLIC, MIC, etc.). All pipelines shall be
placed in such designated corridors.
7.2.2 Pre-Construction Survey & Marking
Contractor shall inspect the pipeline route within the designated corridor, prior to
commencement of work. All surrounding work areas shall be inspected including,
the Terminal/Station Departure and Terminal/Station Arrival and if any spur-line
connection to other pipelines/stations. Such inspections shall be undertaken after
access to the route has been granted and before commencement of construction.
Reports of these inspections shall state the condition of the items potentially
affected by construction and record the mutual approval of all parties concerned.
Contractor shall stake the entire pipeline route on the ground from the data
identified on the approved pipeline route plans and alignment sheets.
The construction survey control shall be staked at a maximum of 50 m intervals on
the tangents and at 10 m intervals on the curves. The numbering system shall be
continuous.
All staking shall be on the trench centerline. Reference points shall be established
for each centerline stake, offset by 25 m.
Stakes shall be placed at fences, existing pipelines, existing above or below
ground facilities, cathodic protection test points, extra depth trench locations and at
pipelines. Stakes shall also be placed at tangent points, top of sand dunes etc. to
ensure unobstructed centerlines visibility in either direction along the pipeline route.
Contractor shall investigate and establish any development which may have
taken place since the topographical survey was carried out, and shall submit
detailed documentation to support any proposed realignment of the surveyed
pipeline route resulting from the actual conditions encountered during his
investigations or as required by the relevant Local Authorities. Any realignment of
the surveyed pipeline route shall be subject to QP approval prior to
implementation.

7.3 PARALLEL OFFSET DISTANCES REQUIREMENTS

Spacing of parallel underground pipelines or above grade individually supported
pipelines shall be in accordance with the requirements of QP-STD-L-017.
Within the limit of QP Industrial Cities (MIC, RLIC, Dukhan), the requirements of
each relevant authority shall apply. In specific circumstances, due to construction
or site conditions, the minimum distances may be reduced. Contractor shall fully
justify any reduction in the minimum offset distance. QP approval will be required
for such reductions.
7.4 PREPARATION OF THE WORKING WIDTH - GRADING OF ROW
7.4.1 RO permit shall be obtained from ASHGAL, before commencing the ROW
preparation. Prior to clearing or grading of ROW or stringing of pipe, Contractor
shall provide appropriate fencing where required for public safety and to prevent
livestock from encroaching on the working area. Where the ROW passes through
fenced areas, the Contractor, after notifying the owner/tenant and the Client, shall
open the fence and install temporary gates therein. Adjacent (fence) posts shall be
adequately braced to prevent slackening of the wire. Materials and construction of
the fence and temporary gates shall be approved by the Client.
7.4.2 The construction ROW to be graded shall be a strip of land of adequate width to
properly perform the pipeline construction and to provide access to the pipeline
during the construction period. The working side for the construction shall be
selected as to avoid existing pipeline damage. The construction and finished
permanent ROW shall be executed as per pipeline typical details of ROW, listed
in appendix A of this specification.
7.4.3 In areas, which require a greater or restricted width of ROW, QP approval shall
be obtained. Prior to start of cleaning and grading activities, Contractor shall
advise of the sections where ROW width will be restricted and obtain QP
approval.
7.4.4 At locations where any part of the work is routed along, over, under or across
existing tracks, paths, walkways, roads or highways, the Contractor shall as
required provide and maintain detours, temporary bridges and road control. As
required by the road/traffic department, the Contractor shall furnish and maintain
flagman, watchman, detour signs, warning lights, barricades, where necessary to
fully protect the public.
7.4.5 All grubbed stumps, timber, roots cuts and dislodged and similar material, rock
particles etc. shall be removed from the ROW and disposed off in
environmentally clean and safe manner. Prior to disposal, MoE shall be sought
whenever is deemed necessary. In no circumstances, shall these be left to
interfere with the grading, bunding or pipe laying operations.
7.4.6 Contractor shall grade the ROW to eliminate sharp high points, fill all low points
and minimize bending along the pipeline route.
7.4.7 Contractor shall excavate and remove rock or other material, which cannot be
graded off with normal grading equipment. Explosive blasting techniques shall be
used only after obtaining written permission from QP. Blasting operations shall be
executed in accordance with relevant Government legislation and environmental
constraints and shall be performed by competent and qualified personal.

7.4.8 At locations where easement or permit restrictions limit the ROW width, or, where
the construction of the ROW passes over, through, or along roads, paths, pole
lines, or any other improved or confined areas, Contractor shall grade only the
width of the ROW necessary for digging the pipeline trench and constructing the
pipeline.
7.4.9 Where the construction ROW passes through Sabkha areas (loose sand/soil or
high water table areas), fill material duly approved by QP, shall be placed and
compacted over the full width of the ROW to support construction equipments, as
indicated in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this
specification. The Contractor shall perform all necessary grading at road crossings
and any other location required to permit the passage of construction equipments.
7.4.10 Maintenance access road shall be constructed concurrent with the ROW along
the pipeline route including Sabkha areas. Fill material duly approved by QP shall
be placed & compacted to the full width of the maintenance access track, as
indicated in the relevant pipeline typical drawing listed in appendix A of this
specification. The track so prepared shall be such that year-round vehicular
access along the pipeline routes is available, for maintenance.
7.5 CARE OF EXISTING FEATURES/STRUCTURES
7.5.1 The Contractor shall prepare and submit to QP a detailed proposal of the
precautions to be taken in providing temporary fencing and other protective
devices according to each situation, to avoid damaging existing pipelines, electrical
lines and cables, fences, roads, drainage, irrigation systems and any other existing
above or below ground structures, or property, adjacent to or crossing the pipeline
being constructed.
7.5.2 The Contractor shall perform any clearing necessary to accommodate the
installation of the pipeline and related facilities.
7.5.3 Great care shall be taken whilst excavation or grading cultivated ground. For these
areas the top soil shall be carefully removed and protected against erosion and
contamination by blown sand and kept for reinstatement after the pipeline is
constructed.
7.5.4 Any archeological monuments discovery during trenching and ROW clearance
shall be brought to the attention of QP immediately.
7.5.5 The Contractor shall stop operations in the area of an archeological find until the
significance and extent of the find is determined and QP gives approval to proceed
with the work and instruct Contractor of any special action(s) to be taken.
7.5.6 During any work on pipelines influenced by high voltage lines, safety measures
shall be applied for the protection of personnel. These protective measures shall be
provided, prior to commencement of the work. This shall include protection to
cranes, side booms and all other construction equipments.
7.5.7 When the bund is removed from any existing pipeline or cable for access by
construction traffic, the Contractor shall clearly indicate its underground route by
pegs and warning signs. The Contractor shall protect the existing facility from
vehicle wheel loads as per the requirements of QP-STD-L-017 (other values can
be applied within the industrial city limits as per the requirements of each relevant
authority), by the placement of concrete protection slabs over the facility as

approved by the operator/owner of the existing facility. Bunds of existing facilities

so removed shall be re-instated to its original condition, after the completion of the
work.
7.5.8 Maintenance access road shall be constructed by the Contractor concurrent with
the ROW along the route of the pipeline through all sabkha areas. The road shall
require compaction and grading throughout the area including sabkha area. The
grade level of the ROW after consolidation and compaction of the fill shall be as
per the applicable installation typical, drawings and other specifications issued
with the Contract Documents. The Contractor shall also grade a maintenance
track along the ROW of the pipeline, such that year-round vehicular access along
the pipeline routes is available, for maintenance.
7.5.9 The Contractor shall make full provision for ramps, temporary cross-over, etc. for
crossing tracks and above ground pipelines to permit the crossing of men and
machinery for the purpose of continuous ROW preparation. Their continued
availability to vehicular and other traffic shall be ensured. The banks and
structure of each crossing shall be preserved. No existing crossings shall be
filled or otherwise obstructed without QP approval.
7.5.10 The Contractor shall be liable for all remedial work required as a result of
damages to existing pipelines and associated equipment, tracks, roads, highways
and all other utilities caused by him. The Contractor shall carry out remedial work
as and when required by QP.
7.5.11 All necessary permits for road crossings and crossing of existing pipelines,
cables and structures shall be obtained. All provisions and conditions of all
permitting authorities and all instructions given by QP or its representative shall
be complied with. Details of underground utilities are generally (for information)
indicated on the drawings. However, the Contractor shall make all efforts to
obtain plans and full details of all existing/planned underground services from
relevant authorities and shall follow these plans closely at all times during the
performance at the work.
7.5.12 The Contractor shall be responsible for locating and protecting all underground
lines, cables and structures, whether or not indicated on drawings, using
underground detection equipment or hand digging. Pipeline locators, trial pits and
all other means of locating lines, cables and substructures shall be used, if
required. The Contractor shall also locate, identify and clearly mark any other
pipelines, cables or outfalls in the area of the shore approach.
8.0 UNLOADING, STOCKPILING, HAULING AND STRINGING OF
MATERIALS
8.1 The Contractor shall unload, stockpile, load, haul and string all materials and shall
make all necessary arrangements and agreements in accordance with QP
approved procedures. After unloading, the pipe shall be supported above ground
level in a manner that will prevent rain, runoff water and sediments from entering
the pipe
8.2 The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the line pipe in good condition.
All end caps removed for inspection shall be replaced. Nesting of pipes is not
permitted. The method of stacking pipes shall be submitted to QP for review. It is

Contractor's responsibility to ensure that no distortion of pipe shape or any other

damage occurs during storage and pipe laying operations.
8.3 Pipe shall always be handled with care and by means of suitable equipment to
prevent damage to pipe walls, pipe ends, and pipe coating. Pipe shall not be
dropped, thrown, dragged, skidded, rolled or handled with unsuitable equipment.
The pipe handling shall be performed within the acceptable pipe stresses limit as
per API RP 5L1 requirements. At no stage during pipe handling shall the stresses
in the pipe exceed the limit allowed by API RP 5L1.
8.4 The Contractor shall provide adequate storage facilities for all materials placed in
his custody, and for his own materials.
8.5 The Contractor shall be responsible for providing suitable trucks and equipment in
sufficient quantity to transport materials to construction sites in accordance with
agreed schedules.
8.6 The Contractor shall handle pipe with equipment of a suitable capacity using
approved, non-metallic, non-abrasive slings, spreader bars, and protected hooks.
The slings, spreader bars and hooks shall have necessary certificates of approval
from approved Inspecting Authorities before loading or unloading is commenced.
Pipes shall not be rolled into or from conveyances, nor handled in any manner,
which distorts the round form of the ends, or scratches, gouges or dents the pipe.
Pipes shall not be dragged along the ground.
8.7 Any damage to the bare pipe or coating resulting from hauling, stockpiling,
subsequent handling or any other cause shall be repaired by the Contractor at the
Contractor's expense. QP shall be notified prior to any repairs taking place.
8.8 Pipe shall be unloaded from trucks using a side boom tractor, crane, or fork lift
with padded bars or grips. The pipe remaining on the truck during unloading
shall be snubbed under control at all times.
8.9 Pipes strung on the construction ROW shall be protected by setting the pipe in a
manner that shall cause no damage to the pipe coating.
8.10 Pipe stringing in rock trench areas shall not be permitted until trenching is
complete.
8.11 In rocky areas and in unlevel terrain, pipe shall be unloaded onto suitable pads,
padded skids, or plastic covered dirt bunds to avoid damage from rocks and
uneven loading distribution.
8.12 Pipe shall be strung in such a manner as to result in the least amount of
interference to the normal use of the land crossed, and gaps shall be left at
approximately 500 m intervals or at existing tracks to permit the use of the land and
the passage of equipment, or other normal traffic across the construction ROW.
8.13 Where pipe of different grades or wall thicknesses is to be used, it shall be strung
and segregated in such manner as to avoid mistakes in installing the wrong pipe.
8.14 Materials shall be stored, hauled to the site of the work and assembled on the site
in accordance with vendor and supplier instructions and Contract Documents as to
prevent damage.

8.15 The Contractor may stockpile pipe on the ROW or at permitted storage locations,
as per approved stacking plan. The height of the pipe stack shall not exceed the
limit allowed by API RP 5L1.
8.16 The Contractor shall be responsible for any repairs to existing roads or any
property damaged by hauling and stringing operations.
8.17 Pipe shall not be strung on the ROW more than three kilometers in advance of
the mainline welding, unless specifically permitted in writing by QP.
8.18 All materials other than line pipe, shall not be stored on the ROW, but shall be
transported to the installation site, in a covered conveyance on the day of use.
The timing of issue of materials will be as per QP approved work schedule.
8.19 Stored materials shall be protected from ground surfaces by use of timber or, by
an approved method. Ground surfaces in Storage areas shall be clean and flat.
Fragile materials shall not be stored or transported in more than one layer.
8.20 Welding Consumables shall be stored under clean, dry conditions in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations, where possible, in their original unopened
containers until required. Electrodes shall be stored and handled in an orderly
manner to prevent damage.
8.21 Valves, flanges and fittings shall be handled in such manner and by such
equipment that will prevent damage to shafts, facings, bevels, and machined
surfaces.
8.22 Flange faces and all machined surfaces shall be covered with grease to protect
them against rust and corrosion.
8.23 Coating materials shall be suitably stored and protected so that they do not
deteriorate as a result of exposure to high thermal conditions or adverse weather
conditions during storage and during all other stages of construction. Methods of
protection shall be in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s
recommendation. Deteriorated materials shall not be used and shall be replaced
by the Contractor.
8.24 Each joint of pipe shall be swabbed with a leather or canvas belt disc of the
proper diameter or cleaned to the satisfaction of the client to remove dirt, loose
mill scale or other foreign substances before placing in alignment for welding.
The open ends of the pipe shall be securely closed at the end of each day’s work
and shall not be opened until work is resumed.
8.25 After the pipes have been strung, these shall be inspected for damage prior to
welding and all defective pipe ends repaired. Defective pipes shall be repaired or
rejected as directed by the client.
8.26 Pipe shall be visually inspected for dents, cracks, cuts, splits, flattening, buckles,
kinks, notches, laminations, lacerations, bevel damage, damage to longitudinal
welds, and surface defects such as scratches, gouges, grooves, and arc burns.
8.27 Repairs requiring the replacement of a section of the pipe must be completed
before the string containing the defective pipe is connected to the pipeline. If such
a repair is necessary after the pipe is connected to the pipeline and is not
practicable to carryout the repair within the tie-in temperature range, then the
repair must be made in accordance with QP’s instructions.

8.28 Distorted or flattened lengths of pipe shall be discarded.

8.29 Defective longitudinal welds shall not be repaired. Any defective portion of pipe
shall be cutout and removed. The minimum length of pipe to be cutout shall be
1.20 m.
9.0. PIPELINE TRENCH EXCAVATION AND COVER DEPTHS
9.1 TRENCH EXCAVATION

9.1.1 The Contractor shall stake the centerline of the pipeline and flag the limits of the
working area of the ROW in accordance with the approved drawings. The
Contractor shall excavate the pipeline trench on the staked centerline of the
pipeline in a manner and to a standard approved by QP.
9.1.2 The Contractor shall locate all existing underground utilities and structures that
may be crossed or encroached by electronic scanning (detectors) and by hand
excavation, in areas where utilities are known to exist. The depth and alignment
of the utility shall be marked.
9.1.3 The Contractor shall employ equipment and methods to keep the trench to the line
established regardless of the type of soil and rock encountered and regardless of
the depth of excavation necessary.
9.1.4 The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, materials and supplies necessary for
the completion and maintenance of the trench, including shoring, sheet piling,
dewatering and any other incidental for the completion of the work in an approved
manner.
9.1.5 To minimize the required number of bends to lay the pipe in conformity with the
contour of the ground and maintain the minimum standard cover, the Contractor
shall cut the trench slightly deeper at the crest of ridges and by gradually
deepening the trench in approaches to crossings of roads, highways, trenches,
creeks, rivers, ravines and other water courses.
9.1.6 The Contractor shall carefully preserve all stakes/bench marks established for the
pipeline construction.
9.1.7 All trenching shall be carried out in compliance with the applicable pipeline typical
details drawings listed in appendix A of this specification.
The Contractor shall provide sand bags at appropriate intervals to maintain
spacing during padding and backfilling.
The finished trench shall be to the correct depth and width to suit the pipe
diameter, plus any bedding and pipe cover. As far as possible, the trench should
be in a straight line so that the pipe can lay central in the trench without touching
the trench sides. All loose outcrops, which could come into contact with the pipe
during laying operations, shall be removed.
9.1.8 At locations, where it is necessary to make tie-in welds in the trench, the trench
width shall be increased to provide adequate working clearance around/under the
pipe. Trench width may be reduced, where narrow trenching techniques are
employed.
9.1.9 In special locations, where the use of trenching machine or rock breaking &
excavating equipment may result in unnecessary damage to property and

subsurface structures likely to be encountered during excavation, the trench shall

be excavated manually (to the same specifications).
9.1.10 Dewatering equipment, shoring and any other equipment and materials for trench
excavation/backfilling and pipeline installation shall be supplied.
Appropriate measures to prevent pipe flotation, such as applying soil dams and
dewatering of trench or temporary filling of water into the line (in exceptional
cases) shall be taken, wherever calculations indicate that floatation of the pipe
can be possible.
In the case of the presence of water on the trench bottom when the pipe is being
laid, the trench shall be drained to the extent possible and for the time required to
make a visual inspection of the trench bottom and to install the pipes. After pipe
installation, the presence of water will be allowed, provided its level does not
cause erosion of the trench sides and pipe flotation before back filling. The water
pumped out of the trench shall be disposed off in an environmentally approved
manner.
9.1.11 At locations, where extra trench depth is necessary to fit the radius of bends and
to eliminate unnecessary bending of the pipe, excavation to a greater depth shall
be performed as necessary (case by case basis).
9.1.12 At no time during progress of the work, shall more than three (3) kilometers of
open trench be maintained ahead of other pipeline construction operations,
unless approved to do so has been granted by QP.
9.2 BLASTING AND MECHANICAL/HYDRAULIC ROCK BREAKING
9.2.1 In sections where the Contractor elects to use explosive blasting techniques, the
Contractor shall keep trenching operations ahead of stringing, bending and welding
operations unless permission to perform the construction work in another manner
is obtained in writing from QP. Blasting shall not be permitted in any ROW, which
contains an existing pipe.
9.2.2 No blasting shall be allowed without prior and due notice given to adjacent work
crews and other interested parties and written approval of QP. Every possible
precaution shall be taken to prevent injuries and damages to persons and
properties.
9.2.3 The Contractor shall apply for the necessary permits and shall fully comply with the
laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdictional authority governing the importation,
handling, hauling, storage, accounting/inventory control and use of explosives in
QATAR.
9.2.4 The Contractor shall comply with requirements of the Blasting Specification,
enclosed with the Contract Documents and the blasting procedure approved by
QP. The Contractor shall comply with all local regulations in force at time of
blasting and obtain all required approvals from relevant local Authorities and
interested parties.
9.2.5 The Contractor shall notify QP of its intent to use explosives at least three (3)
weeks in advance of any blasting or import of materials.
The size of the charge shall be determined by the Contractor in accordance with
Contract Documents and approved procedures. The size shall be based on trial

blasts performed at an approved location. Vibration levels shall be recorded at

various distances from the blast location.
9.2.6 The Contractor shall make use of blasting blankets and pads to prevent damage to
coated pipe and nearby structures, including communication towers and power
lines. The Contractor shall protect ground structures, such as cables, conduits,
pipelines, water springs, wells and underground watercourses in accordance with
the approved procedure.
9.2.7 The Contractor shall remove all scattered rock and debris caused by the blasting to
dumping areas approved by QP.
9.2.8 The Contractor shall use only experienced workmen with proven experience and
certification to supervise, handle and use explosives. The certification and licenses
duly approved by competent authorities shall be submitted to QP prior to work
commencement.
9.2.9 The Contractor shall properly dispose of all explosive packaging materials and in
no case shall they be disposed of in the backfill of the trench. Disposal methods
shall be described in the procedures and approved by QP.
9.2.10 The Contractor shall maintain the trench in good condition until the pipe is lowered
in.
9.2.11 There shall be a minimum amount of hand grading of the trench bottom. To
accomplish this, the Contractor shall, as far as practicable, excavate vertical faces
and flat bottom for the trench.
The Contractor shall do such hand excavation in the trench as is necessary to free
the bottom of the trench of loose rock and hard lumps and to trim other foreign
matter from the bottom and sides of the trench. The trench bottom and sides shall
be free from any hard objects (sharp rocks or otherwise) so that the pipe and
coating are not damaged, punctured or abraded.
9.2.12 Mechanical / Hydraulic rock breakers shall not be used within five (5) m of QP live
Gas/Oil/NGL/Condensate pipelines as per the requirements of QWI-TDO-04-08.
9.2.13 If the use of jackhammers is required within five (5) m each side of any
underground pipelines and between any pipelines running in the same easement,
circumferential approved pipe protection shall be provided by the Contractor before
commencement of work.
9.2.14 Existing pipelines, utilities and foreign installation shall be excavated using hand
tools before allowing mechanical equipment to operate within five (5) m each side
of QP live Gas/Oil/NGL/Condensate pipelines and cables as per the requirements
of QWI-TDO-04-08.
Precautions must be taken at these exposed pipe/bund areas to ensure that no
erosion of the soft sand fill takes place during trenching operations.
9.2.15 Prior to exposure of any existing pipelines/utilities, a barrier with appropriate
warning signs shall be erected in accordance with approved procedures to prevent
any damage to the pipelines/utilities. This is particularly important where there are
heavy vehicles in the vicinity and the possibility that removal of the bund for
trenching operations opens up an unauthorized vehicle crossing.

9.2.16 If trenching between pipelines in the same easement, vehicle access between the
pipelines shall be maintained.
9.2.17 In approaches to crossings of roads, railroads, water courses, other pipelines,
underground facilities, creeks, ravines, terraces, levees, etc., the Contractor shall
begin increasing trench depth over a sufficient distance from each side of such
crossings, in order to allow the pipeline to drop gradually to the lower elevation.
9.3 PRE-PADDING
9.3.1 All trenches shall be padded to the required depth before lowering-in of the
pipeline. No padding shall be placed until QP has inspected and approved the
trench bottom.
9.3.2 Only dune sand having a particle size of less than 3.0 mm shall be used as pre-
padding material. The sand shall be free of rock, metal parts, and other debris.
9.3.3 The bottom of the trench shall be padded with dune sand throughout its length,
whether in normal ground or rock, so as to provide a minimum compacted
thickness of not less than 150 mm below the invert of the pipe.
9.3.4 The bottom of the trench shall be uniformly graded and dressed along the length
of the trench to approach as near as possible a straight line in order to prevent
unnecessary bending of pipe between sag bends and over bends.
9.4 COVER DEPTHS
9.4.1 The minimum pipeline depth of cover from top of pipe to the lowest possible
ground surface level, including coatings and attachments shall be as per the
requirements of QP-STD-L-017. The cover depth to be applied within the
industrial city limits shall be as per each relevant industrial city authority
requirements.
9.4.2 Fill material or migrating sand (sand dune) in ROW will not be considered to add to
the depth of cover. However, surface of the fill material placed to fill low points to
accommodate pipe-bending limitations may be used to determine depth of cover
subject to QP approval. In transition areas between normal construction and rock
construction, where the rock head is between 0.4 m and 2.0 m below normal
grade, the pipeline shall be constructed as per rock construction method. A pad of
selected bedding material shall be placed around the pipe to cover the pipe as
shown in the project and pipeline typical details drawings.
9.4.3 Pipeline passing through Sabkha areas shall be installed as per the requirements
of QP-STD-L-017 and the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in
appendix A of this specification. Within the industrial city limits, the installation
shall be performed as per the requirements of each relevant industrial city
authority. The soil material to be used for pipeline cover and its source shall be
subject to QP approval.
10.0 CROSSINGS
10.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

10.1.2 The Contractor shall be responsible for locating and protecting all underground
lines and structures in the surrounding work areas.

10.1.2 The applicable QP requirements and regulations of Qatar State Authority (MMUP
or other regulation authorities) having jurisdiction over the pipelines or the facility to
be crossed shall be observed during the installation of a crossing.
10.1.3 Where the pipeline crosses road, existing pipelines, water lines, cables, conduits
or other underground structures of any kind, the Contractor shall dig and grade
the trench to a depth meeting the requirements indicated in the installation
standards and the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A
of this specification. The Contractor shall carry out necessary site investigations
to establish all details that are required to install the crossing. The Contractor
shall prepare and submit to QP individual and detailed crossing installation
procedure and drawings for approval.
10.1.4 The Contractor shall provide supports for all foreign services during the
construction operations, including concrete slabs/beams.
10.1.5 Prior to trenching, all underground services shown on Pipeline Alignment Sheets
shall be exactly located on site by the Contractor, in order to prevent damages by
heavy trenching equipment and proceed to expose the service by hand excavation.
10.1.6 In locations, where the trench is cut across roads, paths, wadis, walkways, and
other access routes, temporary bridges shall be provided. The Contractor will
evaluate each situation and the proposed solution will be submitted to QP for
approval.
10.1.7 Bypass roads as required by and in accordance with the regulations and code of
practice of ASHGAL shall be constructed, in order to allow the passage of normal
traffic with a minimum of inconvenience and interruption. Arrangements with Traffic
Department and local Police shall be made as required.
10.1.8 Where open cut road crossings are permitted, the pavement shall be cut &
removed and the road re-instated, in accordance with the restrictions &
requirements of ASHGAL, having jurisdiction thereof.
10.1.9 Where possible, the Contractor shall arrange to complete the trenching, laying and
backfilling of such crossings round the clock, causing minimum inconvenience and
interruption to normal traffic.
10.1.10 Warning signs and barricades shall be placed and maintained while such crossings
are open. If the crossings are open at night, the Contractor shall provide electrically
operated warning lights, signs and watchman, in accordance with the requirements
of the responsible authorities.
10.1.11 Breaks in the bund for a vehicle crossing, shall be constructed at specific locations
as indicated in the approved drawings. These breaks shall be constructed as a
track crossing in accordance with the requirements of QP-STD-L-017 and the
relevant pipeline typical drawings listed in appendix A of this specification. This
provision does not apply to existing corridors where no corresponding crossing is
provided over the existing operating pipelines.
10.1.12 Sections of buried pipeline route crossing under overhead power line way, shall be
buried without bunds and constructed as a track crossing in accordance with the
requirements of QP-STD-L-017 and the relevant pipeline typical drawings listed in
appendix A of this specification.

10.1.13 The Contractor shall provide trench crossing at other location as necessary to
permit access across pipeline trench by others.
10.1.14 Protection provided along the construction access roads shall be left in place to be
used for maintenance and inspection purposes.
10.1.15 Where existing pipelines run across the area of the proposed ROW of the new
pipelines, effectively restricting the ROW access, a permanent reinforced concrete
culvert shall be built around the existing pipelines in accordance with the
requirements of QP-STD-L-017 and the relevant pipeline typical drawings listed in
10.2 SPECIFIC CROSSING REQUIREMENTS
10.2.1 Pipeline Crossing Angle
The crossing of existing pipelines, cables, power lines, roads, railways and
waterways should be at an angle between 60o and 120o, but in no case shall the
angle be less than 30o.
10.2.2 Underground Pipeline Crossing Major Road/Highway
Any road, which has an asphalted wearing surface, shall be considered as a
major road. Crossings of all major roads / highways shall be executed by
boring/jacking/directional drilling technique. The crossing shall be installed to the
full width of the road reserve limits, as laid down by ASHGAL. The installation by
open cut method may be allowed by QP, subject to review on a case by case
basis up on local Authority approval. To avoid settlement in open cut crossings,
the trench bottom shall be well compacted for the full width of the road reserve
limits. The pipe shall then be laid on the compacted trench bottom
The Contractor shall pre-hydro test the carrier pipe string separately and keep it
ready for installation, at all major road/highway crossings.
If casing pipes are not used, in order to protect the corrosion coating of the
pipeline while micro-tunneling/boring/ jacking/drilling, the corrosion coated carrier
pipes and field joints shall be additionally concrete coated as per the
requirements of QP-STD-L-017. The design and the method of application of
concrete coating shall be approved by QP. The micro-
tunneling/boring/jacking/drilling machine shall have position monitoring and
controls fitted. The profile of the pipe shall be monitored. For any
horizontal/vertical deviation, the profile of the crossing together with stress
calculations shall be submitted. Total stresses shall be within the limits stipulated
in the relevant code. If casing pipes are used, the carrier pipe shall be installed by
using rollers & spacers and the annular gap filled in by cement/sand mixture”.
The equipments used for boring/jacking/directional drilling operations, shall be
inspected and certified by QP
Any crossing, which fails to meet the requirements, will be filled with concrete and
plugged at either ends. The Contractor shall, in such case, re-bore at an
alternative alignment as approved by QP at no extra cost.
ARMCO safety type barriers shall be installed at all asphalted road crossings to
protect the installed pipeline from third party damage as per the requirements of
QP-STD-L-017 and the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in

appendix A of this specification. The pipeline bund shall be provided with rock
capping protection, on either side of the crossing.
Where the installation is done by open cut method, concrete culverts shall be
used to protect the carrier pipe as per the requirements of QP-STD-L-017 and the
relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this specification.
The Contractor shall construct a diversion road in conformance to all ASHGAL
and Traffic department requirements, to facilitate the crossing installation by open
cut method.
Suitable measures shall be used at all times to prevent damage to roads when
crossing with construction equipment. The Contractor shall use tires, planks, or
suitable buffers to prevent the equipment from damaging road or highway
surfaces. If damage should occur, the Contractor shall be responsible for
restoring the surface to its original condition.
The Contractor shall keep all road/highway surfaces, in the vicinity of the crossing
installation activities free of dirt, rock, oil or debris that could be hazardous to
traffic.
Crossing installation work across public roads shall comply with the requirements
of ASHGAL and Traffic department. Approved RO shall be in place, prior to
commencing with any work. Method Statement for the crossing installation
including the detailed crossing drawing, methodology, and detour plans with
temporary traffic signage; installation schedule etc shall be approved by QP.
10.2.3 Underground Pipelines Crossing Tracks
The underground pipeline shall be installed across existing tracks with concrete
protection slabs, as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed
in appendix A of this specification. The concrete protection slab shall be centred
over the pipe centreline covering the entire width of the track being crossed and
extending 1000 mm on either side of the track. The clearance between the
bottom of the concrete protection slab and the top of the new pipeline shall not be
less than 600 mm.
Track and minor road (non asphalt roads) crossing installation shall be performed
using an open cut method, provided all necessary approvals from QP and
relevant authorities are in place. The Contractor shall construct a diversion road,
if required by the authorities. If such approvals cannot be obtained, the crossing
shall be installed by boring/jacking/directional drilling technique.
To avoid settlement in open cut crossings, the trench bottom shall be well
compacted for a distance of not less than 5 m beyond each side of the crossing
limits or up to the crossing reserve limits (whichever is greater), to provide a firm
bearing. The pipe shall then be laid on the compacted trench bottom.
Crossing Markers or ARMCO type safety barriers shall be installed at track/minor
road crossings and rock capping provided to the pipeline bund on either side of
the crossing, to protect the pipeline from any third party damages, in line with the

10.2.4 Aboveground Pipelines Crossing Tracks

Where aboveground pipelines cross tracks, the pipelines shall be laid in culverts
as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of
this specification.
10.2.5 Underground Pipeline Crossing Existing Underground Pipeline/Facilities
At underground service crossings of utility cables (power and telecom) and
existing pipelines, a minimum vertical separation of 600 mm shall be kept
between the new pipeline and the underground service.
Where the new pipeline crosses below the existing service and/or existing
underground pipeline, a concrete identification slab shall be installed between the
new pipeline and the underground service and above the existing crossed utility.
A clearance not less than 300 mm shall be maintained between the bottom of the
concrete identification slab and the top of the new pipeline/the existing crossed
utility.
In certain circumstances (rocky soil, sabkha areas, deep existing underground
pipeline/facilities, etc.), the new underground pipeline may cross above existing
pipeline/facility provided approval is obtained from QP/existing facility Owner.
Where the new pipeline crosses above the existing service a concrete
identification slab shall be installed above new pipeline. The clearance between
the bottom of the concrete identification slab and the top of the new pipeline shall
not be less than 300 mm.
The concrete identification slab dimensions shall extend for 3000 mm upstream
and 3000 mm downstream of the new pipeline at the crossing point.
Where there is an existing pipeline ROW associated with the underground
service, this shall be considered as a track crossing.
The crossing design for existing power/water utilities & telecom cables shall
comply with the requirements of KAHRAMAA & QTEL respectively. Approval and
necessary permits shall be obtained from KAHRAMAA/QTEL, prior to work
commencement. Relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of
this specification shall be used as a guideline for finalizing the crossing design.
10.2.6 Underground Pipeline Crossing Existing Aboveground Pipelines
The new underground pipeline shall be installed below the existing aboveground
pipeline and provided with concrete identification slabs as shown in the relevant
pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this specification. The
clearance between the bottom of the concrete identification slab and the top of
the new pipeline shall not be less than 300 mm.
The concrete identification slab shall extend for 3000 mm upstream and 3000 mm
downstream of the new pipeline at the crossing point.
The crossing design shall comply with the requirements of the existing
aboveground facility Owner. Approval and necessary permits shall be obtained
from the facility Owner, prior to work commencement.
The existing aboveground pipeline shall be protected with concrete culverts
across the whole width of the pipeline maintenance access track, within the new

pipeline ROW, as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in
10.2.7 Aboveground Pipeline Crossing Existing Aboveground Pipelines
The new aboveground pipeline shall be installed above the existing aboveground
pipeline, as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in
appendix A of this specification. The separation distance between the two
pipelines shall be a minimum of 600 mm.
The crossing design shall comply with the requirements of the existing
aboveground facility Owner. Approval and necessary permits shall be obtained
from the facility Owner, prior to work commencement.
Both existing aboveground pipeline and new aboveground pipeline shall be
protected with concrete culverts across the whole width of the pipelines
maintenance access track, within pipeline ROW’s, as shown in the relevant
pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this specification.
10.2.8 Underground Pipeline Crossing Overhead Transmission Lines
When the new pipeline passes across an existing overhead transmission lines, it
shall be installed as per the requirements of QP-STD-L-017 and as shown in the
Concrete Protection Slabs shall be installed centred over the pipe centreline and
extending on either side of the overhead transmission lines to the full width of the
KAHRAMAA’s ROW. The clearance between the bottom of the concrete slab and
the top of the new pipeline shall not be less than 600mm.
Guard wire poles of approved type shall be erected at 75 m ahead of the crossing
point as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix
A of this specification.
Approval and necessary permits (Service Information Sheet) shall be obtained
from KAHRAMAA, prior to work commencement.
10.2.9 Underground Cables Crossing Pipeline Corridor
Underground cables crossing pipeline corridors shall do so by means of concrete
duct bank. The minimum vertical distance between the top of any pipe and the
bottom of the duct bank is 0.6 m. The concrete duct shall be continuous across the
width of the pipeline corridor. Cables shall have no servicing points within pipeline
corridors. However if servicing points are to be installed, no portion of the service
points (manhole) shall be closer than 25 m to any pipeline in the corridor.
10.2.10 Underground Pipeline Crossing Wadi
Crossing of narrow water courses such as streams shall be usually made by the
open cut method. However, other methods may be used following approval by
QP. Crossing of wide water courses, such as major rivers, shall be made either
by the open cut method or by the directional drilling method as approved by QP.
When crossing a wadi, pipeline shall be installed as per the requirements of QP-
STD-L-017 and as shown in the relevant typical details drawing listed in appendix
A of this specification.

In case of crossing flooded Wadi, pipeline shall be installed with concrete coating
across the full width of the Wadi. Concrete weight/ thickness shall be in
accordance with buoyancy calculation procedure subject to QP approval.
All concrete coated pipes shall be electrically tested on site prior to installation in
order to demonstrate that there is no contact between the reinforcing steel and
the pipe steel.
11.0 PIPELINE BENDS
11.1 The Contractor shall make all necessary pipe bends required in the construction
of the pipeline, in order that the pipeline correctly fits the pipe trench. The
Contractor shall calculate the side bends, over bends, sags and combination bends
precisely. Cold field bends/hot induction bends shall be used at locations of
horizontal/vertical changes as detailed in the approved drawings. Miter or lobster-
back bends shall not be used. Factory made hot induction bends shall be used
where there is a requirement for a lower bend radius. These bends shall have a
minimum bend radius of 5 times the pipe outside diameter, in order to facilitate
passage of all types of pigs.
The location and degree of each bend shall be determined at the jobsite after the
trench has been excavated. Cold bends shall be formed adjacent to the trench,
at the locations for which they are intended to be installed. Bends shall be made
in advance of the pipeline welding operations.
No tie-in shall be made within any part of a bend section. All bends shall allow the
un-interrupted passage of current generation of intelligent pigs.
Cutting of factory made bends and cold field bends for any purpose is not
permitted
11.2 Elastic bending shall only be employed for gradual changes in elevation, achieved
by cutting or filling and leveling the trench profile and laying the pipeline to fit the
natural contour of the trench. Where change in grade is such that, elastic bending
limits are crossed, field bends shall be used. The minimum elastic bend radius
shall be expressed as a change in elevation over a fixed distance and should not
be less than 500 times the pipeline diameter. Field cold bending in no case shall be
less than forty (40) times the outside diameter of the pipe being bent
Changes of vertical and horizontal alignment shall preferably be provided by
elastic bending. Cold field bends may be provided for change of direction and
change of slope.
Factory made hot induction bends shall be used only where such bends are
specifically shown on approved drawings.
Calculations shall be submitted to show that combined stress is limited to within the
design code limits.
11.3 The bending machine utilized shall be capable of making bends without wrinkles
and buckles. The pads, dies and rolls of the bending equipment shall have soft
surfaces to avoid damage to the pipe coating. Bending machines shall be of a
type to be approved by QP and shall be suitable for bending coated pipe in
accordance with QP requirements. The use of heat or any other means than
bending machine to produce field bends is prohibited.

11.4 Before commencement of the work, the Contractor shall prepare a bending
procedure, including as a minimum, step-length, maximum degree per pull and
method and accuracy of measurement during pulling of the bend. Demonstration
of the ability of the bending machine to manufacture bends according to QP
specification shall be established, prior to use.
The Contractor shall employ an experienced bending specialist, who will supervise
the pipe bending operations in accordance with approved procedures.
11.5 On longitudinally welded pipe, the longitudinal weld seam shall be positioned in
the bending machine such that the weld is as near as practicable to the neutral
axis of the bend (for sag bends and over bends, the weld seam shall be near the
side, and for side bends the weld seam shall be near the top). Precautions shall
be taken not to have the longitudinal weld seam pressed upon by the bending
shoes.
11.6 Pipe bends shall not be straightened after bending to correct the bend angle or
for any other reason. Deformation of the pipe material shall be performed in one
direction only in order to ensure that bi-directional yielding of the steel does not
occur.
11.7 All bends shall be of a uniform radius and the curvature shall be distributed over as
great a length of pipe as is reasonably possible.
The configuration of field bends shall be in accordance with the following:
 Bending shall not be made within 2 m of the end of a joint of pipe or girth weld.
 Longitudinal weld shall not be on the bend curve.
 No bend shall be acceptable if the difference between the largest diameter of
the pipe and the smallest diameter, at any point in the bend, is more than 2.5%
of the inside diameter.
 All bends shall be inspected, in the presence of QP, by passing a bi-directional
disc type pigs equipped with two gauging plates as per the requirements of QP-
SPC-L-010.
11.8 Each completed field bend shall be inspected, in the presence of QP, prior to
welding into the line. All bends shall be visually inspected for any evidence of
buckles, wrinkles, distortion, dents, gouges, grooves, notches, cracks and all
other evidence of mechanical damage.
11.9 All bends shall be checked with external calipers to ensure that any ovality of the
pipe is within the acceptable tolerances.
11.10 Any defects or disbonding of the pipe coating caused by the bending operation
shall be repaired in accordance with QP-SPC-L-006.
11.11 The Contractor may adjust the shape of the trench as necessary to accommodate
the bends as per QP satisfaction. Irregularities in the trench, such as highs and
lows, may be corrected by refilling the trench bottom with suitable, loosely
packed, clean earth or sand, provided this fill does not exceed 150 mm (6 in) in
depth.

11.12 The Contractor shall keep records of all cold field bends performed during the
construction of the pipeline. The records shall include details of location, pipe
size, pipe number, and angle of bend of all field bends.
12.0 LINING-UP AND WELDING
12.1 The Contractor shall align and weld together the line pipe joints into a continuous
pipeline and all welds in the pipeline made by the Contractor shall be of strength
equal to that of the pipe. Welding acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with
API STD 1104 and as amended by QP-STD-R-006. Welds shall comply with
approved welding procedures.
12.2 Coated pipe shall be temporarily supported on padded supports giving adequate
ground clearance and not less than 0.3 m.
12.3 Each pipe joint shall be thoroughly swabbed to remove all dirt and foreign matter
from the inside of the pipe before the joints are lined up and welded. The swabbing
operation shall not be carried out on more than six (6) pipe joints ahead of the
stringer bead welders.
12.4 Where the pipeline is welded in long sections, the ends of the long sections shall
be capped at the close of each working day. End caps shall be correctly sized and
manufactured from plastic. All precautions shall be taken to prevent water from
entering the pipeline.
12.5 The Contractor shall repair internal and/or external pipe defects as per QP
satisfaction. Acceptability of defects in the pipe detected during inspection at work
site shall be determined in accordance with API SPEC 5L/ISO 3183.
12.6 If, due to cutting or repairs, the pipe identification number is removed, it shall be
reprinted immediately by the Contractor in the presence of QP. No pipe without
identification number shall be transported and/or welded into the pipeline.
12.7 The Contractor shall ensure during the line-up operation that longitudinal welds are
offset and are in accordance with API STD 1104 and as amended by QP-STD-R-
006. All pipe joints 6” NPS and above shall be aligned with an internal line-up
clamp, except for tie-in welds or other exceptional conditions, where an external
line-up clamp may be used.
12.8 Pipe shall be strung end-to-end and the pipe ends carefully lined-up for welding,
using suitable line-up clamps. Hammering of the pipe to obtain proper line-up
shall not be permitted.
12.9 Spacing tools shall be used in conjunction with the line-up clamp to ensure
proper joint spacing for welding. The use of permanent backing rings is
prohibited.
12.10 If ends of pipe cannot be properly lined-up with the line-up clamps, the end of the
pipe shall be cut back a sufficient distance to permit an acceptable line-up, and
re-beveled. If any cutting and re-beveling is performed, the pipe shall be re-
inspected as per the requirements of QP-STD-R-006.
12.11 All field cutting and re-beveling of pipe, necessary to maintain correct alignment,
spacing and offsets, or to remove sections of pipe that are damaged by the
Contractor, shall be done by the Contractor at his own expense without any
additional cost to QP.

12.12 All welding procedures and welders shall be qualified in accordance with the WPS
and all pipe fittings and coupons required for these qualification tests shall be
furnished by the Contractor. The material used for qualification tests shall be the
same pipe as that procured for the Project. The material shall be metallurgically
selected for the weld qualification test. NDT personnel shall be qualified to the
relevant certification requirements as indicated in QP standards. All testing
facilities and welding procedures (WPS & WPQR) used by the Contractor shall be
certified by QP or a qualified authority approved by QP.
13.0 PROTECTIVE COATING
13.1 ABOVE GROUND PIPELINE FACILITIES

13.1.1 The aboveground pipeline shall be protected by an external coating in accordance
with requirements of QP-SPC-L-002.
13.1.2 All the aboveground pipeline exposed surfaces such as all above ground sections
of pipeline, pipeline appurtenances, piping, valves, flanges, fittings, structural
steel supports, conduits and other miscellaneous equipment shall be painted in
accordance with the requirements of QP-SPC-L-002 Rev.1. This work shall be
performed by skilled personnel, using recommended techniques and appropriate
equipment in good working condition.
13.1.3 After painting is completed in an area, all tools, scaffolding, debris, and rubbish
created by the painting operations shall be removed. This shall include removal
of paint that is accidentally or otherwise applied to adjacent surfaces or other
items not required to be painted.
13.2 UNDERGROUND PIPELINE COATING/FIELD JOINTS
13.2.1 General
The coating of pipeline field joints and tie-in joints shall be performed in accordance
with the requirements of QP-SPC-L-006/QP-SPC-L-007. The Contractor shall
submit the field joint coating procedure for QP approval. The surface preparation
and the application procedure shall be in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions.
All underground flow tees, factory made bends, anchor flange and other in-line
fittings shall be coated with suitable coating compatible with the main line coating in
accordance with the requirements of QP-SPC-L-006. The Contractor shall submit
the coating application procedure for QP approval, prior to implementation.
The anti-corrosion coating applied to underground pipe work shall terminate
approximately 1000 mm above the finished grade level. The Contractor shall
provide a clear interface between the below ground coating and above ground
painting system.
The type of field joint coating that can be applied shall be compatible with and
have good adhesion to the mill applied coating. For FBE coated line pipe, the
field joint coating shall be by FBE field joint coating. For PE/PP coated line pipe,
the field joint coating shall be by heat shrink sleeves.
At any time, QP shall have the right to inspect tools, materials or equipments
used in surface preparation, coating application and inspection and testing.

13.2.2 FBE Coating Application

The surface preparation, coating application, inspection and testing shall be
performed in compliance with the requirements of QP-SPC-L-006.
The inspection shall include the following tests, but not limited to:
 Visual Inspection.
 Foam Void Test.
 Cure Test.
 Adhesion Test.
 Film Thickness Measurement.
 Impact Test.
 Holiday Detection Test.
13.2.3 Shrink Sleeves Application
The surface preparation, application of shrink sleeves, inspection and testing
shall be performed in compliance with the requirements of QP-SPC-L-007.
The inspection shall include the following tests, but not limited to:
 Visual Inspection
 Adhesion Test
 Film Thickness Measurement
 Holiday Detection Test
13.3 INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF PIPE COATING
Repairs to coatings shall be made in accordance with the requirements of QP-
SPC-L-005 and to coating material manufacturer’s procedure.
All coating repairs shall be re-tested both visually and electrically after the
repaired coating has attained its proper cure.
The Contractor shall only use coating repair materials that are approved in writing
by the manufacturer of the plant applied pipe coating material, and that are
approved by QP. Materials shall be suitable for, and shall have the same
performance with the plant applied pipe coating system.
The Contractor shall prepare and submit to QP for approval a coating repair
procedure.
13.4 FINAL HOLIDAY DETECTION TEST
Upon completion of all coating repairs and prior to lowering of the pipeline, a final
holiday detection test shall be made on the entire coated surface.
14.0 LOWERING-IN
14.1 A method statement for lowering-in with selection criteria for side booms, cradles
and other lifting/handling devices shall be submitted to QP, for approval.

14.2 The distance between area limits of the lowering-in operation and the back-fill
operation shall not exceed 3000 m, unless approved by QP.
14.3 The pipes shall be placed in their final position without jerking, falling, impact or
other similar stresses. In particular, care shall be taken that the deformation
caused during the raising of the pipes from the temporary supports, does not
exceed the minimum allowable radius of elastic curvature so as to keep the
stress on the steel and on the coating within safe limits.
14.4 The suspended portion of the pipeline during installation to its final position shall
be supported by side-booms. The side boom tractors shall be of sufficient number
and capacity, and shall be placed at close enough intervals, to prevent drooping,
sliding, overturning or buckling of the pipe. The Contractor shall prepare and
submit to QP for approval the lowering-in procedure.
14.5 Immediately before commencing the lowering-in operation, the coating shall be
checked for holiday and if necessary, repaired to the satisfaction of QP.
14.6 Pipe shall not be lowered into the trench before the pre-padding of the trench
bottom has been completed as per the requirements of section 9.3.
14.7 The trench shall be inspected prior to lowering pipe into the trench, to ensure that
it is free of all debris, welding rods, loose rocks, projecting rocks, stumps, large
clods, and other foreign objects etc. that can cause damage to the pipe or pipe
coating.
14.8 Lowering-in operations shall commence only upon obtaining approval from QP
and shall be carried out in the presence of QP representative.
14.9 Only lifting cradles shall be used for all pipe lowering-in activities. A holiday
detection survey shall be run continuously behind the cradle and any repairs
necessary shall be made prior to bedding the pipe in accordance with the approved
procedure.
14.10 When the pipeline is lowered into the trench, it shall conform to the trench bottom
without the use of external force to hold it in place. The trench bottom shall be
properly graded to support the pipe at substantially all points. All voids under the
pipe shall be carefully filled with loose, clean soft soil material/sand.
14.11 As-Built survey of the lowered pipeline shall be carried out prior to post padding.
15.0 TIE-INS
15.1 All beveling, aligning and welding shall be performed in accordance with the
requirements of QP-STD-R-006, a supplement to API STD 1104.
15.2 In order not to delay the progress of pipeline construction, certain sections of the
pipeline (road, railroad, wadi crossings, pipelines and underground facilities
crossings, isolation block valves, etc.) may be left disconnected to be tied-in at a
later date.
15.3 The Contractor shall provide carefully measured extra lengths on adjoining pipe
ends at all locations, where the pipeline sections are left disconnected and to be
tied-in together at a later date.

Only the welds between hydrostatic test sections need not to be hydrostatically
tested. The number of such untested “golden welds” shall be minimized whenever
possible and the extent approved by QP authorities.
15.4 All pipes 2 meters or more in length cut off at tie-in points shall not be allowed to
accumulate but shall be removed from site to a controlled area.
15.5 The Contractor shall observe the maximum and minimum tie-in temperature to be
used based on the prevailing temperature conditions and the calculations reports
as submitted by the Contractor for approval by QP.
15.6 Under no circumstances shall the line be left in tension after the tie-in. Tie-in
welds in restrained sections of the line shall be made when pipe temperature is at
a minimum (during the coolest part of the day). If necessary to avoid tension in
the line, sufficient restrained pipe shall be uncovered to allow slack loops to be
held during line-up and welding of the tie-in.
15.7 The Contractor shall perform tie-in as soon as practicable after lowering-in of the
strings. Extended periods between lowering-in and tie-in shall only be allowed
when specified tie-in temperatures cannot be reached.
15.8 If a PUP is to be added for a tie-in, the minimum length that may be used shall be
1.5 m or 2 times the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is higher. Two or
more such pipes shall not be welded together.
15.9 All tie-in welds shall be 100% radio-graphically examined. QP reserves the right
to request additional ultrasonic examination. All welding and NDT shall be in
accordance with the applicable specification enclosed with the Contract and the
approved welding procedure.
16.0 WASHOUTS AND DRAINAGE
Wherever the possibility exists of washouts due to surface water run-off (e.g. wadis
or upwelling of underground water), the Contractor shall provide washout
protection for the pipeline and install drainage so that the original water course is
reinstated in accordance with approved drawings.
17.0 PADDING AND BACKFILLING OF THE TRENCH
17.1 The Contractor shall pad and backfill the trench after the pipe is in place in
conformity with the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of
this specification.
17.2 The Contractor shall use only dune sand having a particle size of less than 3 mm
for pipe bedding and padding.
17.3 If excavated material is the same material as described in Clause 17.2, it can be
used for bedding and padding. The remaining backfill may be completed with the
excavated material provided it is free from organic material and does not contain
stones larger than 100 mm diameter.
17.4 In Sabkha areas, the Contractor shall supply and haul material to form the bund in
accordance with the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A
of this specification. In areas containing underground cables, backfilling shall not be
performed until all tiles have been replaced and all cables have been supported
and protected to QP’s satisfaction.

17.5 The Contractor shall grade/level the trench bedding material to give the maximum
amount of support to the pipeline when lowered into place. The material shall be
compacted to the degree specified on the approved drawings.
17.6 The Contractor shall place padding material in such a manner as to cause no
damage to the pipe coating. The thickness of the padding layer shall be such as to
give the pipe, in place, the specified clearance from the hard material as shown in
the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this
specification.
17.7 The Contractor shall not commence the padding operations until inspection of the
lowered pipe string has been completed and accepted by QP. Before backfilling
the trenches at the crossings, inspection by other Government
Departments/Agencies including maintenance of their utilities shall be allowed.
17.8 The pipe strings lowered into the trench shall be covered with padding material to
be applied immediately after the trench is approved for backfilling at the end of
each working day to give shading and protection.
17.9 If complete backfilling of the pipeline trench cannot follow immediately the
lowered-in pipe string, spot backfilling may be used to anchor and restrain the
pipe in the trench. Completion of backfilling shall follow spot backfilling as quickly
as practicable. Spot backfilling shall provide the full specified pipe cover and
shall cover the pipe for a distance of at least 4.5 m laterally. The maximum clear
distance between the spot backfills shall not exceed 18 m.
17.10 Any backfilling omitted for the installation of pipeline appurtenances, cathodic
protection test leads, tie-in welds, etc., shall be performed immediately after such
installations are completed and approved.
17.11 Backfilling shall be completed, prior to commencement of the hydrostatic testing
operation.
17.12 After padding and backfilling operations are complete, the bund installation shall be
performed as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in
17.13 The bund shall not be constructed in areas, where evidence of running water or
wadi’s can be encountered. The Contractor shall obtain QP’s approval for the wadi
crossing proposals where the bund removed to allow the wadi flow to pass through.
The pipeline construction in these wadi crossing areas shall be buried and
protected with concrete slabs as shown in the relevant pipeline typical details
drawings listed in appendix A of this specification.
17.14 In rocky areas, the pipeline bund shall be constructed using imported desert fill or
re-using excavated material. Bund material shall be free from organic material and
course graded. The installation shall be performed as shown in the relevant
pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this specification.
17.15 Compaction of padding and bedding material shall be in accordance with typical
installation standards and approved drawings. The backfill around existing facilities
shall be compacted by hand.
17.16 Where the trench has been excavated through tracks, etc., all backfill shall be
thoroughly compacted to 95% Proctor Density. This shall be followed up by
stabilization of the surface of the backfill with suitable material.

17.17 Where wadi’s or roads are graded, trenched or otherwise disturbed, the Contractor
shall restore the property to its original contour and conditions to the satisfaction of
QP and relevant Authorities.
17.18 The Contractor shall adequately protect all openings made in the backfill bund
against washout and erosion, as per QP satisfaction.
17.19 The Contractor shall ensure that the bund is centered over the pipeline using the
temporary markers for guidance. The temporary markers shall only be removed
following commencement of bund operations.
18.0 SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS ON THE PIPELINE
18.1 GENERAL
As part of pipeline construction, the Contractor shall also install pipeline
facilities/appurtenances. The work required to complete the installations shall
include, but not limited to: block valve stations, pig launcher/receiver stations,
insulating joints, pipeline markers, anchor block/flanges, barred tees and fittings.
All works shall be performed as per applicable Codes and Standards and as
described in QP approved specifications/drawings.
18.2 VALVE STATIONS
Valve stations shall be installed as shown on the approved drawings.
Valves with flow arrows shall be installed according to the normal flow direction in
the pipeline. During welding, the valves shall be in fully open position. Care shall
be taken to avoid entry of sand particles etc. to valve body, seals etc. during
transportation, storage, assembly and installation.
All inline assemblies shall be prefabricated and tested hydrostatically ex-situ as
per applicable specification. All such assemblies shall be installed at the locations
shown in the approved drawings only after successful completion of the
hydrostatic test and dewatering.
Valve stations shall be provided with all relevant sign boards/markers as shown
in the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this
specification.
18.3 PIG LAUNCHER / PIG RECEIVER STATIONS
Pig launcher/pig receiver stations shall be installed as shown on the approved
drawings.
It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to maintain elevations shown on the
approved drawings and to carry out any pipe work adjustments, necessary for
this purpose.
The hydrostatic testing of the pigging assemblies shall be performed after
installation, in accordance with the relevant specifications.
All pig handling devices including lifting devices shall be installed as per the
manufacturer’s recommendations and as per QP approved drawings.
Pig launcher/pig receiver stations shall be provided with all relevant sign
boards/markers as shown on the relevant pipeline typical details drawings listed
in appendix A of this specification.

18.4 INSULATION JOINTS

Insulating joints shall be installed at locations specified in the approved drawings.
Insulating joints shall be electrically tested before welding into the pipeline as per
the requirements of the relevant approved specifications/procedures. The tests
shall be repeated after installation and welding of the joint into the pipeline to
verify that the assembly is undamaged.
18.5 FLANGED CONNECTIONS
The Contractor shall ensure that all flange faces are parallel and centered, prior
to final bolting. Bolt tightening shall be in accordance with the requirements of
ES-5-06-0019.
Flange faces shall be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign matter and inspected for
damage before installation.
Gaskets shall be cleaned before installation. Threads on stud bolts shall be
cleaned and lightly lubricated with a graphite thread lubricant before installation of
nuts.
18.6 PIPELINE MARKERS
Pipeline markers shall be installed, prior to final testing & commissioning of the
pipeline, in accordance with QP approved relevant specifications/procedures and
as specified in the relevant typical details drawings listed in appendix A of this
specification.
Pipeline warning signs shall be sufficiently elevated above grade level to be
clearly seen from a distance, and to remain visible above normal vegetation.
18.7 ANCHOR FLANGES/ANCHOR BLOCKS
Anchor Blocks, if applicable, shall be constructed at the locations shown in the
approved drawings.
The exact location of the anchor flange shall be measured closely to fall on the
centerline of the concrete anchor block as shown on the approved drawings.
18.8 BARRED TEES
Barred tees shall be installed at locations identified in the approved drawings.
18.9 FITTINGS FOR CORROSION MONITORING AND INHIBITOR INJECTORS
Corrosion monitoring equipment (corrosion coupons and probes) and access
fittings for corrosion inhibitor injection facilities shall be installed at the locations
identified in the approved drawings.
19.0 FINAL TESTING
19.1 Prior to final testing, all special installations on the pipeline should have been
installed. The pipeline shall be cleaned, gauged and hydrostatically tested, in
accordance with the relevant project specifications/procedures. Water used for
hydrostatic testing shall be disposed as per the requirements of QP-SPC-L-012
and QP environmental guidelines.
19.2 After completion of hydro testing, the ROW shall be repaired of any damage, which
may have occurred during the testing operations.

19.3 An electromagnetic coating attenuation survey over the entire length of the
underground pipelines shall be performed in accordance with the approved
procedures. In addition, a “close-potential” survey shall be performed in
accordance with approved procedure.
19.4 Cooperation with other testing operations related to the pipeline construction shall
be maintained by the Contractor.
19.5 The pipeline shall be pre-commissioned, commissioned and a base line survey
performed in accordance with requirements of the relevant specifications /
procedures.
20.0 CATHODIC PROTECTION/TEST STATIONS
20.1 The Contractor shall install the cathodic protection test leads on the pipeline at
the time of pipeline construction, prior to backfilling and start of any other cathodic
protection work. All test leads shall be checked for continuity after backfill, and
those found broken or otherwise defective shall be repaired.
20.2 Cathodic protection work activities shall be performed in accordance with the
requirements of ES.2.14.0046.
20.3 If required, temporary CP system shall be installed during construction phase and
prior to the commissioning of the permanent CP system in accordance with the
relevant specifications/procedures and the relevant approved drawings. Installation
of temporary/permanent CP items shall be installed under the supervision of QP
representatives. The temporary CP system shall be disconnected before
energizing the permanent one.
20.4 Transformer rectifiers, anodes, carbonaceous backfill, cables and grounding cells
shall be installed at the locations detailed in accordance with approved drawings.
20.5 The protective potential shall be adjusted in all the tests stations along the pipeline
to meet the requirements of ES.2.14.0046.
21.0 FINAL CLEAN UP OF THE CONSTRUCTION ROW
21.1 Following the completion of backfilling and bund formation, the ROW and
adjoining areas used for construction shall be restored to its original contour and
condition in accordance with the requirements of SPC-ENV-006 and to the
satisfaction of QP, landowners, tenants, and all private and governmental
authorities having jurisdiction
21.2 Clean up of all generated waste materials shall be performed in accordance with
the requirements of QP-SPC-ENV-001.
21.3 All surplus materials left over from the pipeline construction and all
refuse/unusable spoil materials shall be collected for disposal to an appointed
location.
21.4 Selected loose rock exposed by the construction operations which is scattered over
the ROW or adjacent property shall be graded and hauled by the Contractor to an
approved site.
21.5 All fences cut/damaged shall be repaired by installing new sections of fencing
similar to the sections cut/damaged. Temporary gates shall be removed and
replaced by new permanent fence sections.

21.6 Land drains disturbed by construction operations shall be reinstated to the

satisfaction of QP/Owner.
21.7 The final ROW shall be graded smooth enough to provide access to regular
maintenance vehicles. A width of 6.0 m shall be managed as Permanent Pipeline
Track for access and maintenance.
21.8 The Contractor shall remove all temporary means of access to the ROW unless
otherwise agreed with QP to be left for future provisional use for maintenance.
22.0 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
The Contractor shall prepare as-built drawings and pipe book for the complete
works in accordance with QP relevant specifications/procedures.
Submittal of as-built drawings shall not be left to the end of the project but shall
be made in a timely manner as the work progresses and the different sections of
the pipeline are completed.
In order to update QP Geographic Information System, the Contractor shall
submit as-built digital deliverables. The geographic data shall be submitted as
AutoCAD drawings and Microsoft Access database as detailed in the relevant
specifications/procedures.
22.1 AS- BUILT DOCUMENTATION
The Contractor shall take all readings and measurements necessary to incorporate
as-built status of the pipeline, incorporating the following:
 Horizontal location of the pipeline with regard to the QNG.
 Levels of the ground and pipeline with regard to QNHD.
 Changes of pipe wall thickness, material and pipe coating.
 Location and details of valves, fittings, bends, bared tees, insulating joints, pig
launchers/receivers appurtenances etc. and fencing.
 Location of road crossing points.
 Location and identification of underground utilities/pipeline crossing the new
pipeline.
 Location and identification of pipeline markers.
 Location and type of special backfill, padding and anchoring.
 Location of ROW with respect to pipeline.
 Type of soil/rock (sub-soil stratification).
 Location of further appurtenances (Pig-signalers etc.).
 Type of excavation method used.
 Reinstatement of roads, pavements etc.
 Isometric drawings of pipeline facilities.
 Location of turning points (intersection points).
 Type of bends (cold field bends, hot induction bends) and bend radius.
 Type of protection (culvert, slab, etc.).
 Location of FOC draw pits/joint pit.
 Location of CP test stations and ground beds.

22.2 PIPE BOOK

Pipe and welding book shall contain the following information:
 Title of Project and segment thereof.
 Page sequential number.
 Length brought forward for pipes.
 Length to bring forward for pipes.
 Alignment sheet numbers.
 Diameter, wall thickness and material of the pipeline.
 Length of each pipe, including length of pipe per page.
 Pipe numbers
 Location and identification of field bends, hot induction bends, and other in-line
fittings.
 Cut and re-numbered pipe ends.
 Type of coating of the pipeline and field joint.
 Date of stringing
 Date of welding
 Location of all welds, with pipe joint number, and weld number
 Equipment used for radiography
 Inspection and Testing Certificates
 Operating / Maintenance Manual for mechanical, electrical and instrumentation
equipment.
 Location and tie-in temperature of tie-in welds
 Location of cathodic protection test stations
 Location of all pipeline appurtenances
 Location of all concrete coated pipes
All locations shall be defined by kilometre station number and the offset distance
at right angle to the pipeline centreline, to the left or to the right.
Sample format of Pipe and Welding Book shall be submitted for QP approval prior
to its implementation.
In addition, other information such as crossing details, station drawings shall be
updated to show the as-built status.
23.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE
The Contractor’s Quality System Requirements shall be in accordance with the
QA/QC requirements of the relevant QP specifications/procedures.
The Contractor’s Quality System shall be subject to approval prior to
commencement of the works. QP reserves the right to conduct a Quality Audit at
any stage during the Project.

APPENDIX A- LIST OF QP ONSHORE PIPELINE TYPICAL DETAILS

DRAWINGS
ES.5.60.0001 SHT 1 of 1 Pipeline Alignment Sheet Sample
ES.5.60.0002 SHT 1 of 4 Typical Details of U/G Pipeline Construction ROW -
Plan
ES.5.60.0002 SHT 2 of 4 Typical Details of U/G Pipeline Construction ROW –
Elevation
ES.5.60.0002 SHT 3 of 4 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Construction ROW –
Plan (*)
ES.5.60.0002 SHT 4 of 4 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Construction ROW –
Elevation (*)
ES.5.60.0003 SHT 1 of 2 Typical Details of Pipeline Trench and Bund
ES.5.60.0003 SHT 2 of 2 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Sleepers (*)
ES.5.60.0004 SHT 1 of 2 Typical Details of Pipeline Installation in Sabkha Area
(Water Table above natural ground)
ES.5.60.0004 SHT 2 of 2 Typical Details of Pipeline Installation in Sabkha Area
(Water Table below natural ground)
ES.5.60.0005 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Highway/Major
Road (By Trenchless Method)
ES.5.60.0006 SHT 1 of 2 Typical Details of U/G Pipeline Crossing Asphalt Road
ES.5.60.0006 SHT 2 of 2 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Crossing Asphalt Road
ES.5.60.0007 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of U/G Pipeline Crossing Track
ES.5.60.0008 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Crossing Track
ES.5.60.0009 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Track in Sabkha
Area
ES.5.60.0010 SHT 1 of 3 Typical Details of U/G Pipeline Crossing Overhead
Transmission Lines
ES.5.60.0010 SHT 2 of 3 Typical Details of A/G Pipeline Crossing Overhead
Transmission Lines (*)
ES.5.60.0010 SHT 3 of 3 Typical Details of Guard Wire Foundation
ES.5.60.0011 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Minor Wadi
ES.5.60.0012 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Existing U/G
Pipeline
ES.5.60.0013 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Existing A/G
Pipeline
Utilities
Pipeline in Sabkha Area
ES.5.60.0016 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Existing
Aboveground Pipeline in Sabkha Area
ES.5.60.0017 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Combined Kilometric Aerial Marker
with CP Test Post
ES.5.60.0018 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Marker Poles
ES.5.60.0019 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Sign Board
ES.5.60.0020 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Pipeline Crossing Sign Board
ES.5.60.0021 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Station Identification Sign Board
ES.5.60.0022 SHT 1 of 1 Typical Details of Station Safety Sign Board
(*): Under development

REVISION HISTORY LOG
Revision Number: 1 Date: 8/03/2011
Item Revised: Reason for Change/Amendment:
Changes/Amendments Made:
This specification is a new revision to cover QP specification for

onshore pipeline construction and the new corporate standards format
/numbering meanwhile formerly ES.14.0051.RA
Note:
The revision history log shall be updated with each revision of the document. It shall
contain a written audit trail of the reason why the changes/amendments have occurred,
what the changes/amendments were, and the date at which the changes/amendments
were made.

QP Specification For Onshore Pipeline Construction (QP-SPC-L-018-R1)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

QP Specification For Onshore Pipeline Construction (QP-SPC-L-018-R1)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ENGINEERING STANDARDS

SPECIFICATION FOR ONSHORE PIPELINE

DOC NO: QP-SPC-L-018

TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

6.0 REFERENCE CODES, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 7

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 2 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

13.0 PROTECTIVE COATING ...................................................................................................................... 30

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 3 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 4 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 5 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 6 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Must Used where a provision is a statutory requirement.

6.0 REFERENCE CODES, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 7 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

6.1 INTERNATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 8 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

6.2 QP SPECIFICATIONS & STANDARDS

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 9 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

QP-STD-R-001 QP Standard on Materials for Sour Service

6.3 CONFLICT BETWEEN CODES

7.1 CONSTRUCTION PLAN

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 10 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

 Field Joint Coating

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 11 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 12 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

7.3 PARALLEL OFFSET DISTANCES REQUIREMENTS

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 13 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 14 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

approved by the operator/owner of the existing facility. Bunds of existing facilities

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 15 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Contractor's responsibility to ensure that no distortion of pipe shape or any other

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 16 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 17 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

8.28 Distorted or flattened lengths of pipe shall be discarded.

9.1 TRENCH EXCAVATION

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 18 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

subsurface structures likely to be encountered during excavation, the trench shall

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 19 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

blasts performed at an approved location. Vibration levels shall be recorded at

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 20 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE

DOC. No. QP-SPC-L-018 Rev. 1

10.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Doc. File No: QP-SPC-L-018 R1 Page 21 of 41 Custodian Dept.: EE