Overview
ASTM C985M-22, titled Standard Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Specified Strength Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric), is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This specification details requirements for nonreinforced concrete pipe used to convey sewage, industrial waste, and stormwater, as well as culvert construction. It applies exclusively to metric units and focuses on manufacturing, purchasing, and acceptance criteria for nonreinforced concrete pipes, including strength and load testing protocols.
ASTM C985M-22 is the metric counterpart to ASTM C985, ensuring global applicability and compliance with international standardization principles, specifically those outlined in the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee guidelines. This standard is essential for engineers, manufacturers, and project owners involved in public works, wastewater management, and infrastructure development.
Key Topics
-
Scope and Purpose
The standard addresses pipes with specified strengths for use in sewage, storm drainage, and culvert construction, but does not provide guidance for bedding, backfill, or field load correlation-those must be handled through project specifications.
-
Material and Manufacturing Requirements
- Acceptable cementitious materials and admixtures
- Quality aggregates and water standards
- Manufacturing and curing processes
- Allowance for specific fiber types as nonstructural additions
-
Design and Acceptance Criteria
- Designated strength and cracking strength definitions
- Testing using three-edge bearing methods
- Physical characteristics including diameter, wall thickness, and joint details
- Acceptance based on standard deviation analysis and specified load tests
-
Dimensional Tolerances
- Permissible variations in internal diameter, wall thickness, laying length, and straightness
- Reinforcement placement tolerances for larger pipes
-
Inspection, Marking, and Certification
- Procedures for inspection by the project owner
- Criteria for pipe rejection (cracks, defects, dimension nonconformity)
- Product marking requirements, including strength rating, manufacturer, and production date
- Certification protocols upon written agreement
Applications
ASTM C985M-22 serves a wide range of practical applications, especially where nonreinforced concrete pipes are specified for:
- Storm Drainage Systems: Channeling rainwater safely and efficiently in urban and rural infrastructure.
- Sanitary Sewers: Conveying municipal or industrial wastewater without need for internal pipe reinforcement under standard loading.
- Culvert Construction: Supporting roadways and embankments over waterways using robust, nonreinforced concrete pipelines.
- Industrial Waste Conveyance: Providing reliable, specified-strength conduit for non-aggressive industrial effluents.
This standard is frequently referenced in public works contracts, infrastructure specifications, and procurement documents where compliance with recognized quality, durability, and safety standards is required. Correct selection and specification of nonreinforced concrete pipe per ASTM C985M-22 ensure project longevity and regulatory compliance.
Related Standards
Professionals using ASTM C985M-22 should be aware of related ASTM standards that govern materials, testing, and terminology, including:
- ASTM C33/C33M - Specification for Concrete Aggregates
- ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement
- ASTM C260/C260M - Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
- ASTM C494/C494M - Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
- ASTM C497M - Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Box Sections, Manholes (Metric)
- ASTM C595/C595M - Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
- ASTM C618 - Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Pozzolan
- ASTM C822 - Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
- ASTM A615/A615M - Specification for Carbon-Steel Bars for Reinforcement
Proper reference to these and other supporting standards ensures all material and workmanship requirements are met for safe, durable concrete pipe installations.
Keywords: ASTM C985M-22, nonreinforced concrete pipe, culvert, storm drain, sewer pipe, concrete pipe specification, pipe strength, metric pipe standard, infrastructure, ASTM standards.