PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Geotechnical Specific Requirements for Fabrication

Yards

PTS 11.27.02
December 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

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Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established

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standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

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In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
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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
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requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
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codes and technical standards before start of any work.

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PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
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in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
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otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.
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The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
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kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
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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 ..................................................................................................... 6
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 6
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 6
2.0 SITE INVESTIGATION.............................................................................................. 7
2.1 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 PLANNING AND REQUIREMENT .................................................................................... 7
3.0 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION ............................................................................ 8

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3.1 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 8

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3.2 STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS (SPT).......................................................................... 8

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3.3 CONE PENETRATION TEST (CPT) .................................................................................... 8
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3.4 MACKINTOSH PROBE (MP) ............................................................................................ 8
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3.5 LABORATORY TESTING .................................................................................................. 8

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3.6 HANDLING AND PRESERVATION.................................................................................. 13

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3.7 MINIMUM SCOPING REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR NEW

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FABRICATION YARD.................................................................................................................. 13
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3.8 OTHER TYPE OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION ....................................................... 15

4.0 SHALLOW FOUNDATION ...................................................................................... 16
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4.1 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................. 16

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4.2 STABILITY CHECK.......................................................................................................... 16

4.3 FOUNDATION DEPTH ................................................................................................... 16
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4.4 ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY .................................................................................... 16

4.5 ECCENTRICITIES ........................................................................................................... 16
4.6 SETTLEMENT ................................................................................................................ 17
5.0 PILE FOUNDATION............................................................................................... 18
5.1 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................. 18
5.2 ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY .................................................................................... 18
5.3 SETTLEMENT ................................................................................................................ 18
5.4 PILE GROUP EFFECTS ................................................................................................... 18
5.5 QUAYSIDE / WHARF FOUNDATIONS ........................................................................... 19
6.0 FOUNDATION TESTING ........................................................................................ 20
6.1 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................. 20
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6.2 PLATE BEARING TEST (PBT).......................................................................................... 20

6.3 PILE TESTING ................................................................................................................ 20
6.4 STATIC LOAD TESTING ................................................................................................. 20
6.5 DYNAMIC PILE TESTING ............................................................................................... 20
7.0 SUITABILITY OF FOUNDATION TYPES FOR FABRICATION OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES
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7.1 FABRICATION AND WEIGHING .................................................................................... 21
7.2 LOAD OUT .................................................................................................................... 21
8.0 SAFETY FACTOR ................................................................................................... 22

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8.1 SAFETY FACTOR REQUIREMENT .................................................................................. 22

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9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 23

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10.0 APPENDIX 1: COMMENTARIES ............................................................................. 26
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This PTS specifies the site investigation requirements and its associated foundation design
criteria for purpose of supporting offshore structure throughout construction stages at
fabrication yard.

1.1 SCOPE

1.1.1 This PTS covers the following:

i. Site suitability, foundation related design criteria for new/existing yards.
ii. Integrity check guidance for existing foundations/structures such as piles,
quaywall and wharf facilities up to load out phase.

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iii. Minimum scoping required for site investigation prior to fabrication activities.

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iv. Quality assurance by standardizing the minimum scoping requirements.
v. Suitability of various foundation types for purpose of fabrication for various

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offshore structures. lU
vi. Recommendation of new safety factor requirements for purpose of development
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projects, considering quality of soil data

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1.1.2 This PTS does not address consideration for earthquake. Reference shall be made to PTS
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11.10.02.
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1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

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

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1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

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None

1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

No. Abbreviation Description

1. BH Borehole
2. CPT / CPTU Cone Penetration Test /
Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure Measurement

Table 1: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This is a new PTS.
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2.0 SITE INVESTIGATION

2.1 OBJECTIVES

2.1.1 The main purpose of a site investigation is to acquire and interpret reliable information at
various project phases to enable assessment of the site suitability and the level of acceptable
risks at fabrication yard.

2.2 PLANNING AND REQUIREMENT

2.2.1 Existing foundation at the fabrication and loadout areas shall be assessed to ensure new
structures can be placed safely on it. Contractor shall furnish available reports pertaining to
the foundation to Owner to support the justification that the existing foundation suffices.

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2.2.2 If the existing data is insufficient for the new foundation, the following factors shall be

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considered while planning for a site investigation:

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i. Site Investigation to be performed prior to actual fabrication.
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ii. Type of foundation such as pile, pad footing (penny weight), etc.
iii. Evaluation of existing yard information available, if applicable for example
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adjacent geotechnical investigation reports, foundation reports, survey reports,

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etc.
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iv. All available knowledge of soil conditions, local geological variability and
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geohazards.
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v. Other considerations such as existing facilities and regulatory requirements

2.2.3 Contractor shall perform a new geotechnical investigation if existing borehole is more than
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100m away from the structure to be fabricated.

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3.0 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

3.1 OBJECTIVES

3.1.1 The purpose of geotechnical investigation is to obtain information on the physical properties
of soil around a site to design earthworks and foundations for the proposed structures.

3.1.2 Geotechnical investigation can be performed by in-situ or taking soil samples for further
testing at a soil laboratory.

3.2 STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS (SPT)

3.2.1 SPT shall be performed in accordance with ISO 22476-3 or ASTM D1586-11 or BS 1377: Part 9

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#3.

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3.2.2 The test shall be terminated five consecutive SPT values exceeding 50 or minimum 4.5m rock
coring when encountering bedrock.

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3.3 CONE PENETRATION TEST (CPT)
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3.3.1 CPT shall be performed in accordance with ISO 22476-1 or ASTM D5778-12 or BS 1377: Part 9
#3.
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3.4 MACKINTOSH PROBE (MP)

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3.4.1 MP or equivalent shall be performed in accordance with BS 1377: Part 9 #3.

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3.4.2 The total number of blows required for a penetration of 300mm shall be recorded. The test is
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terminated when the number of blows/300mm has reached 400. The probe, depending on
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the ground condition, can be used up to a depth of 12m.

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3.5 LABORATORY TESTING

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3.5.1 Requirements presented in this section of PTS are primarily for testing of conventional soils
such as siliceous sands and clays. Samples selected for a particular laboratory test shall match
the intended scope of that test. Consideration should be given to advanced requirements
when performing geotechnical investigations in unconventional soils like calcareous soil, silt,
sensitive clay, boulder clay, and etc.
Table 2 provides laboratory tests applicability to obtain optimal information.
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Laboratory testing
Soil Applicability
parameters Type of test
Sand Clay

Soil classification 1. Grain size distribution 1 4

2. Grain size + hydrometer 4 2
3. Water content 3 3
4. Atterberg limits n/a 1
Soil density 1. Unit weight 1-2 5
Soil strength 1. UU n/a 2-3
(undrained 2. Triaxial CIU 2 2
shear strength) 3. Direct shear 2-3 n/a
4. Fall cone, torvane, n/a 3-4

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motorvane
5. Pocket penetrometer n/a 3-4

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Angle of 1. Triaxial CU, CDa 1a 1

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shearing 2. Direct shear 2 5
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(drained shear
strength)
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Sensitivity 1. Fall cone, lab vane n/a 2-3

2. Triaxial shear strength n/a 2-3
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(intact/ remoulded)
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Consolidation 1. Oedometer 3a 1
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characteristics
and permeability
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Classification of 1. Carbonate content 1 1

carbonate soils
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NOTE Quality assessment for Clays and Sands: (1) Highly Recommended (5) Unsuitable
For rock testing,Uniaxial Compressive Test or Point Load Test is required
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For earthquake assessment, advance laboratory testing shall be done with reference to Table 8, PTS 11.27.01.
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a If in-situ density is known, triaxial tests may be required for reloading modulus of very dense sand and for
permeability of coarse sand.
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n/a not applicable

UU Unconsolidated Undrained
CD Consolidated Drained
CU Consolidated Undrained
CIU Consolidated Isotrophic Undrained

Table 2: Laboratory Tests Applicability

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3.5.2 Characteristic Tests

Table 3 provides the requirements for characteristic tests

Characteristic Tests Standards to be followed Remark (if any)

Soil Identification and ISO 14688-1 or

Description
ASTM D2488

Soil Classification ISO 14688-2 or Unconventional soils may

require the use of a more
ASTM D2487 or
specific classification system,
BS 5930 e.g., ASTM D4083 for frozen

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soils)

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Sample Photograph N/A

Water Content
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ISO/TS 17892-1 or ASTM D2216 or BS
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1377: Part 2 # 3
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Atterberg’s Limits ISO/TS 17892-12 or ASTM D4318 or BS

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1377: Part 2 # 4 & 5

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Density ISO/TS 17892-2 or BS 1377: Part 2 # 7

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Particle Size Distribution ISO/TS 17892-4 or BS 5930 or ASTM

D6913 (for sieve analysis) or
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ASTM D422 (for hydrometer analysis)

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Specific Gravity ISO/TS 17892-3 or ASTM D854 or BS In rare cases where the soil
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1377: Part 2 # 8 reacts with water or when

the use of water is not
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appropriate, a gas method

such as that outlined in
ASTM D5550 may be used)

Table 3: Requirements for Characteristic Tests

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3.5.3 Strength Tests

Table 4 provides the requirements for strength tests:

Strength Tests Standards to be followed Remark (if any)

Unconfined Compression Test ISO/TS 17892-7 or

ASTM D2166 or BS 1377:
Part 7 # 7

Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) ISO/TS 17892-8 or

Triaxial Compression Test ASTM D2850 or BS 1377:
Part 7 # 8

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Pocket Penetrometer (PP) Test N/A

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Torvane (TV) Test N/A
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Miniature Vane (MV) Tests ASTM D4648 or BS 1377:
Part 7 # 3
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Fall Cone (FC) Test ISO/TS 17892-6

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Consolidated Drained (CD) Test BS 1377: Part 8 # 8

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Consolidated Undrained (CU) Test ASTM D4767 or BS 1377:

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Part 8 # 7
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Remoulded Undrained Shear ISO/TS 17892-8 or

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Strength ASTM D2850 or BS 1377:

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Part 7 # 8
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Direct Shear (DS) Box Test ISO/TS 17892-10 or

ASTM D3080 or BS 1377:
Part 7 #485

Table 4: Requirements for Strength Tests

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3.5.4 Deformation Tests

Table 5 provides the requirements for deformation tests

Standards to be followed Remark (if any)

Deformation Tests

Incremental Loading Oedometer ISO/TS 17892-5 or

Test ASTM D2435 or BS 1377:
Part 5 #1

Continuous Loading Oedometer ASTM D4186

Test

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Table 5: Requirements for Deformation Tests

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3.5.5 Chemical Tests

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Table 6 provides the requirements for chemical tests
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Chemical Tests Standards to be followed Remark (if any)
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Organic Content ASTM D2974 or BS 1377:

Part 3 #3
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Carbonate Content ISO 10693 or ASTM D4373 or

BS 1377: Part 3 #6
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Soluble Salt Content ASTM D4542

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Sulphate Content for the sulphate‐ NS 4737

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reducing bacteria (SRB) test and

analysis of acid‐soluble sulphate
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Heat Conductivity Tests ASTM D5334

pH Value BS 1377: Part 3 #9

Table 6: Requirements for Chemical Tests

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3.6 HANDLING AND PRESERVATION

3.6.1 All samples not tested 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.

3.6.2 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. Copies of sample movement and manifest forms shall be filled out and attached
to the box where the sample is stored.

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3.6.3 At all times, the sample shall be stored in a temperature-controlled environment as per insitu

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condition or in accordance with ASTM D3213 or BS 5930.

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3.6.4 Special storage shall be considered for materials intended for environmental, geohazard, or
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Boxes shall be labelled with “Samples – Do not Drop”.
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3.6.5 Long-term storage of about 6 to 12 months may be considered for a typical onshore project.
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A constant temperature and humidity room shall be used for long-term storage of the samples
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in order to minimise alteration of soil properties.

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3.7 MINIMUM SCOPING REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR NEW

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FABRICATION YARD
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3.7.1 The following requirements on locations and numbers of boreholes can be used:
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i. Locations of boreholes should be closely related to the geology of the project

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area.
ii. For variable geological formation, uncontrolled fill area, boulder abundant area
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and other problematic & erratic soil formations, more boreholes at closer spacing
need to be done.
iii. In the presence of fabrication yard layout plan, the boreholes shall be located at
the locations of jacket and topside and loadout or skidding path.

3.7.2 Table 7 illustrates the minimum scoping requirements for geotechnical investigation for
fabrication yard.
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Item Category Scope of work Penetration (m) Laboratory testing

1. Deep 1 no. BH with SPT every At least to pile penetration I. Classification
Foundation 1.5m alternate with 1.0m + 4 pile diameters or pile tests.
– (At sampling (at the centre of penetration plus pile group II. Strength tests.
Fabrication the structure). diameter, whichever is the III. Oedometer
Area) greater tests.
IV. Testing for pile
And/Or capacity and
driveability.

*1 no. continuous CPT (2 At least to pile penetration N/A

at the corner and 1 no at + 4 pile diameters or pile
the centre of the penetration plus pile group

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structure). diameter, whichever is the

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2. Deep 1 no. BH with SPT every At least to pile penetration I, II, III and IV as item

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Foundation 1.5m alternate with 1.0m + 4 pile diameters or pile 1 above.
– (Wharf / sampling (50m apart). penetration plus pile group
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Quaywalls) diameter, whichever is the
And/Or
greater
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*1 no. continuous CPT At least to pile penetration N/A

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(50m apart). + 4 pile diameters or pile

penetration plus pile group
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diameter, whichever is the

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greater
3. Shallow 1 no. BH with SPT every At least to (2 to 4 )*B, I, II and III as item 1
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Foundation 1.5m alternate with 1.0m where B is the above.

sampling (at the centre of width/diameter of the
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the structure) shallow foundation

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And/Or
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*3 nos. continuous CPT (2 At least to (2 to 4 )*B, N/A

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at the corner and 1 at the where B is the

centre of the structure) width/diameter of the
shallow foundation
And
1 no. PBT at every shallow N/A N/A
foundation location
4. Skidding 1 no. PBT at every 100m N/A N/A
Path apart
And
3 nos. MP (2 at the corner
N/A N/A
and 1 at the centre of the
structure)
NOTE *For earthquake assessment purposes, CPT testing is required together with SPT and sampling borehole.

Table 7: Minimum Scoping Requirements for Geotechnical Investigation

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3.7.3 For existing fabrication yard, Contractor shall give evidence to Owner that geotechnical
investigation data is available.

3.7.4 In any case, it is Owner discretion to require more geotechnical investigation to be performed
at fabrication yard.

3.8 OTHER TYPE OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

3.8.1 The requirement for and specification of the geotechnical investigation shall be approved by
Owner.

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4.0 SHALLOW FOUNDATION

4.1 OBJECTIVES

4.1.1 The purpose of a shallow foundation is to distribute the load of a structure over a large bearing
area without carrying shear failure or bearing capacity failure and excessive settlement.
4.1.1 This section covers the shallow foundation aspects found at a fabrication yard.

4.2 STABILITY CHECK

4.2.1 Foundation structure shall be designed and constructed such that the minimum safety factors
of stability are guaranteed:

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i. The overturning factor shall be minimum of 1.5

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ii. The sliding factor shall be minimum of 1.5 and

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iii. The uplift factor shall be minimum of 1.25

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4.3 FOUNDATION DEPTH
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4.3.1 Foundation depths shall be selected with reference to the following requirements:
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i. An adequate bearing stratum shall be reached under the total area of the
foundation.
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ii. The foundation level shall be below the zone affected by erosion and other
influences (seasonal shrinkage and swelling, tree roots, etc.).
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iii. The level of the water table in the ground and the problems associated with it.
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iv. Effect of piling on nearby foundations and structures.

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4.4 ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY

4.4.1 Refer to Table 8 in section 7.1 of this PTS on the safety factor requirements.
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4.5 ECCENTRICITIES

4.5.1 Shallow foundation subjected to eccentric load will cause lower soil bearing capacity and
larger settlement. Contractor shall ensure that the loading on shallow foundation is as per
contruction drawings.

4.5.2 Special precautions shall be taken where the eccentricity of loading exceeds 1/3 of the width
of a rectangular footing or 0.6 of the radius of a circular footing.

4.5.3 Unless special care is taken during the works, tolerances up to 0.1m should be considered.
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4.6 SETTLEMENT

4.6.1 Two components of settlement shall be considered for partially or fully saturated soils:
i. s0: immediate settlement; for fully-saturated soil due to shear deformation at
constant
ii. s1: settlement caused by consolidation;

4.6.2 Special consideration shall be given to soils such as organic soils and soft clays, in which
settlement may be prolonged almost indefinitely due to creep.

4.6.3 The depth of the compressible soil layer to be considered when calculating settlement should
depend on the size and shape of the foundation, the variation in soil stiffness with depth and
the spacing of foundation elements.

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4.6.4 This depth may normally be taken as the depth at which the effective vertical stress due to
the foundation load is 20% of the effective overburden stress.

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4.6.5 For many cases this depth may also be roughly estimated as 1 to 2 times the foundation width,
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but may be reduced for lightly-loaded, wider foundation rafts.
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4.6.6 The following effects shall be considered:

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i. The possible effects of self-weight, flooding and vibration on fill and collapsible
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soils;
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ii. The effects of stress changes on crushable sands.

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4.6.7 Assessment of differential settlements and relative rotations shall take account of both the
distribution of loads and the possible variability of the ground.
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4.6.8 The tilting of an eccentrically loaded foundation should be estimated by assuming a linear
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bearing pressure distribution and then calculating the settlement at the corner points of the
foundation, using the vertical stress distribution in the ground beneath each corner point and
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the settlement calculation.

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5.0 PILE FOUNDATION

5.1 OBJECTIVES

5.1.1 Pile foundations can be used to transfer the loading to a deeper and more competent strata
at depth if unsuitable soils are present near the surface. The piles should be able to withstand
the expected wear and deterioration throughout the intended design working life of the
superstructure that they support.The main function of bearing piles is to transfer the load on
a foundation to deeper (soil) strata which are capable of carrying the working load in such a
way that:
i. An adequate safety factor against loss of stability is provided, and
ii. The foundation settlement/deformation is less than the absolute and differential

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settlements/deformations that are allowable for the superstructure and the

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equipment

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5.1.2 This section covers the end-bearing piles, which are commonly found at a fabrication yard.
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5.2 ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY
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5.2.1 The ultimate bearing capacity of piles under compressive loads is a combination of end
bearing and so-called positive friction along the pile shaft. The ultimate end bearing and the
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ultimate positive friction shall be calculated. If the pile tip rests in the compressible layer, the
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positive friction in the layers above this bearing layer shall be disregarded. The calculations
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should be based on the results of CPT's, if available. In the design of open end or H-type piles,
it shall be predicted whether plugging will occur.
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5.2.2 Refer to Table 8 in section 7.1 of this PTS on the safety factor requirements.
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5.3 SETTLEMENT
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5.3.1 The load-settlement behaviour of a single pile shall be predicted, preferably based on local
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experience from pile load tests. If compressible layers occur below the pile base level,
consolidation of these layers due to the total weight of the structure shall also be taken into
account.

5.3.2 If open-end piles are applied, deformation of the soil plug inside the pile shall also be
considered in the settlement prediction.

5.4 PILE GROUP EFFECTS

5.4.1 A pile group exists when piles are closely placed such that the load carrying capacity and
settlement behaviour of a pile may be affected by other piles.

5.4.2 For groups of four piles or more with pile spacings less than eight (equivalent) pile diameters,
the bearing capacity of the total group shall be checked. Moreover the settlement increase by
group effects shall be checked. Possible reduction of the negative friction on the inner piles of
a group shall be taken into account.
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5.5 QUAYSIDE / WHARF FOUNDATIONS

5.5.1 Quayside / wharf foundations normally consist of concrete piles and sheet piles. Similar as
other piles, it shall be checked to ensure that it is adequate to sustain loads from offshore
structure during load out. Refer to Table 7 for minimum scoping requirements for
geotechnical investigation.

5.5.2 Erosion protection issues i.e. underground water table and its flow should also be investigated
and considered especially the retaining wall areas that erosion (sediments, sands) to be
washed away by underground water and/ortidal effect. Suitable protection method such as
geotextile may be used.

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6.0 FOUNDATION TESTING

6.1 OBJECTIVES

6.1.1 This section covers the foundation testing methods to acquire information of the soil and
foundation for the purpose of supporting offshore structure throughout construction stages
at fabrication yard.

6.2 PLATE BEARING TEST (PBT)

6.2.1 PBT shall be performed in accordance with ISO 22476-2 or ASTM D1194-94 or BS 1377: Part 9
#4.

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6.2.2 The plate shall be tested to minimum of two times of maximum structure load.

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6.3 PILE TESTING

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6.3.1 Pile load testing can be divided into two types: lU
i. Static load testing – Compression test, tension test or lateral load test
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ii. Dynamic pile testing – Compression test

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6.3.2 Contractor shall conduct pile testing to assess the pile serviceability and the ultimate
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geotechnical strength of the pile.

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6.3.3 The load testing/integrity testing report for existing foundation which will be utilised to erect
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the structure shall be made available for Owner review.

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6.4 STATIC LOAD TESTING

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6.4.1 Static load testing shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D1143/D1143M − 07.
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6.5 DYNAMIC PILE TESTING

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6.5.1 Dynamic pile testing shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM D4945 – 12.

6.5.2 Restrike test shall be performed then after waiting a period of time following the initial
installation sufficient to allow pore water pressure and soil strength changes to occur.
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7.0 SUITABILITY OF FOUNDATION TYPES FOR FABRICATION OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

7.1 FABRICATION AND WEIGHING

7.1.1 Contractor shall ensure that the primary and secondary supports are able to support the
structure during fabrication and the primary support is able to support the structure during
weighing.

7.2 LOAD OUT

7.2.1 Skidways/loadout facililty areas shall be designed to cater for the load out of offshore
structures.

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ensure that skidding path has sufficient capacity.

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7.2.3 Contractor shall furnish available reports pertaining the foundation of bulkhead and wharf to

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Owner to support the justification that the existing foundation suffices. Refer to Section 6.0
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in this PTS on foundation testing.
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7.2.4 Contractor shall ensure that the marine bollards able to withstand mooring loads. Refer to BS
6349-4.
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7.2.5 The size and depth of the yard waterfront must be adequate enough for transportation barges
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and tug boats to enter and receive the structures or facilities. Dredging activities must be
carried out earlier prior loadout activities and shall be performed for the required water draft.
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Refer to BS 6349-1
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8.0 SAFETY FACTOR

8.1 SAFETY FACTOR REQUIREMENT

8.1.1 Table 8 shows the overall safety factors that shall be applied with various criteria for pile and
shallow foundation

Type of Location of Pile Foundation : Safety Shallow

Structure Existing Factors Foundation:
Geotechnical Safety Factors
Investigation
Borehole to the Testing Testing
structure Criteria: Criteria:

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Pile load test No pile load
test

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0 – 15m 1.8 2.0 2.0
Topside/Jacket
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15 – 50m 2.0 2.5 2.5
area
50 – 100m 2.5 3.0 3.0
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0 – 15m 1.3 1.5 1.5

Bridge/Flare
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15 – 50m 1.5 2.0 2.0

area
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50 – 100m 2.0 2.5 2.5

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0 – 15m 1.2 1.3 1.3

Pile laydown
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15 – 50m 1.3 1.5 1.5

area
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50 – 100m 1.5 2.0 2.0

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Table 7: Overall safety factors for Pile and Shallow Foundation.

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9.0 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 & Reading PTS 00.01.03
Guide
Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering PTS 11.13.01

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Site Investigations PTS 11.11.01

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Offshore Site Investigation for Fixed Offshore Platform and Jack Up PTS 11.27.01
Locations

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
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Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design – Part 1: General rules BS EN 1997-

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1:2004+A1
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Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial ASTM D1143
Compressive Load
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Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Deep ASTM D4945
Foundations1
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Soil quality — Determination of carbonate content — Volumetric ISO 10693

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method
Soil quality — Determination of organic and total carbon after dry ISO 10694
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combustion (elementary analysis)

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 — 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
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-3
soil — Part 3: Determination of particle density — Pycnometer
method
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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

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Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-10

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soil — Part 10: Direct shear tests

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Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of ISO/TS 17892-12

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soil — Part 12: Determination of Atterberg limits lU
Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils ASTM D422
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Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water ASTM D854
Pycnometer
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Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of ASTM D2166

Cohesive Soil
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Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water ASTM D2216

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(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

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Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation ASTM D2435

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Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading

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Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified ASTM D2487

Soil Classification System)
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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 Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial ASTM D2850

Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
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 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 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 Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for ASTM D4648
Saturated Fine-Grained Clayey Soil
Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial ASTM D4767
Compression Test for Cohesive Soils
Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas ASTM D5550
Pycnometer

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Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone ASTM D5778

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Penetration Testing of Soils

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Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis. ASTM D6913

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Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes — Part 3: BS 1377‐3
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Chemical and electro‐chemical tests
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Maritime Structures – Part 1: Code of Practice for General Criteria BS 6349-1

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Maritime Structures – Part 4: Code of Practice for design of BS 6349-4

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fendering and mooring systems

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10.0 APPENDIX 1: COMMENTARIES

A. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
A1. SPT
i. Backfilling of boreholes shall be carried out in a manner which seals the boreholes and
prevents them from being a potential path for contaminant migration; and shall avoid leaving
either a “hard” spot or a “soft” spot at the location. When clay layers are sealed between
aquifers, the borehole shall be filled and sealed with clay-bentonite pellets or an appropriate
powder/soil mixture.
ii. The number of SPT blows shall be recorded until one of the following occurs:
a. The total number of blows reaches 100;
b. The number of blows for a 0.15 m increment reaches 50;

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c. There is no observed advance of the split barrel sampler during the application of 10

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successive blows;

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d. The split barrel sampler completes the 0.45 m penetration without reaching a limiting
blow count.

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Note: Item a. to c. above refer to limiting blows for hard ground. Item d. refers to blows for
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soft ground.
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iii. The initial 0.15 m penetration is the seating drive. The N-value or the standard penetration
resistance is the sum of the number of blows required for the second and third 0.15 m
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increments. If the sampler penetration is less than 0.45 m then the results include:
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a. The number of blows per each complete increment;

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b. The number of blows per partial increment;

c. The depth of penetration for the partial increment.
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In this situation, it is a common practice to apply linear extrapolation to a blow count for 300
mm penetration to obtain the "N-value". This extrapolation usually takes account of the blow
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count for the seating drive.

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The results can include the initial self-weight penetration of the split barrel sampler below the
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bottom of the borehole, if significant due to soft soil condition.

iv. Geotechnical practice may require correction factors for comparative studies and/or to
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account for regional variations in practice. The more important correction factors are kinetic
energy, "enthru" (delivered energy) and critical (rod) length. For example, the so-called N60-
value denotes an N-value corrected to 60% enthru energy.
v. SPT ‘N’ values shall be corrected for effects of depth/in-situ stresses before used in many
design methods.
vi. The following are common errors that may affect the SPT ‘N’ values and shall be avoided.
Necessary action shall be taken to address the errors below:
a. Inadequate cleaning of borehole
b. Casing driven to bottom of borehole
c. Damage tip of sampling spoons
d. Loose joints on connecting rods
e. Not using guide rod
f. Water level in borehole below ground water level
g. Free fall not attainable
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A2. CPT
i. CPT is suitable for most soil types. However, penetration is typically poor in boulder clays, fill
containing large debris, gravelly and rocky soils, and very dense sands. Penetration in soft rock
is sometimes feasible, but to limited depth. CPT systems for land and over-water use are
available.
ii. CPT shall equipped with pore pressure, friction and piezocone penetrometers internal sensors
for continuous measurements at a penetration rate of approximately 20 mm/s.
iii. Modern equipment includes electric cone penetrometers. However, in some parts of the
world mechanical cone penetrometers are still in use. These should only be used with extreme
caution and where there is clear justification (e.g. unacceptably long mobilisation time to get
an electric cone penetrometer). They are not normally acceptable for main or detailed
investigations for large projects. If part of the site data comes from mechanical CPT,

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iv. The preferred equipment is thus the electric friction cone penetrometer with an inclinometer

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in the cone penetrometer. The accuracy should be: cone resistance: 0.5 MPa or 5% (whichever
is worse); sleeve friction: 0.05 MPa or 20%; cone penetrometer inclination: 5°; CPT depth

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(vertical, corrected): 0.2 m or 2%. 200 kN (20 tons) reaction force is preferred, as lighter (100
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kN) units are often unable to reach adequate penetration.
v. The test shall be terminated when:
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a. surface-based thrust of 200 kN (or 100 kN for shallow penetration) (equipment limit);
b. cone resistance of 80 MPa (to avoid damage);
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c. sleeve friction of 0.5 MPa (to avoid damage);

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d. cone penetrometer inclination of 20° or 3° sudden increase in combination with a high

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cone resistance (to avoid jamming or damage)

vi. CPT hole backfilling is uncommon, but cement-bentonite backfilling shall be considered where
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an open hole presents a threat of the spreading of environmental pollution.

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A3. MACKINTOSH PROBE

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i. The MP equipment consists of a cone penetrometer (with a 30° apex), which is connected to
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a 12mm diameter rod (120cm length). At the other end of the rod, a hammer, which consists
of a drive head, drop hammer, guide rod and an end stop is attached.
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ii. For tests at depths more than 120cm, additional 12mm diameter rods shall be connected via
22mm outer diameter couplings. The hammer which is detached to make way for this
extension shall then be reattached at the end of the series of rods. The weight of the hammer
is 4.5kg and the free drop height is 300mm.
iii. The main advantages of the MP include:
a. Quick to perform.
b. Use in difficult terrain where access is poor.
c. Minimal equipment and personnel are required.
d. Equipment is very low cost.
e. Simplicity of operation and data recording/analysis.
f. Use in the interpolation of soil strata and properties between trial pits and boreholes.
g. Reduces the number of boreholes required.
iv. The limitations of the MP include:
a. The probe is driven into the ground with limited energy and thus would be unable to
penetrate through hard layers (medium strength material and gravelly ground greater
than 300mm thick).
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b. Not suitable for gravel ground.

c. Human errors (e.g. wrong counting, non consistent drop height, exerting force to the drop
hammer.)
d. Misleading results at greater depth.
B. SHALLOW FOUNDATION
B1. IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPERVISION FOR CONTRUCTION OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION
i. Prior to the construction of spread foundations, the Contractor shall check whether the
expected bearing layer is present over the total area of the foundation.
ii. In those cases where the soil of the bearing layer may be susceptible to weathering, the time
between excavation and construction of the foundation shall be as short as possible.
iii. Before excavation is started, the contractor shall submit a time schedule showing the period

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iv. Backfill shall not be started before approval by the supervisor nominated by the Contractor.

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v. If any fill or backfill has been applied underneath a foundation, its compaction shall be
checked. Refer to PTS 11.12.01, sect 4.

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C. PILE FOUNDATION
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C1. IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPERVISION FOR CONTRUCTION OF PILE FOUNDATION
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i. Prior to installation of piles, pile driveability shall be performed via wave analysis. Risk of pile
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damage due to high compressive stress or misalignment due to boulders or sloping surfaces
should be assessed. If open-end piles are selected, the wave analysis should consider possible
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plugging of the soil inside the pile during driving.

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ii. In general, the first pile shall be driven close to the location of a CPT (if available).
iii. Driving of a large group of piles should start in the centre of the group.
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iv. If pile driving has to be carried out on a sloping surface, driving shall start at the higher parts.
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v. Records should be kept for at least a period of five years after completion of the works. As
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built records should be compiled after completion of the piling and kept with the construction
documents.
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D. FOUNDATION TESTING
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D1. STATIC LOAD TESTING

i. Contractor shall ensure that equipment for pile test such as load measuring devices are
calibrated by an approved laboratory and certificates are made available to Owner.
ii. Contractor to propose any acceptable system by standards for the static load test.
iii. For the reaction system, sufficient distance is required between pile centreline to reaction
supports, shall be stable and shall provide easy access for testing personnel.
iv. For pile that will be tested in compression, the pile head or cap shall be formed to give a plane
surface which is normal to the axis of the pile, sufficiently large to accommodate the loading
and settlement measuring equipment and adequately reinforced to prevent damage during
loading.
v. Pile shall be testeted to maximum maintained load of 200% of the anticipated design load for
individual pile or 150% of the pile group design load with 25% of the design load to be applied
incrementally.
vi. The standard load schedule for compression test is as per Table D1 below:
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Time of Holding Load Reading Interval

Load Percentage of the design load (Minutes)
(Hours)
- -
0
1 10
25
1 10
50
1 10
75
1 10
100
1 10
125
1 10
150

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1 10
175

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12 60
200

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1 20
150 lU
1 20
100
1 20
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1 20
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Table D1: Test loading procedure

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vii. The pile performance under compressive test loading is accepted if:
a. Residual settlement after removal of test load not more than 6.5mm.
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b. Total settlement under the Working Load (WL) not more than 12.5mm.
c. Total settlement under twice the Working Load not more than 38.0mm or 10% of pile
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diameter/width whichever is the lower value.

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viii. The Static Load Testing report shall consist of:

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a. Date and type of test.

b. Temperature and weather conditions during tests.
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c. Number of piles in group test.

d. Brief description of load application apparatus, including jack capacity.
e. Description of instrumentation used to measure pile movement including location of
indicators, scales, and other reference points with respect to pile top.
f. Description of special instrumentation such as strain rods or strain gauges including
location of such with reference to pile top.
g. Special testing procedures used.
h. Tabulation of all time, load, and movement readings.
i. Identification and location sketch of all gauges, scales, and reference points,
j. Description and explanation of adjustments made to instrumentation or field data, or
both.
k. Notation of any unusual occurrences during testing.
l. Test jack and other required calibration reports.
m. Groundwater level.
n. Suitable photographs showing the test instrumentation and set-up.
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D2. DYNAMIC LOAD TEST

i. Contractor shall ensure that transducers used for the dynamic pile testing are calibrated prior
installation or mounting to an accuracy of 3% throughout the applicable measurement range.
ii. The Dynamic Testing report shall consist of:
a. Description of the dynamic test apparatus (Inclusive make, model, analog or digital
velocity integration, sampling rate, transducers, measurement location(s)).
b. Date of test(s), sequence of testing (for example,”end of driving” or “beginning of
restrike”) and elapsed time since end of initial driving for restrikes.
c. Density, wave speed and dynamic modulus of elasticity of the test deep foundation,
reporting each quantity with three (3) significant digits.
d. Penetration resistance (blows per unit penetration or set per blow) and embedment
depth

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representative blows.

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f. Analysis method(s) used to interpret or evaluate test measurements.
g. Interpretation of the test measurements, including measurements down the pile if

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applicable, to estimate as appropriate the overall magnitude of the dynamic and static
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axial compressive capacity mobilized at the time of testing, the distribution of the dynamic
and static axial compressive capacity along the pile length, and the engineering properties
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of the pile and the soil or rock adjacent to the pile as used in the interpretation.
h. Comments on the performance of the impact device as measured by the energy
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transferred into the deep foundation with comparison to manufacturer’s rating or ram
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weight and drop height.

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i. Comments on the driving stresses within the deep foundation, and whether measured or
estimated through analysis.
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j. Comments on the integrity of the deep foundation.

k. Numerical summary of measured and interpreted results, with statistical analysis as
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appropriate, reporting time in milliseconds at the rate digitized, and other quantities with
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three significant digits, but not to exceed the precision of the measurement.
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D3. PLATE BEARING TEST

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i. The advantages of PBT:

a. Gain understanding of foundation behavior which will enable the evaluation of foundation
bearing capacity and settlement under loading condition.
b. Quick and easy to perform.
ii. The limitations of PBT:
a. Plate bearing test can give bearing capacity of subsoil up to the depth about twice of plate
diameter only.
iii. The interpretation of soil ultimate bearing capacity from PBT shall take into account the scale
effect due to size of testing plate which is smaller than the actual foundation. Only then the
bearing capacity can be used in design.
iv. Ultimate bearing capacity value and settlement observed from PBT needs to be correlated
with results from laboratory testing and design calculations of actual foundation bearing
capacity to ensure adequate and safe support of the planned imposed load.
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E. SUITABILITY OF FOUNDATION TYPES FOR OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

E1. FLOWCHART OF SELECTING FOUNDATION
i. The flowchart of selecting foundation at a fabrication yards can be seen in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Flowchart on selecting foundation