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ABSTRACT: Compaction methodology and quality control procedures developed to meet stringent functional performance requirements of rock fill embankments are presented. The need for an innovative compaction methodology was necessitated by a multitude of factors; a) the geological variability of fill materials produced in massive rock excavations, b) the use of High Energy Impact Compactors (HEIC), c) a very demanding construction schedule that dictated optimization of the lift thickness of placed materials and d) very demanding functional requirements associated with performance of critical oil and gas infrastructure facilities. The concurrent presence of these conditions rendered traditional compaction methodologies practically insufficient. In order to calibrate the proposed method, a series of trial embankments were constructed and monitored using different rock materials, lift thicknesses and compaction equipment. The trials were also complemented by large scale tests for density and deformability calibration. Furthermore, continuous monitoring took place as part of the quality control procedures during construction. The successful application and effectiveness of the followed methodology was further verified by using conventional in-situ tests, as well as multiple geophysical tests that further validated the postulated construction methodology.
1. Introduction The offshore Satah Al Razboot (SARB) Oil Field is located approximately 120km NW of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is being developed and operated by the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO). As part of the SARB oil field development, major processing, storage and offshore loading and unloading facilities have been constructed on the western side of Zirku Island in nine (9) separate packages grouped in a total of six (6) Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, the first one being Package 1 comprising the main site preparation works on Zirku Island. Package 1 was awarded to Archirodon Construction (Overseas) Co. S.A. as an EPC lump sum contract of approximately USD 260 Million total value in June 2012.
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