The is the Saudi Aramco Building Code , based on the International Building Code (IBC) 2009 with Aramco-specific amendments. It requires compliance with IBC 2009, Aramco-specific modifications, and mandates the use of ICC-certified design professionals. The code covers occupant types, construction types, sprinkler systems, egress requirements, fire ratings, accessibility, and inspection procedures.
If a standard constraint severely impacts project feasibility, engineers can submit a formal through the Aramco project management team. This must be backed by rigorous technical justification, safety risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses. Stay Updated on Revision Numbers
Before any work begins, the contractor must develop a comprehensive Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) aligned with applicable SAES standards. The ITP identifies all hold points, witness points, and documentation requirements for each construction activity. Material selections must be approved as per Aramco’s vendor list and material specifications (SAMSS).
SAES requirements are designed to prevent catastrophic failures. The strict design criteria, material selection requirements, and inspection protocols reduce the risk of fires, explosions, toxic releases, and structural collapses.
| Standard | Title | Key Coverage | |---|---|---| | SAES-A-112 | Meteorological and Seismic Design Data | Climatic and seismic design parameters | | SAES-A-113 | Geotechnical Engineering Requirements | Site investigations, soil testing, foundation design | | SAES-A-114 | Excavation and Backfill | Earthworks procedures, backfill material selection, compaction requirements | | SAES-A-202 | Engineering Drawing Preparation | Drawing formats, standards, and documentation requirements | | SAES-A-204 | Preparation of Structural Calculations | Calculation methodologies and review procedures | Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards For Civil
Specifics on the design of foundations for heavy industrial equipment.
For civil works, key SATIP references include for excavation and backfilling, SATIP-Q-001-02 for concrete works, and SATIP-Q-006-002 for asphalt works.
Structures must be calculated to withstand high basic wind speeds (often exceeding 150 km/h depending on the location) using ASCE 7 parameters.
. These standards ensure safety, durability, and compliance with both local environmental conditions and international codes like ACI and ASTM. Core Engineering Standards (SAES) Civil-specific standards are primarily categorized under (General) and (Concrete and Paving). Earthworks & Site Preparation SAES-A-114 : Mandatory requirements for Excavation and Backfill , including soil compaction and trench safety. SAES-A-113 : Specifies Geotechnical Engineering Requirements for site investigations. Concrete & Foundations SAES-Q-001 Criteria for Design and Construction of Concrete Structures —the primary standard for structural concrete. SAES-Q-005 : Specific requirements for Concrete Foundations SAES-Q-012 : Standards for Precast and Prestressed Concrete structures. Paving & Supporting Structures SAES-Q-006 : Technical requirements for Asphalt Concrete Paving SAES-Q-007 : Design criteria for Foundations Supporting Heavy Machinery SAES-Q-010 : Guidelines for Cement-Based, Non-Shrink Grout used in equipment anchoring. Supporting Specifications & Procedures SAMSS (Materials) : Specifies acceptable material qualities (e.g., 09-SAMSS-097 for ready-mixed concrete). SATIP (Inspection) : Provides the Typical Inspection Plan The is the Saudi Aramco Building Code ,
Compliance with SAES is mandatory for project inspection and final acceptance. 4. Why SAES Differs from International Codes
Defines the seismic zone maps for Saudi Arabia and details the lateral load requirements for structures. Critical Engineering Requirements
Are you focusing on the or construction inspection ?
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Provides strict procedures for earthworks, including excavation methods, backfilling materials, compaction testing, and site stabilization to prevent foundation failure. 6. SAES-Q-007 & Q-010/Q-011: Grouting & Machinery
Civil engineering in Aramco projects spans geotechnical work, structural steel design, concrete foundations, blasting, and marine structures. Below are the primary standards utilized by civil engineers. Geotechnical and Earthworks (SAES-A-111 & SAES-A-114)
Due to high soil salinity and sulfate levels in Saudi Arabia, SAES-Q-001 enforces strict water-cement ratios, mandatory concrete coatings, and the use of Type V (sulfate-resistant) cement or silica fume mixes.
mandates that all foundations must be designed based on a certified geotechnical investigation. The ITP identifies all hold points, witness points,
The civil engineering standards are structured around core technical pillars to ensure comprehensive project coverage: Structural Design & Analysis