Protection of bunds and slopes is of prime importance in Oil and Gas facilities, in order to contain hydrocarbon products and to protect soil erosion. This paper highlights some slope protection challenges and mitigation techniques comparing the conventional systems and describes the evaluation methodology including Sustainability and Cost optimization potential of a new material "Concrete Impregnated Fabric". The knowledge obtained in determining the evaluation criteria and methodology of this slope protection system is worth sharing with industry professionals. Conventional slope protection involves mainly gatch and concrete lining. While the design life of gatch being less, use of reinforced concrete is non-sustainable. The main challenge in slope protection is "slope stability" involving the type of soil to be retained and slope angle. Various polymeric products named as Geo-strips, Geogrids, etc. are used for soil reinforcement. Steel mesh surrounded Gabion retaining structures are used for retaining very high slopes. New technologies such as "Mastic grouted mattresses" are more suitable for sloped surfaces of coastal areas. "Concrete Impregnated Fabric" or "Geo-synthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM)", a new material that hardens on hydration was found suitable for quick construction and has many more advantages. Technical evaluation criteria and detailed evaluation process in selecting this slope protection system is described in this paper. Technical information, features and installation methods of the product have been collected from the manufacturer and subjected to a detailed desk study. After initial review, the product with its varying thicknesses was applied on mock-up bund, demonstrating laying, joint-fixing, end-anchoring and initial hydration. This event has been witnessed by more than a dozen of engineers from all plants of ADNOC Gas Processing. The trial site was left exposed to atmosphere and revisited after 6 months and the condition ascertained. Physical properties listed in the information brochure have been verified by carrying out third party laboratory tests in UAE based on various international codes and witnessed by professional team. Also as part of evaluation process, in a pilot project, it was applied on pipeline bund area of about 4000 Sqm. Apart from the sustainability aspects and techno-commercial analysis, other advantages of the product such as design-life of 50 years, construction ease, 24% cost saving compared to concrete lining and feedback from previous users, etc. were evaluated and captured in a comprehensive report based on which it was accepted for use on slopes without any loads. Evaluation of this fit-for-purpose slope protection system including its pilot application will be useful for all relevant stakeholders.

"Optimization" or "Fit for Future" is the new norm for any industry in this competitive global environment. To encounter the challenges and to embed 100% HSE, efficiency, performance and profitability in operation, maintenance and new constructions, there is an urgent necessity to review and update existing design and construction specifications. This paper summarizes the approaches, systems and examples of major updates in about 264 Nos. of multi-disciplinary Design General Specifications (DGS) of ADNOC Gas Processing that are brought under scanner and being revised to realize the strategic/ economic benefits of standardization. In ADNOC Gas Processing, specifications for various engineering disciplines namely, process, automation, control, electrical, static/ rotating equipment, piping/ pipeline, civil/ structural are followed in engineering, construction and maintenance activities. These were developed over years to steer the Company towards unparalleled reliability, operability and integrity. Now, the challenging market demands adaptability, agility and forward thinking with a need to "balance the performance with profitability", without compromising HSE. Hence, a "Lean" approach towards the specifications is emphasized by focusing on cost-saving and value addition in terms of reduced time and enhanced efficiency. Apart from revisions based on latest international codes/ standards, specific attention is given to details by incorporating latest technologies, materials and processes. Best practices and lessons learnt based on direct involvement with Operation, Projects and Supply are being embedded in the DGSs. A set of DGSs were reviewed by external consultants and Company to incorporate the valuable changes. A detailed plan to incorporate the changes was worked out and assigned to disciplines. Major optimization features were addressed in the ongoing studies/ projects with immediate effect. This paper discusses potential areas of optimization and cost savings. A minimum of 15 to 20% cost saving is expected to be realized in adopting the revised specifications in the ongoing and future projects/ studies; more benefits are expected on task completion. Maximum results are obtained by re-visiting the design parameters in the light of latest codes/ standards applicable to all the engineering disciplines. Alternate technologies/ materials contribute to further optimization. Sizing of buildings, equipment and features are addressed in the DGS updates. Operational margin of equipment, stability ratios of the structures and performance of the instruments are scrutinized and brought to an optimal level resulting in overall efficiency. Discipline-wise enhancements and potential cost saving ranges are detailed in this paper. This paper presents "Fit for Future" initiative that has changed the organizational culture and reflects effectively in all activities across the Company. As all the technical activities are based on DGSs, update plan and potential cost realization are the main drivers for enhancing the performance without compromising HSE. This novel approach of re-visiting the technical specifications in the light of "high efficiency with low cost" can be adopted across other OPCOs and move towards common specifications for ADNOC.