ASTM C443-21

Standard Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber Gaskets

ABSTRACT
This specification covers flexible watertight joints for concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber gaskets for sealing the joints, where infiltration or exfiltration is a factor in the design. The numerical values in this specification are not presented in inch-pound units, but rather, in metric or SI units only. All rubber gaskets shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical requirements of both standard gasket and oil resistant gasket requirements. Assembled joints should pass the following performance test without leakage at the joints: pipes in straight alignment, and pipes in maximum deflected position.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers flexible leak-resistant joints for concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber gaskets for sealing the joints, where infiltration or exfiltration is a factor in the design. The specification covers the design of joints and the requirements for rubber gaskets to be used therewith, for pipe conforming in all other respects to Specification C14, Specification C76, or Specification C507 and precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to Specification C478/C478M, provided that if there is conflict in permissible variations in dimensions the requirements of this specification for joints shall govern.  
1.2 A complete metric companion to Specification C443 has been developed—C443M; therefore, no metric equivalents are presented in this specification.  
Note 1: This specification covers the design and performance of the rubber gasket joint only. Joints covered by this specification are adequate for hydrostatic pressures up to 13 psi (30 ft), when tested in accordance with Section 9. Infiltration or exfiltration quantities for an installed pipeline are dependent upon many factors other than the joints, and allowable quantities must be covered by other specifications and suitable testing of the installed pipeline and system.  
1.3 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: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 13.060.30 - Sewage water
• Technical Committee: C13 - Concrete Pipe
• Drafting Committee: C13.08 - Joints for Precast Concrete Structures

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1619-23 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C14-20 - Standard Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C507-19 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76-19a - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76-19 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76-18a - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C507-18a - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C76-18 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C507-18 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C822-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1619-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM C76-16 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C507-16 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C507-15 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C14-15a - Standard Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015

Overview

ASTM C443-21: Standard Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber Gaskets is an important international standard developed by ASTM International. This specification outlines the requirements for flexible, watertight joints in concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber gaskets as the primary sealing element. Proper joint sealing is essential to prevent water infiltration and exfiltration, ensuring the long-term performance of concrete pipelines used in sanitary sewer, storm drain, and culvert applications.

ASTM C443-21 is part of a family of standards focused on concrete pipe products and emphasizes quality, dimensional control, and the physical properties of rubber gaskets to provide leak-resistant performance under hydrostatic pressure.

Key Topics

• Flexible Leak-Resistant Joints: The specification covers the design and performance requirements for joints intended to be watertight and accommodate small deformations.
• Rubber Gasket Requirements: All gaskets must meet stringent dimensional, physical, and tolerancing standards, referencing ASTM C1619.
  • Standard gaskets (Class C)
  • Oil-resistant gaskets (Class D)
• Performance Testing: Assembled joints are subjected to hydrostatic testing:
  • Straight alignment: Joints must hold pressure up to 13 psi without leakage.
  • Deflected position: Joints must maintain watertightness under specified angular deflection.
• Design Guidelines: Joints must include a bell or groove on one end and a spigot or tongue on the other, with smooth, defect-free surfaces to ensure consistent gasket seating.
• Dimensional Tolerances: Strict control of manufacturing tolerances for joint geometry and annular gasket spaces.
• Inspection and Certification: Requirements for inspection, marking, and, when requested, manufacturer certification for lubricants and components.
• Repairs and Rejection: Criteria for acceptable repairs and conditions that lead to rejection of pipes or gaskets, such as damage, surface checking, or failure to meet specification.

Applications

ASTM C443-21 is widely used in the design, production, and installation of concrete pipes and precast manhole sections in the following applications:

• Sanitary Sewer Systems: Prevents leakage and protects groundwater from contamination.
• Stormwater Drainage Systems: Maintains system integrity during significant rainfall events.
• Culverts and Infrastructure Projects: Ensures long-term durability in buried pipeline installations.
• Municipal, Industrial, and Civil Construction: Required where watertight joints are critical to control infiltration and exfiltration.

This standard is often specified by engineers, utilities, and public agencies for projects requiring dependable, leak-resistant joint systems in precast concrete pipe networks.

Related Standards

Several key ASTM standards are closely related to ASTM C443-21, providing additional specifications that may be referenced for pipe and component selection:

• ASTM C14 - Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe
• ASTM C76 - Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• ASTM C478/C478M - Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections
• ASTM C507 - Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
• ASTM C1619 - Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures
• ASTM C822 - Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products

For those working predominantly in metric units, the metric equivalent of this specification is ASTM C443M.

---

With its focus on flexible, watertight joints and durable rubber gaskets, ASTM C443-21 is essential for ensuring the integrity and long-term reliability of concrete pipeline systems across a wide range of civil and municipal engineering works.

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:C443 −21
Standard Specification for
Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C443; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 Thisspecificationcoversflexibleleak-resistantjointsfor
2.1 ASTM Standards:
concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber
C14 Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm
gasketsforsealingthejoints,whereinfiltrationorexfiltrationis
Drain, and Culvert Pipe
a factor in the design. The specification covers the design of
C76 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm
joints and the requirements for rubber gaskets to be used
Drain, and Sewer Pipe
therewith, for pipe conforming in all other respects to Speci-
C478/C478M Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced
fication C14, Specification C76, or Specification C507 and
Concrete Manhole Sections
precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to
C507 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical
Specification C478/C478M, provided that if there is conflict in
Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
permissible variations in dimensions the requirements of this
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
specification for joints shall govern.
Products
1.2 Acomplete metric companion to Specification C443 has
C1619 Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Con-
been developed—C443M; therefore, no metric equivalents are
crete Structures
presented in this specification.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—This specification covers the design and performance of the
rubber gasket joint only. Joints covered by this specification are adequate
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
for hydrostatic pressures up to 13 psi (30 ft), when tested in accordance
pipe, see Terminology C822.
with Section 9. Infiltration or exfiltration quantities for an installed
pipeline are dependent upon many factors other than the joints, and
allowable quantities must be covered by other specifications and suitable
4. Basis of Acceptance
testing of the installed pipeline and system.
4.1 The acceptability of the pipe or manhole joints and
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
gaskets shall be determined by the results of the physical tests
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
prescribed in this specification, if and when required, and by
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
inspection to determine whether the pipe joints and gaskets
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical conform to this specification as to design and freedom from
defects.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Materials and Manufacture for Gaskets
5.1 All rubber gaskets shall comply with Specification
C1619 in terms of materials and manufacture. The gaskets
shall be extruded or molded to the specified size within a
tolerance of 63 % on any dimension, measured at any cross
section.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.08 on Joints for
Precast Concrete Structures. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as C443 – 20. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0443-21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C443−21
6. Physical Requirements for Gaskets 7.1.9 Where the particular joint design utilizing a rubber
gasket dictates the use of a lubricant to facilitate assembly, the
6.1 Standard Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
lubricant composition shall have no detrimental effect on the
shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
performance of the gasket and joint due to prolonged exposure.
ments of Specification C1619, Class C.
NOTE 2—Joints in an assembled position are defined as joints in the
6.2 Oil Resistant Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
position after assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s design.
shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
7.2 Alternative Joint Designs—When agreed upon by the
ments of Specification C1619, Class D.
owner, manufacturers are not prohibited from submitting to the
owner detailed designs for joints and gaskets other than those
7. Design of Joints
described in Section 7. Design submissions shall include joint
7.1 The manufacturer shall furnish the owner with the
geometry, all tolerances, gasket characteristics, proposed plant
detailed design of the joint or joints including design and
tests, gasket splice bend tests, and such other information as
durometer hardness of the rubber gasket proposed to be
required by the owner to evaluate the joint design for field
furnished under this specification.
performance. Joints and gaskets of alternative joint designs
7.1.1 The joint design shall consist of a bell or groove on
shall meet all test requirements of this specification. Alterna-
oneendofaunitofpipe,andaspigotortongueontheadjacent
tive joint designs shall be acceptable provided the designs are
end of the joining pipe or manhole.
approved by the owner and provided the test pipe or manhole
7.1.2 All surfaces of the joint upon or against which the
joint comply with the specified tests.
gasket is capable of bearing shall be smooth, free of spalls,
cracks or fractures, and imperfections that would adversely
8. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
affect the performance of the joint.
8.1 The planes formed by the ends of manhole sections or
7.1.3 The joints of the pipe or manhole shall be of such
nonbeveled pipe shall not vary from the perpendicular to the
design that they will withstand the forces caused by the
pipeormanholeaxisbymorethan ⁄16in.forinternaldiameters
compression of the gasket when joined, without cracking or
or equivalent diameters 30 in. and smaller; or by more than ⁄4
fracturing when tested in accordance with Section 9.
in. for internal diameters or equivalent diameters 33 to 54 in.
7.1.4 The angle of taper on the conic surfaces of the inside
inclusive; or not more than ⁄8 in. for internal diameters or
of the bell or groove and the outer surface of the spigot or
equivalent diameters 60 in. and larger.
tongue where the gasket seats shall be not more than 3.5°
measured from the pipe or manhole axis, except that tapers up
8.2 The manufacturing tolerances for the width of the
to 5° are not prohibited if proven adequate by plant tests as
annular space between the gasket bearing surfaces of the
specified in Section 9 and approved by the owner. The conic
produced pipe or manhole and furnished gasket shall not vary
surface on the spigot or tongue shall be modified to properly
greater than those used in the design of the joint within 7.1.6 or
contain and seat the gas
...

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: C443 − 20 C443 − 21
Standard Specification for
Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C443; 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 flexible leak-resistant joints for concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber gaskets for
sealing the joints, where infiltration or exfiltration is a factor in the design. The specification covers the design of joints and the
requirements for rubber gaskets to be used therewith, for pipe conforming in all other respects to Specification C14, Specification
C76, or Specification C507 and precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to Specification C478C478/C478M,
provided that if there is conflict in permissible variations in dimensions the requirements of this specification for joints shall
govern.
1.2 A complete metric companion to Specification C443 has been developed—C443M; therefore, no metric equivalents are
presented in this specification.
NOTE 1—This specification covers the design and performance of the rubber gasket joint only. Joints covered by this specification are adequate for
hydrostatic pressures up to 13 psi (30 ft), when tested in accordance with Section 9. Infiltration or exfiltration quantities for an installed pipeline are
dependent upon many factors other than the joints, and allowable quantities must be covered by other specifications and suitable testing of the installed
pipeline and system.
1.3 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.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.08 on Joints for Precast
Concrete Structures.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020Oct. 1, 2021. Published March 2020November 2021. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
C443 – 19a.C443 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/C0443-20.10.1520/C0443-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C443 − 21
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C14 Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe
C76 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
C478C478/C478M Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections (Metric) C0478_C0478M
C507 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
C1619 Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to concrete pipe, see Terminology C822.
4. Basis of Acceptance
4.1 The acceptability of the pipe or manhole joints and gaskets shall be determined by the results of the physical tests prescribed
in this specification, if and when required, and by inspection to determine whether the pipe joints and gaskets conform to this
specification as to design and freedom from defects.
5. Materials and Manufacture for Gaskets
5.1 All rubber gaskets shall comply with Specification C1619 in terms of materials and manufacture. The gaskets shall be extruded
or molded to the specified size within a tolerance of 63 % on any dimension, measured at any cross section.
6. Physical Requirements for Gaskets
6.1 Standard Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical requirements of
Specification C1619, Class C.
6.2 Oil Resistant Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical requirements of
Specification C1619, Class D.
7. Design of Joints
7.1 The manufacturer shall furnish the owner with the detailed design of the joint or joints including design and durometer
hardness of the rubber gasket proposed to be furnished under this specification.
7.1.1 The joint design shall consist of a bell or groove on one end of a unit of pipe, and a spigot or tongue on the adjacent end
of the joining pipe or manhole.
7.1.2 All surfaces of the joint upon or against which the gasket is capable of bearing shall be smooth, free of spalls, cracks or
fractures, and imperfections that would adversely affect the performance of the joint.
7.1.3 The joints of the pipe or manhole shall be of such design that they will withstand the forces caused by the compression of
the gasket when joined, without cracking or fracturing when tested in accordance with Section 9.
7.1.4 The angle of taper on the conic surfaces of the inside of the bell or groove and the outer surface of the spigot or tongue where
the gasket seats shall be not more than 3.5° measured from the pipe or manhole axis, except that tapers up to 5° are not prohibited
if proven adequate by plant tests as specified in Section 9 and approved by the owner. The conic surface on the spigot or tongue
shall be modified to properly contain and seat the gasket.
7.1.5 The annular space between the gasket-bearing surfaces of the assembled and centered joint shall be not more than 75 % of
the uncompressed height of the applied gasket including all manufacturing tolerances of the joint and gasket applied. The joint
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.
C443 − 21
design shall provide for the deflection of a pipe or manhole unit by opening one side of the outside perimeter of the joint by ⁄2
in. wider than the assembled position without reducing its leak resistance. Where greater deflections are required than provided
by the joint design, beveled joints or elbows must be provided.
7.1.6 The manufacturer’s design tolerances for the width of the annular space between the gasket bearing surfaces shall not vary
by more than 610 % of the uncompressed height of the applied gasket designated in the design. The manufacturer shall designate
tolerances for the gasket bearing surfaces that ensure the joint will fully assemble without concrete interference with designated
gasket applied.
7.1.7 The gasket shall be the sole element depended upon to make the joint flexible and leak resistant. The gasket shall be a
continuous ring of circular or non-circular cross-section which fits snugly into the annular space between the overlapping surfaces
of the assembled pipe or manhole joint to form a flexible leak-resistant seal.
7.1.8 The gasket shall not be stretched more than 30 % of its original circumference when seated on the spigot or tongue end of
the pipe or manhole.
7.1.9 Where the particular joint design utilizing a rubber gasket dictates the use of a lubricant to facilitate assembly, the lubricant
composition shall have no detrimental effect on the performance of the gasket and joint due to prolonged exposure.
NOTE 2—Joints in an assembled position are defined as joints in the position after assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s design.
7.2 Alternative Joint Designs—When agreed upon by the owner, manufacture
...