Materials System Specification

12-SAMSS-007 1 January 2018

Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel
Document Responsibility: Onshore Structures Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope .............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations .................................. 2
3 References ...................................................... 2
4 Products and Materials ................................... 7
5 Galvanizing, Painting, Coating,
and Fireproofing .................................... 11
6 Fabrication .................................................... 16
7 Inspection and Testing .................................. 29
Revision Summary .............................................. 31

Appendix 1 - Astm Material Equivalency ............. 32

Previous Issue: 26 September 2016 Next Planned Update: 26 September 2019

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 32
Contact: McGrath, Clinton S. (mcgratcs) @ phone +966-13-880-9578

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Onshore Structures Standards Committee 12-SAMSS-007
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 26 September 2019 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

1 Scope

This specification defines the requirements for material selection, connections,

detailing, fabrication, galvanizing, painting and coatings, marking for erection and
delivery of structural and miscellaneous steel. Erection of structural steel shall be per
12-SAMSS-008. Offshore structures and pre-engineered metal buildings are excluded
from this specification.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.

Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.

3 References

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

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-B-063 Aviation Obstruction Marking and Lighting
SAES-B-067 Safety Identification and Safety Colors
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-H-101V Approved Saudi Aramco Data Sheets - Paints and
Coatings
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coatings for Steel Pipelines
and Piping

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

12-SAMSS-008 Erection of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

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Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AA-036322 Anchor Bolt Details - Inch and Metric Sizes

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-120100 Steel Structures
Form 175-120500 Tower: Communication

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-7927 Non-Material Requirements for Fabricated
Structural Steel

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

AISC Detailing for Steel Construction
AISC Steel Construction Manual, Thirteenth Edition
AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
AISC Specification for Structural Joints Using
ASTM A325 or ASTM A490 Bolts
AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and
Bridges
AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings
AISC 358-10 Pre-Qualified Connections for Special and
Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic
Applications, Including Supplement No. 1 and
Supplement No. 2, Chapter 10
AISC Steel Design Guide Series

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM A1 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Tee Rails
ASTM A6/A6M Standard Specification for General Requirements
for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes,
and Sheet Piling
ASTM A36/A36M Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
ASTM A53/A53M Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black, and
Hot-dipped, Zinc-coated, Welded, and Seamless
ASTM A106/A106M Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel

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Pipe for High-Temperature Service

ASTM A108 Standard Specification for Steel Bar, Carbon and
Alloy, Cold Finished
ASTM A123/A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip
Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
ASTM A143/A143M Standard Practice for Safeguarding Against
Embrittlement of Hot-Dip Galvanized Structural
Steel Products and Procedure for Detecting
Embrittlement
ASTM A153/A153M Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip)
on Iron and Steel Hardware
ASTM A193/A193M Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless
Steel Bolting for High Temperature or High
Pressure Service and Other Special Purpose
Applications
ASTM A194/A194M Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel
Nuts for Bolts for High Pressure or High
Temperature Service, or Both
ASTM A307 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and
Studs, 60,000 psi Tensile Strength
ASTM A325 Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel,
Heat Treated, 120/105 ksi Minimum Tensile
Strength
ASTM A325M Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel,
Heat Treated 830 MPa Minimum Tensile
Strength [Metric]
ASTM A384/A384M Standard Practice for Safeguarding Against
Warpage and Distortion during Hot-Dip
Galvanizing of Steel Assemblies
ASTM A385/A385M Standard Practice for Providing High-Quality Zinc
Coatings (Hot-Dip)
ASTM A490 Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Alloy
Steel, Heat Treated, 150 ksi Minimum Tensile
Strength
ASTM A490M Standard Specification for High-Strength Steel
Bolts, Classes 10.9 and 10.9.3, for Structural
Steel Joints (Metric)

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ASTM A500/A500M Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded

and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in
Rounds and Shapes
ASTM A501 Standard Specification for Hot-formed, Welded, and
Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing
ASTM A563 Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel
Nuts
ASTM A563M Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel
Nuts [Metric]
ASTM A572/A572M Standard Specification for High-strength Low-alloy
Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel
ASTM A653/A653M Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-coated
(Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-coated
(Galvannealed) by the Hot-dip Process
ASTM A759 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Crane Rails
ASTM A780/A780M Standard Practice for Repair of Damaged and
Uncoated Areas of Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings
ASTM A786/A786M Standard Specification for Hot-rolled Carbon, Low-
Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and Alloy Steel
Floor Plates
ASTM A992/A992M Standard Specification for Structural Steel Shapes
ASTM A1008/A1008M Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled,
Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy,
High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, Solution Hardened, and Baked
Hardenable
ASTM A1011/A1011M Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, and Strip,
Hot-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength
Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with
Improved Formability, and Ultra-High Strength
ASTM B695 Standard Specification for Coatings of Zinc
Mechanically Deposited on Iron and Steel
ASTM E376 Standard Practice for Measuring Coating Thickness
by Magnetic-Field or Eddy-Current
(Electromagnetic) Examination Methods
ASTM F436 Standard Specification for Hardened Steel Washers
ASTM F436M Standard Specification for Hardened Steel Washers
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[Metric]
ASTM F606 Standard Test Methods for Determining the
Mechanical Properties of Externally and
Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct
Tension Indicators, and Rivets
ASTM F606M Standard Test Methods for Determining the
Mechanical Properties of Externally and
Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, and
Rivets [Metric]
ASTM F959 Standard Specification for Compressible-Washer-
Type Direct Tension Indicators for Use with
Structural Fasteners
ASTM F959M Standard Specification for Compressible-Washer-
Type Direct Tension Indicators for Use with
Structural Fasteners [Metric]
ASTM F1554 Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36,
55 and 105-ksi Yield Strength
ASTM F2329 Standard Specification for Zinc Coating, Hot-Dip,
Requirements for Application to Carbon and
Alloy Steel Bolts, Screws, Washers, Nuts, and
Special Threaded Fasteners

American Welding Society (AWS)

AWS D1.1/ D1.1M Structural Welding Code - Steel
AWS D1.3/ D1.3M Structural Welding Code - Steel Sheet
AWS D1.8/D1.8M Structural Welding Code - Seismic Supplement
(2009)
AWS D14.1/D14.1M Specification for Welding of Industrial and Mill
Cranes and Other Material Handling Equipment

European Standards
EN 10204 BS EN 10204: Metallic Products - Types of
Inspection Documents
BS EN 10025-2 Hot Rolled Products of Structural Steel

National Association of Architectural Metals Manufacturers (NAAMM)

NAAMM MBG 531 Metal Bar Grating Manual
NAAMM MBG 532 Heavy Duty Metal Bar Grating Manual
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Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP STF05501 Fixed Ladders and Cages Fabrication Details
PIP STF05511 Fixed Industrial Stairs
PIP STF05520 Details for Pipe Railing for Walkway and Working
Surface
PIP STF05530 Grating Fabrication Details
PIP STF05535 Vessel Circular Platform Details

Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC)

RCSC Specification for Structural Joints using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts

Steel Deck Institute (SDI)

Design Manual for Composite Decks, Form Decks, and Roof Decks – No. 31

Steel Joist Institute (SJI)

Standard Specifications and Load Tables for Steel Joists and Joist Girders

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety, and Health Administration

(OSHA)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

4 Products and Materials

4.1 Material Requirements

4.1.1 All material shall be of new stock.

4.1.2 The minimum thickness of any part of a structural shape shall be 5 mm.
Rolled sections used in the fabrication of base skid framing for portable
steel buildings may have webs 3.5 mm and greater while meeting all
other design and fabrication requirements.

4.1.3 Where contact of dissimilar metals will cause galvanic corrosion, a

suitable insulating material shall be provided between the metals.

4.2 Structural Shapes, Plates and Bars

4.2.1 Structural plates, bars, M, S, HP, C, MC, and L shapes shall be

ASTM A36/ASTM A36M unless otherwise specified in the contract
documents.
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4.2.2 Structural W, WT shapes, and high strength plates shall be ASTM

A572/ASTM A572M or ASTM A992/ASTM A992M unless otherwise
specified in the contract documents.

4.2.3 Commonly accepted structural steel materials and shapes other than
ASTM may be used in accordance with Appendix 1 of this specification.
Any difference(s) in the material dimensions, section properties, yield
strength, or tensile strength shall be accounted for in the design
calculations.
Commentary Note:

Universal Beams and Universal Columns (UB & UC) and split tees rolled to
BS EN 10025-2 S355JR/JO may be used as substitutes for W & WT shapes.
Commonly accepted shapes include shapes specified to Japanese Standards
(JS), British Standards (BS), European Standards (EuroNorm) and German
Standards (DIN).

4.3 Pipe Columns and Handrail

Pipe for columns or handrail shall be per ASTM A53/A53M Type E or S,

Grade A or B or ASTM A106/A106M Grade A or B.

4.4 Structural Tubing

Structural tubing shall be per ASTM A501 or ASTM A500/A500M Grade A or B.

4.5 Metal Decking

Floor and roof metal deck shall be cold-formed steel sheets conforming to
ASTM A653/A653M or ASTM A1008/A1008M or equal having a minimum
yield strength of 228 N/mm² (33,000 psi). The metal deck shall be galvanized
and receive a protective coating of zinc conforming to ASTM A653/A653M,
G90 Coating Designation. Design shall be in accordance with SDI Design
Manual for Composite Decks, Form Decks, and Roof Decks, No. 31.

4.6 High Strength Bolt Assemblies

Bolt - ASTM A325 or A325M Type 1 if specified on the design drawings

Bolt - ASTM A490 or A490M Type 1 if specified on the design drawings.

ASTM A490 bolts cannot be used in corrosive environments and cannot be
galvanized.

Washer - ASTM F436 or F436M

Direct Tension Indicator (D.T.I.) Washers - ASTM F959 or F959M, when

specified on the design drawings
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Heavy Hex Nut - ASTM A563 Grade DH or ASTM A563M Grade 10S

4.7 Standard Bolt Assemblies

Bolt - ASTM A307 Grade A, (Hex ¼" - 1½" diameter)

Washer - ASTM F436 or F436M

Nut - ASTM A563 or A563M Grade A, Heavy Hex

4.8 Anchor Bolt Assemblies shall be in accordance with Standard Drawing

AA-036322 Sht. No. 001 (Rev. No. 08 or later) and the following material
specifications:

Threaded Anchor Bolts - ASTM A36/ASTM A36M or ASTM F1554, Gr. 36

Headed Bolts - ASTM A307 Grade A (Hex ½" - 1½" diameter, Heavy Hex over
1½" diameter)

Washers - ASTM F436 or ASTM F436M

Plate Washers - ASTM A36/ASTM A36M

Nuts - ASTM A563 Grade A, Heavy Hex or ASTM A563M

4.9 High Strength Anchor Bolt Assemblies shall be in accordance with Standard
Drawing AA-036322 Sht. No. 001 (Rev. No. 08 or later) and the following
material specifications:

Anchor Bolts - ASTM A193/A193M Gr. B7 or ASTM F1554, Gr. 105

Heavy Hex Nuts - ASTM A194/A194M or ASTM A563, DH or ASTM A563M

Grade 10S

Washers - ASTM F436 or ASTM F436M

Plate Washers - ASTM A36/ASTM A36M

4.10 Shear Connectors (for composite construction) - Headed Studs

ASTM A108 Grade 1010 through 1020, AWS D1.1 Section 7, Type B

4.11 Welding Filler Metal

Based on building code and standards and the framing system selected, appropriate
welding code (AWS D1.1/ D1.1M, AWS D1.3/ D1.3M, AWS D1.8/D1.8M, or
AWS D14.1/D14.1M) and welding filler metal shall be selected. To clarify, if
AWS D1.1/ D1.1M is applicable, then welding filler metal shall be per AWS
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D1.1, Section 3.3 (including Table 3.1) low hydrogen with an electrode strength
of 58 ksi (400 MPa) minimum yield strength and 70 ksi (480 MPa) minimum
tensile strength. (For example, use E70XX for SMAW, F7XX-EXXX for SAW,
ER70S-X for GMAW, and E7XT-X for FCAW.) However, E60XX (410 MPa)
electrodes may be used for tack welding.

4.12 Crane Rails

Rails 30 lb/yd to 100 lb/yd (15 kg/m to 49.60 kg/m) – Type ASCE

Rails 104 lb/yd to 175 lb/yd (52 kg/m to 88 kg/m) – ASTM A759

Rails A45 to A150 Profiles - DIN 536

4.13 Checkered Floor Plates

ASTM A786/ASTM A786M Pattern 4 or 5 and ASTM A36/A36M

4.14 Steel Bar Grating and Grating Stair Treads

Steel bar grating and grating stair treads shall be per ASTM A1011/A1011M,
galvanized per ASTM A123/A123M and comply with NAAMM MBG 531.
Steel grating shall be rectangular type, with plain 3/16-inch x 1-1/4-inch (5-mm
x 32-mm bearing bars on 1-3/16-inch (30-mm) spacing with cross bars on 4-inch
(100-mm) spacing. Grating stair treads shall have abrasive or checkered plate
nosing.

4.15 Heavy Duty Metal Bar Grating

Heavy duty metal bar grating shall comply with NAAMM MBG 532.

4.16 Grating Fasteners

Grating shall be securely fastened to the supporting members as shown in

NAAMM MBG531 and PIP STF05530. When grating clips are used, they shall
be from a recognized manufacturer with a published datasheet and written
installation procedures including tightening criteria. The grating fasteners shall
be of a design that permits installation by a single worker without requiring
access to the underside of the grating. The grating clips shall be stainless steel
or shall be galvanized per ASTM A153/ASTM A153M or ASTM B695.
Commentary Note:

Welding of grating to painted or coated structural steel is not allowed.

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4.17 Steel Joists

Steel joist and joist girders shall comply with SJI Standard Specifications and
Load Tables for Steel Joists and Joist Girders.

5 Galvanizing, Painting, Coating, and Fireproofing

5.1 Fireproofed Steel

5.1.1 Galvanized steel is acceptable under cementitious fireproofing.

Galvanized steel that will receive intumescent fireproofing materials
must be brush-off blasted (sweep blast) and then receive an APCS-1B
primer prior to the application of the intumescent fireproofing.

5.1.2 Bare carbon steel that will receive fireproofing shall be prepared as
follows:
a) A full APCS-1B system (primer and top coat(s)) shall be applied
under cementitious fireproofing materials.
b) APCS-1B primer shall be applied prior to the application of the
intumescent fireproof materials.

5.2 Galvanizing

5.2.1 All structural and miscellaneous steel except ASTM A490 or

ASTM A490M bolts and crane rails shall be galvanized unless
otherwise noted in the contract documents. All steel and anchor bolts
embedded in concrete shall be hot-dip galvanized and cannot be
mechanically galvanized. Electro-galvanizing or Electro-plating of
steel materials is not permitted.

5.2.2 Galvanizing of steel profiles, plates, hardware and bolts shall be in

accordance with the following ASTM specifications:
a) Steel profiles and plates - ASTM A123/A123M
b) Steel hardware – ASTM A153/A153M
c) ASTM A325 Type 1 or ASTM A325M Type 1 bolts and
corresponding nuts and washers - ASTM B695 (unless embedded
in concrete) or ASTM F2329
d) ASTM A36/A36M, ASTM F1554 and ASTM A193 Gr B7
threaded bar or ASTM A307 bolts and corresponding nuts
and washers - ASTM B695 (unless embedded in concrete) or
ASTM F2329
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5.2.3 Zinc Specification

a) Zinc shall be procured from London Metal Exchange (LME)
approved brands.
b) Only LME Grade and Special High Grade Zinc as per ASTM B6
preferably in Jumbo sizes and as specified in ASTM B897 shall be
acceptable. Zinc jumbo blocks shall carry manufacturer marking
and identification as per ASTM B949 and must have chemical
composition certificate traceable to the lot or batch or cast
number.
c) Adding Lead or Aluminum to the zinc bath is not permitted.
d) The molten zinc in the galvanizing bath, while the bath level is
close to minimum allowed by the kettle manufacturer, shall
contain not less than an average value of 98.0% zinc by weight.

5.2.4 General Fabrication

5.2.4.1 The Fabricator is responsible to safeguard against

embrittlement and warpage per ASTM A143/A143M and
ASTM A384/A384M.

5.2.4.2 Fabrication details shall meet the requirements of

ASTM A385/A385M to allow for the creation of high quality
zinc coatings.

5.2.4.3 Whenever practical, cutting, drilling and welding shall be

performed before galvanizing. The Fabricator shall remove
weld slag before galvanizing.

5.2.4.4 The edges of tightly contacting surfaces shall be completely

seal welded.

5.2.4.5 Vent holes shall be provided for piping or tubular assemblies

as required by ASTM A385/A385M. The vent holes shall be
located in the bottom side to prevent rainwater accumulation.

5.2.4.6 The Fabricator before proceeding shall bring potential

problems that require a modification in design to the attention
of the Buyer.

5.2.5 Galvanizing of Steel Hardware

5.2.5.1 Nuts shall be tapped oversize in accordance with

ASTM A563 or ASTM A563M.
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5.2.5.2 Nut threads shall be retapped after hot-dip galvanizing to

provide proper fit.

5.2.5.3 Direct tension indicators, if used, shall be mechanically

galvanized by the manufacturer according to the Class 50
requirements of ASTM B695.

5.2.6 Inspection of Galvanized Steel

5.2.6.1 The Buyer reserves the right to inspect and reject all
galvanized steel in accordance with the provisions of
ASTM A123/A123M and ASTM E376.

5.2.6.2 All bolts, nuts, and washers shall meet required mechanical
properties after galvanizing.

5.2.6.3 Hot Dip Galvanizing shop inspectors shall have successfully

completed the American Galvanizers Association’s Hot Dip
Galvanized Steel Inspection course or equivalent.

5.2.6.4 Chemical bath tank (Degreasing, Rinsing, Pickling, Fluxing,

etc.) parameters shall be verified at regular intervals by a
certified chemist to ensure desired surface preparation of
black steel materials. Titration results and certificates shall
be provided to buyer upon request.

5.2.6.5 The galvanizer shall ensure that the hot dip galvanized steel is
inspected for coating thickness, adhesion, and embrittlement
as per ASTM A123/A123M. Test records and certificates
shall be provided to buyer upon request.

5.2.7 Repair of Galvanized Steel

5.2.7.1 All damage to galvanizing shall be repaired in accordance

with ASTM A780/A780M.

5.2.7.2 Before the repair of damaged galvanized coating, exposed

substrate metal shall be cleaned to bright metal and free of all
visual rust, oil, or grease. Any non-adhering galvanizing
shall be removed to the extent that the surrounding
galvanizing is integral and adherent.

5.2.7.3 When surface defects exceed 2% of a member's area, the

defects shall be repaired by redipping the member in the zinc
bath.

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5.2.7.4 Cold repair using an organic zinc rich coating (primer in

APCS-1C) shall be permitted if the following conditions
exist:
a. Total damaged area is less than 1% of the total coated
area of the member being repaired
b. No single repair is greater than 2 in² (1300 mm²)
c. No single repair is greater than 12-in (300 mm) long.

5.2.7.5 Only products approved under APCS-1C shall be used.

5.2.7.6 Hot repairs shall be made in the shop if any of the following
conditions exist:
a. Total damaged area is greater than 1% but less than 2% of
the total coated area of the member being repaired
b. Any single repair is at least 2 in² (1,300 mm²) in area
c. Any single repair is 12-in (300 mm) long or more.

5.2.7.7 Hot repair shall be made using zinc alloy rod or powder
manufactured for the repair of galvanized steel.

5.2.7.8 Flux, heavy ash, or heavy dross inclusions shall be removed

by brushing, grinding, or filing as required.

5.2.7.9 Galvanized steel which has been rejected shall be stripped, re-
galvanized, and submitted again for inspection.

5.2.7.10 Correction of excessive warpage that exceeds ASTM

A6/A6M criteria, shall be by press straightening if possible.
The application of localized heating to straighten must be in
accordance to the AISC Steel Construction Manual.

5.2.7.11 If galvanized tension control bolts are used, all bare steel
surfaces (i.e., bolt ends) shall be repair galvanized per this
section.
Commentary Note:

Galvanizing used as both corrosion protection and architectural finish for exposed
non-industrial structures may yield an inconsistent and spotty finish. Galvanizing is
therefore not recommended as a finish for structures that are visible to the general
public (such as parking shades for Tier One and Tier Two buildings). Instead, a
duplex coating system (galvanizing covered by a coating) should be considered.
If galvanizing is used as an exposed architectural finish, then avoid cold repairs and
touch-up using zinc rich coatings as allowed by section 5.2.6 and ASTM A780. If a

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galvanized architectural finish is used, then the chemical composition of the steel
shall comply with the following requirements: for “Aluminum Killed Steel” - Silicon
(Si) = 0.01 to 0.03%, Phosphorous (P) = 0.015% maximum, or for “Silicon Killed
Steel” - Silicon (Si) = 0.15 to 0.25% and Phosphorous (P) <0.02% maximum.

5.3 Painting and Coatings

5.3.1 Where hot-dip galvanizing cannot be done after fabrication, uncoated

locations shall be painted in accordance with the Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards SAES-H-001 and SAES-H-101V. Shop
painting over hot dip galvanized members (duplex coating) is not
required unless specified in the Purchase Order, mandatory Saudi
Aramco engineering standards or as specified in Section 5.3.3.

5.3.2 Where fireproofing of structural steel is specified, the steel shall be

coated with materials that are qualified and approved in accordance
with SAES-H-001, APCS-1B, Epoxy Coated System with Epoxy
Primer (also see Section 5.1.2).

5.3.3 Shop painting is not required unless specified in the Purchase Order,
except for the following:

5.3.3.1 Communication towers which require painting, aviation

marking and lighting as follows:
a) Surface preparation and dry film thickness requirements
shall be in accordance with SAES-H-001, APCS-1E.
b) Minimum and maximum overcoating times must be in
strict accordance with the Manufacturer's Product Data
Sheet, and all coatings must be qualified and approved in
accordance with SAES-H-001, APCS-1E.
c) Aviation marking shall be in compliance with
SAES-B-063.

5.3.3.2 Railings, step edges at outside staircases and ladders shall

have safety coatings over the galvanizing that complies with
SAES-B-067.

5.3.4 Where the contract documents require galvanized floor plates to be

coated with a shop applied anti-skid paint, use APCS-12 per
SAES-H-001.

5.3.5 High-strength anchor bolts shall be coated in accordance with Standard

Drawing AA-036322 Sht. No. 001 (Rev. No. 08 or later).

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5.4 Fixed Ladders and Cages

Fixed ladders and cages shall comply with PIP STF05501.

5.5 Fixed Industrial Stairs

Fixed industrial stairs shall comply with PIP STF05511.

5.6 Pipe Railing for Walkway and Working Surfaces

Pipe railing for walkway and working surfaces shall comply with PIP STF05520.
Angle railing shall not be used.

5.7 Grating Details

Grating details shall comply with PIP STF05530.

5.8 Circular vessel Platform Details

Circular vessel platform details shall comply with PIP STF05535.

6 Fabrication

6.1 General

6.1.1 All fabrication shall be in accordance with the AISC Code of Standard
Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges and the AISC Specification
for Structural Steel Buildings.

6.1.2 All structural steel shall be made by open hearth, basic oxygen or
electric furnace process. Bessemer steel is not acceptable.

6.1.3 No rimmed or capped steel shall be used.

6.1.4 Structural steel pipe shall be limited to seamless or electric-welded,

straight-seam pipe. Where steel pipes or tubing are used and no
internal corrosion protection is provided, all open ends shall be sealed
to prevent internal corrosion.
Commentary Note:

Sealing of open ends in pipes or tubes is applicable for painted steel.

Pipes and tubes that are hot dip galvanized shall have vent holes as
specified in Section 5.2.3.5. Vent holes shall be sealed or plugged if
specified in the purchase order.

6.1.5 The welding symbols used on plans and shop drawings shall be per the
American Welding Society (AWS). The field connection symbols
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shall distinguish between assembly yard and erection site connections.

6.1.6 All welding shall be in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M, Structural

Welding Code – Steel, AWS D.1.3/ D1.3M, Structural Welding Code –
Sheet Steel, AWS D1.8/D1.8M Structural Welding Code - Seismic
Supplement (2009), or AWS D14.1/D14.1M Specification for Welding
of Industrial and Mill Cranes and Other Material Handling Equipment
as appropriate. Welded joints in Seismic Force Resisting Systems that
are designed in accordance with the AISC Seismic provisions
(AISC 341) shall be applied as per AWS D1.8/D1.8M.

6.1.7 Shop splices, substitutions of member sizes, or changes in details or

dimensions shall not be permitted without written authorization from
the Chairman of the Onshore Structures Standards Committee.

6.1.8 In order to reduce field connections to a minimum, shop assembly shall

be as complete as possible, consistent with the feasibility and economy
of the handling and shipping of the assembled units. Sections or
assemblies too long for shipment shall be provided with field joints of
the same member strength.

6.1.9 Lifting lugs required for lifting of fully assembled structural units or
skids shall be designed for attachment to primary structural members
only. Lifting lugs shall be attached by means of a complete joint-
penetration groove weld or continuous fillet welds (see paragraph 7.6.e).
 A design factor of safety of 5 shall be applied to all limit states for
the lifting lug and its attachment.
 Eccentric forces and impact factors shall be considered in the
design of the lugs and their attachment.
 Block outs in the support beam flange to accommodate lifting lugs
shall be attached to the lug plate in a manner to develop the full
tension capacity of the flange.
 Also see section 6.2.6.2 for additional welding requirements.

6.1.10 All beams, except cantilevers, shall be fabricated with natural mill
camber in the up position.

6.1.10 All re-entrant corners shall be shaped, notched-free, to a radius.

6.1.12 Fabricator, when performing shop assembly work, shall not exceed the
tolerances specified in AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel
Buildings and Bridges.

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6.1.13 Base plate hole sizes for structural steel columns shall be as follows:
Anchor bolts ½ to ⅞ inch (12-22 mm) – 5/16 inch (8 mm) oversize
Anchor bolts 1 to 1-¾ inch (25-44 mm) – ½ inch (12 mm) oversize
Anchor bolts over 2 to 2-¼ inch (50 - 57 mm) – ¾ inch (19 mm) oversize
Anchor bolts 2-½ inch and over (64 mm) – 1 inch (25 mm) oversize

6.1.14 All pieces shipped loose and erectable assemblies shall be clearly
marked with permanently visible identifying erection mark number.
Method and location of marking shall be approved by Buyer. Stamped
or raised manufacturer’s identification marks shall not be filled, ground
or otherwise removed.

6.1.15 Before surface preparation, the Fabricator shall remove all sharp
corners, burrs (including bolt hole burrs), weld spatter, slag, weld flux,
loose mill scale and other foreign matter.

6.1.16 Exposed corners, edges, burrs or rough spots on handrails, guards,

ladders, platforms and stairs, which might cause injury to personnel
using the assembled structure, shall be ground or filed smooth.

6.1.17 Platforms, stairways and handrails shall be shop-assembled in the

largest units suitable for handling and shipping. Ladder cages shall be
shop assembled on ladders.

6.1.18 The method for fastening grating shall be as specified on the design
drawings and shall also comply with the requirements in Section 4.15
of this specification. A minimum of two fasteners per panel shall be
used at each support, with a minimum of four fasteners per panel.
The fasteners shall be supplied by the Fabricator with 5% extra to
cover losses.

6.1.19 Grating / checkered plate openings dimensioned on the design

drawings shall be cut and banded in the shop as shown on the design
drawing. Grating/checkered plate openings that are not dimensioned
on the design drawings will be cut in the field by others.

6.1.20 Joints perpendicular to the span of grating and checkered plate flooring
shall occur only over support members.

6.1.21 Checkered plate shall have ½-in (12 mm) diameter drain holes (when
specified on contract drawings) provided for each 20 ft² (2 m²) of area,
with a minimum of one hole per panel.

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6.1.22 Holes must be drilled and not punched in material over 15 mm thick.
See ASTM A143 Sections 6.2 and 6.3 for additional requirements.

6.2 Connections

All connections shall be either engineer-designed, fabricator-selected, or

fabricator-designed. Unless otherwise noted on the design drawings, all
connections not fully detailed on the design drawings shall be fabricator-
designed or fabricator-selected as defined below.

6.2.1 Engineer-Designed Connections

6.2.1.1 Engineer-designed connections will be fully designed and

detailed on the design drawings and shall be furnished as
shown.

6.2.1.2 Engineer-designed connections shall be only those

connections fully detailed on the design drawings, showing
all fastener sizes, arrangement, dimensions, and all
connection material, and weld types, sizes and the length for
each individual member or part to be joined. The fabricator
shall reflect this information on shop drawings.

6.2.1.3 Requests to deviate from the specific details of any

engineer-designed connection by the Fabricator must be in
writing, with written approval from Saudi Aramco.

6.2.2 Fabricator-Selected Connections

Fabricator-selected connections are usually simple connections (shear

only). The Fabricator shall detail these connections by selecting
standard details from the AISC Steel Construction Manual Part 10,
Table 10-2 or Table 10-3.

6.2.3 Fabricator-Designed Connections

6.2.3.1 Fabricator-Designed connections shall be designed and

detailed by the Fabricator to carry all loads shown on the
design drawings or as specified in the contract documents.

6.2.3.2 The Fabricator shall have an experienced Structural Engineer

to design or supervise the design of all fabricator-designed
connections.

6.2.3.3 Fabricator-designed connections shall meet all requirements

of the contract documents. In all cases, design shall consider
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the entire joint (including beams, girders, columns, and

bracing) and shall take into account all applicable limit states,
including bolt shear, combined bolt tension and shear, prying
action, local bending, coped beam capacities, block shear,
web buckling, etc. The Fabricator shall design and furnish
stiffeners for column webs, column flanges, and elements of
other members involved as required.

6.2.3.4 If transfer forces (axial forces at ends of beams and girders)

are shown on the design drawings, framed beam connections
shall be designed to carry the transfer forces in combination
with the beam end reactions.

6.2.3.5 Checked engineering calculations for each Fabricator-

designed connection shall be sealed and signed by the
responsible structural engineer who designed or supervised
the design of the connections. Additionally, where required
by the contract documents, all shop drawings containing
fabricator-designed connections shall be sealed and signed by
the responsible structural engineer and shall be submitted to
the Saudi Aramco Representative for review.

6.2.3.6 Review of shop drawings detailing fabricator-designed

connections and engineering calculation sheets by the Saudi
Aramco Representative does not relieve the Fabricator of the
responsibility for both the design adequacy and detailing of
connections designed by the Fabricator.

6.2.3.7 Conxtech® ConxL connections shall be designed per

AISC 358-10 Chapter 10 (Conxtech® ConxL moment
connection). Additionally, Conxtech® ConxR moment
connections are permitted as full-strength, fully restrained
connections for wide flange beams to concrete-filled square
HSS or built-up box columns using a high strength, field-
bolted collar assembly.

6.2.4 Allowable Stress Increase

The fabricator shall not increase allowable stresses in the design of

members or connections, unless noted in the design drawings and
permitted by the governing standard or code.

6.2.5 Bolted Connections

6.2.5.1 Design, detailing, and fabrication of bolted connections shall

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be in accordance with either the AISC Allowable Strength

Design (ASD) or Load and Resistance Factor Design
(LRFD) method, as noted in the contract documents.

6.2.5.2 Connection design shall conform to the following standards:

a) AISC Specification for Structural Joints using
ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts
b) AISC Steel Construction Manual
c) AISC Detailing for Steel Construction

6.2.5.3 ASTM A325/A325M high-strength bolts, ¾ inch (20 mm) in

diameter, shall be used in all bolted structural connections,
unless otherwise noted in the contract documents. However,
larger ASTM A325/A325M bolts may be used when required
to meet connection capacity requirements and shall be clearly
flagged on the erection drawings.

6.2.5.4 All ASTM A325 or ASTM A325M high-strength bolts, shall

be Type 1, galvanized. Galvanized washers and nuts shall be
furnished for galvanized bolts.

6.2.5.5 All bolts, nuts, and washers shall be properly identified and
marked with the material grade and manufacturer's logo if
required by respective ASTM standard. All fasteners not so
marked shall be rejected. Should any unmarked fasteners be
installed, they shall be removed. Mechanical testing of
unmarked fasteners shall not constitute justification for their
use.

6.2.5.6 The minimum available strength of all bolted, or mixed

bolted and welded, framed-beam connections shall be the
member end reaction shown on the design drawings. If the
member end reaction is not shown, the minimum available
strength shall be one-half of the maximum total uniform load
capacity as shown in the Maximum Total Uniform Load
Tables in AISC Steel Construction Manual for the given
beam size, span, and grade of material, unless otherwise
specified in the contract documents. In addition to vertical
load, all beam connections shall be designed to transfer an
assumed longitudinal force equal to 5% of the dead and live
load. If not shown on the drawings, loads shall be based on
the Maximum Total Uniform Load Tables.

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6.2.5.7 The minimum number of bolts in a framed beam connection

shall be two bolts.

6.2.5.8 High-strength bolted connections shall be bearing-type in

accordance with A325-N with the threads included in the
shear plane.

6.2.5.9 Slip-critical connections in accordance with A325-SC shall

be used if noted on the contract documents.

6.2.5.10 All high-strength bolts shall be fully tightened, unless they

are clearly identified on the design drawings to be tightened
only to a snug-tight or finger-tight condition to allow for
movement within a slotted hole.

6.2.5.11 Ladder, stair tread, purlin, girt, doorframe and handrail

connections may be made with standard machine bolts,
conforming to ASTM A307.

6.2.5.12 ASTM A307 bolts, when used, shall be limited in size to ⅝-in
(16 mm) diameter and smaller.

6.2.5.13 All bolt holes shall be standard holes as defined in Tables

J3.3 and J3.3M of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings, unless otherwise specified on the design drawings
or noted in the following subsections.

6.2.5.14 For framed-beam bearing connections, horizontal short-

slotted holes are permitted in the outstanding leg of clip
angles if designed in accordance to the AISC Steel
Construction Manual.

6.2.5.15 For framed beam slip-critical connections, oversized or

horizontal short slotted holes as defined in Tables J3.3 and
J3.3M of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings may be used in the outstanding legs of clip angles
if approved by the engineer of record. However, in both
these cases bolt shear allowable loads are reduced, as shown
in Tables 7-3 or 7-4, of the AISC Steel Construction Manual.

6.2.5.16 For slotted holes, the long direction of the slot shall be
perpendicular to the load direction. All slotted or oversize
hole dimensions shall be as defined in Tables J3.3 and J3.3M
of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.

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6.2.5.17 Hardened washers shall be provided under all bolt heads

and/or nuts adjacent to any ply with oversized or slotted
holes. For standard holes, a minimum of one hardened
washer shall be supplied with each bolt.

6.2.5.18 If direct tension indicator washers are used, they shall be in

accordance with ASTM F959/F959M and shall be installed
according to the washer manufacturer's published
specifications.

6.2.5.19 Where high-strength bolts are used, "turn-of-nut" or "load

indicating washer" methods may be used for bolt tightening.
Temporary shop erection bolts must be removed and replaced
with high-strength bolts. A marking system shall be used to
mark high-strength bolted connections after tightening is
completed.

6.2.5.20 All bolt lengths shall be determined from the Commentary in

Specifications for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or
ASTM A490 Bolts, Table C-2.2.

6.2.5.21 A minimum of 5% extra quantities of each bolt size and

length, including nuts and washers, shall be furnished by the
fabricator for field erection.

6.2.5.22 All column splices shall be field-bolted and conform to AISC

Detailing for Steel Construction unless welded column
splices are shown on the contract documents.

6.2.5.24 A washer shall be furnished with each anchor bolt. Plate

washer thicknesses shall be as shown on the design drawings.

6.2.5.25 All nuts for high-strength bolts shall be wax-dipped to reduce

torque during installation.

6.2.5.26 As required by OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R, when two

structural members on opposite sides of a column web, or a
beam web over a column, are connected sharing common
connection holes, the fabricator shall provide means of
supporting one member while erecting the other member.
Unless the means of support is indicated in the contract
documents, the fabricator may provide one additional row of
bolts in the member to be erected first, an erection seat for the
member to be erected first, or other suitable means. Unless
additional loading is indicated, the erection seat shall be sized

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and attached to the column or supporting beam web with

sufficient bolts to support the dead weight of the member.
See the OSHA document for additional information.

6.2.6 Welded Connections

6.2.6.1 Design, detailing, and fabrication of welded connections shall

be in accordance with either AISC's Allowable Strength
Design (ASD) or Load and Resistance Factor Design
(LRFD) method, as noted in the Contract Documents.

6.2.6.2 Based on building code and standards and the framing system
selected, appropriate welding code (AWS D1.1/ D1.1M,
AWS D1.3/ D1.3M, or AWS D1.8/D1.8M) should be selected.
Welded connection design shall be in accordance with the
appropriate welding code, AISC Steel Construction Manual and
AISC Detailing for Steel Construction. Welding for monorail,
lifting lugs and other below the hook devices required for
lifting or rigging shall conform to AWS D14.1/ D14.1M.

6.2.6.3 The minimum available strength of all welded framed beam

connections shall be the member end reaction shown on the
design drawings. If the member end reaction is not shown on
the design drawings, the minimum available strength shall be
one-half of the values shown in the Maximum Total Uniform
Load Tables in the AISC Steel Construction Manual for the
given beam size, span, and grade of material, unless
otherwise specified in the contract documents.

6.2.6.4 The minimum fillet weld leg size is 3/16-in (5 mm) for
structural welds. Seal welds may be ⅛-in (3 mm) minimum
fillet weld leg size.

6.2.6.5 All structural strength welding shall be continuous.

6.2.6.6 The Fabricator shall design and install erection clips for field-
welded connections.

6.2.6.7 Field connections for random-length materials of handrail and

ladder cage assemblies shall be welded.

6.2.6.8 Continuous seal-welding shall be used in places that are not

self-draining or where crevice corrosion is likely to occur.

6.2.6.9 Fabricator shall remove all run-off bars and extension tabs.

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6.2.7 Shop and Field Connections

6.2.7.1 All field connections shall be bolted and all shop connections
shall be either bolted or welded, unless otherwise shown on
the design drawings.

6.2.7.2 Single-angle shear connections shall not be used.

6.2.7.3 To ensure electrical continuity if shop-applying non-

conductive coatings (i.e., epoxies), all contact surfaces shall
be masked unless otherwise noted in the contract documents.
All locations of no-paint or areas requiring full masking or
strip masking shall be noted on the shop drawings.

6.2.8 Bracing Connections

6.2.8.1 Unless otherwise noted on the design drawings, connections

for pre-assembled bracing and truss members shall be
designed for the forces shown on the design drawings, but not
less than 50% of allowable tension capacity of the members
or 6 kips (27 kN), whichever is greater. The available tension
strength of a member shall be calculated using the gross cross
section of the member. A minimum of two bolts per
connection is required.

6.2.8.2 All cross-bracing shall be bolted at intersections with one bolt

minimum for angles and two bolts minimum for tees.

6.2.8.3 All bracing connections, including gusset plates, shall be

designed in accordance with the AISC Steel Construction
Manual.

6.2.8.4 All gusset and stiffener plates shall be 10 mm (⅜-in)

minimum thickness. For minor structures such as platforms
and miscellaneous structures, 6 mm (¼-in) thick gusset and
stiffener plates may be used. The minimum thickness for
connection plates in electrical transmission towers or
communication towers shall be 6 mm (¼-in).

6.2.8.5 Unless otherwise noted on the design drawings, all vertical

bracing, and knee bracing shall have gusset plates on column
centerlines.

6.2.8.6 Unless otherwise noted on the design drawings, the following

working points shall be used:

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a) For vertical bracing at the intersection of a column, beam

and brace, the gusset plate shall be connected to both
beam and column. The work point shall be the point at
which the beam and column centerlines intersect.
b) For the connection of V-braces to nominal beams 250 mm
(10-in) or smaller, the working point shall be the
intersection of the horizontal centerline of the beam and
the centerline of the bay.
c) For the connection of V-braces to nominal beams 300 mm
(12-in) or larger, the working point shall be the
intersection of a horizontal line 125 mm (5-in) below
the top flange if the brace is above the beam, 125 mm or
(5-in) above the bottom flange if the brace is below the
beam, and the centerline of the bay.

6.2.9 Connections for Concrete Fireproofed Members

6.2.9.1 Connections for members fireproofed with concrete shall be

detailed to minimize blockouts in shop applied fireproofing.

6.2.9.2 Gusset plates for vertical or horizontal bracing members and

single-plate shear connections for beams shall extend outside
fireproofing a sufficient length to make the connection with
the fireproofing in place.

6.2.9.3 Handrails shall not be connected to fireproofed columns.

6.3 Handling, Shipping, and Delivery

6.3.1 Handling and Shipping

6.3.1.1 Delivery of steel shall be in the order needed for erection.

The delivery sequence for the fabricated steel, unless
otherwise noted in the contract documents or arranged by
Saudi Aramco, shall be as follows:
a. Anchor bolts
b. Loose base plates
c. Steel embedded in concrete
d. Erection bolts
e. First tier columns and framing for all its levels (including
stairs, grating and handrail)

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f. Second tier columns and its framing, etc.

6.3.1.2 All bolts, washers and nuts shall be packaged and delivered in
rigid, weatherproof containers. Cardboard containers are not
acceptable.

6.3.1.3 Railcars and/or trucks shall be loaded and cribbed so that they
can be readily unloaded by others. Load in such a manner
that continuous drainage is assured.

6.3.1.4 The Fabricator shall ensure that all steel and its coatings are
protected from any damage caused by handling, storage or
shipping prior to receipt by the Buyer.

6.3.1.5 The Fabricator shall ensure that adequate protection is

provided for threads on sag rods, anchor bolts, and any other
threaded components to prevent damage during shipping and
handling. Care shall be taken that holes and surfaces
prepared for connection and the threads of bolts, anchors,
mortises, etc., stay clean and undamaged.

6.3.1.6 The bottom of base plates shall be clean and free of any rust
or corrosion.

6.3.2 Delivery

6.3.2.1 The Fabricator is responsible for delivering all materials and

documentation to the job site in good condition. All material
and documentation will be inspected immediately upon
receipt by Buyer to determine that all items included in the
Bill of Materials have been supplied, to assure that all
documentation has been received, and to check for any
damage.

6.3.2.2 All materials designated for the care, custody and control of
the Erector shall be received, unloaded, stored, and otherwise
handled in a manner that will prevent distortion, deterioration,
or damage.

6.3.2.3 Saudi Aramco reserves the right to reject all damaged or

substandard material or documentation.

6.4 Erection and Shop Drawings

6.4.1 Shop drawings and erection drawings shall be prepared in accordance

with the AISC documents listed in this specification.
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6.4.2 Erection drawings shall reference the corresponding design drawings.

Every steel piece on the shop drawings shall reference the appropriate
erection drawing.

6.4.3 Shop drawings shall clearly show the material specification and grade
of steel to be used.

6.4.4 Erection and shop drawings shall be grouped in sets and identified
separately for each structure or yard area.

6.4.5 Erection drawings shall clearly show the mark number and position for
each member. The mark number system shall be agreed upon in
advance with the Buyer.

6.4.6 Erection drawings shall clearly identify slip critical high strength
bolted connections.

6.4.7 All fabricated steel sections shall be match-marked for field assembly
with designating numbers or letters corresponding to the field erection
drawings. Match-marking of steel shall be done with suitable paint,
waterproof ink or with pressed metal tags.

6.4.8 In addition to the Fabricator's identification marks, each item or bundle

of walkways and platforms shall be marked with a unique tag number to
clearly indicate its associated equipment. Each item or bundle of
walkways and platforms shall also be indicated on the erection drawings.

6.4.9 Shop drawings shall state the welding procedure and welding electrode
to be used.

6.4.10 The buyer's purchase order number shall be shown on all erection and
shop drawings.

6.4.11 Surface preparation and shop-applied coatings, including areas to be

masked, shall be noted on the shop drawings.

6.4.12 The Fabricator shall provide a bolt list and a list of other fasteners
showing the number, grade, size, and length of field bolts for each
connection. These lists may be shown on either the shop drawings or
on separate sheets.

6.4.13 In the event that drawing revisions are necessary, the fabricator shall
clearly flag on the shop drawings all changes showing the latest
revisions.

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6.5 Submittals

6.5.1 A shipping list (including total weight), a bolt list, and a minimum of
two sets of final erection and shop drawings shall accompany the first
shipment of each release.

6.5.2 Design drawings including foundation loading diagrams shall be

provided for approval of the Buyer as specified in the Non-material
Requirements, Form SA-7927 attached to the Purchase Order.

6.5.3 The foundation loading diagram to be provided by the vendor shall

show the type, size, location and projection of all anchor bolts for the
metal system components, and the minimum length and width of the
foundation required. Column reactions (magnitude and direction) and
minimum base plate dimensions shall also be included.

7 Inspection and Testing

7.1 All NDT procedures shall be submitted to the Inspection Department /

Operations Inspection Division (OID) ASNT Level-III for acceptance prior to
work commencing.

7.2 The Buyer has the right to inspect all materials and workmanship, and shall have
unrestricted entry to the shop of the Fabricator at all times while work is being
performed. The Buyer may reject improper, inferior, defective, or unsuitable
materials and workmanship. All materials and workmanship rejected shall be
repaired or replaced by the Fabricator as directed by the Buyer. The company
inspector shall have access to the vendor's facilities to see that SAES-H-001 and
SAES-H-002 quality elements are in place prior to and during blasting, priming,
and coating operations.

7.3 The Inspection Test Plan (ITP) shall be provided for review and approval by the
company inspector.

7.4 Inspection and testing shall conform to this Specification and Saudi Aramco
Inspection Requirements Forms 175-120100 or 175-120500 attached to the
Purchase Order.

7.5 Welding procedures and individual welders shall be qualified in accordance

with the requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M, AWS D1.3, AWS D1.8/D1.8M or
AWS D14.1/ D14.1M as appropriate. All welding procedures and welding
performance qualification records shall be made available to the Buyer's
Inspector for review.

7.6 Inspection of welding shall be performed in accordance with the Structural

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Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 26 September 2019 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

Welding Code, AWS D1.1/D1.1M, AWS D1.3/ AWS D1.3M, AWS D1.8/
AWS D1.8M or AWS D14.1/ D14.1M. Inspectors shall be qualified as AWS
Certified Welding Inspectors in accordance with the provisions of AWS D1.1 or
AWS QC1 or equivalent certification program. Ultrasonic testing may be
substituted for radiography if approved by Saudi Aramco Inspection.
a) All welds shall have 100% visual inspection performed per AWS D1.1.
In addition, any strikes, gouges, and other indications of careless
workmanship (such as surface porosity) shall be removed by grinding.
b) Pipes used as piling (circumferential welds) and tubular structures shall be
randomly radiographed at the rate of 10% [one weld of each ten (10) welds
shall be 100% radiographed]. The specified amount of random radiography
shall include X-ray samples from each welder's daily production.
c) The butt-welded flange sections for all primary load-bearing members shall
be 100% radiographed at the weld. Primary load-bearing members shall be
defined as the main frames and any members that are part of the lateral load
carrying system. For skids, primary load-bearing members shall be defined
as; exterior longitudinal and end framing members as well as any full-depth
cross beams at lifting lug locations.
d) For the secondary members such as purlins, girts or rafters that are not part
of the main sway frame, the butt welds can be tested as follows: 10% of the
butt welds completed each day shall be randomly selected to have
radiographic tests performed on the welds.
e) All lifting lug connections shall be 100% magnetic particle inspected.
Full penetration groove welds in lifting lugs shall be 100% UT inspected.
Procedures and operator qualifications shall meet AWS D1.1 and be
submitted to the Company Inspector for review and approval.
f) The minimum percent coverage of the specified NDT method may be
increased (at any level up to 100%) if, in the opinion of the Company
Inspector, the welds are of questionable workmanship or NDT indicates an
excessive number of defects. Additional or alternative NDT methods may
be used at the discretion of the Company Inspector in order to assist in
determining the type or extent of defects.

7.7 Material test reports for each heat of structural steel, each lot of high-strength
and ASTM A307 bolts, ASTM A563 heavy hex nuts, ASTM F436 washers and
ASTM A36 plate washers shall be available for review by the Buyer. Material
test reports shall conform to EN 10204, Type 3.1. Compliance testing of steel
plates and profile sections against MTR shall be conducted by the fabricator as
required by the purchase order.

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Document Responsibility: Onshore Structures Standards Committee 12-SAMSS-007
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 26 September 2019 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

Note: As a minimum, three samples shall be considered for raw material compliance
testing (product analysis) for every 1,000 tons of steel purchased, unless
testing of every batch or lot is specified in the purchase order.

7.8 The Buyer may require a quantity of representative samples of bolt assemblies
which the Fabricator shall supply to the Buyer for testing. Testing in accordance
with ASTM F606 or ASTM F606M will be at the Buyer's expense.

7.9 If any damage is discovered, or any parts, components, or documentation are

missing or otherwise defective, the occurrence shall be immediately reported to
the buyer in writing.

7.10 Shop inspection may include, but not be limited to the following:

Verification of conformance of materials with this specification and the

drawings. The limits of acceptability and repair of surface imperfections for
structural steel shall be in accordance with ASTM A6/ASTM A6M.

7.11 Inspection of high-strength bolted connections shall be in accordance with AISC

Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or ASTM A490 Bolts.

7.12 The buyer reserves the right to inspect and reject all galvanized steel in
accordance with ASTM A123/A123M and ASTM E376.

Revision Summary
17 May 2011 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and
reissued with minor revision.
26 September 2016 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
as major revision. The revision includes the following:
1. Updates quality and inspection issues for galvanizing:
o Type and quality of Zinc material.
o More requirements to ensure proper surface preparation, coating application and
inspection.
o Required certifications for material, applicator and personnel.
2. Provides clarity and specificity to seismic design and construction and thereby
reduces the misinterpretation of seismic provisions, and consequently reduces change
orders or other delays related to code misinterpretation.
1 January 2018 Editorial revision to modify paragraphs 5.2.7.10, 6.2.5.14, 6.2.5.15, 6.2.6.5, and 6.2.6.8.

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Document Responsibility: Onshore Structures Standards Committee 12-SAMSS-007
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 26 September 2019 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

Appendix 1 - ASTM Material Equivalency

ASTM Materials EN Materials ISO Materials JIS Materials

ASTM A36/A36M EN 10025-2, Gr S275J0 ISO 630-95, E275 C G3106-95, SM490A
EN 10025-2, Gr S275JR
ASTM A53 ISO 9329-1, TS430 G3454-88, STPG 410
ISO 9330-1, TW430
ASTM A108, G1010 EN 10016-2, C10D ISO 4954, CC 11 X
G1015 EN 10016-2, C15D ISO 4954, CC 15 K
G1020 EN 10016-2, C20D ISO 4954, CC 21 K

ASTM A307 No Substitute No Substitute No Substitute

ASTM A325 No Substitute No Substitute No Substitute
ASTM A325M No Substitute ISO 7412 per ASTM A325M No Substitute
ASTM A500 EN 10219-1, S355J0H G3444-94, STK490
G3466-88, STKR490
ASTM A501 EN 10210-1, S275J0H G3444-94, STK490
G3466-88, STKR490
ASTM A563 No Substitute No Substitute No Substitute
ASTM A563M No Substitute ISO 4775 per ASTM A563M No Substitute
ASTM A1011/A1011M EN 10025-2, Gr S235JR ISO 3573, HR1 G3131, SPHC
ASTM A572/A572M, G50 EN 10025-2, Gr S355JR ISO 4950-2, E355DD G3106, SM490YA
G65 EN 10025-2, Gr S450JO ISO 4950-2, E460CC G3106, SM570
ASTM A759 None ISO 5003 E1101, E1103
ASTM A992/A992M EN 10025-2, Gr S355JR ISO 630-95, E355 C G3106, SM490YA
EN 10025-2, Gr S355J0 G3106, SM570
G3136

Note: The minimum published yield strength may vary based on the material thickness. Refer to the appropriate
material specification.

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