Petronas Technical Standards: Geotechnical Engineering For Onshore Facilities

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Geotechnical Engineering for Onshore Facilities
PTS 11.13.01
April 2019
© 2019 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.
150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

PTS 11.13.01
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING FOR ONSHORE FACILITIES April 2019
Page 2 of 28
FOREWORD
PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.
Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.
In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.
PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.
The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.

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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 4
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 5
2.0 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN APPROACH.................................................................................. 6
2.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSURFACE PROFILES................................................................... 6
2.3 FOUNDATION LOADS AND GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN ..................................................... 6
2.4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR EARTHQUAKE .............................................................. 6
2.5 EFFECT OF FOUNDATION WORKS ON ADJACENT STRUCTURES.................................... 6
3.0 SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS................................................................................................. 7
3.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................. 7
3.3 STABILITY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 8
3.4 FOUNDATIONS ON HARD GROUND, ROCK, OR CEMENTED SOILS ................................ 8
4.0 DEEP FOUNDATIONS ........................................................................................................ 9
4.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.2 PILE DESIGN ................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 PILE MATERIAL ............................................................................................................. 12
5.0 EARTHWORK ................................................................................................................. 14
5.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 SLOPES ......................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 GROUND IMPROVEMENT ............................................................................................ 17
5.4 DEWATERING SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 19
6.0 RETAINING WALLS ......................................................................................................... 20
6.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................... 20
6.2 GRAVITY WALLS ........................................................................................................... 20
6.3 EMBEDDED RETAINING WALLS ................................................................................... 20
6.4 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS .................................................................................................... 21
7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................... 22
APPENDIX 1: PILES INSTALLATION AND TESTING ......................................................................... 24
APPENDIX 2: MAINTAINED LOAD TEST PROCEDURE (EXAMPLE) .................................................. 28

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This PTS provides the minimum technical requirements on geotechnical and foundation
engineering for onshore facilities.
1.1 SCOPE
The scope of this PTS is covering shallow foundation, deep foundation, earthwork design
and retaining structures.
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition Of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.
1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms
No Term Definition
The value of the gross loading intensity for a particular
Ultimate bearing
1 foundation at which the resistance of the soil to
capacity
displacement of the foundation is fully mobilized
The maximum allowable net loading intensity at the
base of the foundation, taking into account the
Allowable bearing
2 ultimate bearing capacity, the amount and kind of
capacity
settlement expected and the ability of the structure
to accommodate this settlement
The load which the pile (or foundation) is designed to
3 Working load
carry
The maximum load to be transferred by the
4 Design load foundation or pile, according to the design of its
superstructure
Load(s) that is in motion, that may vary with time in
5 Dynamic load
magnitude and direction
Repeated or fluctuating stresses, strains, or stress
6 Cyclic load
intensities on structural components
Table 1.1: Specific Definition of Terms

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1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations
No Abbreviation Description
1 FOS Factor of Safety
2 LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design
3 MDD Maximum Dry Density
4 PVD Prefabricated Vertical Drain
5 SPT Standard Penetration Test
6 CPT Cone Penetration Test
7 ALARP As low as reasonably possible
8 RNR Remove and replace
9 USM Unsuitable material
Table 1.2: Specific Abbreviations
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
This PTS 11.13.01 (April 2019) replaces PTS 11.13.01 (December 2018).

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2.0 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN APPROACH
2.1 GENERAL
This PTS provides minimum requirements for allowable stress design based on BS 8004:1986.
Unless otherwise agreed by Owner, LRFD method based on AISC can be adopted for the
purpose of geotechnical design approach.
2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSURFACE PROFILES
Geological desk study shall be performed to determine the profiles and variability of the soil
strata, the groundwater pressures in the various strata and other factors interacting with the
proposed work or structure. Reference shall be made to PTS 11.11.01.
2.3 FOUNDATION LOADS AND GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN
Loading on foundation shall be derived in accordance with PTS. 11.10.01 taking into account
distribution, direction and eccentricity of the loads. Geotechnical design shall be in accordance
with BS 8004 or approved equivalent. Geotechnical design of coastal structures shall be in
accordance with BS 6349 or approved equivalent. FOS used shall be as specified in this PTS.
Unless otherwise requested by Owner, BS EN 1997 shall be adopted for geotechnical design.
2.4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR EARTHQUAKE
Reference shall be made to PTS 11.10.02 for seismic hazard assessment and BS EN 1998-1 or
approved equivalent for seismic resistance design.
2.5 EFFECT OF FOUNDATION WORKS ON ADJACENT STRUCTURES

The effect of the foundation works on existing adjacent structures and services shall be
assessed. The assessment shall include but not limited to:
i. Detailed report on the structural conditions of all surrounding buildings,

structures and existing services likely to be affected by the foundation works
ii. Estimation of the effect on and the response of these buildings, structures and
services as a result of foundation works
iii. Proposals of the preventive measures, monitoring scheme and contingency plans
to be undertaken before and during construction

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3.0 SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
3.1 GENERAL
Shallow foundation in the context of this PTS shall include foundations that are placed directly
on the ground surface without embedment and embedded foundation with a maximum depth
of less than the shortest plan dimension. This include strip, pad and raft foundations.
3.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
3.2.1 Foundation Depth
Foundation depths shall be determined based on the following considerations as a minimum:
i. An adequate structurally sound bearing stratum shall be reached under the area
of the foundation
ii. Below the zone where shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal weather changes
iii. Below the zone in which problem may be expected from frost
3.2.2 Ultimate Bearing Capacity
Ultimate bearing capacity shall be calculated taking into account the distribution of stresses
in the subsoil. Refer to BS 8004 or equivalent codes for bearing capacity calculation.
3.2.3 Allowable Bearing Capacity
A minimum FOS of 2.0 shall be adopted with respect to the ultimate bearing capacity provided
soil investigation have been performed. Additional relevant loading test shall be performed
for purpose of storage tanks as required by Owner. FOS of 1.5 can be considered for
temporary structures if risk can be demonstrated to be ALARP.
3.2.4 Settlement
Total and differential settlement of the structure shall be calculated and to consider all
components of settlement i.e. immediate, primary consolidation and secondary consolidation
settlements. Refer to BS 8004 or equivalent codes for settlement calculation.
Settlement acceptance criteria shall be:
i. For equipment foundations: 15mm total settlement, and 10 mm differential

settlement
ii. For building and other structures: 25mm total settlement and 12.5 mm
differential settlement
For foundation supporting sensitive structure or equipment e.g. tank, special equipment,
vibratory machineries, etc. the total and differential settlement shall be as per requirement
from the manufacturer (if more stringent than the above) or as specified by Owner.

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3.3 STABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3.3.1 General
Foundation shall be checked for stability requirements as below:

Stability check Minimum FOS
Overturning 1.5
Sliding 1.5
Buoyancy* 1.1
Table 3.1: Shallow foundation stability requirements
NOTE(S): *Against buoyancy, only permanent dead loads shall be considered
Buoyancy check of underground foundations shall be performed during construction phase.
3.4 FOUNDATIONS ON HARD GROUND, ROCK, OR CEMENTED SOILS
3.4.1 General
From the site investigation and geological assessment, the rock below the foundation shall be
verified to be free from any unknown discontinuities. The foundations shall not be constructed
on weak layers e.g. fault zones, rock decomposition, rock fracturing etc.
The top level of bearing rock shall be defined in the design and the encountered rock mass
during construction shall be further evaluated to ascertain the design assumption.
The structure shall not be founded partly on sound rock and partly on soil or weak rock.
For the backfilling underneath foundation, the backfilling material shall have a similar stiffness
as the rock underneath or other part of foundation.
3.4.2 Bearing Capacity of Rock or Cemented Soil
For foundation on rocks or cemented soils, the following engineering parameter shall be
evaluated for the design purpose: -
i. Rock Mechanics parameter i.e. strength of rock materials
ii. Rock Mass Geometry i.e. joints, faults and heterogeneities
iii. All possible failure modes due to above conditions
A minimum FOS of 2.0 shall be adopted with respect to the ultimate bearing capacity provided
soil investigation in rock have been performed.

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4.0 DEEP FOUNDATIONS
4.1 GENERAL
Deep foundation shall be selected over shallow foundation when poor soil condition is
subjected to a design load resulting in low bearing capacity and excessive settlement.
Normally piled foundation is used as deep foundation.
Refer to Appendix 1 for pile selection and advantages and disadvantages of various pile types.
4.2 PILE DESIGN

4.2.1 Geotechnical pile capacity
Minimum FOS of 2.5 for ultimate pile capacity shall be adopted provided soil investigation and
pile load test are performed.
For skin friction or bond strength in rock, minimum socket depth shall be 2.5m. Pile shall not
be terminated in boulders.
Refer to section 4.2.5 for negative skin friction, 4.2.8 for tension pile and 4.2.10 for laterally
loaded pile.
Based on BS 8004, allowance of 75mm should be considered in pile group design of pile caps
to ensure position of the individual piles is still within the tolerable limit.
4.2.2 Structural Pile Capacity
For precast pile, structural pile capacity can be obtained from manufacturer. For bored pile or
micropile, structural pile capacity shall be determined by calculation.
4.2.3 Pile working load
Pile working load is the load which pile is designed to carry. It shall be adopted based on
geotechnical capacity and shall not exceed structural capacity. This shall be verified based on
verification test.
Prior to finalize the pile design, a pilot pile program should be performed to verify the design
length.
4.2.4 Pile spacing, length and size.
Pile spacing, length and size shall be designed based on pile working load.
4.2.5 Negative skin friction
Where pile is driven into cohesive soil that is subjected to settlement, the negative skin friction
resulted under this condition shall be calculated.

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The calculation shall take into account:
i. Ultimate friction between soil and pile shaft over the full depth of the settling
layers
ii. Maximum weight causing the soil settlement
4.2.6 Pile Settlements
Pile settlement shall be calculated and the acceptance shall be based on pile load test results.
Refer to section 4.6 in this PTS.
4.2.7 Pile group effects
Pile group-effects shall be checked when the centre-to-centre spacing are of less than 3 times
the diameter of the piles as specified in BS 8004.
In such case the bearing capacity and settlement pile group shall not be taken as the
summation of bearing capacity of single piles within the group. A group reduction factor
determined by recognized foundation engineering principles shall be applied to the total
allowable load carrying capacities of any group of piles.
4.2.8 Tension Piles
i. Individual piles
The ultimate pulling capacity of an individual pile shall be calculated and the pile
rise shall be predicted as a function of the load.
The working load i.e. design load minus the (submerged) pile weight - under static
conditions shall include FOS of minimum 2.5 with respect to the ultimate capacity
provided soil investigation has been performed.
Pile shall be checked against geotechnical and structural capacity. Tension

capacity of precast concrete piles at interface between pile and pile cap shall be
calculated in accordance with ACI 543R. This requirement is important to ensure
the full tension load resisted by unstressed strands extended into a footing or pile
cap, is within the allowable tension service capacity.
ii. Pile group effects

The (submerged) weight of the soil mass causing the friction along the piles shall
be at least 1.2 times the total upward working load on the pile group.
4.2.9 Piles under Cyclic Axial Loads
Where piles are subjected to dynamic loads which are cyclic in nature, the pile response to
the loads shall be studied.

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When piles are subjected to this load, the following shall be given careful attention;
i. The influence of cyclic loading on the ultimate bearing capacity of piles
ii. The influence of cyclic loading on the axial stiffness of the pile-soil system
The degradation factor of the piles shall be determined. The sum of static and cyclic load
should be kept below 75% of the pile ultimate capacity to avoid large cumulative settlements.
As a minimum requirement it shall be analysed whether the cyclic character of the load
requires reducing of the maximum allowable load when both of the following two conditions
apply:
i. Maximum (peak) load is more than 75% of the allowable static load
ii. Peak to peak load cycle is more than 50% of the maximum load
The following shall be taken into account when performing the analysis;
i. (Increased) pile displacements
ii. Stiffness of the pile, ratio of pile (equivalent) diameter to the length
iii. Stiffness of the various soil layers
iv. Residual friction in the soils (after degradation)
v. Effects of lateral pile loads, if applicable
4.2.10 Laterally Loaded Pile
All foundation system founded on thick soft compressible soil layer shall be designed to take
into consideration the possible lateral soil movement due to consolidation process. The
eccentric load induced by possible out-of-tolerance installation of load and/or piles shall be
analyzed and taken into consideration in designing the foundation system.
Pile lateral load capacity shall be determined by considering two different failure mechanisms:
i. Structural failure of the pile due to yielding of pile material or shear failure of the
confining soil due to yielding of soil.
ii. Pile becoming dysfunctional due to excessive lateral deflections.
For piles spaced less than eight times the pile width apart, group effects shall be considered.
4.2.11 Pile Driveability
Before installation of driven piles driveability analysis shall be carried out to investigate the
feasibility of installing the piles with the proposed hammer to ensure that the piles will not
experience structural failure. Risks of pile damage or misalignment due, for example, to

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boulders or sloping surfaces shall be assessed. For this purpose, wave analysis method which
represent the soil-pile model is recommended.
4.2.12 Corrosion in Piles
In some cases, piles may become exposed to aggressive environment, tidal action (wetting
and drying) due to soil or groundwater condition, for example due to high contents of acid,
sulphates or chlorides, or due to soil oxidation etc.
The following protective measures (separately or in combination) should then be considered:
i. Application of special cement, such as Portland-Blast Furnace Cement or Sulphate

Resistant Cement to improve concrete porosity therefore enhancing durability of
the concrete.
ii. Application of steel piles with coating of (the relevant part of) the pile surface
iii. Sacrificial wall thickness or casing
iv. Cathodic protection by means of installing sacrificial anode
4.2.13 Heave
Driving a relatively large number of pile in a relatively small area where the sub-soil consists
of predominantly saturated stiff cohesive soil would potentially be subjected to heaving of
piles which have already been driven.
When such condition is encountered while performing the soil investigation, care shall be
taken into considering the potential tension in the piles induced by the heave action.
Preboring may be applied in this circumstances to reduce the effect from heaving if necessary.
4.3 PILE MATERIAL
4.3.1 Precast Concrete Piles
i. General
The concrete mix shall be designed in accordance with BS 8110 or approved

equivalent.
Maximum water-cement ratio shall be 0.45. Minimum concrete cover shall be 50

mm. Minimum concrete grade and quality control procedures shall be in
accordance with PTS 11.15.03.
The design shall take into account all loading conditions, including pile driving,
handling/pitching and transport.
ii. Precast Reinforced Concrete piles
The design shall comply with BS8004 and BS8110 or approved equivalent.

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The steel reinforcement shall be designed in such a way that the crack width of
the concrete will remain less than 0.2 mm under all loading conditions. The total
minimum percentage of reinforcement shall be 1.5%.
If precast concrete piles are provided to withstand tension forces, the

reinforcement of tension piles shall be based on the assumption that the tensile
strength of the concrete is nil.
The maximum slenderness ratio of pile, L/D shall not exceed 100.
iii. Pre-stressed Concrete Spun Piles
The design shall be such that the crack width of the concrete will remain less than
0.05 mm under all loading conditions.
Pre-stressing tendons shall be of high tensile steel in accordance with BS 5896 or

approved equivalent. The quality monitoring of the casting of these pile type shall
be in accordance with PTS 11.15.03.
4.3.2 Cast in-situ piles
Concrete for cast in-situ piles shall have minimum compressive strength of 40N/mm2 at 28
days. Detail concrete and quality monitoring requirement, shall comply with PTS 11.15.03.
4.3.3 Steel Tubular Piles
When steel tubular piles are used, the material of the piles shall be of steel grade S355 in
accordance with BS 5950 or approved equivalent.
If these pile are to be driven into rock formation, the bottom tip of the piles shall be
strengthened by means of providing pile shoes either external or internal.
The manufacturing of these piles shall be under close supervision by a third party qualified
inspector internationally accredited and shall be in accordance with BS 5950 and BS 4360 or
approved equivalent.
For application on jetty structure, corrosion protection of the steel pile shall be provided by
a cathodic protection system for the section under water and protective coatings on section
in the splash zone and above in accordance with PTS 15.20.03.

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5.0 EARTHWORK
5.1 GENERAL
General requirements of earthwork shall be in accordance with PTS 11.12.01.
For Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) requirement related to excavation for brownfield and
greenfield work, reference shall be made to PTS 18.52.18.
5.1.1 Site Investigation
Before performing earthwork activities such as excavation, cut, fill, ground improvement,
dewatering etc., a site investigation shall be carried out with reference to PTS 11.11.01.
5.1.2 Excavation
Bottom of all excavations pit shall be levelled and well rammed to receive the permanent
structures.
In the case of groundwater head is higher than the bottom level of an excavation, the stability
of the bottom shall be checked. For permanent excavations the bottom stability shall be
maintained with a minimum FOS of 1.2.
Stability of embankment slope for an excavated pit shall in accordance with PTS 18.52.18.
Slope analysis shall be performed to consider a possible surcharge imposed due to excavated
material stored near the top of the slope and, it shall meet the required FOS. If temporary
shoring is required, it shall be properly designed and maintained.
For excavation exceeding 1.5m depth, the slope shall be designed and engineered by
competent person and endorsed by Professional Engineer in accordance to PTS 18.52.18.
Shielding should be provided to protect workers against hazards of collapsing material in

accordance with PTS 18.52.18.
For the requirement of excavation on rock, refer to PTS 11.12.01.
5.1.3 Fill and Embankment
Embankments and filled areas shall be designed to have adequate stability against shear
failure and to ensure that any deformation is within acceptable limits.
The strength, deformation and moisture susceptibility of fill material shall be established by
means of:
i. In-situ testing as part of site investigation
ii. Laboratory tests
iii. Instrumented field trials

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The Contractor shall demonstrate the suitability of the proposed soil fill material before on-
site application.
The stability of slope and settlements of a fill or embankment shall be evaluated as in section
5.2.
5.2 SLOPES
5.2.1 Slope stability
i. Engineering
The design of slopes shall be in accordance with BS 6031 or approved equivalent.
FOS for slope stability shall be:
Condition Minimum FOS Remarks
Consist of Natural Slope
Temporary Slopes 1.0 during Excavation with
sufficient Drainage
Provide adequate
drainage system and
Permanent Slopes 1.4
slope protection to
prevent slope erosion.
Table 5.1: Engineering Slope Stability
For slope in remote and extreme environment and where impact damage to facilities
is ALARP, then slope stability can meet minimum FOS of 1.2.
Slope stability assessment and slope repair for existing pipeline route in mountainous
region shall be carried out in accordance with PTS 11.12.05.
The consideration of safety shall be based on the followings factors.

a) Risk level of the area
b) Availability of site investigation record
c) Required design life of the slope
d) Effects on adjacent structures
e) Acceptable slope deformation
f) Maintenance
g) Seismic effects
ii. Methods of slope stabilization

The followings are methods for slope stabilization which is not limited to:
a) Soil profiling
b) High tensile reinforcement geotextile
c) Soil nailing
d) Soil and rock anchor
e) Concrete buttress and dentition

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f) Retaining wall (refer to section 6.0)
iii. Seismic
If applicable the design shall consider the seismic effects on slopes. The analyses
of seismic effects on a slope shall include but not limited to:
a) Horizontal and vertical ground accelerations
b) Increasing of pore water pressures
c) Potential of liquefaction
5.2.2 Protection against erosion
Exposed slope surfaces subjected to potential erosion shall be protected by the following
methods.
For temporary protection:
i. Cover with canvas or tarpaulin sheet from top to toe of the slope.
For permanent slope surface protection which is not limited to:
i. Vegetation and turfing*
ii. Gunite/sprayed concrete
iii. Rubble/stone pitching surface
NOTE(S): *Where applicable, the risk of fire to be considered in selection of long term slope surface protection method.
Drainage system shall be ensured adequate and water flows properly to discharge outlet in
order to avoid water entering slope body and reduce soil strength gradually which could
jeopardize stability of slope.
Slope located near seasonal streams or Permanent River shall be adequately protected against
erosion.
5.2.3 Slope monitoring
The stability of a slope shall be monitored regularly over a minimum period completion of that
slope. As a minimum, a monthly visual inspection for sign of defects i.e. cracks and
deformations shall be carried out. For major works, monitoring should comprise
measurements of pore water pressure (e.g. by installation of piezometer), settlements (e.g.
by level survey) and horizontal displacements (e.g. by inclinometer), tension cracks (e.g.
extensometer), inclination (e.g. tiltmeter), rainfall data (rain gauge).

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5.3 GROUND IMPROVEMENT
5.3.1 General
Requirement for ground improvement shall be in accordance with PTS 11.27.04.
Ground improvement can be done separately or combination by the following methods not
limited to:
i. Remove and replace (RNR)
ii. Ground compaction (shallow or deep)
iii. Preloading
iv. Prefabricated vertical drain
v. Stone column
The method selected shall be based on settlement criteria, bearing capacity and stability.
i. Remove and Replace
Unsuitable material (USM) is removed and replaced good compacted material

(e.g. earthfill, sandfill, crushed rock). It can be divided into:
a) Full RNR - USM is fully removed and replaced to eliminate settlement
issue. This applicable for shallow USM (< 2.5m thick)
b) Partially RNR with preloading - USM is partly removed and replaced. This
is normally opted for USM > 2.5m thick. Preloading shall be carried out to
fulfil settlement criteria.
ii. Ground compaction
The compaction procedure for fill shall be specified depending on the compaction
criteria and on the following:
a) The origin and nature of the material
b) The placement method
c) The placement water content and its possible variations
d) The initial and final thickness of the lift
e) The local climatic conditions
f) The uniformity of compaction
g) The nature of underlying ground
A trial compaction shall be performed at the site using the intended material and
compaction equipment. This allows the determination of the compaction
procedure (method of placement, compaction equipment, layer thickness,
number of passes, adequate techniques for transportation, amount of water that
shall be added) to be followed. A trial compaction may also be used to establish
the control criteria.

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For general fill, the minimum compaction shall achieve a minimum of 90%
Maximum Dry Density (MDD).
For structural fill, the minimum compaction shall achieve a minimum of 95%
Maximum Dry Density (MDD).
iii. Preloading
The design consideration of ground preloading shall include the following:

a) Area to be preloaded
b) Preloading weight requirement
c) Preloading duration
d) Preloading stability
e) Prediction of the ground settlements against time
f) Effects of vertical drainage, if present.
While performing the preloading, the actual settlements amount of the original
ground shall be monitored. For major works, monitoring of pore water pressure
in the compressible soil layers shall be performed.
iv. Drainage system
Horizontal drainage may be applied to lower the groundwater table.
Vertical drains may be installed to accelerate the consolidation of compressible

soil layers. Either sand drains, plastic drains, stone column, or Prefabricated
Vertical Drains (PVD) may be applied.
The following are the requirement for sand drains.

a) Shall have a minimum diameter of 0.25 m.
b) Shall be installed by jetting or drilling. Installing by driving shall not be
used.
c) The sand used shall contain at most 10% (mass) of particles smaller than
0.063 mm and less than 3% organic matter.
The manufacture of plastic drains and PVD is subject to approval by the Owner.
The following are the general requirement for all types of vertical drains:
a) To discharge the excess water, the top of the vertical drains shall be
placed in a free draining (sand) layer of at least 0.6 m thickness.
b) The vertical drains shall penetrate the compressible soil layers to be
drained.
c) The drains shall be installed to a maximum depth of 1.0 m above the top
of the water-bearing layer below those compressible layers.
d) Care should be taken with regard to possible long term effects on the
groundwater quality.

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5.4 DEWATERING SYSTEM
Water may be removed from the ground by gravity drainage, by pumping from sumps, well
points or bored wells. The scheme adopted will depend on:
i. The existing ground and ground-water conditions;
ii. The characteristics of the project: e.g. excavation depth and extent of dewatering.
The design of dewatering system shall consider all the risks generally associated with
dewatering activities but not limited to the following:
i. Soil and slope stability and soil erosion due to dewatering activities.
ii. Soil contamination. Whether contamination exists in the project area prior to
commencement of construction or is caused by dewatering activities.
iii. Change of groundwater properties due to dewatering practices.
iv. Excessive abstraction (dewatering) of groundwater which affects nearby

groundwater related activities.
v. Health and safety related issues.
vi. Risks associated with impacts of dewatering activities on surrounding

environment and sensitive receptors.
vii. Risks associated with failure of dewatering system and/or disposal methods.
The following data from Site Investigation shall be made available prior to design a dewatering
system:
i. Number and type of aquifers (water-bearing layers)
ii. Hydraulic data per aquifer:

a) Groundwater piezometric head
b) Groundwater transmissivity
c) Hydraulic resistance of confining layers
d) Specific yield/storage coefficients
iii. Existing groundwater and surface flows
iv. Effects of rainfall, snow etc.
v. Chemical properties of the groundwater per water-bearing layer.

PTS 11.13.01
Page 20 of 28
6.0 RETAINING WALLS
6.1 GENERAL
All retaining structures shall be designed to ensure an asset that is fit for purpose and
guarantees long-term performance. There are 2 types of retaining structures e.g. gravity walls
and embedded retaining walls.
Other methods of retaining earth such as soil nailing (anchorage), mechanical stabilized earth
(MSE), reinforced slope etc. should be considered based on cost and practicality.
6.2 GRAVITY WALLS
Gravity walls are walls of stone or plain or reinforced concrete with base footing with or
without a heel, ledge or buttress, e.g. reinforced concrete wall, gabion retaining wall,
reinforced concrete crib wall, etc. Design of these structures shall be in accordance with BS
8002 or approved equivalent.
Failure mechanisms shall be considered in the design as following:
i. Overturning failure of gravity walls
ii. Bearing failure of the foundation
iii. Sliding failure of the walls
iv. Failure of the structural element
v. Rotational/overall stability failure of gravity walls
The minimum FOS for bearing capacity is 2.0 and overturning and sliding shall be at least 1.5.
6.3 EMBEDDED RETAINING WALLS
Embedded retaining wall is a walls of steel or reinforced concrete which can be designed in
cantilever or supported by anchorages or struts. Example of these walls are sheet pile wall,
diaphragm wall (slurry wall), contiguous pile wall, secant pile wall, etc. The design shall be in
accordance with BS 8002 or approved equivalent.
Failure mechanisms shall be considered in the design as following:
i. Rotational/overall stability failure of embedded walls
ii. Vertical stability failure due to vertical loads
iii. Failure of any tie or prop or yielding of the anchor steel
iv. Failure of the anchored or propped structure
v. Failure of the passive soil wedge at the toe of the wall

PTS 11.13.01
Page 21 of 28
vi. Yielding stress or cracking occurs in any cross section of the wall
The FOS of at least 1.5 to be adopted for each failure mechanism which depend on other
design requirements and the type of anchoring structure. Assessment on the deformations of
each part of the retaining structure shall be performed.
Corrosiveness of water (surface/ground), soil and backfill material shall be investigated in

order to design a suitable material or corrosion protection for the walls or anchors.
6.4 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
If there is any drainage system designed for retaining structure, the following conditions shall
be applied:
i. A proper maintenance program for the drainage system shall be established,

executed and reviewed periodically
ii. Access shall be designed and provided for the drainage maintenance work

PTS 11.13.01
Page 22 of 28
7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:
PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & PTS 00.01.03

Reading Guide
Site Investigations PTS 11.11.01
Minimum Loadings And Load Combinations For Onshore PTS 11.10.01

Structural Design
Seismic Hazard Assessment For Onshore Facilities PTS 11.10.02
Site Preparation and Earthworks PTS 11.12.01
Slope Stability Assessment And Slope Repair For Existing Pipeline PTS 11.12.05
Route In Mountainous Region
Design and Construction of Reinforced Concrete Foundations and PTS 11.15.03

Structures
Ground Improvement for Onshore Facilities PTS 11.27.04
Protective Coatings and Lining PTS 15.20.03
Excavation PTS 18.52.18
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Deep ASTM D4945
Foundations
Standard Test Method for Low Strain Impact Integrity Testing of ASTM D5882
Deep Foundations
Specification for weldable structural steels BS 4360:1990
Specification For High Tensile Steel Wire And Strand For The BS 5896:1980
Prestressing Of Concrete

PTS 11.13.01
Page 23 of 28
Structural Use Of Steelwork In Building. Code of Practice for BS 5950-1:2000

Design. Rolled And Welded Sections
Code of Practice for Earthworks BS 6031:2009
Maritime Works. General. Code Of Practice For Geotechnical BS 6349-1-3:2012

Design
Code of Practice For Earth Retaining Structures BS 8002:2015
Code of Practice For Foundation BS 8004:1986
Code of Practice For Ground Anchorages BS 8081:1989
Structural Use of Concrete BS 8110-1:1997
Geotechnical Design – Part 1: General Rules BS EN 1997-1:2004
Design of structures for earthquake resistance - Part 1 : General BS EN 1998-1:2004

rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings

PTS 11.13.01
Page 24 of 28
APPENDIX 1: PILES INSTALLATION AND TESTING
1.0 CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Handling and Storage

The method and sequence of lifting, handling, transporting and storing of piles shall be carried
out in such a manner that damage to piles and their coatings is minimized. Piles may be lifted,
stacked away from their casting beds and transported only after they have attained the age
of 21 days. All piles shall be stacked in an approved area and shall be adequately protected
against the heat of the sun. Supports shall be placed at the position of the lifting points. Piles
shall not be driven until they are 28 days old.
1.2 Supervision
The piling work shall be supervised by Owner and/or his representatives. No supervision work
shall be carried out by the piling contractor. Pile installation and tests shall be carried out only
in the presence of authorized supervisor.
1.3 Tolerances
At all stages of pile installation, the pile shall be adequately supported and restrained by
means of leaders, temporary supports or other guide arrangement to maintain position and
alignment. No concrete pile shall be subjected to high stress when being placed into the
required position.
For the pile cut off at or above ground level, the maximum permitted deviation of pile center
from the center-point shown in the drawings shall be 75mm in any direction and shall be
within two (2) percent of plumb for the total length of the shaft.
1.4 Pile Installation Sequence
For pile group, pile installation should start from the center of pile group. For pile driving at
slope surface, pile installation shall be started from the higher side.
1.5 Jetting of Ground and Pre-boring
Jetting of ground and pre-boring shall not be carried out without prior approval of the Owner.
Jetting and/or pre-boring are not permitted in those layers from which in accordance to
geotechnical design, the pile will derived static resistance, which consist of positive shaft
friction and/or end bearing. In any circumstance, jetting shall not be permitted for piles
subjected to lateral loads.
Where pre-boring is allowed it shall be carried out only if the diameter of pre-bore is
sufficiently less than the diameter of working pile to prevent reduction of the stiffness of the
lateral soil support. The Contractor shall exercise care while carry out jetting and/or pre-
boring for raking piles to prevent the pile from being out of alignment.

PTS 11.13.01
Page 25 of 28
1.6 Pile Driving Record
Pile Driving Record shall be submitted once the piling work completed. The record shall report
of any issues encountered during the piling work such as Problematic Pile, Deviation of Design
Length (Either Short or Lengthy) or any pile facing difficulty during driving. The pile driving
record should include the following information:
- Description of equipment, type size and maximum energy of hammer, stroke of hammer
and frequency of blows.
- Date of pile manufacture.
- Date and time of the driving.
- Pile data (length, working load, size and number / location of piles as shown on the
drawing.
- Penetration resistance (blows per unit penetration or set per blow) and embedment depth.
- Levels with respect to Datum (elevation of pile top, elevation of pile tip and grade/bottom
elevation at the time of pile driving)
- Sequence of installation of the piles.
- Replacement of the cushion material in the driving cap.
- Occurrence of plugging of pen end piles.
- Date and time of testing.
- Sequence of testing (end of driving or beginning of restrike)
2.0 LOAD TESTING OF PILES
2.1 General
A loading test on a pile is made for the purpose of:

i. Determining the ultimate bearing capacity.
ii. Finding the settlement expected at the estimated working load.
iii. Checking the structural soundness of the pile.
2.2 Number of Test Pile
The minimum number of pile points that shall be subjected to load test is:
i. Compression pile: One (1) percent of the total number of pile points with
minimum of 3 nos. of pile tests or as instructed by Owner.
ii. Other types of pile (eg. tension pile, laterally loaded pile): Two (2) percent of
the total number of pile points with minimum of 3 tests or as instructed by
Owner.
The number of test may be reduced if satisfactory results is obtained at for the same pile type
at geotechnically similar location by Owner’s approval.
In addition, minimum 10% of installed piles shall be tested for integrity using low strain test i.e.
Pile Integrity Test (PIT) in accordance with ASTM D5882.
Requirement for high strain dynamic test i.e. Pile Dynamic Analyzer (PDA) test, Statnamic Load
Test shall be performed and approved by Owner. This test shall be in accordance with ASTM
D4945. Where full load test is not feasible to be carried out e.g. due to site constraint, this test
may be conducted as alternative.

PTS 11.13.01
Page 26 of 28
If there is a requirement of test-to-fail, the number of piles to be tested shall be decided

by the Owner.
2.3 Selection of Test Piles
The selection of pile to be tested shall be decided by the Owner. The first installed pile shall
be tested. At least two (2) tests shall be performed before completion of half of the total number
of piles. It is recommended that the test pile locations are located closest to soil
investigation points that have been carried out.
2.4 Maintained Load Test Procedure
The maximum test load on a pile shall be twice the Working Load.
The load shall be applied in increment of 25% of the working load, up to the working load and
appropriately smaller thereafter, until a maximum test load of twice the working load is
reached. Each increment of load shall be applied as smoothly and as expeditiously as possible.
Settlement readings and time observations shall be taken before and after each new load
increment.
A time-settlement graph shall be plotted to indicate when the rate of settlement of 0.05 mm
in 15 minutes is reached. A further increment of load shall be applied when this rate of
settlement is achieved, or until a minimum time of 2 hours has elapsed, whichever is later.
The process shall be repeated until the maximum test load is reached.
The maximum test load shall then be maintained for a minimum of 24 hours, and time-
settlement readings shall be taken at regular intervals, as for the earlier load stages.
The test load shall then be decreased in four (4) equal stages, and time-settlement readings
shall be as specified aforesaid, until the movement ceases. At least 60 minutes interval shall
be allowed between the unloading decrements.
During testing, if the result from each measuring devices differs by more than 20%, the
Contractor shall release the load and recheck the arrangement of the load cell and redo the
load test.
Settlement readings shall be made immediately after and before every load increment is
applied or removed.
Example of the loading procedure is provided in Appendix 2.
2.5 Equipment, application and supervision for load test
All equipment to be used for load test shall be subject to approval of the Owner and
experienced operators/supervisors shall be present full time for the duration of each pile test
programme to ensure that the loading sequence and period of maintaining load are strictly
followed. During the pile load test, all records shall remain available for inspection by the
Owner. Within three (3) days of completion of any pile load test, complete records shall be
submitted to the Owner.

PTS 11.13.01
Page 27 of 28
2.6 Criteria for Acceptance of Test Pile

The criteria of acceptance for the test pile shall be specified in the design, and as a minimum
the pile tested shall be deemed to have failed if:
i. The residual settlement after removal of the test load at working load exceeds
[(diameter of pile or diagonal width for non-circular pile / 120) + 4] mm or 12.5
mm whichever is the lower value; or
ii. The total settlement under the Working Load exceeds 12.5 mm; or
iii. The total settlement under twice the Working Load exceeds 38 mm, or 10% of pile
diameter / width whichever is the lower value.

PTS 11.13.01
Page 28 of 28
APPENDIX 2: MAINTAINED LOAD TEST PROCEDURE (EXAMPLE)
Load percentage (%) Minimum holding time

(hour)
0 0
25 1
50 1
75 1
100 6
75 1
50 1
25 1
0 1
25 1
50 1
75 1
100 1
125 1
150 1
175 1
200 24
150 1
100 1
50 1
0 1

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PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Geotechnical Engineering for Onshore Facilities

© 2019 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

2 LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design

3 MDD Maximum Dry Density

4 PVD Prefabricated Vertical Drain

5 SPT Standard Penetration Test

6 CPT Cone Penetration Test

7 ALARP As low as reasonably possible

8 RNR Remove and replace

9 USM Unsuitable material

Table 1.2: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

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2.0 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN APPROACH

2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSURFACE PROFILES

2.3 FOUNDATION LOADS AND GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN

2.4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR EARTHQUAKE

2.5 EFFECT OF FOUNDATION WORKS ON ADJACENT STRUCTURES

i. Detailed report on the structural conditions of all surrounding buildings,

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3.0 SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

3.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

3.2.1 Foundation Depth

Foundation depths shall be determined based on the following considerations as a minimum:

3.2.2 Ultimate Bearing Capacity

3.2.3 Allowable Bearing Capacity

Settlement acceptance criteria shall be:

i. For equipment foundations: 15mm total settlement, and 10 mm differential

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3.3 STABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Foundation shall be checked for stability requirements as below:

Buoyancy check of underground foundations shall be performed during construction phase.

3.4 FOUNDATIONS ON HARD GROUND, ROCK, OR CEMENTED SOILS

3.4.2 Bearing Capacity of Rock or Cemented Soil

i. Rock Mechanics parameter i.e. strength of rock materials

ii. Rock Mass Geometry i.e. joints, faults and heterogeneities

iii. All possible failure modes due to above conditions

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4.0 DEEP FOUNDATIONS

4.2 PILE DESIGN

4.2.2 Structural Pile Capacity

4.2.3 Pile working load

4.2.4 Pile spacing, length and size.

4.2.5 Negative skin friction

150.5.65.197 [email protected] [email protected] 07/21/2021 04:14:59 GMT

The calculation shall take into account:

ii. Maximum weight causing the soil settlement

4.2.6 Pile Settlements