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Specification FAQs

SPECIFICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have have questions about concrete pipe or box culverts, you're in the right spot.  If you can't find what you are looking for, though, don't hesitate to reach out and someone from the ACPA will reach out and help find you a solution.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Where can I find standards pertaining to the manufacture, installation, and testing of concrete pipe and box culverts? In most cases the manufacture of concrete pipe and box culverts, and their installation and testing requirements are either governed by ASTM Standards or relatively equivalent AASHTO Standards. To make specifying concrete pipe easier, the American Concrete Pipe Association has compiled all the relevant ASTM standards into one manual, “ACPA’s Annual Book of Selected ASTM Standards”, which can be found on our Resources web page.
What is the ASTM and AASHTO Standard for Reinforced Concrete Pipe?

ASTM Standards

  • Indirect Design:  ASTM C76 – 11 Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe.
  • Direct Design:  ASTM C1417 – 08 Standard Specification for Manufacture of Reinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe for Direct Design.

AASHTO Standards

  • Indirect Design:  AASHTO M 170-09 Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe.
  • Direct Design:  AASHTO Section 12 of the LRFD Code provides provisions to perform a direct design of concrete pipe. 

 
What is the ASTM and AASHTO Standard for Precast Concrete Box Sections?

ASTM Standards

  • Standard Design Code:  ASTM C 1433 Precast Reinforced Concrete Monolithic Box Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers
  • LRFD Design Code:  ASTM C 1577 Precast Reinforced Concrete Monolithic Box Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers According to AASHTO LRFD

AASHTO Standards

  • AASHTO M 259 Precast Reinforced Concrete Box Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains and Sewers
  • AASHTO M 273 Precast Reinforced Box Section for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers with less than 2 feet of Cover Subject to Highway Loadings.  
  • No AASHTO LRFD Design Code exists.  In the mentioned two standards you will find a note that states:  “If load-and-resistance factor design is required, then use ASTM C 1577.”