Engineering Procedure

SAEP-383 20 February 2013

Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 Purpose.......................................................... 2
4 Applicable Documents.................................... 3
5 Definitions and Acronyms............................... 4
6 Evaluation and Certification Procedures........ 5
7 Responsibility and Authority........................... 6
8 Approval, On-Hold and Withdrawal
of Approval Procedures.......................... 8

Appendix A: Third Party Testing Laboratory

Approval Process – Permanent Basis….. 12
Appendix B: Third Party Testing Laboratory
Approval Process – One-Time Basis….... 13
Appendix C: Batch Plant Approval Process -
Permanent Basis…...….....……………..... 14
Appendix D: Batch Plant Approval Process -
One-Time Basis........................................ 15

Previous Issue: 5 December 2012 Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 13
Primary contact: Albarillo, Rodolfo Celino at +966-3-8801496

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2013. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

1 Scope

This procedure provides minimum requirements for the approval of companies that
intend to qualify as Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants.

This procedure does not cover approval of agencies engaged in non-destructive testing
(NDT) as described in SAEP-1140 and related standards and procedures.
Commentary Note:

This procedure does not cover on-site pre-cast yards used for fabricating small
foundations and other similar non-prestressed pre-cast elements. Such pre-cast yards
are subject to the evaluation and approval of the respective Area Project Inspection
Units/Inspection Department.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Conflicts

Any conflict between this SAEP and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be resolved in writing by the
Company through the Manager, Inspection Department and/or Consulting
Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2 Deviations and Waivers

Any required deviation from the requirements of this procedure shall be

reviewed and approved by the Inspection Department Manager. Direct all
requests to deviate or waive the requirements of this Procedure in writing to the
Manager, Inspection Department, Dhahran, according to the internal company
procedure SAEP-302, Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement.

3 Purpose

The purpose of this SAEP is to specify the accreditation requirements of Saudi Aramco
and approval procedure of Third Party Testing Laboratories, Geotechnical Engineering
Offices and Batch Plants.

This procedure also clarifies the following processes:

3.1 Process of QMS/technical assessments

3.2 Process of putting an approved entity on ‘On-Hold Status’ and,

Page 2 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

3.3 Process of withdrawing approvals from approved entities.

4 Applicable Documents

The latest edition of the following applicable references shall be applied:

4.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-301 Instruction for Establishing and Maintaining Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
SAEP-1150 Inspection Coverage on Projects

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-110 Surveying Coordinates, Datums and Data Format
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-113 Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
SAES-A-114 Excavation and Backfill
SAES-Q-001 Criteria for Design and Construction of Concrete
Structures
SAES-Q-005 Concrete Foundations
SAES-Q-006 Asphalt and Sulfur Extended Asphalt Concrete
Paving
SAES-Q-012 Criteria for Design and Construction of Precast and
Prestressed Concrete Structure

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

09-SAMSS-097 Ready-Mixed Portland Cement Concrete

Saudi Aramco General Instruction

GI-0400-001 Quality Management Roles and Responsibilities
Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual

PID Work Instruction

7.5-WI-PID-BP&CTU-01 Batch Plants and Civil Testing Laboratories
Inspection Coverage

Page 3 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

4.2 Industry Standards and Codes

Process Industry Practice

PIP CVS02010 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

International Standardization Organization

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems-Requirements

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM C94 Standard Specification for Ready Mix Concrete
ASTM C1077 Standard Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction
and Criteria for Laboratory Evaluation
ASTM D2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated, Undrained
Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in
Triaxial Compression
ASTM D3666 Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements
for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and
Paving Materials
ASTM D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirement of Agencies
Engaged in the Testing of Soils and Rocks
ASTM D4428 Standard Test Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing
ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soil
ASTM E329 Standard Specifications for Agencies Engaged in
Construction Inspection and/or Testing

5 Definitions and Acronyms

Assessment: Systematic evaluation of the Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing
Laboratories, Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants at planned frequencies
using the minimum guidelines of ISO 19011 or ISO/IEC 17025

Batch Plants: Ready-Mix Concrete Batch Plants, Precast Plants and Asphalt Batch
Plants

BP&CTU: Batch Plants and Civil Testing Unit – Inspection Department (ID)
approving authority for Third Party Testing Laboratories and Batch Plants

Page 4 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

CEU: Civil Engineering Unit

CSD: Consulting Services Department

DPIS: Dhahran Projects Inspection Section

Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO): A Saudi Aramco approved agency

performing geotechnical engineering calculations on Saudi Aramco projects

Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory (GTPTL): A Saudi Aramco approved

Third Party Testing Laboratory with specific approval in the Geotechnical Category

IAU: Inspection Assessment Unit

ID: Inspection Department

ISSD: Inspection Support Services Division

P&SPD: Projects and Strategic Purchasing Department

PID: Projects Inspection Division

QMS: Quality Management System

Survey: Evaluation of compliance with Saudi Aramco requirements and vendor’s

quality management system of new Third Party Testing laboratories, Geotechnical
Engineering Offices and Batch Plants for Saudi Aramco approval

Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL): A Saudi Aramco approved service

provider to perform testing for Saudi Aramco projects

6 Evaluation and Certification Procedures

6.1 Third Party Testing Laboratories

In order to be qualified as a Saudi Aramco approved Third Party Testing

Laboratory (any material), an entity shall have ISO/IEC 17025 or
SASO/ISO 17025 accreditation. The approval of each laboratory shall be based
on the Test Standards listed in its ISO 17025 accreditation.
Commentary Note:

In situations where a test standard is not listed in the accreditation certificate of

any of the Saudi Aramco approved third party testing laboratory and if required by
a Saudi Aramco proponent, additional testing capabilities may be added on one-
time basis only to its approval list based on recommendations from subject-
matter-experts (SME) or Responsible Standardization Agent (RSA) from either
Inspection Department or Consulting Services Department.

Page 5 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

6.2 Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratories

In order to be qualified as a Saudi Aramco approved Geotechnical Third Party

Testing Laboratory, an entity shall have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation showing
under the scope of accreditation the standards listed below, including the tests
required to support these standards.
ASTM D 2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated, Undrained
Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial
Compression
ASTM D 4428 Standard Test Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing
ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soil

6.3 Geotechnical Engineering Offices

In order to qualify as Saudi Aramco approved Geotechnical Engineering Office,

an entity shall be ISO 9001:2008 certified. The GEO shall utilize only a Saudi
Aramco-approved Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory for obtaining
field data and other soil engineering properties.

6.4 Batch Plants

In order to be considered as Saudi Aramco approved entity, Batch Plants shall

be ISO 9001:2008 certified or maintains and implements a Quality Management
System aligned with ISO 9001:2008 requirements verified by Saudi Aramco
through assessments and evaluations. Furthermore, all aggregate stockpiles or
other ingredients and plant equipment inside the perimeter fence of a Saudi
Aramco approved Batch Plant shall be in compliance with Saudi Aramco
requirements or Saudi Aramco equivalent Industry Standards.

6.5 Re-assessment and Renewal of Accreditation

 Re-survey

Re-survey every two years shall be carried out by ID for TPTLs, GTPTLs &
BPs and by CSD for GEOs to confirm that the quality system and technical
capabilities remain in compliance with the accreditation requirements.

7 Responsibility and Authority

7.1 Third Party Testing Laboratories

The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:

Page 6 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

7.1.1 Survey and approve/disapprove Third Party Testing Laboratories based

on Section 6.1.

7.1.2 Spot check Technical and QMS implementation.

7.1.3 Administer issuance and withdrawal of Civil Testing Technician

Approval card.

7.1.4 Conduct unannounced focus assessments.

7.2 Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratories

7.2.1 The following are Consulting Services Department (CSD) responsibilities:

7.2.1.1 Provide technical assistance/consultancy services during field

and laboratory processes, as requested by a Saudi Aramco
organization.

7.2.1.2 Perform basic site and/or laboratory evaluation on non-routine

geotechnical tests, as requested by a Saudi Aramco organization.
Commentary Note:

This evaluation may be limited to reviewing and observing test

procedures, calibration certificates and general condition of the
testing equipment.

7.2.1.3 Research on current equipment or tools that could be added to

upgrade field testing.

7.2.2 The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:

7.2.2.1 Survey and approve/disapprove Geotechnical Third Party

Testing Laboratories based on Section 6.2.

7.2.2.2 Monitor technical and QMS implementation.

7.2.2.3 Conduct unannounced focus assessments.

7.3 Geotechnical Engineering Offices

7.3.1 The following are Consulting Services Department (CSD)

responsibilities:

7.3.1.1 Evaluate, survey and approve/disapprove Geotechnical

Engineering Offices (GEO).

7.3.1.2 Verify internal quality assurance system in report preparations.

Page 7 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

7.3.1.3 Review and approve organizational charts and manpower levels

to ensure compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.

7.3.1.4 Review CVs and approve geotechnical/design personnel to

ensure compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.

7.3.1.5 Review and evaluate geotechnical analyses tools (software),

geotechnical engineering references and codes.

7.3.1.6 Review and evaluate geotechnical reports to determine

geotechnical office capability to produce a geotechnical report
in compliance with PIP CVS02010 and SAES-A-113.

7.3.2 The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:

7.3.2.1 Verify compliance with ISO 17025/ISO 9001:2008 or

SASO/ISO 17025 accreditation.

7.3.2.2 Monitor compliance with ISO 17025/ISO 9001:2008 or

SASO/ISO 17025 QMS implementation.

7.4 Batch Plants

The following are Inspection Department (ID) responsibilities:

7.4.1 Survey and approve/disapprove Batch Plants.

7.4.2 Spot check technical and QMS implementation.

7.4.3 Conduct periodic technical and quality assessments.

7.4.4 Administer issuance and withdrawal of Batch Plant Internal QC

Technician Approval Card.

8 Approval, On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures

8.1 Approval

8.1.1 Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL) Workflow Chart

8.1.1.1 Workflow chart in Appendix A shall be followed for Third

Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process - Permanent Basis
approval.

8.1.1.2 Workflow chart in Appendix B shall be followed for Third

Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process - One-Time Basis
approval.

Page 8 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

8.1.2 Third Party Testing Laboratory (TPTL) Evaluation Report

BP&CTU shall issue evaluation report to TPTL management. The report

shall be approved by the Sr. Supervisor/DAPIS.

8.1.3 Geotechnical Third Party Testing Laboratory (GTPTL) Evaluation Report

BP&CTU, in coordination with CSD shall issue evaluation report to

GTPTL management. The report shall be approved by the
Sr. Supervisor/DAPIS.

8.1.4 Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) Evaluation Report

CSD, in coordination with BP&CTU shall issue evaluation report to

GEO management. The report shall be approved by CSD/Civil
Engineering Unit Supervisor.

8.1.5 Batch Plant Workflow Chart

8.1.5.1 Workflow chart in Appendix C shall be followed for Batch

Plant Approval Process - Permanent Basis approval.

8.1.5.2 Workflow chart in Appendix D shall be followed for Batch

Plant Approval Process - One-Time Basis approval.

8.1.6 Batch Plant Overall Evaluation/Approval

BP&CTU, in coordination with IAU is responsible for the overall

evaluation/approval of Batch Plants. BP&CTU shall evaluate the
technical aspects while IAU shall evaluate quality management systems.
BP&CTU shall issue Batch Plant evaluation report through P&SPD.
The report shall be approved by responsible Project Inspection Division
Head.

8.1.7 ID/SHAREK Update

Responsibility for the update of the List of Approved TPTLs, GTPTLs,

Batch Plants and GEOs in the ID/SHAREK web page shall be as follows:

8.1.7.1 ID is responsible for the update of the List of Approved

TPTLs, GTPTLs and Batch Plants
(http://sharek.aramco.com.sa/orgs/30003279/Shared%20Docm
ents/Forms/AllItems.aspx).

8.1.7.2 CSD is responsible for the update of the List of Approved GEOs
(http://sharek/orgs/30003036/30012126/SitePages/SA%20Approved
%20Geotechnical%20Offices.aspx).

Page 9 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

8.1.8 One-Time Basis Approval

8.1.8.1 Remote Locations (TPTLs and GEOs)

Approval by ID and/or CSD as described in sections 6.1 to 6.3,

may be granted in locations where there are insufficient Saudi
Aramco approved TPTLs and GEOs.

In such cases, a letter from permanently approved entities

confirming they cannot be accommodated shall be secured by
Contractor.

8.1.8.2 Remote Locations (Batch Plants)

One-Time Basis Approvals for Batch Plants in remote areas

shall be as per 09-SAMSS-097 Section 12.

8.1.8.3 On-site TPTL Branch

For On-site TPTL branch, only those with Saudi Aramco

permanently approved TPTLs shall be considered for one-time
basis approval.

8.2 On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures

8.2.1 Grounds for Putting On-Hold and Withdrawal of Approval

8.2.1.1 TPTLs, GTPTLs, GEOs and Batch Plants shall be subjected to

be put “On-Hold” or approval removed, due to, but not limited
to violations with potential severe impact to product/service.

8.2.1.2 For committing serious violations such as unethical business

action, Health, Safety and Environmental violations, etc.,
immediate “On- Hold” status shall be implemented.

8.2.2 Duration of On-Hold Penalty

The duration of “On-Hold” penalty shall be determined by the

Sr. Supervisor, DPIS for TPTLs, GTPLs, & Batch Plants and by the
Supervisor, CEU/CSD for GEOs.

8.2.3 Removal from Saudi Aramco ID/CSD webpage/SHAREK Approval List

Any TPTL, GTPTL, GEO or Batch Plant that have been put ON-HOLD
for more than six (6) months without any corrective action on violations
mentioned above after the “Hold” period had elapsed, shall be removed

Page 10 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

from the Saudi Aramco list of approved TPTLs, GTPTLs, GEOs or

Batch Plants in the ID/CSD webpage/SHAREK.

A letter for withdrawal of approval notification shall be sent by the

Supervisor of CEU/CSD for GEOs and by the Sr. Supervisor of DPIS for
the other service providers under this Procedure.

Revision Summary
5 December 2012 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure.
20 February 2013 Minor revision mandating ISO 9001:2008 certification for Batch Plants approval.

Page 11 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

Appendix A: Third Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process – Permanent Basis

Third Party Testing

Contracting BP&CTU
Laboratory

Secure Vendor Number

Issue Vendor Number
from Contracting Dept

Submits Required
Documentation Package for
Approval

Yes Civil Testing Lab? No

Evaluate Evaluate
Documentation Documentation
Package Package
(Civil Testing Lab) (Other Testing Lab)

ISO 17025
No
Compliant?
Yes

Rectify Corrective
Action ISO 17025 Yes
Compliant?

Conduct
Lab Survey
No

Issue Corrective
Action No Compliant?

Yes

Update ID
Approves 3rd Party
Website & Issue
Laboratory / Agency Lab Approval

Page 12 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

Appendix B: Third Party Testing Laboratory Approval Process – One-Time Basis

Third Party Testing Responsible Project

SAPMT BP&CTU
Laboratory Inspection Section

Page 13 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

Appendix C: Batch Plant Approval Process – Permanent Basis

Vendor P&SPD (Purchasing) BP&CTU

Process “REQUEST Evaluates “REQUEST

Submit FOR PLANT FOR PLANT
“REQUEST FOR PLANT APPROVAL” APPROVAL”
APPROVAL”

“REQUEST FOR
PLANT APPROVAL”
acceptable?

No Yes

Conducts Site / Plant

Evaluation / Survey

Site / Plant Evaluation /

Survey Acceptable?

Yes

No

Notify Vendor of
Rectify Corrective Issue Corrective
Corrective Action
Action Action
Required

Update ID Website &

Notify Vendor of
Issue
Plant Approved Approval “Plant Approval”

Page 14 of 15
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-383
Issue Date: 20 February 2013 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Next Planned Update: 5 December 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch Plants

Appendix D: Batch Plant Approval Process – One-Time Basis

Responsible Project
Contractor SAPMT BP&CTU
Inspection Section

Conduct Initial Process Request Evaluate

Plant Survey Review Package
for Approval Package

Submit Request
for Approval
Yes
Comply with
Complete?
requirements?

No
Yes

Conducts Plant
Survey /
Evaluation

No

Compliance

No

Yes
Notify Contractor Notify SAPMT of
Rectify Corrective Issue Corrective
of Corrective Corrective Action
Action Action
Action Required Required

Update ID
Notify Contractor Notify SAPMT of
Website & Issue
Plant Approved of Plant Approval Plant Approval
Plant Approval

Page 15 of 15