Issued For review & comments

Specification for Earthworks

Document No: A-CIV-SPE-000-30002
Revision 1

Revision History

Revision Changes

0 Updated as per COMPANY comments

Below sections are revised
Section 6.0
Section 7.0
Section 8.1
Section 11.1
1
Section 12.1.12/ 13.1.4/ 13.1.5/ 13.1.7
Section 13.3.1/ 13.3.2
Section 15.2
Section 15.4.1/ 15.4.1/15.4.3
Section 13.3.3 & 13.3.4 are added
A Issued for Review & comments

This revision checked and signed off by:

Name Function or Job Title

Viswanadh Ponnuru (PV) Senior Engineer (Geotechnical)

Meeramohiddin Basha
Principal Engineer (Civil & Structural)
Shaik (MBS)
Ruhul Amin (RA) Lead Engineer (Civil & Structural)
Mohammed Tariq
Engineering Manager
Siddiquie (MTS)

Holds
Hold No. Location Description

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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 PURPOSE 5
1.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW 5
1.3 SCOPE 5
1.4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 6
2 REFERENCES 6
2.1 RELATED ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS 6
2.2 ALGERIAN REGULATIONS 6
2.3 CODES 6
2.4 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE 7
2.5 UNITS 7
3 DEFINITIONS 8
3.1 DEFINITIONS OF MATERIALS 8
4 SURVEYS 10
5 SITE DATA 10
6 SITE CLEARANCE (STRIPPING AND GRUBBING) 10
7 GENERAL EXCAVATION 12
8 PROOF ROLLING AND RECONDITIONING 13
8.1 PROOF ROLLING SUBGRADE 13
8.2 RECONDITIONING THE SUBGRADE 14
9 STOCKPILING AND DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS 14
10 DRAINAGE AND DEWATERING 15
11 FILL MATERIALS 16
11.1 SUITABLE FILL (GENERAL) 16
11.2 FILL AROUND AND UNDER FOUNDATIONS 16
11.3 FILL AROUND AND UNDER BURIED CABLES 16
11.4 TUFF MATERIAL 17
12 PLACEMENT OF FILL 17
12.1 GENERAL 17
12.2 FILL MATERIAL 18
12.3 CRUSHED STONE MATERIAL 19
13 COMPACTION 19
13.1 GENERAL 19
13.2 FILL COMPACTION 20
13.3 DEGREE OF COMPACTION 20
14 SHORING AND SAFETY 21
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15 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING 22

15.1 GENERAL 22
15.2 CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS 22
15.3 LABORATORY TESTING OF PROPOSED FILL MATERIALS 22
15.4 IN-PLACE DENSITY TESTS 22
15.5 INSPECTION 23
15.6 APPROVAL 23
15.7 RECORDS AND CERTIFICATES 24
16 APPENDIX 1 – GUIDE TO METHOD COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS 24

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE
The objective of this specification is to describe the minimum requirements for all
earthworks operations for the Ain Tsila Development.

1.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW

Groupement ISARÈNE (the “COMPANY”) will develop the Ain Tsila gas field which is
located in the Illizi basin in the eastern part of the Sahara Desert in south-east Algeria,
south of the Grand Erg Oriental. The field was discovered within the Périmètre Isarène
(Blocks 228, 229a) in 2007 and has been appraised to hold approximately 65 billion
cubic metres (2.29 trillion cubic feet) of recoverable hydrocarbon reserves. The field lies
in the Sahara Desert, approximately 1,100km south-east of Algiers, 175km west of In
Amenas, 175km north- west of Illizi and 450km to the south-east of Hassi Messaoud.
Central Processing Facility (CPF) is designed to produce 10.3 MMSCMD sales gas.
A gathering system, comprising well sites, wellsite systems, flowlines, manifold stations
and trunk pipelines to gather the produced fluids and transport them to the reception
facilities at the CPF. Raw gas will be treated in the CPF. Processing facilities comprising
pipeline reception facilities, slug catcher(s), feed gas compression, mercury removal,
gas dehydration, gas conditioning (natural gas liquids extraction), export compression,
condensate stripper, LPG fractionation facilities, condensate and LPG export facilities
and associated utilities, storage and buildings (all located at the CPF). Fiscal metering
for sales gas, LPG and condensate, located at the CPF battery limit.
Sales quality gas will be delivered to SONATRACH TRC’s (TRC) sales gas pipeline
system at a tie-in point on a manifold next to the TFT compressor station. Liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) will be delivered to TRC’s LPG pipeline system at a tie-in point
located at a block valve station west of the TFT compressor station. Stabilised
condensate will be delivered to TRC’s condensate pipeline system at a tie-in point
located at Méderba, approximately 165km north of Ain Tsila.

1.3 SCOPE
The scope of this document is to specify the minimum requirements for quality of
materials and workmanship for all earthworks carried out throughout the Ain Tsila
Development for site preparation, cut and fill operations, berms and dikes, road works,
foundation construction, trenches and underground services including but not limited to:
• Rough grading of the site, including site clearance.
• Excavation and backfill
• Drains and service trenches
• Stockpiling and disposal of materials
• Shoring and protection
• Reconditioning of the subgrade
• Compaction and testing

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• Landscaping / site finishing

• Main Access Control Point (MACP)
The requirements shall be applicable to onsite and offsite facilities including the CPF,
the Base de Vie, the Base Industrielle, the Airstrip, the Security Camps, well pads,
manifolds, pipelines, Block valve stations, Tie-ins, Alternate Access Control Point
(AACP), Main Access Control Point (MACP), and Roads.

1.4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

The work covered in this specification shall comply with all relevant governmental and
local laws, regulations, codes and standards.
For subjects not covered by regulations, codes and standards or specifications, the
materials and execution of the work shall be based on good economical engineering
practice.
All proposed working methods shall be subject to approval by COMPANY.

2 REFERENCES

2.1 RELATED ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS

A-CIV-BOD-000-30001 Civil and Structural Design Basis
A-CIV-SPE-000-30012 Specification for Underground Systems Fabrication and
Installation
A-CIV-SPE-000-30010 Specification for Roads and Paving
A-CIV-SPE-000-30011 Specification for Underground Piping Systems Design

2.2 ALGERIAN REGULATIONS

Ministères des Travaux Recueil des normes Algériennes. Secteur des travaux
Publics publics

2.3 CODES
Current editions of the industry standards including all mandatory addenda in effect at
the time of the order shall apply unless otherwise indicated.
2.3.1 British codes
BS 1377 Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes.
Parts 1 to 9
BS 5930+A2 Code of practice for site investigation
BS 6031 Code of practice for earthworks
BS 812 Testing aggregates. Parts 2, 103.2, 104, 109 to 114, 119, 121, 123 and 124
BS 8004 Code of practice for foundations
2.3.2 American codes
ASTM D421 Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle size
Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants

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ASTM D422 Standard Method for Particle Size Analysis of Soils

ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of soil in place by sand
–cone method
ASTM D1557 Tests for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of soil using modified
effort (2700kN-m/m3)
ASTM D1883 Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-
Compacted Soils
ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture)
content of soil and rock.
ASTM D2487 Standard Test method for classification of soils for Engineering purposes.
(Unified Classification System)
ASTM D2488 Standard Practise for description and identification of soils (Visual-manual
procedure)
ASTM D4253 Standard Test methods for maximum index density and unit weight of soils
using vibrator tables.
ASTM D4254 Standard Test methods for minimum index density and unit weight of soils
and calculation of Relative Density.
ASTM D4318 Standard Test method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of
Soils
ASTM D4429 Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Soils in Place.

2.4 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

In the event of conflict between the requirements of this specification and other
referenced documents, the CONTRACTOR shall request written clarification from
COMPANY. The order of precedence will normally be:

• Algerian Legislation.
• Algerian Regulatory Authorities Regulations.
• International codes and standards.
• COMPANY Philosophy documents.
• Project Specifications

2.5 UNITS
• Elevations : Metre (m).
• Dimensions : Millimetre (mm).
• Force : Kilo Newton (kN).
• Mass : Kilogramme (kg).
• Moment : Kilo Newton metre (kNm).

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• Stress : Newton per square millimetre (N/mm²) or Mega

Pascal (MPa).
• Pressure : Kilo Pascal (kPa) or kilogramme per square
centimetre (kg/cm²).
• Loadings : Kilo Newton per square metre (kN/m²)
• Temperature : degree Celsius (ºC)
Units used are multiples and sub-multiples of SI units.

3 DEFINITIONS
The terms and definitions as used within this document are listed below :

“COMPANY” means Groupement ISARÈNE (the operator of the Ain Tsila

Development)

“CONTRACTOR” means the party, which carries out all or part of the design,
engineering, installation and commissioning, procurement
and construction applicable to this specification

“shall” or “must” indicates that the specified action is mandatory (i.e. must be
done by the specified action party)

“should” indicates that the specified action is recommended but not

mandatory. However the action party will be responsible for
the consequences in the event that he/she elects not to do it

“will” indicates a commitment by others or a statement of fact

“Purchaser” means the entity defined as such in the purchase order or

Contract

“Seller” means the entity defined as such in the purchase order or

contract

“Sub-supplier” means the entity responsible for the supply of components or

services to the Seller

“Manufacturer” means the entity responsible for the manufacture of an item

ultimately supplied by the Seller to the Purchaser

“Goods” means the physical items delivered under the terms of the
purchase order or contract

“Services” means any services provided pursuant to the purchase order

or contract but not incorporated in the Goods

3.1 DEFINITIONS OF MATERIALS

In this specification, the following definitions of materials are adopted for all earthworks,
including site preparation works:

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3.1.1 Suitable material

Suitable material shall mean any material which is acceptable in a natural or processed
state for its intended use and shall be specified as suitable for a particular use or
application such as backfill to pipe trenches or backfill to foundations.
3.1.2 Unsuitable material
Unsuitable material shall mean material other than suitable material and shall include
but not be limited to:
• Contaminated soil
• Building rubble and domestic and industrial wastes
• Soils and rock susceptible to deterioration/change of their properties
• Materials with undefined properties
• Materials having a moisture content greater than the maximum permitted for
such materials
• Material susceptible to spontaneous combustion
• Material from wadis and areas subject to flooding
• Perishable materials
• Materials with organic content including peat, logs and stumps
3.1.3 Topsoil
The word ‘topsoil’ shall mean the top surface layer of material that contains humus and
can support vegetation.
3.1.4 Hard stratum
The terms ‘hard stratum’ or ‘hard material’ shall mean natural or artificial material,
including rock’ which cannot be excavated except by the use of machines or powered
breaking tools.
3.1.5 Soil
The word ‘soil’ shall include any natural non-cemented granular or cohesive material not
classified as topsoil or hard stratum.
3.1.6 Tuff
“Tuff” is the generic term which refers to the calcareous, gypsic or mixed deposits found
in the Algerian Sahara Desert, which are commonly used to construct desert roads and
includes gypsum.
3.1.7 Gypsum
Gypsum or ‘gypse’ refers to the commonly occurring white or off white deposit found in
the Algerian Sahara desert consisting mainly of calcium sulphate sand-sized crystals
which is commonly used to construct desert roads.

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3.1.8 Fill
The term ‘fill’ shall mean any materials which can be deposited formed and compacted
under a designed and controlled scheme of placement to achieve a specified quality of
ground.
3.1.9 Rock fill
"Rock fill" shall consist of hard, durable, inert material of size and shape suitable for
placement and compaction.
3.1.10 Silt
"Silt" shall mean non-clayey soils with individual particle size less than 0.06 mm.
3.1.11 Cemented soil
"Cemented soils" shall mean soils in which the grains or aggregates adhere firmly and
are bound together by a material which acts as a cementing agent, e.g., lime, silica and
aluminium hydrates.
3.1.12 Contaminated soil
The term "Contaminated soil" shall mean soil which contains extraneous material or
materials which have a deleterious effect on the engineering properties of the soil or
may create an environmental hazard.

4 SURVEYS
• The sub-contractor shall establish all lines and grades after starting from the
horizontal and vertical control lines furnished by the CONTRACTOR in
accordance with contract drawings.
• The location and description of existing survey monuments to be used for
horizontal and vertical control shall be shown on the topographical drawings.
Existing monuments shall not be removed unless the removal is approved in
advance by COMPANY.
• It is the CONTRACTOR’s responsibility for accuracy of survey work performed.

5 SITE DATA
The results of soil investigation carried out on various locations are described in the
Project documents and the following geotechnical reports:
• A-CIV-REP-000-30019 Geotechnical Survey Report for CPF and associated
facilities
• A-CIV-REP-000-30020 Geotechnical Survey Report for Pipelines and Remote
areas

6 SITE CLEARANCE (STRIPPING AND GRUBBING)

• All areas to be excavated, filled or constructed upon, shall be cleared of trees,
bushes, shrubs, vegetation, roots and other obstructions and stripped (150mm
or as per drawing) entirely of top soil.

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• The stripped material shall not be used as fill, unless approved by COMPANY,
and shall be removed from site and disposed of at locations to be agreed with
and approved by COMPANY. Disposal shall be in accordance with Algerian
regulations.
• Trees, shrubs and other landscape features specifically designated for
preservation shall be carefully protected from abuse, marring or damage during
construction operations. An exclusion zone shall be established around such
trees and haul, traffic routes, and material storage shall not be permitted within
a horizontal distance equivalent to 1.5 x H, where H = height of the tree (H=Min.
4 m). This measure will ensure protection against “pressure” damaging root
structures.
• In areas designated for clearing and grubbing, all stumps, roots etc shall be
removed to a depth of at least 900 mm below existing grade or below final grade
whichever is lower.
• All holes remaining after grubbing shall be backfilled as required with approved
material to re-establish the final grades.
• Where unsuitable material (such as organic soils or debris) extends below the
required elevations, the excavation shall be continued until suitable soil is
reached (as approved by COMPANY). After all unsuitable material is removed,
refill the excavation in layers to the required elevation with suitable fill material
and compact as stated in section 12.0 and 13.0.
• The CONTRACTOR shall inform COMPANY, in writing, concerning any existing
obstacles, including culverts, ditches, cables, pipes or foundations, which are
encountered during top soil stripping or excavation work. The CONTRACTOR
shall prepare a report which includes the location, description, dimensions,
elevation and any other data determining the exact extent of the underground
objects.
• The CONTRACTOR shall not commence demolition or removal of such
obstacles without receipt of COMPANYs written approval.
• In accordance with local regulations and the Environmental Plan for the Ain Tsila
Project the CONTRACTOR shall consider the recycling of demolition materials
for use as fill materials. CONTRACTOR shall seek approval of COMPANY prior
to use and shall demonstrate that the materials have suitable engineering
properties and will not have any adverse environmental impact if re-used.
• The CONTRACTOR shall adequately protect from damage any items or
features that require to be preserved.
• All demolition materials if not suitable for use as fill materials shall be removed
regularly from site as work progresses
• Before commencing any excavation work the CONTRACTOR shall inspect and
survey each job site, using detection tools if appropriate, to identify and locate
any existing cables or pipes. The CONTRACTOR shall take adequate
precautions to avoid damage or disturbance to existing cables and pipes

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• If instructed by COMPANY hand digging operations shall be executed around

existing services or where the presence of services is suspected.
• The CONTRACTOR shall immediately cease work in the area and inform
COMPANY immediately of any damage or suspected damage to existing
services
• Areas under earth dikes for tankage and pit areas around tankage shall be
grubbed to a depth of 600 mm below the tank bottom but not less than 150 mm
below natural grade over the entire tank bottom.
• Burning of bush, vegetation and trees or burying of any material shall not be
permitted on site.
• For contaminated soil management, refer to Waste Management Plan Doc A-
HSE-PLN-000-30003.

7 GENERAL EXCAVATION
• Common excavation shall include removal and transportation of all material of
whatever nature that is encountered in the work to the fill or spoil areas.
• Excavation work shall be executed using modern, suitable and well maintained
equipment and workmanship shall comply with BS 6031.For selection of the
equipment the CONTRACTOR shall take into account, the type of soil, the
presence of existing constructions and environmental considerations.
• Selection of equipment and work sequence are the responsibility of the
CONTRACTOR unless specified otherwise by COMPANY. The
CONTRACTOR’s choice of equipment and work sequence shall be subject to
the approval of COMPANY.
• The CONTRACTOR shall provide and maintain all necessary shoring and
bracing to prevent excavation slips or collapse and damage to existing work
caused by settlement, lateral movement, undermining, wash outs or other
hazards.
• Personnel shall not enter or perform works in excavations unless the
excavations have been stepped, braced or otherwise stabilized to eliminate the
risk of collapse. Excavations shall be inspected at the start of each shift by a
competent person before any personnel are allowed to enter.
• The CONTRACTOR shall take all necessary measures to keep excavations free
of water.
• Excavation shall extend a sufficient distance from walls and footings faces to
provide safe working space for operations such as placing and removal of
formwork or for the installation of any utilities or other works or to provide access
for inspection.
• Where excavation is required for several closely spaced individual footings, the
whole area may be excavated.

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• After stripping, if the topsoil is below the design elevation (i.e. fill areas), 300mm
of soil shall be removed and replaced with suitable fill compacted to 95% MDD.
For areas, where loose/soft soil (like fech-fech) is found after removal of 300mm;
further cutting and backfilling shall be done.
• Excavation in an area shall not be made below the levels indicated on the design
drawings except where removal of unsuitable material is required by this
Specification. Material excavated below designated levels shall be replaced with
suitable fill.
• Where soft/loose (like fech-fech material), unstable or otherwise unsuitable
material is encountered at the bottom of a cut, excavation shall continue to a
suitable horizon approved by COMPANY. The cut shall then be refilled to the
required elevation with concrete or other approved compactable material.
• The bottoms of excavations for footings and foundations shall not be disturbed
or trimmed to final grade earlier than of twenty four hours before the concrete is
to be placed unless approved by COMPANY.
• The under-cutting of existing foundations shall not be carried unless approved
by COMPANY.
• Excavated material which is intended to be re-used as fill shall be stockpiled
safely at an adequate distance from the edge of excavations in accordance with
section 9 below.
• Pipe trench excavation should start at a low point, to enable the excavation to
be kept dry.
• The width of trenches shall be sufficient to provide adequate working space
between the outside of pipes, cables or other works and the face of any required
shoring or trench sheeting.
• Minimum widths of excavations and depth for cable trenches and duct banks
shall be indicated on the electrical and instrument drawings.
• Excavations should only be kept open as long as reasonably required for the
work.
• Excavated material shall be stored in designated stockpile areas on site.
Adequate support shall be provided where necessary to prevent slope failure of
earth or settlement of adjacent ground, structures or other works.
• All required safety and personnel protection measures (fall protection) shall be
provided in accordance with section 14 below.

8 PROOF ROLLING AND RECONDITIONING

8.1 PROOF ROLLING SUBGRADE

• Proof rolling shall consist of furnishing and operating heavy pneumatic tired
compaction equipment and/or vibrating roller compactor for testing
compactness of the subgrade soils prior to the installation of foundations,

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suitable fill, pavement base etc. Although proof rolling operations may achieve
additional compaction of the stable soils, it is primarily intended to locate
unstable areas.
• All subgrade areas shall be proof rolled and shall be completely covered by
compaction equipment (of min 10Ton) minimum 6-8 passes (minimum 3 to 4
passes in each direction) as required each way in perpendicular directions.
Equipment and passes required for proof rolling under restricted surfaces, refer
Appendix 1. The existing soil shall be compacted and proof rolled but no
compaction (in-situ density) test is required except below foundations.
• After any stripping/excavation, the existing soil shall be proof rolled. As per
section 4.3.6 (c) of Doc No-PIP CVS02100 (Revision May 2014), if proof-rolling
demonstrates (by visual observation) ruts between 1 and 2 inches (25 to 50mm)
deep after localized soft spots have been repaired, the top 6 inches (150mm) of
the overall area shall be scarified and re-compacted. For areas where ruts
exceed 2 inches deep, top 12 inches (300mm) shall be scarified and re-
compacted.
• If unsatisfactory conditions are observed the CONTRACTOR shall notify
COMPANY. The related earthwork operations shall not proceed until such
conditions are corrected.

8.2 RECONDITIONING THE SUBGRADE

Where the completed subgrade has been disturbed by construction operations or
adverse weather it shall be reconditioned as follows:
• The surface shall be scarified, additional material shall be added if required and
it shall be reshaped and compacted to the required density.
• The prepared surfaces of all subgrades shall be proof rolled to check for
unstable areas and the need for additional compaction. Proof rolling shall be
undertaken when the soil surface is dry.
• If unsatisfactory conditions are observed the CONTRACTOR shall notify
COMPANY. The related earthwork operations shall not proceed until such
conditions are corrected.
The subgrade surface shall be finished in accordance with the specification and
drawings before installation of any final surfacing.

9 STOCKPILING AND DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS

• On-site excavated material, which is unsuitable for fill or which is in excess of fill
requirements, shall be disposed of as follows:
a) When spoil areas are shown on the design drawings, disposal shall be in
these areas.
b) Where spoil areas are not shown on the design drawings, disposal location
shall be proposed by the CONTRACTOR and agreed with COMPANY.

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c) Contaminated soils, debris and materials not suitable for reuse if

encountered, shall be removed and disposed of in accordance with local
regulations and the Environmental Plan for the Ain Tsila Project.
• The CONTRACTOR shall stockpile suitable topsoil required for landscaping and
excavated material suitable for fill adjacent to the construction site. Locations
for stockpiles shall be subject to approval by the COMPANY.
• The CONTRACTOR shall ensure that stockpiles for re-use are isolated and
covered as necessary, to protect against contamination by or contamination of
other materials and to protect against changes in moisture content where this
would have a deleterious effect on the properties or stability of the material.
Laboratory tests for materials of stockpiles for re-use are required prior re-use
in order to check suitability of material as suitable fill.
• Waste, trash, contaminated soil, debris and materials not suitable for reuse shall
be transported off the construction site and disposed of in accordance with local
regulations and the Environmental Plan for the Ain Tsila Project. The
CONTRACTOR shall bear all costs connected with hauling and disposal of the
waste materials
• The CONTRACTOR shall shape stockpiles in such a way that surface water will
freely drain away.
• Clays, sands, rocks and top soil shall be stockpiled separately to prevent mixing.
• Spoil areas shall be drained to prevent ponding or excessive erosion of the spoil
material.
• Materials excavated for foundation construction, cable and/or pipe installation
shall be stockpiled at a safe distance from the edge of the excavation to prevent
material from falling into the excavation or causing collapse of the sides of the
excavation.

10 DRAINAGE AND DEWATERING

• The CONTRACTOR shall prevent surface or subsurface water from flowing into
excavations or from flooding the site and the surrounding area.
• The CONTRACTOR shall not allow water to accumulate in excavations and if
necessary, shall remove water from excavations using dewatering methods
suitable for the local conditions.
• Trench excavations for site utilities shall not be used as temporary drainage
ditches.
• Fill shall be built up evenly over the full width of the area while maintaining slopes
to allow area drainage and prevent ponding.
• If required by detailed design, permanent de-watering (subsurface drainage)
shall be installed in accordance with the engineering drawings.

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• The CONTRACTOR shall inform COMPANY in writing, concerning encountered

deviations from the design data or ground conditions described in the contract
documentation. The CONTRACTOR shall advise:
a) The nature of the deviation
b) The proposed corrective action.
• CONTRACTOR shall provide and maintain temporary earthen drainage ditches
to minimize the ponding of water and adequately drain all areas to the
satisfaction of COMPANY.
• Method of lowering the water table shall be approved by COMPANY before
starting the work.
• Excavations shall only be kept open as long as reasonably required for the work.

11 FILL MATERIALS

11.1 SUITABLE FILL (GENERAL)

Suitable backfill material shall be soils in a natural or processed state which are in
accordance with this specification, the codes referred to in Section 2.0 and Algerian
regulations.
The material shall not contain any organic matter, debris, frozen material, nor particles
larger than 75 mm measured in any direction unless noted otherwise.
When suitable fill material from the site is not available in sufficient quantities, it shall be
obtained from borrow pits near the job site or it shall be purchased elsewhere.
All fill material from the site, borrow pits, or purchased and imported must be approved
by COMPANY before use.
Refer to section 15.2 and 15.3 for the required laboratory tests to perform for the
proposed fill to confirm the suitability of material.

11.2 FILL AROUND AND UNDER FOUNDATIONS

Suitable materials shall not be containing any particle greater than 50mm in any direction
and fine content shall not be more than 20% passing through 75micron sieve. Suitable
fill material around foundations shall be as per recommendations provided in
geotechnical investigation report. For fill materials, the sulphate and chloride contents
shall be determined in accordance with BS 1377-part 3 or equivalent standard.

11.3 FILL AROUND AND UNDER BURIED CABLES

Fill material around cables shall be clean sand with a maximum of 5% by weight passing
a 0.075 mm sieve. The material shall not contain any clay or organic matter and a sieve
analysis of the material shall not contain any particles retained on 4.8 mm sieve. Refer
to DWG A-ELE-DWG-000-30001 for Power Installation Details.

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11.4 TUFF MATERIAL

Tuff shall be well graded mixture of coarse and fine free-draining materials with less than
35% of the material passing 75 micron sieve. Plasticity index of the material shall not
exceed 6. Locally available Tuff may be used for roads and paving. CONTRACTOR
shall locate source(s) of Tuff and submit samples and test and laboratory results to
COMPANY for approval prior to stockpiling of filling.
Refer to section 16.0 Appendix 1 for compaction plant, permissible lift thickness and
number of passes. However, sections 12.1.7, 13.1.12 and 13.1.13 are still applicable.

12 PLACEMENT OF FILL

12.1 GENERAL
12.1.1 Backfill to excavated areas shall be carried out as promptly as the work allows, but not
until completion of the following:
• Removal of concrete formwork, shoring and bracing
• Approval by COMPANY or its representative of any underground construction
work.
• Inspection by COMPANY or its representative of excavated area.
12.1.2 Prior to placement of fill, the area shall be cleared of topsoil, debris, waste and soil
containing organic material.
12.1.3 Before backfilling around newly installed foundations, all formwork shall be removed,
and the excavation cleared of debris and waste.
12.1.4 Fill shall not be placed against foundations for at least three days after placing concrete
and not before the concrete has been inspected and approval to backfill has been given
by COMPANY.
12.1.5 Where there is a shortage of suitable fill materials locally available, imported fill shall be
used, subject to the approval COMPANY.
12.1.6 Retaining walls shall not be backfilled for at least seven days after concreting and shall
be subject to obtaining satisfactory concrete cylinder strength results and the approval
of COMPANY.
12.1.7 Backfill shall be placed symmetrically to prevent eccentric loading on structures. It shall
be placed in horizontal layers not exceeding 250 mm loose thickness or as specified on
engineering drawings and shall have the correct moisture content for the required degree
of compaction. All layers shall be tested to ensure adequate compaction unless one of
the methods described in Appendix 1 is used in which case a reduced testing regime
may be agreed with COMPANY. Any reduction in testing shall be subject to satisfactory
test results being consistently achieved.
12.1.8 Backfilling shall be to the grades and levels shown on the engineering drawings.
12.1.9 Backfill around culverts and pipes shall be symmetrically placed to prevent side loading
and shall be compacted to provide firm support. Backfill shall be placed in horizontal
layers not exceeding 150 mm loose thickness to the tops of all piping, culverts and

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electrical cables. Above this level fill should be placed in layers not exceeding 200 mm
loose thickness.
12.1.10 When backfilling pipes and cable trenches, the following guidelines shall be adhered to
unless specific guidelines exist in the relevant electrical and piping specifications:
• Fill to cable trenches shall be as specified in section 11.3 placed below and
around the cables up a minimum level of 150 mm above the top cables. Above
that level the same material as specified for suitable fill can be used.
• Fill to buried piping shall be clean sand placed for a minimum depth of 100 mm
below and a minimum of 300 mm above and around buried piping. Above the
sand layer the same material as specified for suitable fill can be used.
• Pipe joints should be left exposed until the necessary tests have been
performed, and in the case of concrete pipes for at least twenty four hours after
joints have been made.
• Pipes, cables and protective coatings shall not be damaged during backfilling
operations.
• Fill shall not be placed around piping and cables until they have been inspected
and approval to fill has been given by COMPANY.
12.1.11 When subgrades are likely to sustain damage due to shrinkage cracks, they should be
kept moist until protected by sub-base, capping or surfacing material.
12.1.12 Areas which are improperly backfilled or where settlement occurs shall be re- excavated
to the original depth or a depth to be agreed with COMPANY. The top layer of subgrade
shall be scarified to a depth of 300 mm and re-compacted before commencing fill
operations. The CONTRACTOR shall refill as necessary and restore the surface to the
required grade and degree of compaction.
Fill material placed within 300mm of the finished paving shall not contain more than 20%
material passing through a 75 microns BS sieve.
12.1.13 Placement of backfilling in compressible areas - The geotechnical report shall identify
the areas where the earth at fill-in level is likely to settle under backfilling action. If any,
operations shall be carried out following a precise calendar and the settlement measured
and recorded. The CONTRACTOR shall submit to COMPANY approval a special
monitoring program. The fill-in shall be made to a level higher than the project level and
shall be completed as settlement occurs. Once the settlement is stable the fill-in shall be
completed to the planned project level. The methods used to speed up settlements must
be submitted to the COMPANY for approval.

12.2 FILL MATERIAL

Refer to section 16.0 Appendix 1 for compaction plant, permissible lift thickness and
number of passes. It is recommended to perform the compaction trails (full scale) to
confirm the layer thickness, compaction moisture content and number of passes

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required to achieve the necessary degree of compaction for the material. However,
sections 12.1.7, 13.1.12 and 13.1.13 are still applicable.

12.3 CRUSHED STONE MATERIAL

Refer to section 16.0 Appendix 1 for compaction plant, permissible lift thickness and
number of passes. However, sections 12.1.7, 13.1.12 and 13.1.13 are still applicable.
For compaction purposes, if rock fill is well graded or easily broken down, then it can be
classified as a coarse grained soil and the compaction requirements selected
accordingly.

13 COMPACTION

13.1 GENERAL
13.1.1 The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for choosing the equipment to be used for
earthworks and compaction which shall be subject to the approval of COMPANY.
13.1.2 Compaction shall be carried out as method compaction or end-product compaction using
appropriate equipment for the type of fill and the site conditions. Method compaction
shall normally apply to general fill and large areas of fill. End product compaction shall
normally apply to fill under and around foundations and structures.
13.1.3 Power driven hand tampers shall be used to compact backfill adjacent to and between
structures, piping and duct banks. Vibrating plates shall be used for compaction of sand
fill in cable trenches.
13.1.4 Before commencing filling activities, the existing soil shall be compacted and proof rolled.
13.1.5 The degree of compaction of fill shall be measured against Modified Proctor values
obtained in the laboratory at optimum moisture content using accepted test methods
such as ASTM D 1557.
13.1.6 Unless otherwise specified on the design drawing, the compaction criteria given below
shall be used for compacting fill materials.
13.1.7 Each fill layer shall be tested by the CONTRACTOR unless agreed otherwise by
COMPANY. The CONTRACTOR shall receive approval of COMPANY representative
before starting the next layer.
13.1.8 Each layer of fill shall be compacted to at least the following percentages of the maximum
density obtained in the laboratory at optimum moisture content by the test specification
indicated:
• 95% of the maximum density test values for fills under and around foundations
and under floor slabs, paving and roads.
• 90% of the maximum density test values for fills in open areas (other than facility
areas).

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13.1.9 The water content of fill during compaction shall be within ±2% of the optimum moisture
content determined by laboratory test.
13.1.10 Care shall be taken to apply water uniformly to the soil to be compacted.
13.1.11 Compaction testing shall be carried out the frequency specified in section 15.4.
13.1.12 The acceptance of both granular and clayey fill layers greater than 250mm loose
thickness is dependent on the compaction criteria being verified by tests. The field
density of the compacted layer shall be measured on full thickness. Where results fall
outside the specification limits the layers are to be reduced to a maximum 200mm
thickness.
13.1.13 A guide to compaction methods is given in Appendix 1. The CONTRACTOR is not
obliged to adopt any of the method specifications described and in any case will remain
solely responsible for ensuring that the equipment and procedures that he does use will
achieve the required degree of compaction through the full thickness of the compacted
layer.
13.1.14 The location of, and the class of fill will be noted on the design drawings or as specified
in the other standards and specifications.
13.1.15 The type of compaction plant, minimum number of passes and maximum thickness of
compacted layer shall generally be in accordance with Appendix 1.

13.2 FILL COMPACTION

13.2.1 Fills shall be compacted to at least 95% and 90% respectively of the maximum dry
density determined in accordance with ASTM D1557.
13.2.2 All fills which do not meet compaction requirements shall be re-compacted or removed
and replaced.

13.3 DEGREE OF COMPACTION

13.3.1 Locations for 95% Maximum Dry Density (MDD) Compacted Fill or existing soil -
Unless noted otherwise on drawings the following areas shall be compacted to 95% of
MDD minimum:
a. Beneath foundations & floor slabs, and around foundations
b. From road subgrade to road base
c. Sub-grade for parking areas
d. Crane access ways
e. Water/effluent holding bunds
f. Sub-grade beneath storage tanks
g. Beneath bund walls
h. Sub-grade to paved areas

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13.3.2 Locations for 90% Maximum Dry Density (MDD) Compacted Fill or existing soil -
Unless noted otherwise on drawings the following areas shall be compacted to 90% of
MDD:
a. Tankage bund walls
b. Laydown and temporary facility
13.3.3 Bund for Vehicle Protection Lines
VPL bund shall be constructed with excavated soil from ditch and tamping of side slopes
shall be done after achieving bund height for stability.
13.3.4 If the existing soil in contact with the bottom of the foundations cannot be compacted to
the requirements of sections 13.3.1 and 13.3.2, it shall be removed to a 300 mm depth
and replaced by a suitable fill material. The compaction of the suitable material shall
meet the requirements of sections 13.3.1 and 13.3.2. Before backfilling, section 13.1.4
applies.

14 SHORING AND SAFETY

• The CONTRACTOR shall assume full responsibility for maintaining the stability
of all excavation faces until final acceptance of the work by COMPANY.
• The CONTRACTOR shall ensure that he does not adversely affect the stability
of excavations or fills by his method of stockpiling materials, use of equipment
or siting of temporary buildings or structures or circulation (traffic movement) around
facilities.

• The CONTRACTOR shall submit Work Method Statements for approval by

COMPANY prior to commencement of works at a particular location. These
statements shall include full details of the required measures to ensure safe
working.
• Unless specifically detailed on the drawings the slope of embankments and any
required methods of shoring, bracing and underpinning to ensure safe working
conditions, shall be determined on site by the CONTRACTOR. The proposed
methods shall be submitted for approval by COMPANY.
• The CONTRACTOR shall place and maintain all temporary fences, guard rails,
barricades, signage, lights and other protective measures required for the safety
of the premises.
• For pipe trench excavation, adequate trench sheeting or planking and strutting
shall be provided to ensure the safety of the workmen employed on the work
and to prevent damage to roads or adjacent structures.
• Where the construction works include permanent fencing this may be installed
at an early stage subject to approval by COMPANY.

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15 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING

15.1 GENERAL
The CONTRACTOR shall ensure the quality of the work in respect of both workmanship
and materials. Quality Control procedures shall include the submission of records on a
daily basis to COMPANY or as otherwise agreed.
The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for sampling and testing of materials and the
preparation and submission of test reports.
The CONTRACTOR shall employ the services of an independent and licensed materials
testing laboratory for quality control of the material to be used for excavation and fill
operations. A testing program shall be agreed at the start of the contract for physical
and chemical tests. Test reports shall be submitted to COMPANY to prove compliance
with the specification.
15.1.1 Workmanship
The CONTRACTOR shall employ qualified personnel, fully experienced in the works to
be carried out. Drivers/operators for the following machines shall have the experience
for driving each particular machine as follows:
• bulldozers, backhoes, front loaders, graders – 5 years minimum
• trucks - 3 years minimum
• compactors – 1 year minimum

15.2 CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS

CONTRACTOR’s testing agency shall visually classify all soil to be tested and shall
verify that the density test results are representative of the entire placement area being
tested for acceptance. Classification testing, including determination of gradation and
plasticity characteristics, shall be performed when changes in material type are noted,
and as minimum, with one set of tests for every 5000m3 of material placed or as
specified in quality plan.

15.3 LABORATORY TESTING OF PROPOSED FILL MATERIALS

At least three laboratory tests for compaction control shall be performed initially for each
fill and subgrade type to be compacted. Additional tests shall be carried out if changes
in material type becomes evident, as determined either by visual observation or as
indicated in test results (i.e. tests exceed maximum laboratory dry density by more than
2 percent). Laboratory tests (compaction test – maximum dry density) in general shall
comply with the requirements of ASTM D1557.

15.4 IN-PLACE DENSITY TESTS

Materials used for backfilling shall be regularly checked by field laboratory tests (e.g.
plasticity index, grain size distribution, compaction (Maximum Dry Density, MDD vs
Optimum Moisture Content, OMC) prior to and during the works.

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15.4.1 Unless agreed otherwise by COMPANY compaction tests of the fill layers (each layer)
shall be carried out as follows:
• For bulk filling (site preparation):
For each layer one (1) field density test for every 500 m² of backfill or subgrade area
with a minimum of two tests per layer.
• For Foundations and Paving:
For each layer one (1) field density test for every 100 m² under foundations / for
each heavy equipment foundations (for example compressors, tall columns,
slug catchers, GTG, etc….).
For each layer one (1) field density test for every 200 m² under paving areas.
• For retaining wall backfill:
At least two (2) field density tests at locations and elevations directed by COMPANY.
• For other fill activities:
Take at least two (2) density tests at locations and elevations as directed by COMPANY
or its representative.
15.4.2 Soil moisture content shall be tested at the same frequency as density testing.
15.4.3 Additional field density and moisture content test shall be performed as follows:
• If, in the judgment of COMPANY, based on tests, the fill has been placed below
the specified density, the CONTRACTOR will be required to provide additional
compaction and testing.
• Testing shall normally be carried out using proprietary density gauges (e.g.
Troxler gauge) and the type of shall be subject to approval by COMPANY
• Alternatively testing of small areas may be carried out using, in-place field
density tests in accordance with BS 1377 part 9.

15.5 INSPECTION
15.5.1 COMPANY reserves the right of inspection by itself or its representative during all
phases of the works.
15.5.2 The CONTRACTOR shall keep a competent representative at the work location who
shall supervise and be fully authorized to act on behalf of the CONTRACTOR and to
receive such orders as may be given for proper continuation of the work.

15.6 APPROVAL
Prior to any backfilling operation COMPANY's approval shall be obtained for, but not
limited to, any of the following:
• Compaction of subgrade.
• Concrete work.
• Cable pulling.
• Buried piping installation
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15.7 RECORDS AND CERTIFICATES

The CONTRACTOR is responsible for keeping records and documents for, but not
limited to, the following items:
• Receipt of materials.
• Test reports.
• Sieve analyses.
• Elevation checks.
• Backfill reports.
• Certificates of compliance with relevant standard specifications.
• Contractor's approval documents.
Documents shall be available to COMPANY or its representative at all times.
A complete set of all documents related to the work shall be handed over to COMPANY
upon completion.

16 APPENDIX 1 – GUIDE TO METHOD COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS

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Note:
D = Maximum depth of compacted layer (mm).
N = Minimum number of passes.
U = Unsuitable.
Definitions and Requirements Associated with Table

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a. The depth of compacted layer is the height by which the embankment is raised
by each successive compacted layer.
b. The number of passes is the number of times that each point on the surface of
the layer being compacted has been traversed by the item of compaction.
c. The compaction effort of each compactor is a function of the mass of the
machine and the compaction plant listed, in above table, in terms of their
masses. The mass per meter width of roll is the total mass on the roll divided by
the total roll width. Where a smooth-wheeled roller has more than one axle, the
machine shall be assessed on the basis of the axle giving the highest value of
mass per meter width.
d. A tamping roller is a machine with a roll or rolls from which "feet" project. The
projected end area or each "foot" shall exceed 0.01 m² and the sum of the area
of the feet shall exceed 15% of the area of the cylinder swept by the ends of the
feet. The requirements for tamping rollers apply to machines that have two rolls
in tandem.
If only one tamping roll traverses each point on the surface of the layer on any one pass
of the machine, the minimum number of passes shall be twice the number given in the
table.
e. For pneumatic-tired rollers, mass per wheel is the total mass of the roller divided
by the number of wheels.
In assessing the number of passes of pneumatic-tired rollers, the effective width shall
be the sum of the widths of the individual wheel tracks together with the sum of the
spacing between the wheel tracks, provided that each spacing does not exceed 230
mm. Where the spacing exceeds 230 mm, the effective width shall be the sum of the
widths of the individual wheel tracks only.
f. Vibrating rollers are self-propelled or towed smooth-wheeled rollers, having
means of applying mechanical vibration to one or more rolls.
• The requirements for vibrating rollers are based on the use of the lowest
gear on a self-propelled machine with mechanical transmission and a speed
of 1.5 - 2.5 km/h for a towed machine or a self-propelled machine with
hydrostatic transmission. If higher speeds are used, an increased number of
passes shall be provided in proportion of the increase in speed of travel.
• Where the mechanical vibration is applied to two rolls in tandem, the
minimum number of passes shall be half the number given in the table of
the appropriate mass per meter width of one vibrating roll. If one roll differs
in mass per meter width form the other, the number of passes shall be
calculated as for the roll with the smallest value. Alternatively, the machine
may be treated as having a single vibrating roll with a mass per meter width
equal to that of the roll with the higher value.
• Vibrating-type rollers operating without vibration will be classified as smooth-
wheeled rollers.

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• Vibrating rollers shall be operated with their vibrating mechanism operating

only at the frequency of vibration recommended by the manufacturers.
g. Vibrating plate compactors are machines having a base plate to which is
attached a source of vibration consisting of one or two eccentrically weighted
shafts.
• The mass per unit area of base plate of a vibrating plate compactor is
calculated by its working conditions by its area in contact with compacted
soil.
• Vibrating plate compactors shall be operated at the frequency of vibration
recommended by the manufacturers. They shall normally be operated at
travelling speed of less than 1 km/h, but if higher speeds are necessary, the
number of passes shall be increased in proportion to the increase in speed
of travel.
h. Vibrating-tampers are machines in which an engine-driven reciprocating
mechanism acts on a spring system through which oscillations are set up in a
base plate.
i. Power rammers are machines which are actuated by explosions in an internal
combustion cylinder, each explosion being controller manually by the operator.
j. For items marked*, the rollers shall be towed by track-laying tractors. Self-
propelled rollers are unsuitable.

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