: Covers requirements in SAES-A-113/114, and concrete/heavy machinery supports in SAES-Q-005/007/009.
The Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES) for civil engineering provide a comprehensive technical framework for the design, construction, and inspection of civil works to ensure long-term safety and reliability in oil and gas environments. These standards often supplement international codes like those from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) with specific requirements tailored to Saudi Arabia's harsh soil and weather conditions. Core Civil Engineering Standards (SAES) Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards For Civil
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES) for Civil Engineering 000 m² for major structures
The "Q" and "A" series contain the most critical directives for civil and structural works. drainage is a critical
Moreover, drainage is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of these standards. While the region is arid, when rain falls, it often results in flash floods. The SAES civil standards mandate comprehensive stormwater management designs, including culverts and drainage channels capable of handling extreme hydraulic events. This prevents the washout of roadbeds and the flooding of critical facilities, ensuring business continuity even during the rare, intense storms of the Arabian winter.
This is where many foreign contractors fail. The standard requires a minimum of one borehole per 5,000 m² for major structures, with SPT (Standard Penetration Test) intervals every 1.5 meters. Moreover, the lab must test for sulfate and chloride content in the groundwater. If sulfates exceed 1,000 ppm, special concrete mix designs (cathodic protection or coatings) are triggered.