PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Offshore Pipeline Route Survey

PTS 11.30.06
June 2015

© 2015 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
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FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
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ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the entire PTS inventory is currently undergoing transformation exercise from
2013 - 2015 which includes revision to numbering system, format and content. As part of this change,
the PTS numbering system has been revised to 6-digit numbers and drawings, forms and requisition
to 7-digit numbers. All newly revised PTS will adopt this new numbering system, and where required
make reference to other PTS in its revised numbering to ensure consistency. Users are requested to
refer to PTS 00.01.01 (Index to PTS) for mapping between old and revised PTS numbers for clarity. For
further inquiries, contact PTS administrator at ptshelpdesk@petronas.com.my.
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 5
1.1 SCOPE............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM...................................................................................................... 5
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES............................................................................................... 6
2.0 REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................... 7
2.1 POST START-UP SURVEY- HIGH PRECISION BASELINE (OOS) SURVEY .......................... 7
2.2 GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY .................................................................................................. 7
2.3 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION................................................................................... 9
3.0 MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE ROUTE SURVEY ............................. 18
4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX 1: ................................................................................................................... 24
1A: SHORE APPROACH SECTION .............................................................................................. 24
1B: OFFSHORE PIPELINE SECTION............................................................................................ 25
1C: STEEL CATENARY RISERS (SCR) .......................................................................................... 26
1D: SUBSEA PIPELINE STRUCTURES ......................................................................................... 27
1E: TRENCH SECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 28
APPENDIX 2: ................................................................................................................... 29
2A: MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION ............... 29
2B: MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION ............ 32
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) provides the minimum technical requirements for
subsea pipelines route, geotechnical and geophysical survey to establish the characteristics
and strength properties of seabed soil by acquisition, evaluation and presentation of
geotechnical and geophysical information derived from methods relying on geotechnical
tools.

1.1 SCOPE

1.1.1 The scope of this standard covers the geophysical requirements for design of dynamic subsea
pipelines (shore-approach, shallow or deepwater pipeline sections), steel catenary risers (SCR)
touch down area and location of subsea pipeline structures like buckle triggers, subsea in-line
tees, pipeline end terminations (PLETs), riser base foundations, trenched pipeline sections,
pipeline crossing and Out-of-straightness (OOS) survey.

1.1.2 It also covers geotechnical investigations requirements and specifies the geotechnical
parameters required for the design of items and pipeline sections specified in section 1.1.1
above. These parameters as a minimum include, soil shear strength, total unit weight, friction
angle, grain size, relative density and thixothropy – detail is provided in section 2.3.

1.1.3 The PTS excludes detailed description of survey (geotechnical/geophysical) procedures, testing
and survey vessel requirements, however, references are made where appropriate.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & Reading Guide PTS
00.01.03 for General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations.

1.2.2 Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviation Description

1 AUV Autonomous underwater vessel

2 BH Borehole

3 CPT / CPTU Cone Penetration Test/Core Penetration Test with Pore Pressure
Measurement

4 CU Consolidated Undrained

5 FC Fall Cone
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No Abbreviation Description

6 FLET Flowline End Termination

7 FVT Field Vane Test

8 HTHP High Temperature High Pressure

9 ILT In-Line Tee

10 MBES Multi-Beam Echo Sounder

11 NS Norsok Standards

12 OOS Out-Of-Straightness

13 PCPT Piezocone Penetrometer Testing

14 PLET Pipeline End Termination

15 PLTS Pipeline Tie-In Skid

16 RS Ring Shear

17 SBP Sub Bottom Profiler

18 SCR Steel Catenary Riser

19 SSS Side Scan Sonar

20 UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

Table 1: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 11.30.06 is a new PTS.
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2.0 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 POST START-UP SURVEY- HIGH PRECISION BASELINE (OOS) SURVEY

2.1.1 Subsea pipelines laid in difficult terrain or those that carry HTHP product, or are frequently
pressurised/de-pressurised during their working life resulting to pipeline walking and lateral
buckling shall be subject to high precision positioning survey. The survey shall be performed
during operation as required by Owner.

2.1.2 The purpose of a high precision survey shall be to define the horizontal and vertical position
of the pipeline to a high accuracy, such that subsequent small changes in its position can be
identified.

2.1.3 When such a survey is required, appropriate survey specialists shall be consulted prior to
mobilisation, so that appropriate procedures, equipment, personnel, timing, and reporting
requirements can be identified to deliver the desired result.

2.2 GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

2.2.1 The subsea pipeline geophysical route survey shall comprise a detailed investigation of seabed
and shallow subsurface conditions along the preliminary route(s) as determined by the initial
desk study.

2.2.2 It shall be planned to provide detailed bathymetry and to identify and describe seabed and
sub-seabed features that may impact final route design and selection, pipe laying and pipeline
operations. It shall specifically address any local regulatory stipulations and any gaps or
concerns raised by the desk study including known hazards and third-party systems.

2.2.3 In areas where there is limited data available on the seabed conditions along a proposed
pipeline route or in extensive areas with known route selection issues, a preliminary route
survey shall be undertaken. The subsequent detailed route survey shall then be performed.

2.2.4 The combination of desk study, preliminary and geophysical route survey results (in
conjunction with environmental and geotechnical results) shall determine a suitable route lay
corridor, any anchor and subsea assembly sites as required, the location and any significant
features along it e.g. coral, pock marks, etc.

2.2.5 The offshore survey shall be conducted to ensure adequate coverage, overlap, and quality
management within the area of interest. It shall identify and accurately locate the following
features with respect to the proposed route as appropriate:

i. Existing seabed assets (e.g. wellheads, pipelines, cables, umbilicals, manifolds,

spools, tees and wyes, platform jacket hardware, isolation valves, protection
structures).

ii. Detailed seabed topography (e.g. flat, undulating, sloping, variable, extreme).
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iii. Seabed composition (e.g. sand, gravel, clay, bedrock, coral reef outcrop or other
marine communities, sites of environmental interest).

iv. Seabed geo-hazards (e.g. unstable slopes, gas and fluid expulsion features, fault
escarpments, gullies, pock marks, moraines, boulders, sand waves, scouring).

v. Man-made seabed features (e.g. trawl/ anchor scars, spud can holes, wrecks,
wire, chain, chemical dumpsites, ordnance, other debris, sites of archaeological
interest).

vi. Sub-seabed geo-hazards (e.g. shallow faulting, shallow gas, water or hydrate flow
zones, slumps, unconsolidated sediments, channeling, and chemical instabilities).

vii. Shallow soils geology (stratigraphy and sedimentology).

2.2.6 The survey shall also include verification of the positions of surface or near-surface features
(e.g. platforms, permanent buoys, moorings, inshore obstructions), and provide input to
defining the location of environmental and geotechnical sampling locations.

2.2.7 The area of coverage, number and spacing of survey lines for route surveys shall be
determined during detailed route survey planning.

2.2.8 During route surveys, decisions shall be made to expand or extend survey coverage or to
investigate specific features based upon a preliminary onboard interpretation of the survey
results. Therefore, sufficient data processing and interpretation tools shall be available to
assess seabed gradients, features and conditions to facilitate rapid decision making.

2.2.9 Any deviation from the survey corridor shall be endorsed by Technical Authority.

2.2.10 The deliverables of the route survey shall comprise, as minimum, a written report describing
the survey and its results, charts, and alignment sheets depicting the surveyed route, a DTM
of the seabed bathymetry, and the SSS and SBP geo-referenced image data.

2.2.11 The report shall list, describe, and discuss seabed and sub-seabed features and seabed
conditions which may impact route selection or pipeline construction or pipeline operations.

2.2.12 Determination of seabed depths shall be made at a minimum of every 20m for every
navigation cycle.

2.2.13 Samples shall be acquired to ground truth (verify or validate) seabed and near seabed soils
that are defined during the geophysical survey to associate the profiles with the true character
of the seabed constituents, which is obtained from in-situ testing, sampling and laboratory
testing.

2.2.14 In addition to all the above requirements, the following shall be performed for dynamic,
HPHT and deepwater pipelines:
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i. To enhance acquisition of geophysical data of high quality, speed, accuracy and

flexibility at greater water depths, AUV systems shall be used.

ii. To assist in final route selection, bathymetric survey shall be conducted using 3D
mapping.

iii. For SCR, bottom profile as well as the presence of any geo hazards (such as
shallow gas, hydrates, etc.) shall be identified in the TDA using 3D mapping.

iv. 3D mapping shall be used for geoharzards identification.

2.3 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

2.3.1 Geotechnical investigation for dynamic pipelines, pipeline/riser structures and SCR TDA shall
include logging, in situ testing and sampling operations, with field and onshore laboratory
testing performed on the recovered samples, evaluation of geotechnical data and results, and
reporting.

2.3.2 Basic geotechnical parameters needed for the design of pipeline dynamic engineering shall be
as follows:
Clay Sand
Grain size Grain size
Plasticity index and liquid limits Relative density
Water content Maximum and minimum density
Total unit weight Total unit weight
Undrained shear strength, Su (in kPa) Friction angle
Table 2: Clay and Sand Geotechnical Parameters
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With respect to design of pipeline structures and other pipeline sections mentioned in section
1.1, the following geotechnical parameters shall be obtained and documented during pipeline
geotechnical investigation.

2.3.3 Geotechnical parameters shall be obtained and documented as presented in Appendix 1 for
all applicable pipeline sections and structures.

2.3.4 Sampling Operation

Sampling operation shall follow guidance provided in ISO 19901-8.

2.3.5 In-Situ Testing

In-Situ testing shall follow guidance as provided in ISO 19901-8.

2.3.6 Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing shall follow guidance and requirements as provided in ISO 19901-8.
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2.3.7 Index Properties Tests

Index properties tests and reference of test procedure shall be as follows:

Test Reference

Soil identification ISO 14688-1 or ASTM D2488

Soil classification ISO 14688-2, ASTM D2487 or BS 5930, for carbonate soil
follow Clarke and Walker (1977) and for frozen soil
follow ASTM D4083

Sample X-ray radiography ASTM D4452 (if test is required)

Water content ISO/TS 17892-1, ASTM D2216 or BS 1377: Part 2 # 3:
1990
Attergerg’s limit ISO/TS 17892-12, ASTM D4318 or BS 1377: Part 2 # 4&5:
1990
Density ISO/TS 17892-2 or BS 1377: Part 2 # 7: 1990
Particle size distribution ISO/TS 17892-4, BS 5930 or ASTM D6913 (for sieve
(PSD) analysis) or ASTM D422 (for hydrometer analysis)
Specific gravity ISO/TS 17892-3, ASTM D854 or BS 1377: Part 2 # 8:
1990 (ASTM D2488 is applicable when soil reacts with
water)

Angularity ASTM D2488 (method described by Lees (1964) or

Pettijohn (1957)
permeability ISO 17312, ISO 17313, ASTM D2434, ASTM D5084 or
ASTM D5856

Table 3: Index Properties Tests and Reference of Test Procedure

Photographs shall be taken for each sample especially at the mudline.

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2.3.8 Strength Test

An estimate of the undrained shear strength, (cu or su) shall be determined for cohesive soil
samples using a variety of methods. Value of angle of internal friction shall be determined for
cohesionless soil.
Soil strength tests and reference of test procedure shall be as follows:

Test Reference
Pocket Penetrometer (PP) ISO 19901-8
Tests
Torvane (TV) Tests ISO 19901-8
Miniature Vane (MV) ASTM D4648 or BS 1377: Part 7 # 3: 1990
Unconsolidated Undrained ISO/TS 17892-8, ASTM D2850 or BS 1377: Part 7 # 8: 1990
(UU) Tri-axial Compression
Test

Remoulded undrained shear ISO 19901-8

strength
Direct Simple Shear (DSS) ASTM D6528
Tests

Direct Shear (DS) Box Tests ISO/TS 17892-10, ASTM D3080 or BS 1377: Part 7 # 4 & 5:
1990
Resonant Column Tests ASTM D4015
Bender Elements Tests ISO 19901-8
Thixotropy Tests ISO 19901-8

Table 4: Soil strength Tests and Reference of Test Procedure

2.3.9 Deformation Tests

Soil deformation tests and reference of test procedure shall be as follows:

Test Reference
Incremental Loading ISO/TS 17892-5, ASTM D2435 or BS 1377: Part 5 # 1:
Oedometer Test 1990
Controlled-strain Loading ASTM D4186
Oedometer Test
Table 5: Soil Deformation Test and Reference of Test Procedure
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2.3.10 Chemical Test

Soil chemical tests and reference of test procedure shall be as follows:

Test Reference
Organic content ISO 10694 or ASTM D2974 or BS 1377: Part 3 #3: 1990
Carbonate content ISO10693 or ASTM D4373 or BS 1377: Part 2 #6: 1990
Soluble salt content ASTM 4542
Sulphate content NS 4737
Heat conductivity test ASTM D5334
pH value ASTM G51 or BS 1377: Part 3#9:1990

Table 6: Soil Chemical Tests and Reference of Test

2.3.11 Handling and Preservation of Samples

All samples not tested on board shall be wrapped in plastic cling wrap, followed by aluminium
foil. The wrapped sample shall then be placed in a cardboard cylinder (or similar) with an
internal diameter larger than the sample diameter, and sealed with a low-shrinkage wax. The
cylinder shall be clearly labelled with an indelible marker and provide the project identifier,
borehole number, sample number, depth and orientation marks.

Samples that have been waxed or bagged shall be placed in a box and sealed. Packaging in
this container should be such that samples are protected against shock and restrained against
movement. The sample movement and manifest forms shall be filled out as per Project’s
procedure and attached to the box where the sample is stored.

At all times, the sample shall be stored in a controlled environment of the on board laboratory.
It is the responsibility of the technician and the geotechnical engineer to ensure that the
sample are not disturbed and dropped while handing over the samples from vessel to the
transport agent to be sent to the laboratory.

Boxes shall be labelled with “Samples-Do not Drop”.

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2.3.12 Soil Investigation for Non-Dynamic Pipeline

The primary data acquisition methods to be used for pipeline route soil investigation shall
consist of:

i. Coring and Sampling for material identification, description and subsequent

Laboratory Testing.

ii. In-situ testing for accurate stratification and determination of key engineering
parameters.

iii. Laboratory testing (offshore and onshore).

Samples shall be obtained from gravity core/piston core and/or grab sampling and all
geotechnical survey works shall be examined offshore by the Owner Representative.
Minimum offshore tests to be conducted on these samples are defined as follows:

i. Soil condition, weather conditions and temperature of the sample immediately

on recovery shall be recorded

ii. Undrained shear strengths

2.3.13 The samples shall be described in accordance to ISO 14688-1 or ASTM D2488. Field logs shall
be generated for every sample detailing as minimum; sample number, position coordinates,
water depth, recovered length and a full description of the material. Colour photographs shall
also be taken of the sample to include appropriate labelling and scales. The photographs
should be in digital format suitable for inclusion in the survey report.

2.3.14 Contractor shall allow for additional repeat of sampling at 10% of the locations. At these
locations the recovered core shall not be opened at site but shall be properly sealed and
stored for subsequent 'undisturbed' laboratory analysis. The repeat sampling locations shall
be evenly distributed along the route and performed in areas of particular concern/interest
as directed by Owner’s representative.

2.3.15 Contractor shall provide a suitable system/procedure for labelling and tracking the soil
samples to their respective destinations. Distinction must be made during coring whether the
soil sample is to be undisturbed or to be used for infield testing/local testing.

2.3.16 If rock conditions may prevent successful investigation using PCPT technology and vibrocorers
are expected, rotary coring techniques may be required. The technology used shall be capable
of providing samples of good quality for the project. The presence of rock may be more likely
to be encountered for near shore sections of pipelines.
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2.3.17 Geotechnical Investigation for Dynamic Pipeline, HPHT, deepwater and Pipeline Structure

The primary data acquisition methods to be used for pipeline route geotechnical investigation
shall consist of:

i. Coring and Sampling for material identification, description and subsequent

Laboratory Testing.

ii. In-situ testing for accurate stratification and determination of key engineering
parameters.

iii. Laboratory testing (offshore and onshore)

2.3.18 All physical sampling/testing throughout the pipeline route shall be carried out to a maximum
depth of 3 meters below seabed (with particular attention placed on the first 1m). Typical
geotechnical investigation for subsea structures related to pipelines such as PLET, riser-base
foundation, buckle trigger and sleeper shall extend up to 15m soil depth. Penetration
requirement for riser-base foundation can extend further depending on riser and foundation
type.

2.3.19 For SCR TDA, data collected shall relate to both undisturbed soils and to soils that have been
worked extensively by the action of the riser which may result in disturbed or loaded soil to a
depth of several pipe diameters. Data presented shall include upper and lower bounds
representing reasonable assessment of the likely variability of the soil condition and of the
uncertainties arising from the sampling and testing process.

2.3.20 The samples shall be described in accordance to ISO 14688-1 or ASTM D2488. Field logs shall
be generated for every sample detailing as minimum; sample number, position coordinates,
water depth, recovered length and a full description of the material. Colour photographs shall
also be taken of the sample to include appropriate labelling and scales. The photographs
should be in digital format suitable for inclusion in the survey report.

2.3.21 Contractor shall allow for additional repeat of sampling at 10% of the locations. At these
locations the recovered core shall not be opened at site but shall be properly sealed and
stored for subsequent 'undisturbed' laboratory analysis. The repeat sampling locations shall
be evenly distributed along the route and performed in areas of particular concern/interest
as directed by Owner’s representative.

2.3.22 Contractor shall provide a suitable system/procedure for labelling and tracking the soil
samples to their respective destinations. Distinction must be made during coring whether the
soil sample is to be undisturbed or to be used for infield testing/local testing.
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2.3.23 If rock conditions may prevent successful investigation using PCPT technology and vibrocorers
are expected, rotary coring techniques may be required. The technology used shall be capable
of providing samples of good quality for the project. The presence of rock may be more likely
to be encountered for near shore sections of pipelines.

2.3.24 Undrained shear strengths shall be determined as appropriate at a depth interval of maximum
0.2m (0.1m more appropriate for lateral buckling issues).

2.3.25 All sections of pipeline route susceptible to lateral buckling shall be identified and all soil
parameters as indicated in Appendix 1 shall be measured and recorded. This shall be carried
out by Contractor and appropriate profile of soil shear strength against depth (from 0-3m)
plotted for each measurement technique and equipment in same graph. The sensitivity of
equipment shall be able to measure and record soil strength from seabed floor to at least 3m
depth regardless of how soft the soil is.

2.3.26 To enhance reliable design of pipeline and proper soil statistical assessment, acquisition of
sufficient soil data shall be enforced during soil investigation campaign for accurate shear
strength measurement. At least five different methods shall be used to obtain undrained
shear strength for each sampling location along the pipeline route and this shall all be plotted
in a dedicated profile. Therefore, all the following soil investigation shall be applied for such
pipeline sections:

i. In situ testing (T-bars, Ball Penetrometer (BPT) and PCPT).

ii. Ship-based vane or penetrometer tests in box-cores recovered from the seabed.

iii. Laboratory tests on samples obtained from the seabed.

2.3.27 The remoulded property shall also be recorded and plotted separately.

2.3.28 Frequency of data collection shall be as defined in Appendix 2

2.3.29 In most cases, deepwater fields will require inclusion of many inline pipeline structures. To
further optimize survey frequency in such fields, samples/tests shall be collected/performed
in order to capture shear strength profile for both first 1m from seabed and also to about 15m
for inline structure foundation design – in this case tests/samples shall only be collected at
proposed inline structure location (if distance between structures are close enough).

2.3.30 If the first sampling attempt is not successful or not adequate to define soil characteristics,
further attempts shall be performed until third attempt. Subsequent attempts may follow if
requested by Owner’s Representative.

2.3.31 The survey program shall be developed on a case by case basis to comply with these
objectives, and at the minimum acceptable level of accuracy.
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2.3.32 At least three cyclic penetration and extraction tests shall be carried out during every
penetrometer test, as a further check on the accuracy of the load cell zero – cyclic
penetration/extraction also allows assessment of soil sensitivity which is directly relevant for
assessing dynamic effects due to pipeline lay process.

2.3.33 For shallow foundations and soil-pipeline or soil-riser interaction assessment, more refined
profiles shall be provided to characterize the shear strength over the upper first meter of
penetration.

2.3.34 Accuracy of Pipeline Survey Tasks

Unless specifically defined in a project, the following accuracies shall be ensured:

i. Location of pipeline for as-designed and installed +/-2m or better

ii. Length and maximum height of free span +/-1m and 0.2m respectively or better

iii. For trenched pipeline section +/-0.2m or better

iv. Minimum vertical distance between top of pipe to mean seabed +/-0.1m

v. For trenched pipelines - maximum height of the spoil on either side of the trench
to +/-0.2 m.

vi. The accuracy of measurement during OOS survey shall not be higher than 5% of
the buckle amplitude. Contractor shall propose equipment capable of measuring
to such level of accuracy.

vii. The accuracy for geotechnical in-situ equipment shall meet or exceed those
specified in NORSOK G-001.
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3.0 MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE ROUTE SURVEY

3.1.1 The extent of coverage to be included in an offshore pipeline route survey, such as survey
area, depth of penetration, field programme, equipment to be used, laboratory testing
programme, soil parameter to be established and reporting should be defined in the scope of
work or work order based on governing parameters such as pipeline design requirement, SCR
touch down point, sleeper, PLET and PLEM foundation design requirement, type of soil
conditions expected and existing site information from previous projects within the same
pipeline laying corridor or acquisition of site information during earlier phase of the project
along the pipeline route.

3.1.2 Minimum scope for subsea pipeline route survey shall be as defined in Appendix 2.
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4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & PTS 00.01.03
Reading Guide
Offshore Marine Safety (and amendments) PTS 18.52.27
Pipeline and Riser Engineering Design PTS 11.30.07

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Specific requirements for offshore structures - Marine soil ISO 19901-8
investigations
Soil quality — Determination of carbonate content — Volumetric ISO 10693
method
Soil quality — Determination of organic and total carbon after dry ISO 10694
combustion (elementary analysis)
Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Pipeline Transportation ISO 13623
Systems
Hydrometric determinations — Geophysical logging of boreholes ISO/TR 14685
for hydrogeological purposes — Considerations and guidelines for
making measurements
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and ISO 14688-1
classification of soil — Part 1: Identification and description
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and ISO 14688-2
classification of soil — Part 2: Principles for a classification
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and ISO 14689-1
classification of rock — Part 1: Identification and description
Soil quality — Determination of hydraulic conductivity of saturated ISO 17312
porous materials using a rigid-wall permeameter
Soil quality — Determination of hydraulic conductivity of saturated ISO 17313
porous materials using a flexible-wall permeameter
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-1
soil — Part 1: Determination of water content
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-2
soil — Part 2: Determination of density of fine-grained soil
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Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-3

soil — Part 3: Determination of particle density — Pycnometer
method
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-4
soil — Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-5
soil — Part 5: Incremental loading oedometer test
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-6
soil — Part 6: Fall cone test
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-7
soil — Part 7: Unconfined compression test on fine-grained soils
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-8
soil — Part 8: Unconsolidated undrained triaxial test
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-9
soil — Part 9: Consolidated triaxial compression tests on water-
saturated soils
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-10
soil — Part 10: Direct shear tests
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-11
soil — Part 11: Determination of permeability by constant and
falling head
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-12
soil — Part 12: Determination of Atterberg limits
Petroleum and natural gas industries — Specific requirements for ISO 19901-4
offshore structures — Part 4: Geotechnical and foundation design
considerations
Petroleum and natural gas industries – Specific requirements for ISO 19901-6
offshore structures – Part 6: Marine operations
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and ISO 22475-1
groundwater measurements — Part 1: Technical principles for
execution
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and ISO/TS 22475-2
groundwater measurements — Part 2: Qualification criteria for
enterprises and personnel
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and ISO/TS 22475-3
groundwater measurements — Part 3: Conformity assessment of
enterprises and personnel by third party
Risk management — Principles and guidelines
ASTM Standards on Disc, Vol. 04.08: Soil and Rock (I): D420 to ASTM
D5611, Vol. 04.09: Soil and Rock (II): D5714 to Latest International
(2007)
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Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils ASTM D422

Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water ASTM D854
Pycnometer
Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of ASTM D2166
Cohesive Soil
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water ASTM D2216
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Standard Test Method For Permeability Of Granular Soils (Constant ASTM D2434
Head)
Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation ASTM D2435
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified ASTM D2487
Soil Classification System)
Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual- ASTM D2488
Manual Procedure)
Standard Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Cohesive Soil ASTM D2573
Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Pulse ASTM D2845
Velocities and Ultrasonic Elastic Constants of Rock
Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial ASTM D2850
Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
Standard Test Method for Direct Tensile Strength of Intact Rock ASTM D2936
Core Specimens
Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of ASTM D2974
Peat and Other Organic Soils
Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under ASTM D3080
Consolidated Drained Conditions
Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies ASTM D3740
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Intact Rock ASTM D3967
Core Specimens
Standard Test Methods for the Determination of the Modulus and ASTM D3999
Damping Properties of Soils Using the Cyclic Triaxial Apparatus
Standard Test Methods for Modulus and Damping of Soils by ASTM D4015
Resonant-Column Method
Standard Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual Manual ASTM D4083
Procedure)
Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation ASTM D4186
Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using Controlled-Strain
Loading
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Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit ASTM D4253
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
Standard Test Methods For Minimum Index Density And Unit ASTM D4254
Weight Of Soils And Calculation Of Relative Density
Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity ASTM D4318
Index of Soils
Standard Test Method for Rapid Determination of Carbonate ASTM D4373
Content of Soils
Standard Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples ASTM D4452
Standard Test Method for Pore Water Extraction and ASTM D4542
Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by
Refractometer
Standard Practices for Preparing Rock Core as Cylindrical Test ASTM D4543
Specimens and Verifying Conformance to Dimensional and Shape
Tolerances
Standard Test Method for Specific Heat of Rock and Soil ASTM D4611
Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test ASTM D4648
for Saturated Fine-Grained Clayey Soil
Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial ASTM D4767
Compression Test for Cohesive Soils
Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core ASTM D5079
Samples
Standard Test Methods For Measurement Of Hydraulic ASTM D5084
Conductivity Of Saturated Porous Materials Using A Flexible Wall
Permeameter
Standard Test Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity ASTM D5334
of Soil and Soft Rock by Thermal Needle Probe Procedure
Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas ASTM D5550
Pycnometer
Standard Test Method for Performing Laboratory Direct Shear ASTM D5607
Strength Tests of Rock Specimens Under Constant Normal Force
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load ASTM D5731
Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength
Classifications
Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone ASTM D5778
Penetration Testing of Soils
Standard Test Method For Measurement Of Hydraulic Conductivity ASTM D5856
Of Porous Materials Using A Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold
Permeameter
Standard Guides for Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems for ASTM D5878
Engineering Purposes
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Standard Test Method for Load Controlled Cyclic Triaxial Strength ASTM D5311
of Soil
Standard Practice for Static Calibration of Electronic Transducer- ASTM D5720
Based Pressure Measurement Systems for Geotechnical Purposes
Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation ASTM D6032
(RQD) of Rock Core
Standard Practice for Calibrating Linear Displacement Transducers ASTM D6027
for Geotechnical Purposes
Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Determine ASTM D6467
Drained Residual Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils
Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple ASTM D6528
Shear Testing of Cohesive Soils
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis. ASTM D6913
Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength and Elastic ASTM D7012
Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of
Stress and Temperatures
Standard Test Methods for Creep of Rock Core Under Constant ASTM D7070
Stress and Temperature
Standard Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing ASTM D7400
Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in ASTM G51
Corrosion Testing
Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity ASTM G57
Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes — Part 3: BS 1377-3:1990
Chemical and electro-chemical tests
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes — Part 7: BS 1377-7
Shear strength tests (total stress)
Code of practice for site investigations BS 5930:1999
Marine soil investigation NORSOK G-001

Soils. Classification GOST 25100-95

Water Analysis — Determination Of Sulphide Content Of Waste NS 4737
Water — Colorimetric Method
Submarine Pipeline Systems DnV-OS-F101
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APPENDIX 1:

1A: SHORE APPROACH SECTION

For Clay:

Parameter Units

Undisturbed shear strength, Su kPa

Sensitivity -

Shear strength profile with depth kPa/m

Submerged unit weight kN/m3

Poisson’s ratio -

Void ratio -

Depth to bedrock m

Table 1A.1: Shore Approach Parameter for Clay

For Sand:
Parameter Units

Submerged unit weight KN/m3

o
Angle of friction
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -

Table 1A.2: Shore Approach Parameters for Sand

Note: Strength of rock (if applicable and weak zones) also to be determined for shore approach.
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1B: OFFSHORE PIPELINE SECTION

For Clay:
Parameter Units
Undrained shear strength profile with depth for each method kPa/m
Partially remoulded undrained shear strength profile kPa/m
Total and Submerged unit weight kN/m3
Thixotropy (low and high estimate) -
Lateral friction coefficient (if part of scope)* -
Axial friction coefficient (if part of scope)* -
Strain rate effect/cyclic behaviour (slope stability assessment) %
Soil spring stiffness (for free span assessment) kN/m/m

Table 1B.1: Offshore Pipeline Parameters for Clay

Note: LB, BE and HE shall be obtained.

For Sand:

Parameter Units
Submerged unit weight kN/m3
o
Angle of friction
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
lateral friction coefficient (if part of scope)* -
Axial friction coefficient (if part of scope)* -
Permeability (slope stability assessment) m2
Soil spring stiffness (for free span assessment) kN/m/m

Table 1B.2: Offshore Pipeline Parameters for Sand

Note: LB, BE and HE shall be obtained.
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1C: STEEL CATENARY RISERS (SCR)

Required soil parameters for clay:

Parameter Units
Undisturbed shear strength, Su kPa
Sensitivity -
Shear strength profile with depth kPa/m
Total and Submerged(effective) unit weight kN/m3
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Plasticity index %
Lateral friction coefficient (quasi-static and cyclic) -
Axial friction coefficient (quasi-static and cyclic) -

Table 1C.1: Soil Parameters for Clay

For Sand:

Parameter Units
Submerged unit weight kN/m3
o
Angle of friction
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Lateral friction coefficient -
Axial friction coefficient -

Table 1C.2: SCR Soil Parameters for Sand

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1D: SUBSEA PIPELINE STRUCTURES

Required soil parameters for clay:

Parameter Units
Undisturbed shear strength, Su kPa
Sensitivity (lower and best estimate) -
Shear strength profile with depth kPa/m
Submerged unit weight kN/m3
Water content %
Atterberg’s limit %
Carbonate and organic contents %
Over consolidation ratio (OCR) -
Creep reduction factor -
Thixotropy (low and high estimates) -
Consolidation indexes -
Coefficient of consolidation (loading and re-loading) -
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Plasticity index %
Lateral friction coefficient -
Lateral friction coefficient (quasi-static and cyclic) -
Axial friction coefficient (quasi-static and cyclic) -

Table 1D.1: Subsea Pipeline Structure Parameters for Clay

For Sand:

Parameter Units
Submerged unit weight kN/m3
o
Angle of friction
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Lateral friction coefficient -
Axial friction coefficient -

Table 1D.2: Subsea Pipeline Structures for Sand

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1E: TRENCH SECTIONS

Required soil parameters for clay:

Parameter Units
Undisturbed shear strength, Su kPa
Sensitivity -
Shear strength profile with depth kPa/m
Remoulded undrained shear strength kPa/m
Total and Submerged(effective) unit weight kN/m3
Cohesion kPa
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Thermal conductivity W/(m.K)
Table 1E.1: Trench Section Soil Parameter for Clay

For Sand:

Parameter Units
Submerged unit weight kN/m3
o
Angle of friction
o
Angle of shearing
Poisson’s ratio -
Void ratio -
Permeability m2
Strain rate effect %
Shell content %
Thermal conductivity W/(m.K)
Table 1E.2: Trench Section Soil Parameter for Sand
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APPENDIX 2:

2A: MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION

Minimum scope for subsea pipeline route survey shall be as follows: Scope definition to be
provided to the survey Contractor shall include proposed pipeline route consisting:

i. Pipeline start and end points coordinates.

ii. Tangent points coordinates.

iii. Intersection points coordinates.

iv. Pipeline bearings in degrees from UTM grid north.

v. Pipeline crossing points of existing pipelines and cables coordinates.

vi. KPs along the pipeline route starting from the riser location.

vii. Scope coverage based on project requirement as per Table 2A.1.

Note that Table below illustrates the minimum scoping requirement for pipeline geophysical
survey and these require review and adaptation for project-specific factors. The decision on
scope definition shall be made in consultation with relevant Technical Authority (TA).
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Minimum Suggested Geophysical

Work Scope
Survey
Item Category Program Type Corridor
centred on Method
proposed
pipeline route
1. Deepwater/dynami 1. Geohazard 500 -1000m 1. AUV or single
c/HPHT pipeline Assessment OR reduced to vessel towed or
Route Survey with 2. Integrity 200-300m at hull mounted-
Subsea pipeline Assessment floater/platfor the AUV payload
structure Purposes near m approach shall comprise
to platform where earlier SSS, MBES, SBP,
survey have still camera.
been 2. Towed
conducted magnetometer
during fixed- to identify
jacket/floater buried pipeline
anchor and cables.
location 3. 3D exploration
survey. seismic data for
geohazard
analysis and
dynamic
pipeline.
4. Soil sampling up
to 3m soil depth,
along the
proposed route
spaced at every
1km. For
pipeline
structures up to
15m or more.
2. Shallow water 1. Non-Geohazard 300-600m 1. Single-beam and
pipeline multi-beam
echosounder.
2. Side scan sonar,
line spacing 100-
200m depending
on water depth.
3. Sub-bottom
profiler.
4. Soil sampling up
to 3m soil depth,
along the
proposed route
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spaced at every
1km.

3. Shore Approach 1. Non-Geohazard 200 – 300m As per item 1 above,

Pipeline Route sensors could be
Survey mounted or
shallow draft
vessel.

4. OOS high precision 1. Non-Geohazard 50 – 100m As per item 2 above.

survey.
5. Pre-engineering 1. Geohazard 200 – 300m As per item 1 above.
survey for dynamic Assessment
pipeline section 2. Integrity
Assessment
Purposes
7. Trenched sections Non-Geohazard 200 – 300m 1. As per item 2
(offshore) above. Soil
undrained shear
strength
measurement
shall be
performed at
every 0.2 – 0.3m
soil depth.
8. Trenched section Non-Geohazard 200 – 300m 1. As per item 2
(shore approach) above.
2. Soil undrained
shear strength
measurement
shall be
performed at
every 0.2 – 0.3m
soil depth.
9. Anchor or suction Non-Geohazard 200x200m As per item 2 above.
piles area Sampling depth of
15-30m for anchor
or suction pile.

Table 2A.1 :Minimum Scoping Guidance for Pipeline Route Survey

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2B: MINIMUM SCOPING GUIDANCE FOR PIPELINE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Minimum scoping guidance for pipeline geotechnical investigation should be as follows:

Item Pipeline Route Sector Average Penetration Remarks
Spacing (km) (m)
1 Exposed sections 1–5 1–2 Increase frequency and
penetration in areas of
very soft clay or
potentially unstable
slopes. Supplement
with grab samples in
areas of sand/gravel.
2 Trenched sections 0.5 – 1 Trench If both cores and CPTs
(offshore) depth + 1 are performed, a
percentage of the
cores should be
performed directly
adjacent to CPTs, for
correlation purposes.
Both peak and
remoulded soil shear
strength need to be
known, with a high
degree of accuracy.
3 Trenched section (shore 0.3 – 0.5 Trench If both cores and CPTs
approach) depth + 1 are performed, a
percentage of the
cores should be
performed directly
adjacent to CPTs, for
correlation purposes.

For HDD soil

investigation,
boreholes shall be
placed away from the
planned routing or plan
for cementing on
completion.
4 Soil transition zone 0.3 – 0.5 3-5 Lateral variability in
ground conditions.
5 Features such as pock 3 per feature To maximum Representative
marks, Rocky outcrops, height/depth features may need to
sand waves of feature be selected for
investigation rather
than all of them.
6 Pipeline or Cable or inline Minimum 2-nos 5 - 15 May need to be deeper
subsea structure such as per structure penetration for
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ILT, FLET, PLTS, valve particularly large

cover, etc. structures.
7 Anchor or support piles Minimum 1 per 10 - 40 Require at least 1
pile or pile continuous sampling
group and 1 continuous
CPTU.
8 Anchored lay barge Item 1 including (To be To perform soil
additional one proposed by sampling within soft
location TA) soil section and
laterally. congested areas.

9 Pipeline/Cable crossing 0.5 – 1 (To be The requirements for

location proposed by depth and quality of
TA) data shall be developed
on a project specific
basis. (To be approved
by TA)
Table 2B.1: Guideline for Test/Sample and Frequency

The spacing of boreholes and other in-situ tests, shall be dependent on the lateral soil
variability across a site from geophysical surveys.

In-situ tests i.e. CPTU, T-bar or ball, FVT leads to reliable assessment of in-situ soil strength;
and shall all be conducted for dynamic pipelines.