Concrete Foundation as per SAES-Q-006 – Civil QC Notes Part-3

This article is about specific construction guidelines and standards for concrete foundations under SAES-Q-005. It is useful for those qc engineers who want to get job in aramco projects and other international projects as civil qc engineer or inspector.

Concrete Foundation Requirements (SAES-Q-005)

Height Above Grade:

• Top of concrete must be a minimum of 150 mm above the finished grade.
• Exception: This doesn’t apply to instrument stand pipes or pedestals inside buildings not subjected to wash-down water.

Compressive Strength:

• Design concrete must have a compressive strength of 27.6 MPa (4000 psi) at 28 days.

1. Non-shrink Grout:

• Must comply with SAES-Q-010.
• Minimum thickness of grout shall be 25 mm.

1. Placement Over Underground Items:

• Foundations should not exert pressure on underground piping, telecommunications, or electrical items without prior approval by the Supervisor.

Installation of Precast Foundations:

• Option 1: A 50 mm lean concrete seal slab can be placed in the excavation before placing the precast foundation.
• Option 2: A layer of clean, leveled sand not more than 50 mm thick and a 0.15 mm plasticized sheet vapor barrier can be placed beneath the foundation.

Anchor Bolts and Embedded Items:

1. Minimum Diameter:

• Anchor bolt diameter must be at least 20 mm, with exceptions for small equipment and miscellaneous steel items.

1. Clearance:

• Minimum 100 mm clear distance is required from anchor bolts or sleeves to the edge of concrete.

1. Materials and Contacts:

• Metallic sleeves are prohibited.
• Anchor bolts must not be in contact with reinforcing steel.

1. Corrosion Allowance:

• Anchor bolts exposed to specific environmental conditions must have diameters increased by 3 mm and must adhere to the coating required by 12-SAMSS-007.

Implications and Applications:

• These guidelines are critical for ensuring structural integrity, durability, and safety of the foundations and anchored structures.
• The detailed specifications ensure proper installation and long-term performance of concrete foundations, particularly for steel bases supporting various structural and process equipment.
• These stipulations are likely integral in industrial settings, possibly in oil and gas or other heavy industries, where precision, safety, and adherence to standards are paramount.

Implementation:

• Construction engineers, supervisors, and contractors must adhere to these guidelines and standards rigorously during the design and installation phases of concrete foundations and related components. Compliance with these specifications ensures the longevity and safety of the built structures in varied environmental conditions.