Materials System Specification

12-SAMSS-018
14 May 2011
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1

Scope............................................................. 2

Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2

References..................................................... 2

Steel............................................................... 4

Tolerances...................................................... 9

Quality Requirements.................................... 9

Material Marking........................................... 10

Appendix 1 Material Substitution..................... 12

Previous Issue: 11 June 2008

Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

Page 1 of 13

Primary contact: Dennis Niemeyer on 966-3-8760237

CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2011. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Scope
1.1

This specification defines the grades of carbon steel plates, rolled shapes, and
tubulars that must be used for the design and construction of a fixed offshore
platform in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD. It gives additional minimum
requirements for the manufacture and supply of this material. It also gives
acceptable substitute materials. Substitute material must still meet the additional
requirements given in this specification.

1.2

Additional requirements may be contained in Scopes of Work, Drawings, or

other Instructions or Specifications pertaining to specific items of work.

1.3

This standard may be attached to and made a part of purchase orders.

Conflicts and Deviations

2.1

Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the company or buyer representative through the
Manager, Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2

Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the company or
buyer representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.3

Whenever material requirements are specified, the Vendor may propose, in his
bid, equivalent materials with technical proof that the proposed alternative
material specifications fully meet the technical and environmental requirements,
for consideration by the Buyer.

References
The selection of material covered by this specification shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
3.1

Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAEP-302

Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a

Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
Page 2 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

SAES-M-005

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore

Platforms

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

01-SAMSS-333

High Frequency Welded Line Pipe

12-SAMSS-005

Marking of Metal Products

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirement

Form 175-121400
3.2

Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes, and Tubulars

Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute
API RP 2A-WSD

Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed

Offshore Platforms

API SPEC 2B

Specification for the Fabrication of Structural

Steel Pipe

API SPEC 2H

Specification for Carbon Manganese Steel Plate

for Offshore Platform Tubular Joints

API SPEC 2W

Specification for Steel Plates for Offshore

Structures Produced by Thermo-Mechanical
Control Processing (TMCP)

API SPEC 5L

Specification for Line Pipe

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A6

General Requirements for Delivery of Structural

Steel

ASTM A370

Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

ASTM A673

Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of

Structural Steel

ASTM E23

Notch Bar Testing of Metallic Materials

European Standard
EN 10225

Weldable Structural Steels for Fixed Offshore

Structures

EN10025

Hot Rolled Products of Structural Steels

Page 3 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Steel
The structural steel specifications for plates, rolled shapes and tubulars shall conform to
those listed in API RP 2A-WSD Table 8.1.4-1, Table 8.1.4-2 and Table 8.2.1-1 as Group
I or Group II. Group III steels shall not be used. All steels shall be killed or semi-killed.
4.1

The "Service Classification" of steel shall be as defined in SAES-M-005 or the

purchase order.

Steel shall be classified into three types with respect to its use in service as
follows:
Critical Service: Steel selected for members essential to the overall
integrity of the structure and subject to particular precipitous stress
conditions.
Primary Service: Steel selected for members participating in the overall
integrity of the structure, and for other structural members of importance for
the operational safety.
General Service: Steel selected for structural members other than critical or
primary structural steel members.

The following are the Service Classifications

PL1 -

Critical service plates with tested through-thickness properties

PL2 -

Primary service plates with improved (but not tested) throughthickness properties

PL4 -

General service plates

SH2 -

Primary service rolled shapes with improved (but not tested)

through-thickness properties

SH4 -

General service rolled shapes

RT1 -

Rolled tubulars from PL1 material (critical service plates with tested
through-thickness properties)

RT2 -

Rolled tubulars from PL2 material (primary service plates with

improved but not tested through-thickness properties)

RT4 -

Rolled tubulars from PL4 material (general service plates)

T2 -

Pipe material for primary service, high strength (X52 grade)

T3 -

Pipe material for general service, high strength (X52 grade)

Page 4 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

T4 4.2

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Pipe material for general service, normal strength (Grade B, X42 or

X52)

Material Requirements
Chemical, mechanical and notch toughness properties of each class of steel will
be in accordance with the material requirements of this section.
Use of wall thickness in excess of that given in the drawings and outside of the
dimensional tolerances for the given product is not permitted without written
approval from Saudi Aramco.
4.2.1

The CE and Pcm will be calculated in accordance with the following:

CE = C + (Mn + Si)/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15
Pcm = C + Si/30 + Mn/20 + Cu/20 + Ni/60 + Cr/20 +Mo/15 + V/10 + 5B

4.2.2

The CE requirement will be used if the carbon content is 0.12% or

higher. The Pcm requirement will be used if the carbon content is less
than or equal to 0.12%.

4.2.3

The yield strength/tensile strength ratio shall not exceed the following
for PL1, PL2, RT1 and RT 2 and T2:
Yield to Tensile Strength Ratios
Grade
Normalized Material
TMCP Material

4.2.4

4.2.5

Yield to Tensile Strength Ratios

Thickness
16 mm
> 16 mm
16 mm
> 16 mm

max.
0.87
0.85
0.93
0.90

The following restrictions shall apply to the use of API SPEC 2W

materials:
a)

Heating or hot forming exceeding 550C shall not be used in

fabrication

b)

The thickness shall not exceed 75 mm.

PL1 Plates and RT1 Tubulars

The PL1 plates and RT1 tubulars shall conform to API SPEC 2H Grade
42 or Grade 50 or API SPEC 2W Grade 50 with the following
supplementary requirements. The supplementary requirements are listed
Page 5 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

below. S1 through S7, are as defined in API SPEC 2H or 2W as

appropriate. If an approved substitute material is used these
requirements must still be met.

4.2.6

a)

S1- UT testing

b)

S3- individual plate testing

c)

S4- through-thickness testing for material over 19 mm in thickness.

d)

S5- low Sulphur

e)

S7- low Nitrogen

f)

Vanadium and Boron shall not be intentionally added. A chemical

analysis will be performed and amounts of Vanadium and Boron
shall be reported. The residual Boron content shall not exceed
0.0005%

g)

The maximum CE shall be 0.42% or maximum PCM shall be

0.25% (see 4.2.2)

h)

RT1 tubulars shall meet the general requirements of the

API SPEC 2B

i)

Welding Procedures for RT1 Tubulars shall include impact testing

at -40C and meet 34 Joules minimum average and 26 Joules
minimum single value in the weld and Heat Affected Zone.

j)

The Yield to tensile strength ratio shall be in accordance with 4.2.3.

PL2 Plates and RT2 Tubulars

The PL2 plates and RT2 tubulars shall conform to API SPEC 2H Grade
42 or Grade 50, or API SPEC 2W Grade 50 with the following
supplementary requirements. The supplementary requirements are listed
below. S1 through S7, are as defined in API SPEC 2H or 2W as
appropriate. If an approved substitute material is used these
requirements must still be met.
a)

S5- low Sulphur

b)

S7- low Nitrogen

c)

Vanadium and Boron shall not be intentionally added. These

elements shall be analyzed for and reported. The residual Boron
content shall not exceed 0.0005%.

d)

The maximum CE shall be 0.42% or maximum PCM shall be

0.25% (see 4.2.2)

Page 6 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

4.2.7

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

e)

RT2 tubulars shall meet the general requirements of the

API SPEC 2B

f)

Welding Procedures for RT2 Tubulars shall include impact testing

at -40C and meet 34 Joules minimum average and 26 Joules
minimum single value in the weld and Heat Affected Zone.

g)

The Yield to tensile strength ratio shall be in accordance with 4.2.3.

PL4 Plates and RT4 Tubulars

The PL4 plates and RT4 tubulars shall conform to any material listed in
API RP 2A for Group I and Group II with the following supplementary
requirements. If an approved substitute material is used these
requirements must still be met.

4.2.8

a)

The maximum CE shall be 0.45%

b)

Any material with a wall thickness greater than 13 mm shall be

impact tested on a heat basis and shall conform to Table 1

c)

RT4 tubulars shall meet the general requirements of the

API SPEC 2B

d)

T4 tubulars which meet the above requirements may be substituted

for RT4 tubulars

e)

Welding Procedures for RT4 Tubulars greater than 13 mm

thickness shall include impact testing at -18C and meet 27 Joules
minimum average and 20 Joules minimum single value.

SH2 Shapes
The SH2 shapes shall conform to any material listed in API RP-2A for
Group I and Group II with the following supplementary requirements. If
an approved substitute material is used these requirements must still be
met.

4.2.9

a)

The maximum Sulphur content shall not exceed 0.010%

b)

The maximum CE shall be 0.42%

c)

Any material with a flange thickness greater than 13 mm shall be

impact tested on a heat basis and shall conform to Table 1.

SH4 Shapes
The SH4 shapes shall conform to any material listed in API RP-2A for
Group I and Group II with the following supplementary requirements. If

Page 7 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

an approved substitute material is used these requirements must still be

met:
a)

The maximum CE shall be 0.45%

b)

Any material with a flange thickness greater than 13 mm shall be

impact tested on a heat basis and shall conform to Table 1.

4.2.10 T2 Pipe
The T2 pipe shall conform to API SPEC 5L Grade X52 with the
following supplementary requirements. If an approved substitute
material is used these requirements must still be met.:
a)

The maximum wall thickness shall not exceed 38 mm

b)

Impact tests shall be performed at -18C the acceptance

requirement is 40J minimum average, 30J minimum single value)

c)

The maximum CE shall be 0.42% or maximum PCM shall be

0.25% (see 4.2.2)

d)

Only seamless or longitudinal seam welded pipe using SAW

(Submerged Arc Welding) is permitted

e)

Hydrotest and API SPEC 5L monogram are not required.

f)

The Yield to tensile strength ratio shall be in accordance with 4.2.3.

4.2.11 T3 Pipe
The T3 pipe shall conform to API SPEC 5L Grade X52 with the
following supplementary requirements. If an approved substitute
material is used these requirements must still be met.
a)

The maximum wall thickness shall not exceed 38 mm

b)

The maximum CE shall be 0.42% or maximum PCM shall be

0.25% (see 4.2.2)

c)

Only seamless or longitudinal seam welded pipe using SAW is

permitted

d)

Hydrotest and API SPEC 5L monogram are not required.

4.2.12 T4 Pipe
The T4 pipe shall conform to API SPEC 5L Grade B or X42 or X52 with
the following supplementary requirements. If an approved substitute
material is used these requirements must still be met.

Page 8 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

a)

The maximum wall thickness shall not exceed 38 mm

b)

The maximum CE shall be 0.45%

c)

Seamless, Electric resistance welded pipe (manufactured to

01-SAMSS-333) or longitudinal seam welded pipe using SAW
(Submerged Arc Welding) are permitted

d)

Hydrotest and API SPEC 5L monogram are not required.

Table 1 Impact Testing Requirements
CVN Absorbed Energy
Average
Minimum
of three
Single Value

Steel Group

Steel Class

Impact Test
Temperature

-18C

27J (20 ft-lb)

20J (15 ft-lb)

-18C

27J (20 ft-lb)

20J (15 ft-lb)

-29C

27J (20 ft-lb)

20J (15 ft-lb)

II

-18C

27J (20 ft-lb)

20J (15 ft-lb)

II

-29C

34J (25 ft-lb)

27J (20 ft-lb)

II

-40C

34J (25 ft-lb)

27J (20 ft-lb)

Notes:

All tests to be performed in accordance with ASTM A673, ASTM A370, and ASTM E23

Steel Class definition as per API RP 2A

Full size (10 mm x 10 mm) Charpy impact test specimens shall be used.

Tolerances
The "as-rolled" permissible variations for all rolled shapes and plates shall be as
specified in ASTM A6, Section 13.3.2.
The dimensions and tolerances for structural pipes T2, T3, and T4 shall be as specified
in the API SPEC 2B. All the pipe ends shall be as specified in the Purchase Order. If
specified, beveled ends shall have end protectors.

Quality Requirements
The Vendor shall implement and maintain a Quality Program which shall include
clearly defined and documented procedures for the relevant quality system functions.
The Vendor shall make the Quality Program available to the Buyer's inspection
representative for review and audit.

Page 9 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

The items manufactured to this Specification are subject to verification by the Buyer's
inspection representative per the Purchase Order and Saudi Aramco Inspection
Requirement Form SA 175-121400 attached to the Purchase Order.
7

Material Marking
Markings shall be in Accordance with 12-SAMSS-005, "Marking of Metal Products."
Specifically, the following requirements shall be adhered to:
7.1

Rolled shapes
Each rolled shape length shall be paint stencil marked. Paint marking shall be
on both ends in 25 mm minimum high letters with the following:
-

Company (Saudi Aramco) and Port Designation

Material Grade

Heat Number

Purchase Order Number and Item Number

Saudi Aramco Stock Number (9CAT or 9COM)

Member size (type) for example W35 x 230

Each rolled shape length shall be metal stamped with low stress steel stamps
with the heat number and grade. Metal stamping will be on one end and shall be
located immediately following the corresponding paint stenciled information.
The height of the metal stamped marking shall be 6 mm minimum.
The above are minimum marking requirements and additional requirements may
be specified by the Buyer.
7.2

Plates
Each plate shall be paint stencil marked. Paint marking shall be on one corner
of the plate in 25 mm minimum high letters. Paint marking shall include the
following:
-

Company (Saudi Aramco) and Port Designation

Material Grade

Heat Number

Purchase Order Number and Item Number

Saudi Aramco Stock Number (9CAT or 9COM)

Dimensions (thickness in millimeters and inches in parentheses)

Page 10 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Each plate shall be metal stamped with low stress steel stamps with the heat
number and grade. Metal stamp marking shall be on the corner diagonally
opposite the paint markings. The height of the metal stamped marking shall be
6 mm minimum.
The above are minimum marking requirements and additional requirements may
be specified by the Buyer.
7.3

Tubulars (Structural Pipe)

7.3.1

Paint Marking Requirements

Each length of structural pipe shall be paint marked on one end with the
following information. Paint marking shall be 25 mm minimum high
letters.
-

Company (Saudi Aramco) and Port Designation

Material Grade

Heat Number

Purchase Order Number and Item Number

Saudi Aramco Stock Number (9CAT or 9COM)

Dimensions (thickness in millimeters and inches in parentheses)

For pipe sections 24 inches in diameter and above the markings shall be
on the inside of the pipe and located approximately 75 - 150 mm from
one end.
For pipe sections smaller than 24 inches in diameter, markings may be on
the outside of the pipe and located approximately 300 mm from one end.
In addition to the detailed marks at one end of the structural pipe, the
purchase order number and Saudi Aramco Stock Number (9CAT or
9COM) shall be stencil painted inside or outside at the other pipe end
and outside in the middle of each length.
7.3.2

Metal Stamp Marking Requirements

Each pipe shall be metal stamped with low stress steel stamps with the
heat number and grade. The height of the metal stamped marking shall be
6 mm minimum and will be located adjacent to the detailed paint marking.

11 June 2008
14 May 2011

Revision Summary
Major revision based on value engineering comments.
Editorial revision to remove committee list.

Page 11 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

Appendix 1 Material Substitution

STRUCTURAL STEEL PLATES
APPLICATION

API Materials

EN Materials

PL1

API 2H Gr. 42

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+N(2)

PL1

API 2H Gr. 50

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+N(2)

PL1

API 2W Gr. 50

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+M(2)

PL2

API 2H Gr. 42

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+N

PL2

API 2H Gr. 50

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+N

PL2

API 2W Gr. 50

EN10225, Gr. 355G8+M

PL4

ASTM A36 (to 2 inches)

PL4

ASTM A131 Gr. A (to 1.5 inches)

PL4

ASTM A285 Grade C (to inches)

EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0

PL4

ASTM A131 Gr. B, D

EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0

PL4

ASTM A516 Grade 65

EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0

PL4

A572 Grade 42 (to 2 in. thick)(1)

ASTM A572 Grade 50 (to 2 in. thick;
S91 required over l/2 in.)(1)

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

PL4

ASTM A13 1 Grade AH 32

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

PL4

ASTM A131 Grade AH36 to 3 In. thick)

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

PL4

(1)
(2)

EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0

EN 10025-2, Gr. 275JR
EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

Maximum Vanadium Level Permitted= 0.10% V.

With the following:
(a)
(b)

Option 13 (through thickness testing) required if the thickness is greater than 19 mm

The CE shall not exceed 0.42 and the PCM shall not exceed 0.25 (see 4.2.2)

Page 12 of 13

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control

Issue Date: 14 May 2011
Next Planned Update: 11 June 2013

12-SAMSS-018
Structural Plates, Rolled Shapes and
Tubulars Specification for Fixed Offshore Platforms

STRUCTURAL STEEL SHAPES

API RP 2A

API Materials

EN Materials
EN 10025-2, Gr. 275J0
EN 10025-2, Gr. 275JR

Group I Class C

ASTM A36 (to 2 inches)

Group II Class C

A572 Grade 42 (to 2 in. thick)*

A572 Grade 42 (to 2 in. thick) S91
required over l/2 in.)*

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

ASTM A13 1 Grade AH 32

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

ASTM A131 Grade AH36

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

Group II Class B

EN 10025-2, Gr. 355JR

*Maximum Vanadium Level Permitted= 0.10% V

STRUCTURAL STEEL PIPE

API RP 2A
Group I Class C

API Materials

ISO Materials

API 5L Gr. B

ISO 3183 L245 R or N

ASTM A 53 Gr. B

ISO 3183 L245 R or N

Group I Class B

ASTM A106 B (normalized)

ISO 3183 L245 R or N

Group I Class A

A333 Gr. 6

ISO 3183 L245 R or N

Group II Class B or C

API 5L Grade X42

ISO 3183 L290 R or N

API 5L Grade X52

ISO 3183 L360 R or N

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