C.A.T.

GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK

HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

Method Statement
of
Excavation Work

1 Civil Engineer Project Engineer Sr. Project Manager

Revision Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by (CAT) Approved by (Client)

1
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

Table of Contents

No. Description Page #

1. SCOPE 3
2. REFERENCES
2.1 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard 3
2.2 Industrial Code/ Standard 3
2.3 job Safety References 4
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
3.1 Definitions 4
3.2 Abbreviations 4
4. RESPONSIBILITIES 4-5
5. PREPARATION OF EQUIPMENT 5
6. PROCEDURE
6.1 Open Excavation 5-7
6.2 Rock Excavation 8
7. QA / QC 8
8. HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT 8-9

2
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

1. SCOPE

This method statement describes the requirements for excavation and

management of earth and rock material during the construction works executed for
HUGRS Project as per conditions of Client & Specification.

2. REFERENCES

2.1 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard

 SAES-A-114 Excavation and Backfilling
 SAES-A-100 Survey Coordinates, datum’s, and Data Formats
 SAES-A-113 Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
 SAES-Q-007 Foundations and Supporting Structures for Heavy
Machinery.
 SAES-L-450 Construction of on-Land and Near-Shore Pipelines
 SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings under Roads and Railroads
 SAES-S-070 Installation of Utility Piping Systems

2.2 Industrial Codes / Standard

 ASTM D 4253 Test method for maximum index density and unit weight of
soil using a vibratory table.
 ASTM D 4254 Test method for maximum index density and unit weight of
Relative density.
 ASTM D 422 Test method for Practical-Size of Soil
 ASTM D 698 Test method for Moister – density relation of soil and soil
aggregation.
 ASTM D 1556 Test method for Density and weight of soil in place by the
sand – cone method.
 ASTM D 1557 Test method for compaction characteristics of soil using
modified method.
 ASTM D 2922 Test method of density of soil and soil aggregate in place
by nuclear method. (Shallow depth).
 ASTM D 5777 Standard guide for using the Seismic Refraction Method
for Subsurface Investigation.

3
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

2.3 Job Safety References

 Construction Safety Manual (CSM)

o CSM I-3 PPE, I-4 Work Permit System, I-6 Confined Space,
I-7 Fire Prevention, I-11 Hand and Power Tools, I-12 Material
Handling, I-13 Heat Stress.
o CSM II-2 Scaffolding, II-5 Fall Protection, II-6 Concrete
Construction
o CSM II-1 Excavation and Shoring
o CSM III-1 Machine Guarding, III-2 Mechanical and HE, III-3
Electrical Equipment, III-7 Crane and Lifting Equipment, III-8
Slings and Rigging Hardware.
o GI 2.100 Work Permit System
o GI 7.025 Heavy Equipment Operator and Rigger Testing and
Certification.
o GI 7.028 Crane Lift (Types and Procedures)
o GI 8.001 Safety Requirements for Scaffold

3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3.1 Definitions
 Client: Saudi Aramco
 Contractor: Br. CAT International Co. Ltd.

3.2 Abbreviations
 CM – Construction Manager
 QM – Quality Manager
 HSEM – HSE Manger

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

Construction Manager – is responsible for overall management of the job with

Quality and safety as per approved drawing and method statement.
Quality Manager – is responsible to ensure any discrepancies or contradictions are
resolved prior to the commencement of work on a project.
Quality Supervisor – is responsible to make sure that execution of work is
implemented with approved procedure & specification.
Site Engineer – is responsible to ensure that concerned work force is familiar with
the activity, hazards and mitigated effects of the situation and are responsible to
ensure that the works are carried out as per approved IFCs and applicable project
standards.
Surveyor – is responsible to ensure that all Surveying Work is in accordance to
approved data and recorded well.

4
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

Site Foreman – is responsible to ensure that the work crew is familiar with the
safety requirement of the activity.
The safety of all personnel, equipment and plant operations will be the
responsibility of the Construction Manager in coordination with the Site Engineer.

5. PREPARATION OF EQUIPMENT

5.1 Flagman/ Spotter TB PWAS Tag shall be regularly inspected/test by in

charge PWAS designated competent person.
5.2 Daily inspection checklist shall be conducted by operator/ driver prior Heavy
equipment task commence. Designated safety personnel shall verify HE
daily checklist.
5.3 Any item found defective/ not functional shall report directly to in charge
Supervisor for immediate repair/ replace.
5.4 Assigned Construction Supervisor/ Foreman and safety personnel to ensure
all Dump trucks and Water trucks seat belt adequate & properly fixed/
installed.
5.5 All personnel shall wear Face mask (cloth/ medical) Mandatory.

Contractor will ensure that all heavy equipment listed below will be certified and
their operators have the required licenses as Saudi Aramco requirements.

 Excavators
 Grader
 Backhoes
 Bulldozer
 Dump Trucks
 Compactors
 Vibrating Roller
 Rock Breakers
 Lifting Equipment
 Jack Hammer with Air Compressor
 Generators

6. PROCEDURE

6.1. Open Excavation

Open excavation is a surface excavation. Trench excavation is also an open

excavation. Open excavation is mainly used for foundations, placing pipes
and cables for utility services, test pits, borrow pits and road formations.
Open excavation is one of the most hazardous construction operations.

 Excavation is the progress of creating space by removing earth (soil

or rock) to place a utility or structure. Several methods are available
5
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

to achieve excavation. In all methods safety shall be plays a crucial

role.
 General excavation shall be performed after cleaning and stripped or
organic material, trash, or other unsuitable material.
 Before beginning the work, the nature and location of all existing
above and underground services and facilities on site and in adjacent
areas by inspecting available plans. Reference benchmark position
shall be verified, and limits/ centerline of excavation shall be marked.
All benchmark and stakes shall be maintained for future.

 Survey team shall be performed the surveying and staking to

complete the work requires lines and elevations as per latest revision
drawing approved by client, all detail of site survey will be recorded.
 Equipment operation, Transportation, speed control and all road
movement equipment shall be carried out in safe manner and
controlled by competent flagman. All equipment shall be suitable for
the specified works and approved by the client.
 Excavation shall be performed as required by the design drawings to
the dimensions, grade and elevations as required for formwork and
allowance for compaction equipment.
 If any soft soil is encountered during excavation, such soil shall be
removed and replaced with compacted approved soil. Care shall be
taken to avoid any disturbance to the bottom of excavation. If the
bottom is disturbed, the loose materials shall be removed. Over
excavation shall be backfilled with compacted approved soil.
 Permanent work items such as ponds, canals, ditches etc. shall be
made to the lines, grades and cross section as shown on the
drawings.
 Side slope shall be cut true and straight and shall be graded to the
design cross section. Unstable soil in the slope shall be removed and
slope prepared properly.
 When several close excavations are needed, the entire adjoining area
shall be excavated.
 All open trenches and other excavations shall be provided with
suitable hard barricades to the extent that adequate protection is
provided to the employees and equipment.
 No machinery excavation shall be permitted under the existing
foundation/ facilities.
 Excavation adjacent to existing underground installations or sidewalks
shall use the bracing and shoring to protect.
 Excavated materials shall be placed at a suitable distance minimum 1
meter from the edge of the excavation so that materials do not fall
6
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

back into the excavated area or taken away through dump truck at the
same time to designated dumping area. Excavated edge must be
sloped, or step shaped.
 If any dewatering system is required during or after excavation a
separate method statement shall be submitted for method of
dewatering as well as disposal.
 Contractor responsibility to protect all the underground/ above ground
utilities. During excavation caution and care shall be taken to avoid
any underground facilities damages. Daily surveillance shall be
conducted for possible caving. The underground utilities, cable, pipes
etc. shall be verified with plan as-built drawing prior to start any
excavation. Advice from Saudi Aramco Utility department shall be
taken to locate the existing utilities. If any suspects of existing
underground, then the mechanical excavation shall be stopped &
excavation shall be continuing with manual.
 Suitable detecting equipment but not limited to, cable detectors,
ground mapping etc. shall be arranged by the contractor to locate
underground utilities. If ground utilities are suspected, excavation
shall be done manually to identify these utilities. Contractor has to
excavate for trial pits if required by Client.
 The contractor shall be responsible for preserving and avoiding
damage to reference points, property markers, benchmarks,
monuments, etc., during the excavation, the damages shall be
repaired or replaced with the satisfaction of Client.
 Excavation Plan, including a Pre-Excavation checklist, as per the
Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual and Safety Management
Guide 06-002-2008 shall be submitted prior to beginning excavation.
Consulting Services Department review of the Excavation Plan shall
be submitted if excavation depth is greater than 6 meter or if the Plan
includes support or protection for existing structures, foundations, or
underground utilities.
 Heavy equipment shall not be operated within 2 meter or 1 time the
depth of excavation.
 Excavation operator and HSE staff will stop excavation in case of any
person present inside of zone being excavated.
 Certified gas tester to conduct gas testing prior to start the excavation
and before every entry and recorded.
 Rescue team to be identified and present at site.

7
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

6.2 Rock Excavation

Sub-surface geologic rock formations are frequently encountered. Rock

excavation is typically defined as excavation which cannot be accomplished
with the equipment normally used in the course of excavation. Rock
excavation can be accomplished by a variety of techniques. These
techniques include but are not limited to blasting, trenching, ripping, and
hammering. Considerations as to weathering, strength, and fracturing of the
rock are used to determine the best technique.

 Contractor shall confirm all the necessary permits/ permissions to

be obtained from all the related authorities, before proceeding for
blasting.
 Normal Excavation that can be accomplished using rippers (mass
grading) or excavators/backhoes operated in accordance with
good construction practice. Normal excavation includes all soils
and includes soft, weathered, and fractured rock.
 Rock excavation that cannot be accomplished using rippers and
excavators/ backhoes and which requires blasting or pneumatic
rock breakers to facilitate excavation.
 Small or linear excavation where limitations to ripping are present,
verified by the company representative. Such limitations my
include ripping direction and travel distance.
 Mass grading large or open area excavation where no limitations
to ripping are present.
7. QA / QC
 The quality of the works will be in line with the approved ITP and tests will be
performed on each stage of Excavation works and the report will be prepared
and submitted to the Client representative. Request for Inspection (RFI)
notification shall be submitted within 24 hours prior to the Inspection.
 Contractor QA/QC Inspector will closely monitor and assure all excavation
comply with project specifications and as per Client QA/QC requirements and
will conduct frequent Inspections and maintain all records as required by project
QA/QC Program.

8. HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

 The health and safety will perform a splendid role in all construction activities to
ensure that all the works are being carried out in a safe manner and creating a
healthy environment at site. All works performed by individuals will comply with
the Client health and Safety Standards.

8
C.A.T. GROUP METHOD STATEMENT OF EXCAVATION WORK
HAWIYAH-UNAYZAH GAS RESERVOIR REVISION 1 DATE 10.08.2020
STORAGE PROJECTS
SAUDI ARAMCO

 Ensured that all site personnel involved make us of their PPE. Housekeeping
and safe access properly maintained all the time. All the signs install prior to
start the job.
 Site Supervisor will conduct daily toolbox meetings and explain the
requirements of the Client and other special needs to make and maintain a safe
working environment.
 If there is any unsafe condition, Workers/ Equipment shall not be allowed to
enter the area.
 Hard barricades and lightings shall be placed.
 All activities will be carried out safely in accordance with Contractor’s HS plan
approved by the Client.
 Contractor shall provide fire extinguishers (if necessary) for all fuel operating
site equipment.
 Ensure housekeeping is carried out every day before work begins or complete.

 Excavation greater than 2.4 meter (8 ft.) deep in type B or C soil, an excavation
plan (e.g., shoring design calculation and drawings) that meets the
requirements of this chapter shall be developed by a degreed civil/ structural
engineer.

 Excavations greater than 6 meter (20 ft) deep, regardless of soil type, an
excavation plan (e.g., shoring design calculations and drawings) that meets the
requirements of this chapter shall be developed by a degreed civil/ structural
engineer and reviewed by the SA Consulting Services Department (CSD).

Attachment: Job Safety Analysis for Excavation Works