Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

No.
1

Page

PURPOSE

SCOPE

REFERENCE STANDARDS AND CODES

EQUIPMENTS/ TOOLS

5
6

Title

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

2
2
2
3
3

REMOVING THE EXISTING FIRE HYDRANT AND 14"

PIPELINE

HANDLING & STORAGE

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

FABRICATION

10

10 Excavation, Bedding & Backfilling

10

11 FRP & RTR PIPE LAYING AND JOINING

11

12 INSTALLING U/G PIPE

13

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 2

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this Method Statement is to describe the system and
constructability of Removing the installed and Re-Installing the
Underground FRP and RTR piping for WWT Project for Saudi Kayan
Petrochemical complex, Jubail Industrial II, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2.0 SCOPE
This procedure coversthe requirements for the Removal and
Construction of Underground Fire Water Lines (FW) which will include the
following :
Removing the Existing Fire Hydrant and 14"
Pipeline Receiving, Handling & Storage of RTR
pipe
Adhesive Bonded joining (Key lock, Flange Joining
Processes) Trench excavation
FRP & RTR Pipe Laying / Field Butt Joining
Laminations Backfilling and Compaction
3.0 REFERENCE STANDARDS AND CODES
The following is the list of drawings and engineering documents, which shall
be used in the dismantling and relocating of existing Fire Hydrant and
FRP/RTR Pipelines.
Doc/ Drg No.

Rev

Document Title

P13-C05

Installation Requirements for FRP Piping System

P14-T02

Quality Assurance for FRP Piping

ASTM 03517

Standard Specification for Fiberglass Process Pipe

250-45T-0002-02

Isometric Relocation Hydrant FM-25003

250-45G-0001

P&ID for Firewater Network

250-45P-2001

UG conceptual Layout for HDPE Suspension Area

250-45G-00010

UG Conceptual Layout for HDPE Plant

SES-C02-S02

Excavation & Backfilling

SES-COl-FOl-23

Underground Pipe Trench Details

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 3

4.0 EQUIPMENTS/ TOOLS

Shaving Tools with Electrical Power Drive

Hacksaw, Disc Grinder or Power Jig Saw

Small Electric Drilling Machine (6mm drive and 1799 - 2000 rpm)
Flapper Wheel Sanders and Coarse Emery Cloth Grid 60
Pairs of Band Clamp with Putters
Heating Blankets, Insulation Blankets, Hot Air Blower etc

Measuring Tape, Clean Cloth or Clean Brush, Pipe Vice or

Stable supports with pipe holding or clamping device for
assembly of pipes with fittings for small diameter pipe,
Hand Gloves, Dust Mask, Goggles etc .
Measuring and Testing Equipments (Troxler Compaction
testing machine, torque wrench etc)
Barcol Hardness Tester

5.0 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Necessary work permit shall be obtained
Wear all time proper PPEs, Dust mask should be used during machining and
sanding as recommended by Manufacturer
Use gloves when working with adhesive as recommended by Manufacturer,
the wet adhesive may cause irritation by skin contact.
During FRP lifting processes for installation necessary safety measures shall
be followed. Job Safety Analysis shall be prepared for each activity related to FRP
erection works and submitted for Dragados approval.
We shall be responsible for the disposal of waste material resulting from field
joining and associated work. Disposal of waste material shall conform to
applicable regulations and the disposal and safety practices of the jobsite.

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

6.0

Document No.
Page 4

REMOVING THE EXISTING FIRE HYDRANT AND 14" PIPELINE

6.1General

6.1.1
6.1.2

A work permit shall be taken prior to starting the job. Make sure that all valve
connecting to Fire Hydrant and Pipeline are closed and lock out.
An open cut type of excavation shall be applied with safe side slopes

6.1.3

6.1.4

6.1.7

6.1.10

Shoring and bracing system shall be used whenever required to

protect adjacent structure if any, in an excavation site or when
the excavation side slope is steeper than those mention below.

Suitable and appropriate equipment shall be used to carry out the Works.

6.1.5

Clearance of 1.0 meter from excavation top edge to barricade shall

always be kept. Soil material and equipment shall be kept away
from the excavation top edge.

6.1.6

Pipe, fittings and spool assemblies shall not be rolled, slid, dropped
,allowed to swing into other objects, or forced out of shape.

Care shall be exercised to prevent tools, scaffolding, or other objects from striking or
being dropped on or inside the pipe, fittings or spool assemblies.

6.1.8

Pipe, fittings and spool assemblies shall be lifted and positioned

using proper rigging and hoisting practices.

6.1.9

Lifting sling angle shall not be more than 45 degrees from vertical.

Lifting slings that will be in direct contact with the pipe, spool assemblies and
components shall be made from woven nylon or canvas and shall be a minimum of 3 in.
wide.

6.1.11 Care shall be exercised to prevent shackles, eyes, hooks, etc. from
coming into contact with the pipe, fittings and spool assemblies.
6.1.12

Lifting slings shall not be attached to, or allowed to come in contact with
nozzles, flanges, gussets, or other fittings.

6.1.13 If straight pipe lengths are received with smaller pipe sizes nested
inside of larger pipes, special precautions as recommended by the
manufacturer shall be followed to avoid damage to the interior
surfaces.
6.2 Excavating, Locating and Removing the Existing Fire Hydrant
and Pipeline
6.2.1

Dragados Gulf Construction Co. (DGC) will p r o vi d e Layout Plan

for existing location of the underground FRP/RTR piping. The
correct location, coordinates from the reference benchmark as well
as elevation from the reference IFC plan drawings issued by
DGC/Kayan.

6.2.2 The layout location shall be staked with line to

identify proper

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 5

location of the area to be excavated.

6.2.3 During the excavation, proper arrangement shall be made as
required for protection of personnel, for security of adjacent
structures, and for stability of the excavation. Maintain sloping on
the open excavated area.

6.2.4

Protect from all types of impact (Do not hit pipes & fittings, do not
bump pipes etc.)

6.2.5

Removal of Fire Hydrant and RTR Pipeline (14" Diameter):

Surrounding the Fire Hydrant, a manual excavation shall
be performed to expose the flanges connecting RTR
pipeline.

All covering over flanges will be removed carefully to avoid

any damage to the pipe/ Hydrants/ Key-locks/ Coupling
etc.

Stud Bolts and other fasteners shall be opened using proper tools.

The Fire hydrant shall be removed and kept in the safe area.

If there is water inside the pipelines shall be pumped out

using proper dewatering equipments.

All assemble of the pipeline shall be dismantled by

experienced piping technician.

Pipes and accessories shall be removed out of excavated area.

Care must be taken to avoid any injury to the personnel

and any damage to nearby facilities.

The excavated area shall be backfilled by native soil.

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

7.O

Document No.
Page 6

HANDLING & STORAGE

7.1General

7.1.1

Pipe, fittings and spool assemblies shall not be rolled, slid,

dropped, allowed to swing into other objects, or forced out of
shape.

7.1.2

Care shall be exercised to prevent tools, scaffolding, or other

objects from striking or being dropped on or inside the pipe,
fittings or spool assemblies.

7.1.3

Pipe, fittings and spool assemblies shall be lifted and positioned

using proper rigging and hoisting practices.

7.1.4

Lifting slings shall not be attached to, or allowed to come in

contact with nozzles, flanges, gussets, or other fittings.

7.1.5
7.2 Loading / unloading of materials at storage Yard at site
7.2.1

Pipe may be handling by hand or by lifting equipments, but care

must be taken to prevent damage to the spigot end and any
impact to the pipe wall. Following preventive action to be taken to
avoid damage to the
pipes & fittings during loading/ unloading

7.2.2

Do not throw or drop pipes/ packages of fittings from truck on

to the ground, and do not walk / stand on pipes & fittings.

7.2.3

Do not drag or slide pipes. Protective end covers should be left in

place until the time of installation to protect the pipe end and to
prevent the dirt and other foreign materials to enter the pipe.

7.2.4

Do not lift on Nozzle or small branches. Use soft nylon hands for
lifting purpose.

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 7

7.3 Storage of fittings & Accessories

8.0

7.5.1

Small size fittings should be removed from cartons, closely

inspected and stored in shelves, preferably inside a warehouse.

7.5.2

Adhesive bonding and laminated joint reinforcement materials,

resin and chemicals shall be stored in the original packaging, in a
dry area and within the temperature and humidity limits
recommended by the
material manufacturers.

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

8.1

8.2

Field Installation

8.1.1

For U/G piping systems, all installation requirements for Trench

depth, Grade, Water conditions, Foundation, Bedding, Backfill
materials, Joints, Pipe deflection levels shall be in compliance with
the contract documents.

8.1.2

Under no circumstances shall FRP piping components be

thrown or dropped from any height.

8.1.3

No chains, wire ropes or clamps shall be directly attached to the

FRP piping components for the purpose of lifting or moving.

8.1.4

For work on the pipe such as cuttings, preparing ends or

cleaning two point support for 6m long pipes and three point
supports for 12m long pipes. Do not place supports under bells,
spigot or factory made joint.

8.1.5

All pipe and fittings shall be examined and inspected to assure

that, as installed, there is no damage as a result of handling
during assembly and installation.
Defect acceptance criteria, and defect repair,
shall be determined
by the project specification.
An previous repairs shall toe examined and inspected.

Field Joining

8.2.1

For
adhesive
bond
field
joints,
the
manufacturer's
recommendations shall be followed regarding preparation of
adhesive, environmental conditions, fit-up and cure.
An environmentally controlled preparation area shall be
used under adverse weather conditions.

Global tolerances shall be within the manufacturer's guidelines

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 8

and the project specification.

8.2.2

8.2.3

Dimensional tolerances for fit-up and finished assembly

work shall
conform to project specification tables. The
angular deflection between the bell and spigot components
of an adhesive bond field joint shall be in strict compliance
with the fabricator's angular deflection tolerances. Any out-oftolerance components shall be rejected. No visible angular
misalignment permitted.

Laminated (butt and strap) field joints shall be applied in

accordance with the design standard and project Specification.

Surface preparation prior to the application of laminated

field joints
shall be performed in accordance with the
project specification to assure successful joining.

An environmentally controlled preparation

used under adverse weather conditions.

Resin mixing and applications shall be performed in

accordance with the resin supplier's recommendations for
field joining and service conditions. The resin used shall be
mixed prior to the expiration of
its
normal
shelf
life.
Additives for extreme temperature conditions shall be used
only if pre-approved by the owner.

Global tolerances shall be within the

Guidelines and the project specification.

The angular deflection between the piping fittings of a

laminated field joint shall be in strict compliance with
the fabricator's angular deflection tolerances. Any out-oftolerance components shall be rejected.

The resin cure shall be in conformance with the project

specification. Degree of cure, catalysts, promoters and
additives shall all
be
in
conformance
with
the
manufacturer's recommendations.

area

shall

be

manufacturer's

Joining procedures and techniques for flanged joints (if required as

per
IFC Drgs.) shall conform with the project specification

All flange surfaces shall be examined for damage prior to

installation. Damaged parts shall be set aside for evaluation
in accordance with project specifications.

All surfaces to

be

connected

shall be

thoroughly and

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

Document No.
Page 9

properly cleaned prior to connection.

Global tolerances shall conform with the standards relating

to assembly worm and the project specification.

All dimensions shall conform to the manufacturer's baseline.

Any out-of-tolerance components shall be rejected

FRP flanges shall be connected to flat face flanges wherever

specified. Depending on gasket type, spacer rings may be
used when flanges are connected to raised face flanges to
minimize excessive bending stresses when the bolts are
torque.

Flange assembly and bolting shall conform with the

manufacturer's requirements and to accepted industry
standards. Bolt tightening sequences, torque increments,
maximum torque and gasket selection shall also conform
with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Project: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

UPGRADE PROJECT

Rev: 01
Document title: Method statement for Excavation/Back filling and
Relocation of existing fire hydrant and FRP/RTR Pipeline.

9.0

Document No.
Page 10

FABRICATION
9.1

Approved Supplier (AMIANTIT) of materials FRP and RTR piping shall

supply prefabricated spools according to IFC drawings.

10.0 EXCAVATION, BEDDING & BACKFILLING

10.1 Survey
10.1.1

Dragados Gulf Construction Co. (DGC) will provide Layout Plan

for location of the underground FRP/RTR piping. The correct
location, coordinates from the reference benchmark as well as
elevation from the reference IFC plan drawings issued by
DGC/Kayan.

10.1.2

The layout location shall be staked with

proper location of the area to be excavated.

10.1.3

Coordinate with other disciplines involved, to verify any existing

service/utility lines such as water line, power line and telephone
line running through boundaries of excavation.

10.1.4

The trench will be made to the required depth and width as

specified in the drawings. The bottom of the trench will be
compacted by using plate compactors to the required value of FDT.

line to

identify

10.2 Excavation Operation

10.2.1

Excavation shall be kept free of surface water runoff, ground

water and debris until installation of pipes has been completed.
Provision shall be made to remove any water which accumulated
in the trenches. Removing of water on nearby sand pit.

10.2.2

Set up barricades and signboards around the area to prevent

unwanted personnel from entering the excavation site.
10.2.3 Report immediately to the company any unknown
underground installation encountered during excavation. Stop
work and wait for further instructions.

10.3 Start Excavation

10.3.1

Use mechanical excavator whenever possible and if the site

condition permits. Excavate manually around existing structure
or in congested area where the use of power machines are not
possible.

10.3.2

When heavy equipment such as backhoe and dump trucks are in

use, a trained person shall be assigned to direct the traffic at the
place of work and closely monitor the status of excavation work

underground
seepage water to
on site temporary
sump pit.

machine such as 1ton roller, jumper or plate compactors up to

the required density to conform with the Project Specification
requirement.
Dewatering system shall be installed (if

required) to

bail out

10.4 Bedding
10.4.1

Bedding in pipe zone should be sand and no stone shall be allowed in

direct contact with the pipe wall. Sand bedding under pipe should
be
minimum 8 inches in thickness.

10.4.2

The pipe bed should be firm and uniform and fully support the
pipe along its entire length.

10.4.3

Pipe bed shall be made from a fine compactable material (e.g.,

sweet sand) free of rocks and debris
Pipe bed shall be compacted to a dry density equal to 80 % of maximum
10.4.4

modified
proctor density in
case of non-load
bearing structure.

density at optimummoisture as determined by a series of

tests
according to ASTM 0698. The compacted sand shall be 90/o of

10.4.5

Pipe bed shall provide uniform bearing under the full length of the pipe.

10.4.6

Accurately grade the trench bottom

uniform bearing and support for each
entire length. This
will require a shallow depression for
shall be provided wherever applicable

and sand bed to provide

section of pipe along its
bells and couplings. Thrust Block
as per SABIC Specification.

10.4.7 The pipe bedding material is placed and compacted on top of the
properly prepared pipe foundation. The pipe bedding material
should be the same material utilized for backfilling the pipe in
the
initial backfill zone. The soil classification for bedding
material shall be as per ASTM D 2487 and minimum thickness of
the bedding should be 25 percent of the pipe diameter or 150
mm whichever is more.

10.4.8

The excavated material shall be used for backfilling above sand

cushion of the pipeline.

10.4.9

Do not cover the pipe joints till successful completion of pressure

test at desired pressure as per the IFC drawing & Quality assurance
plan

11.0 FRP & RTR PIPE LAYING AND JOINING

Then,
fit-up
and
align
the end of
the pipe to
be
joined
maintaining
a gap of 4-5
mm. Fill the
gap
joint
with putty (a
mixture
of
fiber
and
catalyst)
all
around
the
joint. Or, an
approved
lubricant
shall
be
applied
to
the
joint
materials.

grade
Pipe bed shall be made from a fine compactable material (e.g., sweet
sand) free of rocks and debris
Pipe bed shall provide uniform bearing under the full length of the
pipe
A suitable contour shall be made on the bed to receive pipe
joints (e.g. bells), if applicable. Contouring of the bed shall be
made by scraping away or tamping the bed material. It shall not
be made by wedging or blocking.
A compacted sand base of thickness not less than 3 times the joint
projection beyond the pipe barrel outside diameter shall be installed in
trenches dug in soils that are difficult to shape per requirements (e.g.
clay, shale or rock)
Bell and spigot joints shall be cleaned and dried. Grind roughly the
surface edge area portion of the FRP to be joined and clean surface.
The
spigot
penetration.

shall

have

fullbell

The required surface area to be grind roughly is the 'lamination area'

which grinding shall be carried out inside and outside surface area of the
pipes to be joined / laminated especially for large bore sizes of FRP

11.11

While putty or lubricant is in the curing time, prepare the materials for
lamination such as fiberglass mat, woven, resin, catalyst, and lamination
tools.

11.12

Mix the resin with catalyst with the ratio approved

by the
manufacturer,
or the mixing would be depending on the outside
temperature.
Using a paint roller, sponges apply the resin to the surface of the
joint according to the fiberglass mat sizes to be reinforced on the
pipe joint The fiberglass mats are normally supplied by the
manufacturer and it will
be pre-cut in sizes according to the diameter of the pipe to be

laminated

11.13

Lamination starts with woven first wrap to the pipe joint. In large
bore, the fiberglass reinforce mat or woven are not long enough to
wrap the full circumference of the adjoining pipe. Usually the length
of the mat or woven is appropriate to reach out by the workers to
press & roll, so that blister forms in the mat or woven will be easily
removed

11.16

Apply again the resin and install the fiberglass mat on the top of the
woven with 2 clearance at one side. Then, again apply the resin to
the surface of the mat and repeat the process until such layers will be
completed on the first application. With the use of roller tool, press
surface to remove the blisters

11.17

Repeat this process to the pipe joint to be laminated until

circumferential joint is completely have sufficient lamination

11.18

The laminated width, thickness and number of layers shall be

followed as per the
manufacturer instruction designed for the
strength of each pipe joint in compliance with the designed pressure
application

11.19

When pipe and fittings are ready for joining, the rigidity
adequacy of the pipe supports for assembly shall be verified

all

and

11.20

Prior to beginning lamination or

of
adhesive application, the
surface preparation shall be verified for conformance to the project
specification

11.21

Upon completion of the cure cycle, the following shall be evaluated

for conformance to the project specification:
- Adequacy of Cure,
- Presence of visual defects,
- Surface cleanliness, and
- Dimensional accuracy of finished spools.

11.22

Minimum ply width for joint overlays shall be 100 mm

11.23

Minimum barcol hardness shall be an

90 percent
of the resin manufacturer's
minimum recommended reading

average
reading
of
or FRP manufacturer's

12.0 INSTALLING U/G PIPE

To ensure long life and trouble free service from piping system,
proper application of the essential principles of excavation, laying
and jointing, bedding, backfilling and field testing is required. The
manufacturer recommendation for assembling pipe section and curing
joints should be followed and each section of the pipe should have
its supports well distributed Under the pipe rather than concentrated
at points or along
a narrow portion of the pipe bottom, this
accomplished by proper bedding.
Following instructions are to be followed strictly for Assembling
& Installation of Underground piping.

12.1

12.2

Assembly of pipe & Fittings

12.1.1

Ensure the pipe length as per the approved IFC drawing and
clean the pipes & fitting surface, surface must be dry

12.1.2

Position
position
respect
prevent

12.1.3

Before applying adhesive, mark the pipe to identify the proper

insertion depth of the spigot into the bell or coupling

12.1.4

Apply adhesive in a thin uniform layer to the bonding surfaces of

both the bell and the spigot. All machined or sanded surfaces
shall be coated with adhesive

12.1.5

Spigots shall be inserted into bells or couplings until they

bottom against manufactured pipe stops or shoulders or until
the reference marks indicate full insertion has occurred

12.1.6

Assembly of the adhesive joint up to the full insertion point

shall be performed in a single action to avoid entrainment
of air into the adhesive

12.1.7

Closure of joint may be accomplished by hand methods on

smaller diameter pipe, if the proper insertion depth can be
attained. Follow manufacturer's recommendations at all times
to avoid damage to pipe, components or joints

12.1.8

Ensure that adhesive is not extruded into the bore of the

pipe to the extent that a significant blockage is created.
Extruded adhesive shall not exceed the lesser of 10 mm or 5
percent of the pipe diameter

the pipe on timber across the ditch, block into

to hold the pipe straightness and alignment with
to fittings as per the approved IFC drawing and
lateral movement

Placing pipe in Trench

12.2.1

Assembled the pipes & fittings as per the approved IFC

drawing in well advance starting the lowering of the pipes into
the ditch so that no movement of the pipe will take place at

location where the joints are being cured. Any vibration or

movement of UN cured or partially cured joints will increase
the risk of joints failure

12.3

12.2.2

Based on the size/ Diameter & weight of Assembled pipes &

fittings use proper crane for handling / lowering of pipe into
ditch. It can be handled manually for smaller diameter pipe
but minimum two people (from both side of the pipe) should
handle (lifting/ lowering pipe into ditch) with the help of
manila rope or webbed sling

12.2.3

Pipe may be placed in the ditch on a curved alignment provide

the curvature in the installed pipe is uniform

Hydrostatic Testing/service Test with operating pressure

(optional)

Field hydrostatic leak or service test is required after the completion of

the whole system. Visually check field joints location while the system is
under service test. Joints shall be left exposed for testing. A separate
hydrostatic procedure for testing of FRP piping shall be submitted for
client review and approval.

12.4

Trench Backfilling

12.4.1

As soon as possible after the pipe joints are made backfill, material
shall be placed along the sides of the pipe to prevent movement
of the line or grade.

12.4.2

Backfilling of trenches shall be completed immediately after testing.

12.4.3

Backfill material around the pipe embedment zone shall be a fine

compatible material (e.g., sweet sand) free of rocks and debris.

12.4.4

In case of open-graded backfill material is placed adjacent to finer

in situ material and ground water flow or fluctuations is expected,
migration of fines into the coarser material shall be prevented by
using soil filter or geotextile filter fabric

12.4.5

Backfill of pipes consists of the initial and final backfill zones as

explained in SES P13-C05 (5.3.If). Proper placement and compaction
in the initial backfill zone is important in controlling deflections and
is critical to pipe performance

12.4.6

Special precautions to be taken near bell-and-spigot gasketed joints

so as to not cause a significant difference in the amount of
deflection of the spigot versus the bell end of the pipe. A large
difference in hoop deflection from one side of the joint to the other
side may prevent the gaskets from sea Iing. This is especially
important in larger diameter pipe which are more flexible.

12.4.7

The initial backfill zone extends from the top of the bedding to a
minimum of 300 mm above the crowd of the pipe. Within this
zone only select backfill material is used and should be the same
as that used for the pipe bed.

12.4.8

Backfill material must be carefully placed and compacted in the

haunch areas between the top of the bedding and the underside of
the pipe. This step is critical to ensure that the pipe has proper
support. The material should be pushed into the haunches using a
blunt tool and compacted by hand to achieve full support.

12.4.9

The remainder of the backfill material should be placed in 150 to

300 mm lifts depending on the material, required compaction
density, and compaction method. Between each lift compaction
density should be verified. Care must be taken to avoid excessive
compactive effort that may cause bulges, flat areas, or other local
distortions of the pipe wall. Mechanical compaction equipment must
not be allowed to contact the pipe. To avoid contact and
inadvertent damage to the pipe and to ensure proper compaction
against the pipe, hand tamping within a 150 mm zone around the
pipe should be considered

12.4.10

The final backfill zone extends from the top of the initial backfill
zone to grade. Within this zone select backfill, common site fill, or
in-situ soils.
Material
choice and compaction
depend
on
requirements for the

final graded surface. The final backfill has little influence

on the pipe performance as long as the unit weight of
the material is not greater than the select backfill used in
the initial pipe zone and is well compacted.

12.4.11

The potential for migration from groundwater flow or

surface water runoff should be evaluated. A geotextile
filter fabric may be required to prevent the migration of
fines from the final backfill material into the select
material in the initial backfill zone

12.4.12

The
selection
and
proper
use
of
compaction
equipment shall be appropriate for the backfill materials
used, consistent with installation specification and is the
responsibility of the contractor. Generally, the following
guidelines are appropriate for installation of FRP pipe.
Specific requirements
are the responsibility of the
designer and should meet or exceed the requirements
and limitations of the manufacturer.

12.4.13

Compaction by hand-damping should be employed

within a 150 mm envelope surrounding the pile. This is
essential in the haunch areas. Small quantities of soil
should be shoveled into place and thoroughly hand
tamped with a tamper suitable for the trench
configuration and that will not damage the pipe

12.4.14

Hand operated vibratory plate compactors should

not be allowed closer than 150 mm from the sides of
the pipe and until 150 mm of cover above the pipe
crown is achieved. Light vibratory-roller compactors
should not be allowed closer than 600 mm from the
sides of the pipe and until 600 mm of cover above
the pipe crown is achieved.

12.4.15

Backfill shall be compacted in a manner, which avoids

displacement of pipe.

12.4.16

Backfill of pipe trenches under roads, foundations, etc.

shall be compacted in accordance with the applicable
specification .