ASTM C444/C444M-21

Standard Specification for Perforated Concrete Pipe

ABSTRACT
This specification covers perforated concrete pipe intended to be used for underdrainage. Pipe manufactured to this specification shall be of two classes, Type 1 and Type 2, describing two arrangements of perforations for pipe manufactured to the standard specifications for plain or reinforced concrete pipe, and their classifications. The acceptability of the pipe shall be determined by the results of all applicable tests prescribed for the type and class of pipe specified. The joints shall be of such design and the ends of the concrete pipe sections so formed that the pipe can be laid together to make a continuous line of pipe.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers perforated concrete pipe intended to be used for underdrainage.  
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values may result in nonconformance with the specification.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2021
• ICS: 23.040.50 - Pipes and fittings of other materials
• Technical Committee: C13 - Concrete Pipe
• Drafting Committee: C13.01 - Non-Reinforced Concrete Sewer, Drain and Irrigation Pipe

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C822-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C822-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM C822-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM C822-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C822-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM C822-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 02-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM C822-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM C822-05b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM C822-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM C822-02a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2002
• Refers: ASTM C822-02 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2002
• Refers: ASTM C822-01 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001

Overview

ASTM C444/C444M-21: Standard Specification for Perforated Concrete Pipe provides comprehensive requirements for perforated concrete pipe intended for use in underdrainage systems. Published by ASTM International, this standard specifies two main types of perforated concrete pipes-Type 1 and Type 2-based on the arrangement and style of perforations. It is applicable to both plain and reinforced concrete pipes and establishes testing, inspection, and acceptance criteria to ensure durability, quality, and proper installation.

The long-standing acceptance of this standard by the U.S. Department of Defense and its compliance with international standards makes it a trusted reference in drainage infrastructure projects worldwide. It ensures compatibility across different measurement systems (inch-pound and SI) while requiring independent use of each system.

Key Topics

• Pipe Classification:
  • Type 1: Circular perforations arranged in multiple rows as per pipe diameter.
  • Type 2: Slotted perforations with specific slot length and spacing requirements.
• Manufacturing and Design:
  • Criteria for plain or reinforced concrete pipe.
  • Arrangement and symmetry of perforations to optimize underdrainage.
  • Tolerances on perforation size and spacing to ensure structural integrity.
• Testing and Quality Assurance:
  • Mandatory inspections and acceptance based on conformance to design and prescribed tests.
  • Repair and replacement requirements for non-conforming or damaged pipe.
  • Marking procedures for rejected pipes.
• Joint and Installation Requirements:
  • Pipe sections must be designed to form a continuous, compatible pipeline.
  • Guidance for correct joining methods and permissible variations.
• Safety and Practice:
  • Users must identify and mitigate any safety, health, or environmental concerns.
  • Encouragement of compliance with regulatory and environmental limits.

Applications

Perforated concrete pipe produced in accordance with ASTM C444/C444M-21 is widely used in subsurface drainage (underdrainage) applications, particularly for:

• Agricultural drainage to prevent waterlogging and improve soil structure.
• Highway and pavement drainage to extend the life and stability of roadways.
• Sports fields and recreational area drainage systems to maintain safe and usable surfaces.
• Residential and commercial landscaping for efficient groundwater control.
• Infrastructure projects requiring long-lasting, robust, and uniform drainage solutions.

Proper installation using ASTM-compliant pipes ensures optimized water removal, reduces soil erosion, and increases the lifespan of surrounding structures.

Related Standards

• ASTM C822 - Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products: Reference for key definitions and technical language.
• ASTM C14, ASTM C76 - Specifications for Non-Reinforced and Reinforced Concrete Pipe: Coordinates with C444/C444M for manufacturing and classification details.
• International standards: Developed according to WTO TBT Committee guidelines, promoting worldwide consistency in drainage infrastructure.

Keywords: perforated concrete pipe, ASTM C444/C444M, underdrainage, subsurface drainage, concrete pipe standard, drainage pipe specification, drainage infrastructure, quality control, concrete pipe perforations

By adhering to ASTM C444/C444M-21, engineers, contractors, and specifiers ensure both compliance and performance in critical drainage projects.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation:C444/C444M −21
Standard Specification for
Perforated Concrete Pipe
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C444/C444M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope two arrangements of perforations to be used with pipe manu-
factured according to any of the standard specifications for
1.1 This specification covers perforated concrete pipe in-
plain or reinforced concrete pipe, and any of the classifications
tended to be used for underdrainage.
within those standard specifications.
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to
4.1.1 Type 1 perforated pipe shall have circular perforations
be regarded separately as standard. Within the text the SI units
conforming to 6.1 and Table 1.
areshowninbrackets.Thevaluesstatedineachsystemarenot
4.1.2 Type 2 perforated pipe shall have slotted perforations
exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used inde-
conforming to 6.2 and Table 2.
pendently of the other. Combining values may result in
4.1.3 It is intended that perforated pipe shall be specified by
nonconformance with the specification.
reference to this specification and the specification for the type
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and class of pipe desired.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
NOTE 1—Example—“Perforated concrete pipe shall conform to the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
requirements of Specification C444/C444M Type 2, and all applicable
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
requirements of Specification C14, Class 2.”
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Basis of Acceptance
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 The acceptability of the pipe shall be determined by the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
results of all applicable tests (Note 2) prescribed for the type
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and class of pipe specified, and by inspection to determine
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
whetherthepipeconformstothisspecificationastodesignand
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
freedom from defects.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 2—It is intended that all tests will be applicable except those
2.1 ASTM Standards:
having to do with permeability and the hydrostatic test.
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
Products
6. Perforations
3. Terminology
6.1 Type 1—Perforations shall be circular, not more than ⁄16
in.[8mm]orlessthan ⁄16in.[5mm]indiameter,andarranged
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
in rows parallel to the axis of the pipe. Perforations shall be 3
pipe, see Terminology C822.
in. [75 mm] center-to-center, along rows, with no less than ⁄2
4. Classification
in. [13 mm] of cover over any reinforcing steel. The spigot or
tongue end shall not be perforated for a length equal to the
4.1 Pipe manufactured according to this specification shall
depth of the socket, or depth of the groove plus ⁄4 in. [19 mm]
be of two classes known as Type 1 and Type 2, which cover
and perforations shall continue at uniform spacing along the
entire length of the barrel.The total number of rows shall be as
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on
shown in Table 1.The rows shall be spaced over not more than
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.01 on
Non-Reinforced Concrete Sewer, Drain and Irrigation Pipe.
165° of circumference. Rows shall be symmetrically arranged
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published September 2021. Originally
with respect to the intended top or bottom of the pipe.
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C444 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/C0444_C0444M-21.
6.2 Type 2—Slots shall be circumferential in direction, not
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3 1
more than ⁄16 in. [5 mm] or less than ⁄8 in. [3 mm] in width,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and of the lengths shown in Table 2. There shall be two rows
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. of slots, spaced 165° apart, and centered, in the case of
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C444/C444M−21
TABLE 1 Number of Rows of Perforations Required
6.5 If perforations, slots, or other openings are more than
Internal Designated Diameter ⁄16 in. [5 mm] in diameter, the pipe shall be wrapped in a
Rows of Perforations
in. [mm] geotextile filter fabric prior to installation.
4 [100] 4
7. Joints
6 [150] 4
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C444 − 17 C444/C444M − 21
Standard Specification for
Perforated Concrete Pipe
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C444;C444/C444M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers perforated concrete pipe intended to be used for underdrainage.
1.2 This specification is the inch-pound companion to SpecificationThe values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be
regarded separately as standard. Within the text the SI units C444M; therefore, no SI equivalents are presented in are shown in
brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the
other. Combining values may result in nonconformance with the specification.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to concrete pipe, see Terminology C822.
4. Classification
4.1 Pipe manufactured according to this specification shall be of two classes known as Type 1 and Type 2, which cover two
arrangements of perforations to be used with pipe manufactured according to any of the standard specifications for plain or
reinforced concrete pipe, and any of the classifications within those standard specifications.
4.1.1 Type 1 perforated pipe shall have circular perforations conforming to 6.1 and Table 1.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.01 on Non-Reinforced
Concrete Sewer, Drain and Irrigation Pipe.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017Sept. 1, 2021. Published May 2017September 2021. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 20092017 as
C444 – 03C444 – 17.(2009). DOI: 10.1520/C0444-17.10.1520/C0444_C0444M-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C444/C444M − 21
TABLE 1 Number of Rows of Perforations Required
Internal Designated Diameter
Rows of Perforations
in. [mm]
4 [100] 4
6 [150] 4
8 [200] 4
10 [250] 6
12 [300] 6
14 [350] 6
15 [375] 6
16 [400] 6
18 [450] 8
20 [500] 8
21 [525] 8
24 [600] 8
27 [675] and larger space rows approximately 6 in.
[150 mm]
4.1.2 Type 2 perforated pipe shall have slotted perforations conforming to 6.2 and Table 2.
4.1.3 It is intended that perforated pipe shall be specified by reference to this specification and the specification for the type and
class of pipe desired.
NOTE 1—Example—“Perforated concrete pipe shall conform to the requirements of Specification C444C444/C444M Type 2, and all applicable
requirements of Specification C14, Class 2.”
5. Basis of Acceptance
5.1 The acceptability of the pipe shall be determined by the results of all applicable tests (Note 2) prescribed for the type and class
of pipe specified, and by inspection to determine whether the pipe conforms to this specification as to design and freedom from
defects.
NOTE 2—It is intended that all tests will be applicable except those having to do with permeability and the hydrostatic test.
6. Perforations
5 3
6.1 Type 1—Perforations shall be circular, not more than ⁄16 in. [8 mm] or less than ⁄16 in. [5 mm] in diameter, and arranged in
rows parallel to the axis of the pipe. Perforations shall be 3 in. [75 mm] center-to-center, along rows, with no less than ⁄2 in. [13
mm] of cover over any reinforcing steel. The spigot or tongue end shall not be perforated for a length equal to the depth of the
socket, or depth of the groove plus ⁄4 in. [19 mm] and perforations shall continue at uniform spacing along the entire length of
the barrel. The total number of rows shall be as shown in Table 1. The rows shall be spaced over not more than 165° of
circumference. Rows shall be symmetrically arranged with respect to the intended top or bottom of the pipe.
TABLE 2 Requirements for Length and Spacing of Slots
A
Internal Designated Diameter Slot Length Slot Spacing
in. [mm] in. [mm] in. [mm]
4 [100] 1 [25] 3 [7
...