Engineering Procedure
SAEP-383
5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Table of Contents
1
Scope............................................................. 2
Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
Purpose.......................................................... 2
Applicable Documents.................................... 3
Definitions and Acronyms............................... 4
Evaluation and Certification Procedures........ 5
Responsibility and Authority........................... 6
Approval, On-Hold and Withdrawal
of Approval Procedures.......................... 8
Appendix A: Third Party Testing Laboratory
Approval Process Permanent Basis.. 12
Appendix B: Third Party Testing Laboratory
Approval Process One-Time Basis.... 13
Appendix C: Batch Plant Approval Process Permanent Basis............. 14
Appendix D: Batch Plant Approval Process One-Time Basis........................................ 15
Previous Issue: New
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Page 1 of 13
Primary contact: Albarillo, Rodolfo Celino at 966-3-8801496
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2012. All rights reserved.
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Scope
This procedure provides minimum requirements for the approval of companies that
intend to qualify as Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants.
This procedure does not cover approval of agencies engaged in non-destructive testing
(NDT) as described in SAEP-1140 and related standards and procedures.
Commentary Note:
This procedure does not cover on-site pre-cast yards used for fabricating small
foundations and other similar non-prestressed pre-cast elements. Such pre-cast yards
are subject to the evaluation and approval of the respective Area Project Inspection
Units/Inspection Department.
Conflicts and Deviations
2.1
Conflicts
Any conflict between this SAEP and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be resolved in writing by the
Company through the Manager, Inspection Department and/or Consulting
Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2
Deviations and Waivers
Any required deviation from the requirements of this procedure shall be
reviewed and approved by the Inspection Department Manager. Direct all
requests to deviate or waive the requirements of this Procedure in writing to the
Manager, Inspection Department, Dhahran, according to the internal company
procedure SAEP-302, Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement.
Purpose
The purpose of this SAEP is to specify the accreditation requirements of Saudi Aramco
and approval procedure of Third Party Testing Laboratories, Geotechnical Engineering
Offices and Batch Plants.
This procedure also clarifies the following processes:
3.1
Process of QMS/technical assessments
3.2
Process of putting an approved entity on On-Hold Status and,
Page 2 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
3.3
4
Process of withdrawing approvals from approved entities.
Applicable Documents
The latest edition of the following applicable references shall be applied:
4.1
Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures
SAEP-301
Instruction for Establishing and Maintaining Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements
SAEP-302
Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
SAEP-1150
Inspection Coverage on Projects
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-A-110
Surveying Coordinates and Datum
SAES-A-112
Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-113
Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
SAES-A-114
Excavation and Backfill
SAES-Q-001
Criteria for Design and Construction of Concrete
Structures
SAES-Q-005
Concrete Foundations
SAES-Q-006
Asphalt and Sulfur Extended Asphalt Concrete
Paving
SAES-Q-012
Criteria for Design and Construction of Precast and
Prestressed Concrete Structure
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification
09-SAMSS-097
Ready-Mixed Portland Cement Concrete
Saudi Aramco General Instruction
GI-0400-001
Quality Management Roles and Responsibilities
Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual
PID Work Instruction
7.5-WI-PID-BP&CTU-01 Batch Plants and Civil Testing Laboratories
Inspection Coverage
Page 3 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
4.2
Industry Standards and Codes
Process Industry Practice
PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification
International Standardization Organization
ISO/IEC 17025:2005
General Requirements for the Competence of
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO 9001:2008
Quality Management Systems-Requirements
American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM C94
Standard Specification for Ready Mix Concrete
ASTM C1077
Standard Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction
and Criteria for Laboratory Evaluation
ASTM D2850
Test Method for Unconsolidated, Undrained
Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in
Triaxial Compression
ASTM D3666
Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements
for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and
Paving Materials
ASTM D3740
Practice for Minimum Requirement of Agencies
Engaged in the Testing of Soils and Rocks
ASTM D4428
Standard Test Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing
ASTM D5778
Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soil
ASTM E329
Standard Specifications for Agencies Engaged in
Construction Inspection and/or Testing
Definitions and Acronyms
Assessment: Systematic evaluation of the Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing
Laboratories, Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants at planned frequencies
using the minimum guidelines of ISO 19011 or ISO/IEC 17025
Batch Plants: Ready-Mix Concrete Batch Plants, Precast Plants and Asphalt Batch
Plants
BP&CTU: Batch Plants and Civil Testing Unit Inspection Department (ID)
approving authority for Third Party Testing Laboratories and Batch Plants
Page 4 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
CEU: Civil Engineering Unit
CSD: Consulting Services Department
DPIS: Dhahran Projects Inspection Section
Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO): A Saudi Aramco approved agency
performing geotechnical engineering calculations on Saudi Aramco projects
Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory (GTPTL): A Saudi Aramco approved
Third Party Testing Laboratory with specific approval in the Geotechnical Category
IAU: Inspection Assessment Unit
ID: Inspection Department
ISSD: Inspection Support Services Division
P&SPD: Projects and Strategic Purchasing Department
PID: Projects Inspection Division
QMS: Quality Management System
Survey: Evaluation of compliance with Saudi Aramco requirements and vendors
quality management system of new Third Party Testing laboratories, Geotechnical
Engineering Offices and Batch Plants for Saudi Aramco approval
Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL): A Saudi Aramco approved service
provider to perform testing for Saudi Aramco projects
6
Evaluation and Certification Procedures
6.1
Third Party Testing Laboratories
In order to be qualified as a Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing
Laboratory (any material), an entity shall have ISO/IEC 17025 or
SASO/ISO 17025 accreditation. The approval of each laboratory shall be based
on the Test Standards listed in its ISO 17025 accreditation.
Commentary Note:
In situations where a test standard is not listed in the accreditation certificate of
any of the Saudi Aramco approved third party testing laboratory and if required by
a Saudi Aramco proponent, additional testing capabilities may be added on onetime basis only to its approval list based on recommendations from subjectmatter-experts (SME) or Responsible Standardization Agent (RSA) from either
Inspection Department or Consulting Services Department.
Page 5 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
6.2
Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratories
In order to be qualified as a Saudi Aramco approved Geotechnical Third Party
Testing Laboratory, an entity shall have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation showing
under the scope of accreditation the standards listed below, including the tests
required to support these standards.
6.3
ASTM D 2850
Test Method for Unconsolidated, Undrained
Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial
Compression
ASTM D 4428
Standard Test Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing
ASTM D5778
Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soil
Geotechnical Engineering Offices
In order to qualify as Saudi Aramco approved Geotechnical Engineering Office,
an entity shall be ISO 9001:2008 certified. The GEO shall utilize only a Saudi
Aramco-approved Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory for obtaining
field data and other soil engineering properties.
6.4
Batch Plants
Batch Plants shall be ISO 9001:2008 accredited in order to be considered as
Saudi Aramco approved entity. Furthermore, all aggregate stockpiles or other
ingredients and plant equipment inside the perimeter fence of a Saudi Aramco
approved Batch Plant shall be in compliance with Saudi Aramco requirements
or Saudi Aramco equivalent Industry Standards.
6.5
Re-assessment and Renewal of Accreditation
Re-survey
Re-survey every two years shall be carried out by ID for TPTLs, GTPTLs &
BPs and by CSD for GEOs to confirm that the quality system and technical
capabilities remain in compliance with the accreditation requirements.
Responsibility and Authority
7.1
Third Party Testing Laboratories
The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:
7.1.1
Survey and approve/disapprove Third Party Testing Laboratories based
on Section 6.1.
Page 6 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
7.2
7.1.2
Spot check Technical and QMS implementation.
7.1.3
Administer issuance and withdrawal of Civil Testing Technician
Approval card.
7.1.4
Conduct unannounced focus assessments.
Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratories
7.2.1
The following are Consulting Services Department (CSD) responsibilities:
7.2.1.1
Provide technical assistance/consultancy services during field
and laboratory processes, as requested by a Saudi Aramco
organization.
7.2.1.2
Perform basic site and/or laboratory evaluation on non-routine
geotechnical tests, as requested by a Saudi Aramco organization.
Commentary Note:
This evaluation may be limited to reviewing and observing test
procedures, calibration certificates and general condition of the
testing equipment.
7.2.1.3
7.2.2
7.3
Research on current equipment or tools that could be added to
upgrade field testing.
The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:
7.2.2.1
Survey and approve/disapprove Geotechnical Third Party
Testing Laboratories based on Section 6.2.
7.2.2.2
Monitor technical and QMS implementation.
7.2.2.3
Conduct unannounced focus assessments.
Geotechnical Engineering Offices
7.3.1
The following are Consulting Services Department (CSD)
responsibilities:
7.3.1.1
Evaluate, survey and approve/disapprove Geotechnical
Engineering Offices (GEO).
7.3.1.2
Verify internal quality assurance system in report preparations.
7.3.1.3
Review and approve organizational charts and manpower levels
to ensure compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.
Page 7 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
7.3.2
7.4
7.3.1.4
Review CVs and approve geotechnical/design personnel to
ensure compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.
7.3.1.5
Review and evaluate geotechnical analyses tools (software),
geotechnical engineering references and codes.
7.3.1.6
Review and evaluate geotechnical reports to determine
geotechnical office capability to produce a geotechnical report
in compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.
The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:
7.3.2.1
Verify compliance with ISO 17025/ISO 9001:2008 or
SASO/ISO 17025 accreditation.
7.3.2.2
Monitor compliance with ISO 17025/ISO 9001:2008 or
SASO/ISO 17025 QMS implementation.
Batch Plants
The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:
7.4.1
Survey and approve/disapprove Batch Plants.
7.4.2
Spot check technical and QMS implementation.
7.4.3
Conduct periodic technical and quality assessments.
7.4.4
Administer issuance and withdrawal of Batch Plant Internal QC
Technician Approval Card.
Approval, On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures
8.1
Approval
8.1.1
Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL) Workflow Chart
8.1.1.1
Workflow chart in Appendix A shall be followed for Third
Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process - Permanent Basis
approval.
8.1.1.2
Workflow chart in Appendix B shall be followed for Third
Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process - One-Time Basis
approval.
Page 8 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
8.1.2
Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL) Evaluation Report
BP&CTU shall issue evaluation report to TPTL management. The report
shall be approved by the Sr. Supervisor/DAPIS.
8.1.3
Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory (GTPTL) Evaluation Report
BP&CTU, in coordination with CSD shall issue evaluation report to
GTPTL management. The report shall be approved by the
Sr. Supervisor/DAPIS.
8.1.4
Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) Evaluation Report
CSD, in coordination with BP&CTU shall issue evaluation report to
GEO management. The report shall be approved by CSD/Civil
Engineering Unit Supervisor.
8.1.5
8.1.6
Batch Plant Workflow Chart
8.1.5.1
Workflow chart in Appendix C shall be followed for Batch
Plant Approval Process - Permanent Basis approval.
8.1.5.2
Workflow chart in Appendix D shall be followed for Batch
Plant Approval Process - One-Time Basis approval.
Batch Plant Overall Evaluation/Approval
BP&CTU, in coordination with IAU is responsible for the overall
evaluation/approval of Batch Plants. BP&CTU shall evaluate the
technical aspects while IAU shall evaluate quality management systems.
BP&CTU shall issue Batch Plant evaluation report through P&SPD.
The report shall be approved by responsible Project Inspection Division
Head.
8.1.7
ID/SHAREK Update
Responsibility for the update of the List of Approved TPTLs, GTPTLs,
Batch Plants and GEOs in the ID/SHAREK web page shall be as follows:
8.1.7.1
ID is responsible for the update of the List of Approved
TPTLs, GTPTLs and Batch Plants
(http://sharek.aramco.com.sa/orgs/30003279/Shared%20Docm
ents/Forms/AllItems.aspx).
8.1.7.2
CSD is responsible for the update of the List of Approved GEOs
(http://sharek/orgs/30003036/30012126/SitePages/SA%20Approved
%20Geotechnical%20Offices.aspx).
Page 9 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
8.1.8
One-Time Basis Approval
8.1.8.1
Remote Locations (TPTLs and GEOs)
Approval by ID and/or CSD as described in sections 6.1 to 6.3,
may be granted in locations where there are insufficient Saudi
Aramco approved TPTLs and GEOs.
In such cases, a letter from permanently approved entities
confirming they cannot be accommodated shall be secured by
Contractor.
8.1.8.2
Remote Locations (Batch Plants)
One-Time Basis Approvals for Batch Plants in remote areas
shall be as per 09-SAMSS-097 Section 12.
8.1.8.3
On-site TPTL Branch
For On-site TPTL branch, only those with Saudi Aramco
permanently approved TPTLs shall be considered for one-time
basis approval.
8.2
On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures
8.2.1
8.2.2
Grounds for Putting On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval
8.2.1.1
TPTLs, GTPTLs, GEOs and Batch Plants shall be subjected to
be put On-Hold or approval removed, due to, but not limited
to violations with potential severe impact to product/service.
8.2.1.2
For committing serious violations such as unethical business
action, Health, Safety and Environmental violations, etc.,
immediate On- Hold status shall be implemented.
Duration of On-Hold Penalty
The duration of On-Hold penalty shall be determined by the
Sr. Supervisor, DPIS for TPTLs, GTPLs, & Batch Plants and by the
Supervisor, CEU/CSD for GEOs.
8.2.3
Removal from Saudi Aramco ID/CSD webpage/SHAREK Approval List
Any TPTL, GTPTL, GEO or Batch Plant that have been put ON-HOLD
for more than six (6) months without any corrective action on violations
mentioned above after the Hold period had elapsed, shall be removed
Page 10 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
from the Saudi Aramco list of approved TPTLs, GTPTLs, GEOs or
Batch Plants in the ID/CSD webpage/SHAREK.
A letter for withdrawal of approval notification shall be sent by the
Supervisor of CEU/CSD for GEOs and by the Sr. Supervisor of DPIS for
the other service providers under this Procedure.
5 December 2012
Revision Summary
New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure.
Page 11 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Appendix A: Third Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process Permanent Basis
Third Party Testing
Laboratory
Contracting
Secure Vendor Number
from Contracting Dept
Issue Vendor Number
BP&CTU
Submits Required
Documentation Package for
Approval
Yes
Civil Testing Lab?
Evaluate
Documentation
Package
(Civil Testing Lab)
No
Evaluate
Documentation
Package
(Other Testing Lab)
No
ISO 17025
Compliant?
Yes
Rectify Corrective
Action
ISO 17025
Compliant?
Yes
Conduct
Lab Survey
No
Issue Corrective
Action
No
Compliant?
Yes
Approves 3rd Party
Laboratory / Agency
Update ID
Website & Issue
Lab Approval
Page 12 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Appendix B: Third Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process One-Time Basis
Third Party Testing
Laboratory
SAPMT
Responsible Project
Inspection Section
BP&CTU
Page 13 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Appendix C: Batch Plant Approval Process Permanent Basis
Vendor
Submit
REQUEST FOR PLANT
APPROVAL
P&SPD (Purchasing)
BP&CTU
Process REQUEST
FOR PLANT
APPROVAL
Evaluates REQUEST
FOR PLANT
APPROVAL
REQUEST FOR
PLANT APPROVAL
acceptable?
No
Yes
Conducts Site / Plant
Evaluation / Survey
Site / Plant Evaluation /
Survey Acceptable?
Yes
No
Rectify Corrective
Action
Plant Approved
Notify Vendor of
Corrective Action
Required
Notify Vendor of
Approval
Issue Corrective
Action
Update ID Website &
Issue
Plant Approval
Page 14 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
SAEP-383
Issue Date: 5 December 2012
Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Appendix D: Batch Plant Approval Process One-Time Basis
Contractor
Conduct Initial
Plant Survey
SAPMT
Process Request
for Approval
Responsible Project
Inspection Section
BP&CTU
Evaluate
Package
Review Package
Submit Request
for Approval
Yes
Comply with
requirements?
Complete?
No
Yes
Conducts Plant
Survey /
Evaluation
No
Compliance
No
Yes
Rectify Corrective
Action
Plant Approved
Notify Contractor
of Corrective
Action Required
Notify SAPMT of
Corrective Action
Required
Issue Corrective
Action
Notify Contractor
of Plant Approval
Notify SAPMT of
Plant Approval
Update ID
Website & Issue
Plant Approval
Page 15 of 15
