ASTM B788/B788M-09(2020) - 1.9.2020
 
Significance and Use

4.1 Corrugated aluminum pipe functions structurally as a flexible ring which is supported by and interacts with the compacted surrounding soil. The soil constructed around the pipe is thus an integral part of the structural system. It is therefore important to ensure that the soil structure or backfill is made up of acceptable material and is well-constructed. Field verification of soil structure acceptability using Test Methods D1556/D1556M, D2167, D2937, or D6938 as applicable, and comparing the results with Test Method D698 in accordance with the specifications for each project, is the most reliable basis for installation of an acceptable structure. The required density and method of measurement are not specified by this practice, but they must be established in the specifications for each project.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes procedures, soils, and soil placement for the proper installation of corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewers in either trench or projection installations. A typical trench installation is shown in Fig. 1, and a typical embankment (projection) installation is shown in Fig. 2. The pipes described in this practice are manufactured in a factory and furnished to the job in lengths ordinarily from 10 to 30 ft [3 to 9 m], with 20 ft [6 m] being common, for field joining. This practice applies to structures designed in accordance with Practice B790/B790M.

FIG. 1 Typical Trench Installation

FIG. 2 Typical Embankment (Projection) Installation

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D6938-23

Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

D2937-24

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method

D2487-17(2025)

Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)

D2167-15

Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon Method (Withdrawn 2024)

D1556-07

Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method

D698-12(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

B790/B790M-16(2021)

Standard Practice for Structural Design of Corrugated Aluminum Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches for Culverts, Storm Sewers, and Other Buried Conduits

B745/B745M-15(2021)

Standard Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe for Sewers and Drains