S - 25

STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 25
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

This Specification covers the working procedures, contractual responsibilities and

materials control; pipe jointing, coating and testing; trench excavation, backfilling and
reinstatement and all other matters concerned with the construction of coated and
wrapped welded steel pipelines at various locations on land, in swamps and offshore,
throughout the Company operating areas.
In this Specification reference is also made to Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 20, 21, 23,
27, 29 and 35 of the Standard Construction Specification.

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited

(Second Edition 1982)

(Revision 3 January 1985)

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

INDEX
Page
PART 1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PRELIMINARIES

25.1.1
25.1.2
25.1.3
25.1.4
25.1.5
25.1.6
25.1.7

Scope and Responsibilities

Preliminary Works Along Route of Pipeline
Spread Control
Permits
Temporary Crossings
Location of Existing Services
Requirements for Crossing Existing Services

5
5
5
6
7
7
7

PART 2

MATERIALS SUPPLY, HANDLING, HAULING AND STORAGE

25.2.1
25.2.2
25.2.3
25.2.4
25.2.5
25.2.6
25.2.7
25.2.8
25.2.9

Inspection of Materials Supplied to the Contractor

Materials Documentation
Delay in Provision of Materials
Demurrage
Surplus Materials
Materials Supplied by the Contractor
Pipe Handling
Transport of Materials and Equipment
Stacking and Storage

9
10
10
10
10

PART 3

STRINGING, CUTTING AND BENDING PIPE; FLANGED JOINTS

14

25.3.1
25.3.2
25.3.3
25.3.4
25.3.5

Stringing
Checking and Cleanliness of Pipes and Fittings
Cutting of Pipe Lengths
Transition Pieces
Bends and Field Bending

14
14
14
15
15

11
11
12
12

25.3.6

Flanges and Flanged Joints

16

PART 4

COATING, WELDING, INSPECTION AND TESTING

17

25.4.1
25.4.2
25.4.3
25.4.4
25.4.5

Coating and Wrapping

Double Coating and Wrapping Locations
Inspection of Coated Pipe and Fittings
Welding and Inspection
Testing

17
17
18
19
20

PART 5

EXCAVATION, DITCHING, LOWER AND LAY

25.5.1
25.5.2
25.5.3
25.5.4
25.5.5
25.5.6
25.5.7
25.5.8
25.5.9

Grading and Surface Stripping

Trench Excavation (Ditching)
Pipe Cover Allowances
Limitation of Open Trench
Earth Spoil Bank
Excavation in Rock
Blasting
Pipe Trench Preparation for Lowering-In
Lowering-In the Pipe

21
21
22
23
23
23
24
24
24

PART 6

BACKFILL AND REINSTATEMENT

26

25.6.1
25.6.2
25.6.3
25.6.4
25.6.5
25.6.6
25.6.7
25.6.8
25.6.9
25.6.10

Preliminary Backfill - Soft Surround

Backfilling - Generally
Backfill in Irrigation and Drainage Areas
Reinforcement of Backfill
Support Against Settlement
General Reinstatement
Reinstatement of Cultivated Land or Grassland
Reinstatement of Roads and Highways
Reinstatement of Storage Areas, Working Areas and Accesses
Renewal of Fences, Walls and Boundaries

26

PART 7

ROAD AND RAIL CROSSINGS

32

25.7.1

General

32

25.7.2
25.7.3
25.7.4

Bored Cased Crossings

Open-cut Road Crossings
Signs and Markers

32
33
34

PART 8

MARSH AND SWAMP AREAS

35

25.8.1

General

35

21

26
27
28
28
28
29
29
31
31

25.8.2

Minimum Clearances Between Lines

35

25.8.3
25.8.4
25.8.5
25.8.6
25.8.7
25.8.8
25.8.9

Depth of Cover
Concrete Sheathing of Pipes and Repairs
Handling, Transportation and Stacking of Pipes
Joints in Pipe Coating and Sheathing
Excavation of Pipe Trench
Lowering or Sinking Pipe into Trench
Backfilling - Tracked Equipment

36
36
37
38
37
39
39

PART 9

WATER CROSSINGS

40

25.9.1
25.9.2
25.9.3
25.9.4
25.9.5
25.9.6
25.9.7
25.9.8
25.9.9
25.9.10

General
Minimum Clearances Between Lines
Depth of Crossings and Cover
Surveying the Crossing
Excavating the Pipe Trench
Pressure Testing Pipe Before Launching
Sinking Pipe Into the Trench
Care of Pipe and Coating
Backfill and Reinstatement of Crossings
Signboards and Markers

40
41
41
42
43
43
43
44
44
45

PART 10

OFFSHORE WORKS

46

25.10.1
25.10.2
25.10.3
25.10.4

General
Down-Time
Pipe Trenching (Ditching)
Limiting Bending Stresses

46
46
46
47

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PRELIMINARIES

25.1.1

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This Section of the Standard Construction Specifications covers the working
procedures, contractual responsibilities and materials control; jointing, coating and
testing; trench excavation, backfilling and reinstatement and all other matters concerned
with the construction of coated and wrapped welded steel pipelines on land, in swamps
and offshore.
The general obligations and responsibilities. placed on the Contractor are covered by
Standard Construction Specification Section 1 (General Requirements).
Several other Sections of the Standard Construction Specifications are referred to herein
and these shall apply except where superseded by the particular requirements in this
Specification.
The Works shall include all items and matters which are described, drawn or implied by
the Contract Documents and/or Drawings. All matters omitted from the said
Documents or Drawings which are obviously necessary for the proper installation,
stability and safety of the Works shall be deemed to be included in the Contract.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the collection, loading, transportation,
unloading, handling, storage, installation and all other actions necessary to complete the
Works.
The Contractor shall provide access and assistance to all Company Representatives and
Inspectors concerned with the Works, as specified in Section S-1 (General Requirements.) and shall strictly conform with all the requirements of Section S-35
(Safety).

25.1 .2

PRELIMINARY WORKS ALONG ROUTE OF PIPELINE

The Contractor shall not enter upon any land for setting out, clearing and establishing
the right-of-way without the written permission of the Company Representative.

All preliminary works concerned with fencing and clearing the pipeline right-of-way
and construction and storage areas; use of access roads; grading and surface stripping
shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant parts of- the following Standard
Construction Specifications:
Section 2 - (Right of Way and Access Roads)
Section 3 - (Clearing, Grading and Surface Stripping)
Section 4 - (Earthwork at Construction Sites)
25.1.3

SPREAD CONTROL
The Contractor shall organise all stages of the construction works so as to cause the
minimum amount of disturbance to land occupiers and the general public. If in the
opinion of the Company Representative, the various construction activities become
spread over distances greater than those deemed advisable for the efficient execution
and inspection of the Works, with regard to the welfare and adequate protection of land
occupiers and the general public, the Company may require the Contractor to reduce the
work spread and take such other remedial actions as the Company Representative
considers necessary.
Acceptable lengths of construction spreads for differing environmental areas are
considered to be:
-

Built-up and urban areas

Swamp areas
Open country and farmland

300 metres
2000 metres
14000 metres

The length of the work spread shall be subject to constant review by the Company
Representative and the Contractor shall make any changes required by the Company at
no additional cost to the Contract.
The Contractor shall co-operate with the Company Representative at all times
concerning the maximum length of spread. Due allowances shall be deemed to have
been made in the Contract Price for spread restrictions which may be required by local
authorities, in particular in the urban areas. The Company Representative shall interpret
these requirements and the Contractor shall make every reasonable effort to comply.
The limit to working length does not necessarily include crossings, valve sites, rock
excavation or similar works which may be undertaken as separate operations by prior
agreement with the Company Representative.
25.1 .4

PERMITS

The Contractor shall secure, without cost to the Company, any official permits
(including permits necessary for the transportation of pipe and other materials),
licences, or authorizations that may be necessary In connection with all construction
operations-hereunder, other than the usual pipeline right-of-way grants or easements
and railroad, highway, river or other crossing permits on the right-of-way, which the
Company shall secure beforehand. Railroad, highway, and river crossing permits for
the pipeline, as obtained by the Company, do not necessarily cover the general
movement of materials and equipment across such transportation routes.
25.1.5

TEMPORARY CROSSINGS
The Contractor shall provide and maintain suitable crossings over the pipeline right-ofway where required by property owners to allow free movement of livestock and
equipment at all times throughout the construction period.

25.1.6

LOCATION OF EXISTING SERVICES

The Contractor shall locate all existing services in the right-of-way in accordance with
Section 3 of the Standard Specifications.
No welding shall be undertaken on the pipeline within 1 metre of any existing pipeline
unless specifically agreed in writing by the Company or other pipeline operating
authority concerned.

25.1.7

REQUIREMENTS FOR CROSSING EXISTING SERVICES

The Contractor shall comply with all of the requirements and restrictions for crossing
(or working in close proximity to) other services which might be imposed by the
respection owner or operating authority. Restrictions imposed by the authorities
concerned shall include but not necessarily be limited to the following:(a)
Compliance with all written instructions issued by the Property Owner's or
Statutory Authority's Representative.
(b)

Carrying out excavation work by hand wherever so directed.

(c)

Compliance with all requirements for driving of sheet, piles.

(d)

Providing all temporary supports and protection.

(e)

Compliance with all special restrictions concerning vehicles, plant and

machinery which need to stand, operate or travel in close proximity to
existing services and property.

(f)

Assisting the relevant Authority to locate all of its existing services

within the work area and at entrances to the Site and arranging for a

Representative of the Authority to be in attendance whilst work is being

undertaken in the vicinity of the Authority's services.
(g)

Compliance with all safety requirements in respect of fire or explosion.

(h)

Compliance with the specified clearance distances between existing

services and the new pipeline.

It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to obtain and complete all official forms for
entering onto the various Authorities' properties for the Company's staff and the
Contractor's staff. The Contractor shall, ensure that such forms are valid for the duration
of the Contract and Maintenance Period and copies of same shall be provided to the
Company Representative.
No work shall commence at any crossing until all requirements in respect of
Indemnities, Bonds and Agreements have been secured and all official forms duly
stamped, signed and authenticated.

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 2

MATERIALS SUPPLY, HANDLING, HAULING AND STORAGE

25.2.1

INSPECTION OF MATERIALS SUPPLIED TO THE CONTRACTOR

All pipes, valves, fittings and other material required for the execution of the Works
shall be inspected by the Contractor and the Company Representative at the place of
storage. Defective pipes or pipes on which the wrapping has been damaged shall not be
removed from the store without the written approval of the Company Representative,
and even then only after the extent-of damage has been recorded.
All pipe and materials considered defective shall be carefully placed on one side and
only when the storage area is Sufficiently clear of materials shall the Contractor, on
receipt of written instructions from the Company Representative, proceed with any
repair works. Repairs to damaged materials shall be undertaken in accordance with the
schedule of priced rates specified in the Contract Documents and these rates shall
include for all double handling and inci?>dentials and for completing the repairs during
the normal working hours at the place of storage.
The Contractor shall be held responsible for all damage to; materials other than that
recorded at the time of acceptance and shall make good, to the satisfaction of the
Company Representative, all damage to materials which has been incurred or
discovered subsequent to removal of such materials from the storage area. Damage to
the coating and wrapping of pipes, bends and fittings shall be repaired in accordance
with the requirements of Standard Specifications S-23 and S-10.
In the case of linepipe to be supplied yard-coated and which is to be collected by the
Contractor directly from the coating yard, it shall be Contractor's responsibility to
inspect the coated pipe for any damage at point of collection and to reject any defective
items. The Contractor shall immediately advise the Company Representative of such
rejection, giving full details of the items and defects concerned.
Upon receiving any Company-supplied materials, the Contractor shall provide the
Company Representative with two copies of a receipt on which shall be entered the
descriptions and quantities of goods received and full details of any visual damage or
defects.

No pipes or other materials which have not been carefully inspected and any damage or
defects made good, shall be incorporated into the Construction Works.
The Contractor shall ensure that the progress of the Works is not delayed as a result of
his failure to allow sufficient time for the repairs to be completed.
25.2.2

MATERIALS DOCUMENTATION
All materials, whether supplied by the Company or by the Contractor, shall be subject
to a proper stores documentation procedure (as drawn up by the Contractor and
approved by the Company Representative) affording security for the materials and
providing permanent records of all receipts and issues.

25.2.3

DELAY IN PROVISION OF MATERIALS

The Contractor shall give notice in writing of any delay in the supply of those materials
listed as supplied by the Company, at the commencement of such delay, and shall
provide the Company Representative with daily records of all plant and labour affected
by the shortage or late delivery of such materials.

25.2.4

DEMURRAGE
The Company will notify the Contractor of the expected dates and times of arrival of
consignments of material at specified delivery points.
The Contractor shall protect and idemnify the Company against any charges or losses
for demurrage, shortage, or other charges relating to the Contractor's failure to promptly
and efficiently unload or take delivery of materials. If at any time, loads of pipe, valves,
or other materials are diverted or shipped to points other than original destinations at the
request of (or for the convenience of) the Contractor, the expenses of such diversion and
any consequent or subsequent increased transport costs shall be borne by the Contractor.

25.2.5

SURPLUS MATERIALS
During the progress of the Works, surplus pipes and other materials shall be returned to
the Contractor's storage area.
Materials of differing specifications shall be clearly identified and stored separately.
Where pipes are cut, all pieces shall be clearly marked with the original pipe serial
number.
Re-bevelling of surplus pipe shall be carried out as directed by the Company
Representative, using an approved machine. All scrap shall be stacked separately.
Removal of surplus pipes and other materials from the storage sites shall be carried out
only on the written instructions of the Company Representative.

10

Any materials supplied by the Company to the Contractor which are neither
incorporated in the Works nor returned to the Company Stores shall be charged to the
Contractor at cost of the materials at Site. Any materials supplied by the Company to
the Contractor which are not incorporated in the Works and which are no longer
suitable for re-use by the Company, due to deterioration caused by the Contractor's.,
neglect, shall not be returned to the Company Stores and shall be charged to the
Contractor at cost of the materials at Site. The Company Representative may also direct
that quantities of Company supplied materials which have been used by the Contractor
appreciably in excess of the design requirements or reasonable expected requirements
for completing the Construction Works shall also be charged to the Contractor.

25.2.6

MATERIALS SUPPLIED BY THE CONTRACTOR

The Contractor shall supply (to manufacturing specifications issued or agreed by the
Company) all materials required for the construction of the Works other than those set
out in the Contract Documents as being supplied by the Company. The cost of all such
materials supplied for the Construction Works shall be included in the Contract Price.

25.2.7

PIPE HANDLING
The Contractor shall provide and maintain all necessary slings and lifting equipment
suitable for properly handling pipes, to the approval of the Company Representative.
a)

Pipes- Generally

Pipes shall not be subjected to jars or impacts and shall be lifted or lowered from one
level to another. For pipes 6-ins (150mm) or more in diameter, special end hooks,
curved to fit the inside of the pipe ends shall be used for lifting. In the case of pipes
having end caps, band slings shall be used. Punching of end caps shall not be
permitted. Pipes shall be lowered into position in single lengths without dropping, and
each length shall nest evenly with the lengths previously stacked or loaded.
b)

Coated and Wrapped-Pipe

Coated and wrapped pipe shall be handled at all times with approved rubber-covered
broad band slings or other equipment designed to prevent damage to the coating and
wrapping. All such equipment shall be kept in good order and repair or otherwise
removed from the worksite. The use of tongs, grabs, crowbars, chain slings, wire-rope
and rope slings (of any sort), narrow or defective belt slings, or any other handling
equipment which may be injurious to the pipe coating and wrapping, shall not be
permitted. All joints and sections of coated and wrapped pipe shall be picked up clear
of the ground and not dragged over the ground. Coated pipe shall not be subjected to
jarring impact and shall be set down on well padded skids. Walking on coated pipe
shall not be permitted. The requirements of Part 9 of Standard Specification

11

S-23 shall also apply to the handling, loading, transportation and stockpiling of coated
and wrapped pipes.

25.2.8

TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall load/unload and haul all materials, supplies, machinery and
equipment to be used for the construction of the pipeline, from delivery points to and
from field stores and to points along the right-of-way where all such items are to be
used, whether the items are furnished by the Company or the Contractor.
Loading, hauling, and unloading shall be performed in such a manner as to prevent
damage to pipe and other materials; and, if any pipe or materials do sustain damage, the
Contractor shall be responsible for all repair work and/or replacement costs.
Line pipe and all other materials shall be transported by vehicles in a manner approved
by the company Representative. When pipe is being transported, the bottom layer shall
be carried in shaped cradles, lined with protective rubber or similar approved padding,
as detailed for storage and stacking at Clause 25.2.9. Subsequent layers of pipe shall be
suitably padded in nesting on the previously loaded layer of pipe. The height of the
stack on the vehicle shall not exceed the limits detailed in Part 9 of Standard
Specification S-23.
On completion of loading, pipes and all other items shall be adequately secured in such
a manner as to prevent damage to the pipe coating and wrapping during transportation.
No extra charges will be considered in respect of the transportation and handling of
bends, tees or any other items on account of their awkward shape and the provision of
any special supports and padding required to safeguard the coating and wrapping of
such items.
The Contractor shall be liable for any damage to roads, bridges, culverts, kerbs and
ditches, etc. as caused by his transport of materials and equipment.

25.2.9

STACKING AND STORAGE

In order to prevent damage to the protective coating, coated and wrapped pipes and
specials shall not be placed on the ground but set down on timbers not less than 230mm
wide and 50mm thick, with approved soft padding and wedges. The padding shall
overhang the width of the timbers by not less than 25mm each side, and have a
minimum thickness of 50mm before load compression. The timbers, padding and
wedges shall be provided and placed by the Contractor. When stacking is necessary, the
height of the stack shall not exceed the limits detailed in Part 9 of Standard
Specification S-23.

12

Bends, valves and other fittings and materials for pipeline construction shall be stored
in a manner approved by the Company Representative.
Any hay or straw or other combustible material which has been used for packaging
purposes shall be promptly removed from the Site by the Contractor. No waste
packaging materials shall be burnt on the Site.

13

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 3

STRINGING, CUTTING AND BENDING PIPE; FLANGED JOINTS

25.3.1

STRINGING
The Contractor shall offload and string pipes along the route of the pipeline using
suitable approved plant. Pipes shall be strung out so as to cause the least practicable
interference with the use of the land, and at intervals gaps shall be left between pipes as
directed to permit the passage of stock and equipment across the right-of-way.
Coated and wrapped pipes and fittings shall not be sit down on the ground but placed on
well padded timbers provided by the Contractor, all as specified in Clause 25.2.9. The
pipes and specials shall at all times be adequately supported by the full effective width
of the padded timbers, so as to ensure no indentation of the pipe coating and wrapping
material.

25.3.2

CHECKING AND CLEANLINESS OF PIPES AND FITTINGS

The inside of every pipe and fitting shall be individually checked by the Contractor for
cleanliness prior to lining up and jointing. All shot or grit left in the pipes as a result of
blast cleaning work and all extraneous matter shall be removed by swabbing out with an
approved form of pull-through and then blowing through with compressed air, using a
long lance with radial jet type cleaning nozzle. Pipeline numbering labels shall be
removed from inside the pipes, but only after the Contractor has recorded the relevant
information in his field records of materials and welding operations. Protection to the
ends of pipes shall be-replaced and retained in position as long as practicable before
jointing.
The pipeline shall at all times be kept free of dirt and extraneous material and when
work is not actually in progress, all open ends of the pipeline shall be closed with an
approved cap or plug, securely fixed to resist unauthorised removal.

2 5.3 .3

CUTTING OF PIPE LENGTHS

Short lengths of pipe required for tie-ins or matching pieces known as 'pups' shall be cut
from those lengths of specially 'sized' pipe (of closely controlled uniform diameter)
which may be provided for this purpose. The minimum length of any cut length or 'pup'
shall be twice the outside diameter of the pipe or 0.6 metre, whichever is the greater. All

14

cutting shall be performed by an approved pipe cutter or thermal cutting and bevelling
machine. Manual cutting will not be permitted.
The Contractor shall carefully remove sufficient wrapping to allow for the cutting of
pipes and their. subsequent welding and re-wrapping in accordance with the Sections 10
and 21 of the Standard Specifications.
25.3.4

TRANSITION PIECES
Where transition pieces are not provided by' the Company as part of the Companysupplied materials, the Contractor shall manufacture (from the pipe supplied) a
sufficient number of machined transition pieces for the locations where the pipeline
changes in wall thickness, as required by the pipeline design. The transition shall be
effective in the bore of the pipe at an angle of 14' as detailed in the Welding
Specification (S-21).
Any additional expenses incurred in making the transition pieces, or for their inclusion
in the pipeline, shall be borne by the Contractor.

25.3.5

BENDS AND FIELD BENDING

Factory made hot-formed bends shall be supplied where indicated on the Drawings. The
Contractor shall not use a field bend where a hot-formed bend is shown or implied by
the Drawings or Contract Specification.
Field bends shall be formed only with the permission of the Company Representative,
using selected lengths of undamaged pipe of specified tensile strength and wall
thickness. Field bends shall be cold-formed on a proper field bending machine, using
an internal mandrel .The pipe shall be bent to a radius not less than that specified in the
approved Construction Drawings and in such a manner as to ensure that a tangential
length of not less than 1.2 metres of straight pipe is maintained on each side of the bent
portion.
All field bends shall be of constant radius, uniformly circular in section and free from
buckling, wrinkling, flattening cracks or any other defect or damage. The pipe diameter
shall not be reduced at any point by more than 2 1/2 per cent of the nominal diameter
and the completed bend shall pass the specified gauging pig. Test bends shall be made
to establish that the proposed field bending procedure meets the above requirements.
One test bend for each pipe size and wall thickness shall be checked ultrasonically and
the wall thickness on the outside of the bend shall not be less than 95% of the average
wall thickness before bending. The field bending procedure shall be amended as
directed or agreed by the Company Representative if the above requirements cannot be
met, and the bending radius shall be increased until satisfactory bends are produced.
All costs which may be incurred in order to achieve satisfactory field bends shall be
borne by the Contractor.

15

All field bends shall be proved in the presence of the Company Representative with a
gauging pig or device fitted with a circular plate not less than 97% of the internal
diameter of the pipe before bending.
All bends and other special pipes shall have the coating made good or replaced in
accordance with the coating and wrapping specifications detailed in Standard
Construction Specification Sections S-10 and S-23.
25.3.6

FLANGES AND FLANGED JOINTS

All flanges and blank flanges required for the Contract shall comply in all respects with
ANSI B16.5 and the Approved Working Drawings and Schedules and shall be fitted in
accordance with ANSI/ASME B31.4 or
B31 .8 (as applicable) and the Approved Drawings and with Clause 24.11.3 of Standard
Construction Specification S-24.
Flanges shall be set square to the end of the pipe with the bolt holes correctly offset
from the horizontal and vertical centre lines, to ensure correct alignment of adjacent
components in the pipeline. . Flanges of adjoining components shall be aligned so that
the mating faces are parallel.
Bolts and gaskets shall be kept in an orderly manner by the Contractor who shall ensure
that the correct bolts and gaskets are used at each joint. The Company will not accept
any claims for the replacement or cost of bolts and gaskets mislaid or lost by the
Contractor, or allowed to become unserviceable through neglect.
The use of bolts, studs, nuts and washers and the making of flanged joints shall be in
accordance with Clauses 24.11.3 and 24.11.4 of Section 24 of the Standard
Specifications.

16

SECTION 25 PIPEL1NE CONSTRUCTION

PART 4

COATING, WELDING, INSPECTION AND TESTING

25.4.1

COATING AND WRAPPING

All straight pipe supplied by the Company or by the Contractor for buried pipelines
shall be coated and wrapped in a specialised coating yard in accordance with Section 23
of the Standard Construction Specifications. Pre coated pipe which has been double
wrapped shall be clearly identifiable from single wrapped pipe, using agreed colour
bands.
Where coating and wrapping materials are not supplied by the Company, the Contractor
shall provide the necessary materials, all materials being subject to approval by the
Company.
All coating and wrapping work in connection with field joint coating, the repair of
damaged coating, the coating of bare factory-made bends, field bends, transition pieces,
valve bodies or any other items to be buried in the ground shall be carried out by the
Contractor in accordance with Standard Specifications S-10 and S-23.
In the case of valves, flanges and other protuberant or, irregularly shaped items in the
pipeline, approved mastic compound shall be used to fill indentations and to blend
protrusions so that a smooth rounded profile is obtained. In the case of tape-wrapping,
the tape width shall be sufficiently narrow to allow the item to be wrapped without
kinking or buckling of the tape.

25.4.2

DOUBLE COATING AND WRAPPING LOCATIONS

At locations shown or specified in the Approved Working Drawings or as instructed by
the Company Representative, the Contractor shall install pipeline sections with a double
or triple coating and wrapping. The methods of applying the double or triple coat and
wrap are described in Standard Specification Sections S-23 and S-10.
The coating and wrapping at these locations shall normally be of the same material as
the remainder of the pipeline coating, unless otherwise specified.

17

The locations where a double (or triple) coating and wrapping is required are generally
as follows:(a)

At all vehicular road or track crossings where a sleeved crossing is not

specified.

(b)
At all crossings with other pipelines. At these locations the double wrap shall
be extended 6 metres on each side of the crossing. The
existing pipeline being
crossed shall also be over-wrapped, using an approved cold applied tape as specified.
(c)
At all river or creek crossings or wet swamp areas where concrete coating
not specified.

25.4.3

(d)

At all locations where the pipeline passes through a sleeved pipe crossing.

(e)

At all points where anchor weights may be installed on the pipeline.

is

INSPECTION OF COATED PIPE AND FITTINGS

The inspection requirements of Standard Specification S-10 shall also apply to the
inspection of all coated pipe and fittings before installation.
The Contractor shall furnish and operate approved high-tension electric holiday
detectors with ring (rolling spring type) and brush electrodes which shall be passed over
all coated surfaces of pipes and fittings in the line.
The Contractor shall also supply, for the duration of the contract, two high-tension
electric holiday detectors of approved type with spare batteries and electrodes
(rollingspring and brush types) for the exclusive use of the Company's Inspectors.
Holiday detectors shall have a range 2-20 kV and incorporate a voltage control and
voltage indicator and be provided with a trailing earth and an audible and visual signal
to operate when faults are detected.
For straight pipes, they shall normally be used in conjunction with rolling-spring type
electrodes. A brush-type electrode shall be available at all times and utilised when the
use of the rolling-spring electrode is not practicable.
Detailed requirements concerning the usage of holiday detectors on Site are given in
Standard Specification S-10.
The operating voltage for holiday detection shall be determined and set by the following
method:a)

A pit gauge shall be used to confirm a satisfactory area of coating thickness.

18

b)
A piece of impregnated outer wrap shall be laid over the hole (holiday) made by
the point of the pit gauge in the selected area.
c)
The holiday detector brush or ring shall be passed over the piece of
wrap and the voltage output progressively increased to the level
where a
fault is indicated at the indentation in the pipe coating.

outer
holiday

The holiday detector shall thereafter be operated at this voltage for coating applied to
the thickness tested. The same procedure shall be followed for determining operating
voltages for other coating thicknesses.
During testing, the electrode shall not be kept over the holiday for longer than is
necessary to confirm the fault.
The Contractor shall provide any labour and assistance which may be required by the
Company's Representative and Inspection Staff in the inspection of coated pipe and
fittings.
Holiday detection shall be carried out only in dry weather conditions as approved by the
Company Representative. The Contractor shall make provision in his Contract price for
possible down time due to delay caused by adverse climatic conditions.
The Contractor shall, for any, pipe removed from the storage yard, make good all
defects in the coating and wrapping in the specified manner. Placing pipes in the trench
shall not proceed until coating/wrapping repairs and final holiday inspections have been
completed to the approval of the Company Representative. Allowance shall be made
for this in the timing of the work.
The Company Representative may for the purpose of inspection, remove or cause to be
removed any area of coating and wrapping which has been applied by the Contractor,
and the Contractor shall make good any such area after inspection. If in the opinion of
the Company Representative such removal has revealed any defective workmanship, the
making good shall be at the cost of the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide all
labour and facilities required by the Company Representative and Inspection Staff for
carrying out these inspections.

25.4.4

WELDING AND INSPECTION

All welding will be in accordance with Section 21 of the Standard Construction
Specifications.
Radiographic inspection of the welding, shall be performed in accordance with Section
20 of the Standard Specifications.

19

The Company will normally appoint a third-party specialist Inspection Authority to

carry out weld inspection and radiographic interpretation services.
The Contractor shall -co-operate fully with the Inspection Authority and provide the
following information and services, or any other assistance that the Company or the
Inspection Authority may reasonably require:(a)
Keeping inspection personnel informed of his daily schedule for welding and
subsequent operations, particularly with regard to tie-ins and welds
not in the
main active work areas.
(b)
Making such welds fully accessible by maintaining access roads and the rightof-way in a proper suitable condition for use by the Inspection
Authority's vehicles
and, where necessary, providing suitable transport and/or towing facilities for the
Inspection Authority's personnel and vehicles.
(c)

25.4.5

Providing space and enclosures for inspection equipment, supplies and

(where specified) for the development and processing of radiography films.

TESTING
Hydrostatic testing of the pipeline shall be carried out by the Contractor or other
appointed specialist testing contractor, in accordance with Section 29 of the Standard
Specifications.

20

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 5

EXCAVATION, DITCHING, LOWER AND LAY

25.5.1

GRADING AND SURFACE STRIPPING

Grading and surface stripping in the right-of-way of the pipeline shall be carried out in
accordance with Part 2 of Standard Construction Specification Section 3. The topsoil
shall be taken off and segregated from the subsoil during trench excavation and
subsequently replaced last, after the back-fill operation.

25.5.2

TRENCH EXCAVATION (DITCHING)

The pipe trench (ditch) shall be carefully excavated so that pipes are evenly bedded
throughout their length. The pipeline shall be laid to ground contour at the specified
minimum cover, except where shown otherwise on the Contract Drawings or where
specifically directed by the Company Representative. Minor variations in ground
surface contour shall be removed or disregarded in the trench excavation, so as to obtain
a smooth profile for the pipeline. The trench width shall be at least 30 cms more than
the outside diameter of the coated and wrapped pipe.
The pipe trench shall be excavated along the staked line of alignment but where there is
a change in direction, the trench shall be curved to accommodate the specified radius of
the pipe bend. A clearance must be maintained between each side of the bend and the
trench walls.
Trench excavation shall generally be carried out by machine, although the Company
reserves the right to order that any section(s) shall be hand-dug. The Company will
restrict its requirements for hand excavation to a minimum, however, and wherever
possible will notify the Contractor in advance of construction of such requirements.
In cases where excavation by the use of mechanical ditching or excavation equipment is
unsuitable or hazardous in the existing ground conditions, or may cause damage to other
property or existing facilities, the Company will require the pipe trench to be excavated
by hand and/or accompanied by special procedures (e.g. the installation of sheet-pilling
or timbering for retaining the side walls) and in such event the work shall be done by
the Contractor at no additional cost to the Company.

21

The finished trench shall be free of roots, stones, rocks or other hard objects which may
damage the pipe or pipe coating. Provision shall be made for dewatering, as may be
required.
Where the trench has been over-excavated to a depth significantly greater than that
required in the Specification or Approved Working Drawings, or that required for
obtaining a smooth profile, the Contractor shall fill in the bottom of the trench to such a
depth and with such materials and degree of consolidation as the Company
Representative may direct.
Where the pipe is not laid to the required depth and has to be lowered, it shall be
completely removed from the trench before the additional excavation work is carried
out.
No spans except those specifically shown on the Approved Working Drawings shall be
permitted.
25.5.3

PIPE COVER ALLOWANCES

The pipe trench shall be excavated to sufficient depth to provide the specified cover,
allowing extra depth for any soft padding required beneath the pipe. At points where
work on the installed pipe is to be performed later (as for example, at a tie-in) sufficient,
extra excavation shall be made so that welding and other work can be performed
satisfactorily around the pipe in the trench.
(a)

Land Lines
Flowlines on land shall not be buried.
Trunk and delivery pipelines on land, unless otherwise specified, shall have a
minimum cover from the top of the pipe to the ground level of 90 cms. The
minimum cover within 15.0 metres of any private dwelling, industrial building
or place of public assembly, in which persons work or congregate or assemble,
shall be 122 cms unless otherwise specified.
For depth of cover at trench excavations in rock, refer to Clause 25.5.6
hereafter.

(b)

Swamp Lines

Unless otherwise specified, the cover from the top of the pipe to
mud or ground level shall not be less than 60 cms.

consolidated

Extra depth cover shall be provided as required at various locations and

situations, at no extra cost. These shall include (but not be limited to) crossings
of road and railway lines, rivers and foreign services, as shown on the Working

22

Drawings. Such crossings are dealt with more particularly in Part 7 of this
Specification but the overruling, requirements may be determined by the
particular Construction Permit for the crossing concerned.
25.5.4

LIMITATION OF OPEN TRENCH

In order to reduce the hazard of long lengths of open trench excavation and avoid the
risk of problems and additional work caused by earth slips and falls in rainy weather,
the Contractor shall plan his construction programme and excavating operations so that
the trench does not remain open for an extended period of time (see Clause 25.1.3 Spread Control).

25.5.5

EARTH SPOIL BANK

The bank of earth spoil produced by pipe trench excavation shall not be contaminated
unnecessarily by organic and other foreign materials that would produce an
unsatisfactory backfill. The Contractor shall make gaps in the spoil bank so that rainfall
will not cause water to accumulate and flood adjacent cultivated fields.

25.5.6

EXCAVATIONS IN ROCK
The term 'Rock' shall be deemed to include any hard compact material (other than
concreted or paved surfaces of roadways, etc) which in the opinion of the Company
Representative, cannot be removed by mechanical excavators, rippers or manual means
and therefore requires the use of pneumatic drills or rock breakers', rock cutting
machines or blasting.
All excavation in rock, as indicated in the Contract Documents or Working Drawings,
shall be deemed to be included in the Contract Price.
If rock is found between the surface and 50 cms below the surface, the depth of cover
over the top of the pipeline shall be a minimum of 60 cms.
If rock is found more than 50 cms below the surface, the depth of cover to the pipeline
shall be the distance between the surface and the rock level plus 10 cms, up to a
maximum cover of 90 cms.
The minimum cover through rock in industrial, commercial, and residential areas shall
be 76 cms.
Where the bottom of the pipe trench is in rock, or has hard protrusions capable of
damaging the pipe coating, the bottom of the trench shall be excavated for a further 15
cms across the full width, so as to accommodate the necessary thickness of soft padding
material . The trench shall be of sufficient depth to accommodate the soft padding, pipe
and specified cover.

23

25.5.7

BLASTING
Rock blasting may only be carried out by the Contractor with the written approval of the
Company and after obtaining from the Local, State and Federal Police and Army
Authorities, all permissions, licences, permits and certificates necessary for the use of
blasting explosives.
The use of explosives for rock excavation shall be in accordance with the requirements
and restrictions set out in Part I of Section 3 of the Standard Construction
Specifications.
Care must be exercised by the Contractor to prevent damage to underground structures,
drains, conduits, pipelines, power cables and telephone cables.
The Contractor shall blanket blasts to prevent damage to pipe and equipment, or nearby
structures, telephone and telegraph lines, power lines, etc. If, during blasting,
operations, loose rock is scattered over the right-of-way or adjacent property, the
Contractor shall collect up such rock and dispose of it to the satisfaction of the
Company and the landowner and his tenants, at no extra cost to the Company.
Damage caused by blasting shall be paid for by the Contractor, whether caused by the
Contractor, his sub-contractors, employees, or agents.

25.5.8

PIPE TRENCH PREPARATION FOR LOWERING-IN

All timber, sticks, stones, hard clods of earth, projecting rocks and other hard objects
shall be removed from the bottom of the trench into which the coated and wrapped
pipeline is to be lowered.
A slight additional localised excavation shall be made at the point where the pipe is
supported by a band sling, to permit removal of the band sling without damage to the
protective coating of the pipe.
Wherever the bottom of the trench comprises rock or hard material which might
damage the protective coating, the bottom of the trench shall be padded with sand or
other approved backfill material free of hard objects that might damage the pipe
coating. A layer at least 15 cms thick of soft padding material shall be provided so as to
well cover all projections in the trench bottom.

25.5.9

LOWERING-IN THE PIPE

24

No pipe shall be lowered into the trench without the agreement and approval of the
Company Representative and lowering-in shall always be carried out in the presence of
the Company Representative or Inspector.
The handling and lowering of coated and wrapped pipe into the trench shall be carried
out by, a method previously approved by the Company before commencement of the
work and shall take place as soon as possible after the trench has been prepared and the
coating and wrapping on the pipe finally made good and re-tested. During the loweringin operation, special care shall be taken to ensure that the pipe coating sustains no
damage and that the pipe is not overstressed. Holiday detection tests on the pipe coating
shall be performed throughout, and any damage to the coating and wrapping found or
indicated during the lowering-in operation shall be rectified before the operation is
completed.
Coated pipe shall be handled with rubber-covered broad-band slings suitable for the
particular pipe diameter. Slings shall be constructed so that they can be removed from
under the pipe without dragging any metal parts against the pipe coating. The lifting
eye and attachment bar at each end of' the sling band shall be of the same (or less)
thickness as the sling band, so as to facilitate withdrawal. The trench bottom shall also
be relieved beneath the sling to prevent pinching of the sling band and further facilitate
its withdrawal.
Alternatively the pipe may be cradled into the prepared trench, providing that the
cradles do not cut, deform or otherwise damage the pipe coating.
Where the pipe trench excavation has been carried out in rock or stony conditions,
protective shields of impregnated asbestos (Rockshield or similar approved material)
shall be placed along the trench walls, as approved or directed by the Company
Representative, so as to prevent damage to the pipe coating during lowering-in
operations. These shields shall be removed only after the pipe is in place and subject to
no further movement.

25

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 6

BACKFILLING AND REINSTATEMENT

25.6.1

PRELIMINARY BACKFILL SOFT SURROUND

Before any backfilling is started, the Company Representative shall be notified and shall
be satisfied that the pipe is evenly bedded upon the bottom of the trench throughout its
length.
Wheresoever approved by the Company Representative, the best of the excavated
material (other than topsoil or surface materials) shall then be used as soft surround for
the installed pipe. This material shall be specially selected (and sieved if necessary) so
as to be free of stones, pieces of-rock, timber, sticks, roots, rubbish, debris and any
other material which might possibly damage the pipe coating and/or initiate corrosion. It
shall be carefully placed around the pipe in layers not exceeding 15 cms deep and
uniformly compacted (using wooden rammers) to the entire satisfaction of the Company
Representative. Placement and compaction of soft surround material shall be continued
up to a thickness of 20 cms above the crown of the pipe across the full width of the pipe
trench.
Where, in the opinion of the Company Representative, the whole of the excavated
material is of such a character as to make it unsuitable for placement around the pipe,
the Contractor shall at his own expense, bring suitable material from the nearest
approved source in sufficient quantities to completely surround the pipe and cover it to
a depth of at least 20 cms, as directed or approved by the Company Representative.

25.6.2

BACKFILLING - GENERALLY
No rubbish, vegetable growth or other perishable materials shall be put in the pipe
trench along with the backfill material.
The remaining excavated material shall be returned to the trench in layers not more than
20 cms thick and thoroughly
compacted by mechanical plate vibrators or rammers. Surplus excavated sub-soil shall
be removed from the Site, or spread evenly over the Working Width, as directed by the
Company Representative. When spread over the Working Width, the topsoil shall have

26

been previously removed and set aside and the surplus fill material spread only on top
of the exposed sub-soil . Where necessary, extra topsoil stripping shall be carried out at
the Contractor's own cost.
Any excavated material which, in the opinion of the Company Representative, is
unsuitable for backfill or alternative disposal within the Working Width, shall be
removed from the Site by the Contractor and any consequent deficiency of backfill shall
be made good with approved material supplied by the Contractor from other approved
sources.
Where the pipe trench is excavated in rock, the Contractor shall ensure that the
procedure set out in Clause 25.6.1 is diligently followed so as to form a protective
cushion of soft material around the pipe. Thereafter, (unless otherwise directed by the
Contract Documents and Drawings, or by the Company Representative) the excavated
rock, excluding large pieces, shall be used as backfill material in the trench. It shall be
an approved mixture of medium and small sized pieces, chippings and gravel, which
will pack down into the trench and become well consolidated without voids.
In carrying out backfilling operations, the Contractor shall make due allowance for
subsequent settlement, and he shall promptly make good any settlement that takes place
up to the end of the Maintenance Period.
The backfill material shall be crowned (heaped up) along the trench line to a height of
between 20 and 30 cms above the adjacent ground surface, except through irrigated
fields where the backfill shall be completed in accordance with Clause 25.6.3 herein.
Through rocky lands, where there are movements of livestock, 6 metre wide gaps shall
be provided across the backfilled line at intervals of 100 metres (or as otherwise
directed by the Company Representative) so as to provide passageway for livestock.
Gaps shall be level with surrounding ground and surfaced with backfill material free
from large or sharp rocks, all to the satisfaction of the landowner or land tenants, and
the Company Representative.

25.6.3

BACKFILL IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AREAS

When backfilling pipe trench across irrigated fields, the Contractor shall make furrows
across the backfill crown and pipeline right-of-way as required by the landowner or land
tenants, to maintain or reinstate the flow of irrigation water into its previous normal
flow pattern. Where required, the finished backfill shall be made level with the adjacent
ground surfaces.
Where the use of borrowed fill is necessary to crown the backfill to the required height,
the stability and method of securing the crown fill must be approved by the Company
and those having jurisdiction over the property. All terraced levees and sides of
drainage or irrigation canals that are cut by the pipe trench shall be backfilled in 15 cms

27

thick layers and each layer thoroughly compacted by hand or machine so as to provide a
good bond between the undisturbed sides of the ditch and the new backfill material.
On hillsides or sloping ground, diversionary furrows or levees shall be provided across
the pipe trench-backfill to direct the flow of rain water and flooding into the natural
drainage courses and away from the pipe trench. However, the surface drainage must
not be diverted into channels other than those followed before the pipeline was laid.
Particular care shall be exercised to ensure that all drainage ditches are properly
reinstated and left unobstructed so as to prevent the backing up of water and wrongful
flooding.

25.6.4

REINFORCEMENT OF BACKFILL
The Contractor shall reinforce the backfill where the pipe trench cuts through the banks
of rivers, streams, irrigation or drainage ditches and the banks or levees of any irrigated
fields. This shall be done with sand or earth-filled sacks, stabilised sand or soil, leanmix concrete, rock or concrete headwalls, as called for in the Contract Specifications or
Approved Drawings. Bags or sacks shall be of the polyurethene woven type, to allow
earth or sand fill to an equivalent of approximately 50 kg per bag.
The Contractor shall, at his own expense, repair damage to levees, roadways, lanes,
private drives, and farm terraces caused by settling or washing through the pipeline
trench, up to and including the date of acceptance of the Contract Works.

25.6.5

SUPPORT AGAINST SETTLEMENT

Where the pipeline emerges-above ground and at other locations as determined by the
Company Representative, special care shall be taken to ensure that the buried section of
the pipeline is adequately supported against settlement.
The pipeline shall be protected with rock shielding supported on bags of lean mix
concrete or by such other method as called for in the Contract Specifications or
Approved Drawings or as directed or approved by the Company Representative.

25.6.6

GENERAL REINSTATEMENT
Unless otherwise directed by the Company Representative, the Contractor shall
permanently reinstate all areas disturbed (either directly or indirectly) by the.
construction of the pipeline, to a condition not less than equal to that existing before the
commencement of the Works and shall provide all materials required to complete these
reinstatement works. This shall include all access roads, kerbs, footpaths, hedges,
walls, fences, ditches and land drains, etc.

28

All such reinstatement shall be to the approval and satisfaction of the Company
Representative and the local Authorities, landowners and occupiers concerned.
Reinstatement shall be carried out as soon as practicable after completion of backfilling.
Generally, in backfilling the pipe trench, all the surface material that was stripped and
set aside prior to excavation shall be replaced in its original position as far as possible
together with such new materials as may be required in order to reinstate the land to a
condition at least equal to that obtaining before the Contractor entered onto the land.
The Contractor shall remove all surplus excavated material (other than topsoil), waste,
scrap and rubbish from the working width and leave the whole right-of-way in a tidy
condition upon completion of the Works to the entire satisfaction of the Company
Representative. The Contractor shall ensure that no red lead paint, barbed wire or other
harmful materials are left where animals may have access.
The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining all the reinstatement and making
good all sinkages, scouring, erosion or other defects until the expiry of the Contractual
Maintenance Period.

25.6.7

REINSTATEMENT OF CULTIVATED LAND OR GRASSLAND

After completion of main backfilling, the previously separated topsoil shall be replaced
over the stripped areas to its original full depth. The Contractor shall provide all
necessary additional approved topsoil that may be required to replace any of the original
material that has been lost or dispersed.
Topsoil shall be left in a loose friable condition ready to receive seed and shall be as
reasonably free from stones as the adjacent land.
If the landowner, land occupier or the Company so requires, the Contractor shall, at his
own cost, use an agricultural cultivator to loosen and work the top 30 cms of subsoil
prior to replacing the topsoil and also, if required , the Contractor shall re-grass the
reinstated areas.
The Contractor shall also, at his own cost, carry out all harrowing, raking and watering
of previously cultivated land necessary to achieve its proper reinstatement over the full
Working Width, to the satisfaction of the landowner, occupier and Company
Representative, and leave it ready for replanting.
The Contractor shall maintain the trench reinstatement and make good all sinkages,
washouts, and defects until the expiry of the Contractual Maintenance Period.

25.6.8

REINSTATEMENT OF ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

29

The Contractor shall temporarily reinstate all damaged surfaces of roads and highways
within two weeks of the completion of backfilling of that section of the pipe trench. The
Contractor shall carry out any temporary rein-statement to a standard which will permit
its inclusion in the permanent reinstatement.
For flexible bituminous paved roads, the temporary reinstatement shall consist of a 70
mm thick layer of hot rolled asphalt or dense bitumen macadam (DBM) laid on a
compacted sub-base which shall have sufficient thickness to leave the required depth of
sub-base when the permanent reinstatement is later carried out. The compacted surface
of the asphalt or DBM shall be finished slightly higher than the surrounding road
surface.
The Contractor shall maintain the temporary reinstatement for a period of six months
and shall then carry out the permanent reinstatement to the satisfaction of the
responsible local government, road and highway Authorities and the Company
Representative. Any areas of temporary reinstatement that have not stabilised by this
time shall be excavated to the full depth of the trench, if necessary, and refilled in an
approved manner to prevent subsequent settlement. The surface shall then be
temporarily reinstated and maintained for a further period, as directed by the Company,
after which the permanent reinstatement shall be completed.
To carry out the permanent reinstatement, the Contractor shall first remove the
temporary surfacing by cutting back to a neat vertical edge in the original road surfacing
on either side of the trench. The sub-base shall also be removed to a depth necessary to
accommodate the permanent reinstatement and the surplus materials arising from both
these operations shall be disposed of as specified. The loosened surface of the sub-base
shall then be thoroughly wall recompacted, using mechanical rammers.
The edges of the original road surfacing shall be coated with a suitable grade of hot
bitumen immediately before the permanent reinstatement material is laid against them.
Compaction shall be carried out by mechanical means to the specified standard and
shall ensure that the final reinstated surface is finished flush with the original road
surfacing.
The permanent reinstatement of roads and highways shall be equal to the original
construction of the road or carried out in accordance with the following table, unless
otherwise directed by the Contract Specification, Working Drawings or the Company.

30

Side Roads
in Towns

Minor
Roads

12 mm
Chippings

12 mm
Chippings

Asphalt Wearing
40 mm
Course (If required)

30 mm

Base Course

90 mm

70 mm

)70mm
) single
) course
)

225 mm

225 mm

225 mm

Surface Dressing

Sub-base
(Remaining from
temporary
reinstatement)

25.6.9

Major Highways
Main Roads and
Regular Bus or
Lorry Routes
12 mm
Chippings

REINSTATEMENT OF STORAGE AREAS, WORKING AREAS AND ACCESSES

The Contractor shall reinstate the surface of all storage areas, working areas, access
routes and footpaths to a condition not less than equal to that existing before the
commencement of the Works and to the satisfaction of the local landowner/occupier
and the Company Representative.

25.6.10

RENEWAL OF FENCES, WALLS AND BOUNDARIES

All permanent fences, walls or boundaries within the Working Width shall be replaced
and made good by the Contractor. The Contractor shall also replace and make good any
damage caused to permanent fences, walls or boundaries outside the Working Width at
his own cost.
Walls shall be replaced as soon as practicable after the completion of permanent
reinstatement and all surplus stone, blocks and debris shall be removed immediately
each wall is finished. Over the course of the trench, walls shall include the provision of
adequate foundations to prevent subsequent damage due to subsidence of the trench
backfill material.

31

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 7

ROAD AND RAIL CROSSINGS

25.7.1

GENERAL
Pipe crossings beneath railways, roads and highways shall be bored, tunnelled or cutand-cased in accordance with the requirements of the Federal and State Authorities and
agencies concerned.
Before starting the construction of any crossing, the Contractor shall obtain written
approval from the Company and the Authorities concerned, regarding the detailed
procedure to be used and their agreement to the programming and timing of the
operation. Any of the Authorities official representatives may be present on Site
throughout the Works.
Care shall be taken not to block traffic while such crossings are being installed and the
Contractor shall furnish all necessary signs, signals, safety barriers, watchmen and
lookouts to warn traffic and safeguard his employees, other employees and
Representatives, and all members of the public.
The Company shall be advised of any unavoidable late changes in the established
programme of work at least 3 days before the work is due to start.
The operation of heavy equipment in close proximity to an existing pipeline crossing
shall generally not be permitted, except with the written consent of the Company
Representative.
The Contractor shall construct all such rail and road crossings as part of his scheduled
pipeline construction works and at unit prices as stated in the Price Schedule for such
crossings unless otherwise specified or agreed by the Company.

25.7.2

BORED CASED CROSSINGS

The sections of specified steel casing tube shall be butt-welded together, in strict
accordance with Section 21 of these Specifications, in such a manner that the inside
wall is smooth and free from projections which could damage the pipeline protective
coating and spacers. The longitudinal weld seams of the casing tube sections shall be
located at the sides of the installed casing.

32

The casing shall be continuously jacked forward immediately behind the boring
machine cutting head. The diameter of the bored hole shall be larger that the outside
diameter of the casing b the minimum amount necessary to allow forward movement of
the casing, and not more than 30 mm larger without the agreement of the Company.
The section of pipeline to be installed in the casing shall be subjected to pre-installation
pressure tests in accordance with Part 2 of Standard Construction Specification S-29.
During these tests, the whole length of the pipe (as well as the joints), shall be carefully
examined for very small leakages caused by minute defects in the pipe material.
After satisfactory completion of these pressure/leakage tests, the whole length of pipe to
be installed in the cased crossing shall be double coated and wrapped in accordance
with Part 4 of this specification; the specific requirements of the Contract Specification
and Approved Working Drawings, and the relevant parts of Section 10 of the Standard
Construction Specifications.
An approved method shall be used for the installation of the pipeline in the casing and
all due precautions taken to avoid damage to the coating and wrapping. The wrapped
pipe shall be supported in the casing, using proprietary spacer rings of suitable thickness
for the annulur space between the pipe and sleeve. After installation, an electrical test
shall be made under supervision of the Company Representative, prior to tieing-in the
cased crossing pipe to the pipeline on either side, to confirm (and measure) the
electrical insulation resistance between pipeline and casing. Bare ends of the pipe shall
be cleared of contact with soil, water, or other conductive materials during the test . The
test shall be made using 500 volt dc megger type meter. If the insulation resistance is
found to be less than 100,000 ohms the Contractor shall withdraw the pipe and
eliminate any point(s) of unsatisfactory insulation resistance, before replacing the pipe
and retesting until satisfactory readings are obtained.
Casing seals and vent pipes are to be installed after permanent support for the pipe at
entry and exit from the casing is installed and established to the approval of the
Company Representative.
The pipeline on each side of the crossing shall also be supported and anchored with
sacks of lean concrete at intervals of 3 metres from the ends of the casing to the point
where the pipe is bedded firmly in the bottom of the ditch, so as to prevent movement
of the pipe within the casing.
Backfill within the boundary limits of a road or railway crossing shall be carried out in
controlled layers of not more than 15 cms thickness. Each layer shall be thoroughly
tamped and consolidated (using mechanical rammers) to the satisfaction of the
Company Representative and the road or railway Authorities concerned. Any culverts
and drainage ditches shall be restored to their original profile and condition.
25.7.3

OPEN CUT ROAD CROSSINGS

33

All pipeline road crossings shall be installed with a minimum cover of 1.5 metres
between road surface and the top of the pipeline.
The pipe within road crossings shall be of special (heavy wall thickness) line pipe,
where called for in the Contract Specification or Drawings.
The pipe shall be double coated and triple wrapped in accordance with Section 23 (and
Section 10) of the Standard Construction Specifications.
The coated pipe shall be placed on a sand bedding not less than 15 cms thick and shall
then be surrounded with similar well compacted material to at least 15 cms above the
top of the pipe. A 20 cms thick compacted layer of, assorted sand and gravel shall then
be placed in the trench and on top of this layer, a reinforced concrete slab shall be
constructed over the entire length of the road crossing. The slab shall be not less than
10 cms thick and the width shall not be less than the overall diameter of the wrapped
pipe plus 30 cms.
Above the concrete slab, the road bed and road surfacing shall be backfilled and fully
reinstated in accordance with Standard Construction Specifications Sections S-2 and S4 and Clause 25.6.8 herein. All reinstatement work shall be subject to the approval of
the road and highway Authorities concerned.
25.7.4

SIGNS AND MARKERS

The Contractor shall supply and install permanent markers and caution signs of
approved design at all road crossings and railway crossings, showing the position of the
pipeline on each side of the crossing.
For cased crossings, the Contractor shall also install permanent approved indicator signs
on the casing vent pipe at each side of the crossing.

34

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 8

MARSH AND SWAMP AREAS

25.8.1

GENERAL
This part of Specification S-25 is intended to be complimentary to all the foregoing
parts but where conflict with the particular requirements of construction on land occurs,
the specific requirements of this part of the specification shall prevail.
In working in marsh and swamp areas, the Contractor shall comply with any and all
regulations imposed by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Inland Waterways Authority and
other Governing Bodies. The Contractor shall take special care that traffic lanes in open
water and in all rivers and creeks are kept open for, traffic and shall warn such traffic of
the movements of large floating pieces of construction equipment and the placement of
equipment anchor lines. Any obstruction which might create a navigational hazard shall
exist only by permission of Local, Federal or other Governing Agencies and shall be
marked and maintained in accordance with the instructions issued these Agencies and
also as approved by the Company.
In marsh and swamp areas, pipelines (including flowlines) shall be laid to the spacings
and depths as specified herein or as called for in the particular contract specification or
the Approved Working Drawings. No bridging or spanning of creeks, canals or ditches
will be permitted, unless specifically shown on the Approved Working Drawings. The
submerged crossing of waterways is dealt with separately, under Part 9 of this
specification.

25.8.2

MINIMUM CLEARANCES BETWEEN LINES

The minimum clearances (spacing) between buried new pipelines and between new
lines and existing lines buried in marsh and swamp areas shall be as follows:(a)

Between trunk or delivery pipelines -

15.0 metres

(b)

Between trunk/delivery pipelines, and

flowlines, in the same pipe trench: -

1.5 metres

Ditto in separate pipe trenches

15.0 metres

35

(c)

(d)

25.8.3

Between flowlines buried in the same

trench:
-

0.3 metre

Ditto in separate pipe trenches:

3.0 metres

Minimum vertical clearance between any

two lines crossing each other
-

1.2 metres

DEPTH OF COVER
The minimum depth of cover above the top of the wrapped pipe for pipelines and
flowlines buried in marsh and swamp areas shall be as follows:(a)

For trunk pipelines and delivery lines-

0.6 metre

(b)

For flowlines

0.6 metre

Note: The depth of cover shall be progressively increased at the approaches to water
crossings so as to accommodate the specified minimum bending radii required for the
downturn/upturn in the pipe profile and required depth of cover at each crossing (See
Part 9 herein).

25.8.4

CONCRETE SHEATHING OF PIPES AND REPAIRS

Wherever specified, pipelines in marsh and swamp areas and at water crossings will
have a yard-applied concrete sheath over the basic coating, in accordance with Part 8 of
Section 23 of the Standard Specifications. All cracks, spalling, and other flaws detected
at the yard should be repaired in accordance with Clause 23.8.11 before delivery of
concrete sheathed pipe to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for all
repairs to concrete sheathing after handover and acceptance of pipe material from the
Company.
Before laying the pipe into position, the Company's Inspection Staff shall visually
inspect all of the concrete sheathing. All defects, which in the opinion of the
Company's Inspector are not permissable, shall be repaired by the Contractor to the
satisfaction of the Company Representative.
The following repairs due to unavoidable damage in the handling and storage of
concrete sheathed pipes will be permitted:
(a)

Surface Spalling
(Due to excessive pipe flexure or localised impact against other objects, which
causes a loss of not more than 25 percent of the total thickness of the coating).

36

An area of less than 0.1 square metre, where the remaining concrete is sound,
shall be accepted without repairs. Should the area affected be more than 0.1
square metre but less than 0.3 square metre, the concrete remaining in place over
that area shall be undercut so as to provide a key for the addition of similar
concrete material to the original sheathing. Should the damaged area be more
than 0.3 square metre, the whole concrete sheathing shall be removed from
around the periphery of the pipe throughout the entire damaged area, and the
area-recoated.
Repairs shall be made by removing all cracked or broken material back to sound
concrete, removing and replacing damaged reinforcement wire, wetting the fresh
surface of the parent concrete and trowelling a stiff mixture of the same
materials and proportions as the original concrete sheathing, into and through
the reinforcing. This mixture shall be built up until the surface is level with the
concrete around the repair. The repaired pipe shall then be carefully laid aside
and allowed to moist cure undisturbed for a minimum of four days.
The resulting repair area shall be equal in density, uniformity and strength
characteristics to the originally applied concrete sheathing. Care shall be
exercised to minimise cracks due to pipe deflection in handling.
(b)

Cracks in Sheating
(Due to excessive flexure of the pipe in handling, storage or
transportation).
Circular cracks that are more than 2mm wide and extend more than 180o
circumferentially around the pipe and longitudinal cracks more than 30 cms long
irrespective of width, shall all be repaired.
The repair shall be made by chiselling the crack out to a width of rot less than 20
mm throughout the length of the crack. The crack shall be repaired with
material similar to that from which the coating is made and in a manner similar
to that outlined above. The repaired pipes shall be allowed to moist cure
undisturbed for a period not less than four days.

25.8.5

HANDLING, TRANSPORTATION AND STACKING OF PIPES

The handling, loading, transportation and stacking of concrete sheathed pipes shall be
carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of Part 2 of this specification
and with Part 9 of the Standard Construction Specification
S-23.

37

25 .8.6

JOINTS IN PIPE COATING AND SHEATHING

The completion of the protective coating and wrapping of pipes at pipe joints and
continuity of the concrete sheathing at joints shall be carried out in accordance with the
relevant parts of Standard Construction Specification S-10 (Coating, Wrapping and
Concreting of Field Joints).

25.8.7

EXCAVATION OF PIPE TRENCH

The pipe trench shall follow the route surveyed and staked out beforehand unless
otherwise directed or agreed by the Company Representative.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the setting-up of all necessary line, grade, and
range poles. Such poles shall be of a substantial nature, conspicuously painted and
firmly set in the ground.
The Contractor shall be responsible for regular soundings and survey of the trenching
operation, the results of which shall be transcribed on graph paper sheets and submitted
in a form and manner acceptable to the Company.
Where the pipe is to be installed by the 'push-pull ' flotation method the pipe trench
shall be excavated to the minimum widths as listed in the following table:Nominal Pipe Size
(inches)

Minimum Width of
trench (cm)

4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

45
50
60
70
80
90
100
105
110
115
120
135
140

NOTE:The Contractor shall dig the flotation ditch wide enough and deep enough to
accommodate buoyancy vessels or other necessary flotation equipment.

38

25.8.8

LOWERING OR SINKING PIPE INTO TRENCH

Whatever method is used for lowering or sinking the pipe into the trench, it shall be
done in such a manner that the concrete sheath is not overstressed, or cracked due to
excessive deflection or in any other way damaged. The pipe shall lie naturally and be
continuously supported along its entire length in the bottom of the trench.
Where the flotation method is used, the pipe shall be floated into position and lowered
into place with adequate floats or pontoons, as necessary. Care shall be taken to guide
the pipe through the trench and prevent the pipe from rubbing against the wall of the
trench. The Contractor shall use a sufficient number of floats or pontoons and take all
other precautions necessary to eliminate stresses in the suspended pipe and not
contravene the specified minimum bending radius limitations. The manner and method
of lowering shall be approved by the Company prior to the start of the operations.
After the pipe is in position the floats shall be removed in such a manner as not to
damage the coating and the pipe shall be filled with filtered, inhibited water. The type
of filtering device and the anti-corrosion inhibitors used shall be approved by the
Company, as described in Part 1 of Section 29 of the Standard Construction
Specifications for water supply, quality and treatment in flushing and pressure testing.
Close observation of the sinking pipe shall be maintained to ensure that the pipe is
centering in the trench and that the line is filling completely.

25.8.9

BACKFILLING - TRACKED EQUIPMENT

Where tracked equipment is used-for backfilling operations, such equipment shall not
be allowed to traverse along, across or over the installed pipe.
In each case where Contractor has no option but to cross already installed lines he may
do so only when he has fully satisfied the Company that adequate precautions have been
taken to protect the line(s).

39

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 9

WATER CROSSINGS

25.9.1

GENERAL
Where the route of the pipeline crosses any river, creek, canal or other waterway
(including minor streams, creeks and drainage ditches) the pipeline shall be buried in
the natural bed of the waterway and constructed as shown on specific (Approved for
Construction) Working Drawings based on the Company's Standard Drawings for
typical water crossings.
No spanning or bridging of rivers, streams, creeks, ditches, drains or any other
permanent or seasonal watercourses will be permitted unless specifically approved by
the Company and shown on the Approved Working Drawings.
At all water crossings, heavy wall pipe and transition pieces shall be used (unless
otherwise specified by the Company) and on each side of all larger water crossings a
fully piled block valve installation with operating platform shall be constructed in
accordance with the Company's Standard Drawings (S-2600 series) and Standard
Construction Specification S-30 (Marine Construction and Piling).
The Contractor shall submit a detailed working procedure and programme, for carrying
out each water crossing, to the Company at least 2 months before the crossing is due to
be made, so that sufficient time is allowed for study and possible amendments required
before approval by the Company and the Water Authorities concerned.
In carrying out water crossings, the Contractor shall comply with any and all regulations
imposed by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Inland Waterways and other Authorities. The
Contractor shall take special care that traffic lanes in open water and in all rivers and
creeks are kept open for traffic and shall provide river patrols to warn such traffic of the
movements of large floating pieces of construction equipment and the placement of
equipment anchor lines. Any obstruction which might create a navigational hazard shall
exist only by permission of Local, Federal or other Governing Agencies and shall be
marked and maintained in accordance with instructions issued by these Agencies and
also as approved by the Company.
All dredging shall be carried out in accordance with good and accepted dredging
practice and to the satisfaction of the Nigerian Ports and Inland Waterways Authorities
and the Company.

40

25.9.2

MINIMUM CLEARANCES BETWEEN LINES

The minimum clearances (spacing) between various types of buried pipelines, both new
and existing, at water crossings shall be as follows:
(a)

Between trunk or delivery pipelines -

60 metres

(b)

Between trunk/delivery pipelines and

flowlines, in the same pipe trench
-

3 metres

Ditto, in separate pipe trenches

(c)

60 metres

Between flowlines buried in the same trench

including location slots)
0.6 metre
Ditto, in separate pipe trenches

2 5 .9.3

60 metres

DEPTH OF CROSSINGS AND COVER

At water crossings the trench across the bed of the waterway to receive the pipe shall be
made deep enough to provide the following minimum depths of cover, unless otherwise
called for in the Contract Specification and/or Approved Working Drawings.
Flowlines:
Flowline water crossings shall be installed as shown on Standard Drawing No SF2500/014/12 or S-2600/64.
The minimum depths of the crown (top) of the coated and wrapped/concrete-sheathed
pipe shall be as follows:
(a)

For potential drilling or well location dredged access slots and specified
waterways, the minimum depth of the pipe below L.L.W.S. shall be 4.5
metres.

(b)
For specified major navigable waterways, the minimum depth of the pipe shall
be 4.5 metres below L.L.W.S OR 1.5 metres below natural bottom level of river or
creek bed: - whichever gives greater depth.
(c)
For all other (non-navigable) waterways and smaller water crossings, the depth
of the pipe shall be-such that it is just covered by the natural bed of the river or creek.

41

Trunk Pipelines and Delivery Lines:

For trunk pipelines and delivery lines, 8-inch nominal diameter or larger, the installed
depth of the crossing shall be as particularly specified by the Company or Water
Authorities, or to the minimum depths (or covers) over the crown of pipe as follows:
(a)
For potential drilling or well location access slots and specified waterways, the
minimum depth of the pipe below L.L.W.S shall be 4.5 metres.
(b)
For major navigable rivers and marine waterways, the depth of the pipe shall be
4.5 metres below L.L.W.S OR 3.05 metres below natural bottom level of river or creek
bed: - whichever gives greater depth.
(c)
For small rivers and minor creeks and ditches, the depth of the pipe
shall
be 4.5 metres below L.L.W.S OR 1.5 metres below natural bottom level of the bed: whichever gives greater depth.
The pipeline shall be located at a depth which will provide a minimum cover from the
true cleaned bottom of rivers, streams or creeks as shown on the Approved Working
Drawings or as specified herein. The Contractor shall, however, verify the actual river
or creek bed levels against those shown on the Drawings.
25.9.4

SURVEYING THE CROSSING

The Contractor shall make witnessed depth soundings of all creek and river crossings.
The average mud level in the vicinity shall be determined and established by a pegged
bench mark. The Contractor shall subsequently set a tide gauge at the edge of the rightof-way with zero at the established mud level. The depth of the creek or crossing from
the mud level shall be recorded for the deepest part of the creek within the vicinity of 3
metres each side of the centre line of the pipe trench.
The pipeline profile for the crossing shall then be determined by the Contractor in
conjunction with the Company Representative, taking into account the following
parameters:(a)
Minimum allowable bending radius specified or shown on the Approved
Working Drawings (The radius of preformed downturn/upturn bends at the banks of the
crossing shall be 15 times the nominal diameter of the pipeline unless otherwise
specified or shown on the Approved Working
Drawings).
(b)

Possible settlements or snaking of the pipe after laying.

(c)

Required depth of crown of pipe below L.L.W.S.

(d)

Required depth of cover after backfill.

42

Unless otherwise stated in the particular Contract Specification or the specific

Approved Working Drawings, all pipeline crossings shall be laid stress free and the
pipe shall be continuously supported along its entire length and lie naturally on the
bottom of the trench in both the approaches to the crossing and in the bed of the water
crossing itself.
25.9.5

EXCAVATING THE PIPE TRENCH

The Contractor shall dig the pipe trench at the water crossing to the profile and depth as
determined and approved beforehand under Clause 25.9.4.
The Contractor shall be responsible for regular soundings and survey of the trenching
operation, the results of which shall be transcribed on to graph paper sheets and
submitted in an acceptable form and manner to the Company.
Where excavation of the pipe trench is carried out by means of a 'clam-bucket' type
dredger, final sweeps of the trench shall be made with a drag-line bucket excavator to
ensure that no bumps or holes are left in the trench bottom and a uniform depth is
obtained throughout.
Where 'over-dig' of the trench is required to compensate for silting up (due to tidal
streams or water currents) during hte time interval before the pipe is set in the trench,
final sweeps with a drag-line bucket shall be made immediately before the pipe is set in.
The Contractor shall re-check the depth of the trench just prior to setting in the pipe and
shall advise the Company Representative in sufficient time for a Company Inspector to
be present at these final checks.
The Contractor shall not allow excessive amounts of suspended silt or excavated mud to
pollute the water course and deposition/removal/distribution of the spoil shall be subject
to the approval of the Company Representative. In no cases shall such deposition raise
the creek bed by more than 30 cms.
Excavation for Push-Pull Installation Method
Where the pipe is to be installed at the water crossing by the push-pull' flotation
method, the pipe trench shall be dug out to the minimum width as listed under Clause
25.8.7 for marsh and swamp areas.

25.9.6

PRESSURE TESTING PIPE BEFORE LAUNCHING

25.9.7

Sections of pipe to be laid in major water crossings shall be swabbed and

hydrostatically tested before installation in the bed of the crossing in accordance with
test pressures as specified in the Contract Specification and testing procedures as set out
in Standard Construction Specification S-29 (Pressure Testing).
SINKING PIPE INTO THE TRENCH

43

The flotation of the pipe and the procedure for sinking it into the prepared trench shall
be similar to that detailed under Clause 25.8.8 for marsh and swamp areas.
After sinking, the pipe shall be completely filled with filtered water from an approved
source, dosed as necessary with the approved inhibitor. The Contractor and the
Company shall jointly take depth soundings of the pipe crown throughout the whole
crossing and its approaches where practicable. All depths shall be referred to mud level
as marked by the tide gauge.
Horizontal distances shall be established by stakes driven as close to the ditch as
practicable and at some known measured distances apart (say 10 metres).
Based on the depth soundings at known horizontal distances, the Contractor shall
prepare a graphical representation of the profile of the pipe crossing as laid, and submit
this to the Company Representative for vetting and approval.
After acceptance of the crossing as laid, the trench shall be backfilled as soon as
possible. Under no circumstance shall any part of the pipe be lifted subsequent to its
acceptance.
If the profile/depth is not satisfactory, the Contractor shall propose remedial actions
and carry these out until the installallation of the crossing is acceptable to the
Company.

25.9.8

CARE OF PIPE AND COATING

Care shall be taken at all times to ensure that no damage is done to the pipe coating.
Pipe without concrete coating shall not be pulled and dragged along the ground or ditch
bottom. Where the pipe is carried in on booms the Contractor shall ensure that the
boom spacing is such that the pipe is not over stressed by sag. Pushing a non-floating
pipeline section or hitching pulling wires to any part other than each end, are both
prohibited.

25.9.9

BACKFILL AND REINSTATEMENT OF CROSSINGS

All crossings shall be completely backfilled, including bank reinstatement and
compaction, unless otherwise stated by the Company. Care shall be taken to ensure that
satisfactory approved backfill material, free of vegetation, timber, stones and other hard
objects, is used for the initial surround and covering of the pipeline.
The Contractor shall, at the banks of all water crossings, backfill the pipe trench and all
launching and work area excavations to the original contour or better. The Contractor
shall stabilise and consolidate the backfill in layers not exceeding 25 cms deep.

44

The banks of all water crossings- (with the exception of creek crossings in the
mangrove swamps) shall be backfilled and consolidated in a like manner to the original
slope but in no case steeper than a 2 to 1 slope also the trench at the toe of the bank sag
shall be completely filled.
Where the Contractor is unable to re-establish the required bank slope satisfactorily, he
shall layer the entire excavated and backfilled area with earthfilled bags or sacks,
extending the sack filled area a distance of 1.8 metres beyond the backfill. This work,
including the placing of filled sacks, shall be considered as part of the Contract Works
and shall not qualify for extra payment.
The banks of all creek crossings in mangrove swamp areas shall have the pipe trench
filled at the toe of the bank sag and shall have as much as possible of the previously
excavated material replaced in the river bank slot. Any additional fill necessary shall be
taken from the unexcavated surrounds. Care shall be taken to ensure that spud piles are
kept well clear of the pipeline during these operations.
The Contractor shall dig drainage ditches on each side of the backfilled area at all
crossings to divert drainage water away from the backfill, and also carry out any
necessary terracing and levelling.
25.9.10

SIGNBOARDS AND MARKERS

The Contractor shall supply and install permanent markers and large caution signs of
approved design on each side of all navigable water crossings (and all other water
crossings as directed by the Company) showing the position of the pipeline on each side
of the crossing.
Transit markers shall consist of triangular plates mounted on aluminium pipe posts as
shown on Standard Drawing No S-2600/24. Caution signboards (warning vessels not to
anchor) shall be constructed and installed as shown on Standard Drawing No S2600/23.

45

SECTION 25 PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

PART 10

OFFSHORE WORKS

25.10.1

GENERAL
Offshore pipeline construction works shall include the construction and laying of
marine pipelines, the installation and clamping of risers at the offshore structures, the
shore approach (including part of the corresponding landline normally up to the
insulating flange) and, where necessary, the burying of sections of the offshore lines.
The Contractor shall provide all necessary barges, tugs and other craft for the
transportation of materials, equipment and personnel to and from the offshore worksite.

25.10.2

DOWN TIME
It is recognised that offshore construction will occasionally be subject to stoppages due
to adverse weather and sea conditions. Under these conditions, down-time will be paid
for by the Company at the hourly rates specified in the Schedule of Prices in the
Contract Documents. These rates shall comprehensively include all minor equipment,
personnel and any other costs associated with the main items of equipment listed.
Down-time shall not be reimbursed to the Contractor for interruptions of less than three
hours duration and the total delay shall be rounded off downwards to the next full hour.
"Waiting-for-the-right-tide" will not be considered as down-time due for reimbursement
by the Company and no down-time due to mechanical failure of equipment will be
payable.
In the event that the Contractor has to cease operations due to adverse weather and sea
conditions, the Contractor shall state in writing, the time, duration and reasons for the
stoppage, giving the readings of approved and calibrated wind velocity and tidal current
meters and wave heights at half-hourly intervals. This down-time report must be'
countersigned by the Company Representative.

25.10.3

PIPE TRENCHING (DITCHING)

46

Unless otherside specified, the depth of the pipe trench (or 'ditch') shall be sufficient to
provide a minimum of 90 cms of cover above the crown of the pipe.
Trenching shall be conducted in such a manner as to cause no damage to the pipe
coating. The rate of change of incline of the trench bottom shall be controlled so that
the installed pipe will not be overstressed.
In-cases where trenching by the use of a jetting sled may result in possible damage to
any adjacent installed facility or the crossing of some other facilities, the Company may
require the trench to be excavated by hand jetting, In such cases, the work shall be
carried out by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Company. Such locations shall
be near risers being installed and near pipeline crossings or valve installations.
The trenching equipment shall have accurate load gauges with indicators visible to the
machine operator. The indicators shall also be readily available for observation by the
Company Inspectors. The load gauges on the jetting sled shall continuously monitor the
instantaneous forces being applied to the pipe at right angles to the pipes axis. The load
gauges shall measure the forces being applied to the bottom, top and sides of the pipe.
The Contractor shall be responsible for locating and protecting all underground
structures and lines.
All existing pipelines and other facilities crossed shall be lowered by trenching to obtain
a minimum clearance of 60 cms or such other clearance as required by the Owners,
whichever is greater.
When ditching across or adjacent to reefs, bottom scour troughs, and sediment beds, or
at other points where the contour of the sea, river or creek bed may require extra depth,
the Contractor shall excavate to such additional depth as may be necessary to meet the
requirements of the Company, and of any Public or Private Authority having
jurisdiction over the same, at no extra cost to the Company.

25.10.4

LIMITING BENDING STRESSES

It is Company policy to reduce bending stresses in all pipelines to a minimum and this
shall be accomplished by trenching deeper in the approaches to bed troughs and other
uneven bottom areas.
Stress in the linepipe shall not exceed 80% of the yield stress during handling, storing,
jointing, wrapping, laying, trenching and lowering-in operations, so as to prevent
buckling or weakening of the pipe; cracking or pin holes in the protective coating, or
excessive cracking of the concrete sheathing.

47

The Company shall be empowered to increase the radius of curvature if there is any
evidence of overstressing the pipe or damage to the pipe coating and wrapping (or
concrete sheathing) and the Contractor shall comply with the Company's requirements
in this respect at no additional cost to the Contract Works.

48