ASTM C1804-20

Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Bases for Tapered Steel Lighting Poles

ABSTRACT
This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete bases used in tapered steel lighting poles. It provides requirements for acceptability of spun prestressed concrete bases produced in accordance with this specification, materials, bending test procedures, tolerances, and drawings. The requirements also cover inspection with respect to the quality of materials, the process of manufacture, and the finished bases.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete bases used in lighting structures.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
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-Jun-2020
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• ICS: 93.080.40 - Street lighting and related equipment
• Technical Committee: C27 - Precast Concrete Products
• Drafting Committee: C27.20 - Architectural and Structural Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A1064/A1064M-24 - Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24a - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM A416/A416M-24 - Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-24 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM B86-23 - Standard Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM A1064/A1064M-18 - Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-18 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-18 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM A416/A416M-17a - Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM C618-17 - Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-17 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-17b - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017

Overview

ASTM C1804-20: Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Bases for Tapered Steel Lighting Poles provides comprehensive guidelines for the materials, manufacturing, testing, and acceptance criteria for spun cast prestressed concrete bases used as foundational supports in tapered steel lighting structures. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures product reliability, structural integrity, and performance by addressing quality assurance, materials, test methods, and inspection procedures. The specification facilitates compliance with internationally recognized principles on standardization in alignment with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee recommendations.

Key Topics

• Materials Requirements:
  • Specifies approved materials such as Portland cement, aggregates, water, chemical and air-entraining admixtures, as well as reinforcing and prestressing steel.
  • Restrictions on inserts and compounds to ensure durability and performance.
• Manufacturing and Structural Criteria:
  • Requirements for spun casting and prestressing processes to achieve high strength and long service life.
  • Sealing and surface finish specifications.
• Testing and Acceptance:
  • Details on compressive strength testing, bending tests, and ground line moment determination.
  • Procedures for certifying adherence to material specifications and design tolerances.
• Dimensional Tolerances:
  • Clear guidelines on permissible variations in length, cross-section dimensions, wall thickness, and reinforcement placement.
• Documentation and Inspection:
  • Mandates detailed drawings, test data records, and marking for traceability.
  • Outlines inspection rights for purchasers and verification of production processes.

Applications

Spun cast prestressed concrete bases regulated by ASTM C1804-20 are widely used in various infrastructure projects where high-strength, durable supports for tapered steel lighting poles are required. Primary applications include:

• Highway and street lighting: Reliable foundation solutions for steel poles subject to wind and vehicular impact.
• Urban area lighting: Supports for pedestrian, architectural, and public space illumination.
• Transportation terminals: Robust bases for lighting systems in airports, bus stations, and railway facilities.
• Industrial and commercial sites: Security and area lighting requiring dependable structural performance.
• Seismic and extreme weather regions: Bases designed and tested for ultimate loads, including consideration for seismic forces per local codes.

Adoption of the standard helps stakeholders-such as civil engineers, contractors, precast manufacturers, and transportation authorities-advance project safety, streamline procurement, and ensure compatibility and interchangeability across lighting infrastructure investments.

Related Standards

The performance and assessment procedures in ASTM C1804-20 reference several important standards, ensuring harmonization and consistency in construction and testing practices:

• ASTM A416/A416M: Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete.
• ASTM C39/C39M: Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.
• ASTM C595/C595M: Blended Hydraulic Cements.
• ASTM A1064/A1064M: Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement for Concrete.
• AASHTO LTS-6: Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals.
• ACI 301: Specifications for Structural Concrete.
• ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
• PCI Guides: Design and specification guides for prestressed concrete poles.

Referencing ASTM C1804-20 and its related documents promotes integrated, durable solutions for lighting pole foundations and contributes to international best practices in precast concrete structures.

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: C1804 −20
Standard Specification for
Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Bases for Tapered Steel
Lighting Poles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1804; 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.
1. Scope* Specimens in the Field
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
bases used in lighting structures.
drical Concrete Specimens
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
as standard.
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
crete
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
for Concrete
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
Structural Concrete
2. Referenced Documents
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
A416/A416M Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
A421/A421M Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
for Prestressed Concrete
Concrete and Mortars
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
Cement
A641/A641M Specification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized)
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
Carbon Steel Wire
Mixtures
A722/A722M Specification for High-Strength Steel Bars for
F593 Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap
Prestressed Concrete
Screws, and Studs
A996/A996M Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
Specification for Structural Supports for Highway Signs,
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and
Luminaries and Traffic Signals (LTS-6)
Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
2.3 ACI Standard:
Concrete
ACI 301 Specifications for Structural Concrete
B86 Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy
2.4 ASCE7 Standard:
Foundry and Die Castings
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
2.5 PCI Guides:
Guide for Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C27 on Precast
Guide Specification for Prestressed Concrete Poles
Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
Architectural and Structural Products.
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally approved Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
ɛ1
in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C1804 – 14 . DOI: 10.1520/ Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
C1804-20. http://www.transportation.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.concrete.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
the ASTM website. Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1804 − 20
3. Terminology 5.4 Admixture—Chemical admixtures shall conform to
Specification C494/C494M. Air-entraining admixtures shall
3.1 Definitions:
conform to Specification C260/C260M. Admixtures shall not
3.1.1 cracking load—a load which creates a bending mo-
cause the chloride ion content of the concrete to exceed 0.06 %
ment of enough magnitude to produce a tensile stress greater
by mass of cementitious materials.
than the sum of induced compression plus the tensile strength
5.5 Steel—Prestressing steel shall conform to Specification
of the concrete resulting in tensile cracks on the tension face of
A416/A416M, A421/A421M,or A722/A722M. Nontensioned
the base.
longitudinal reinforcement shall conform to Specification
3.1.2 cylindrical section—lower portion of base designed to
A615/A615M, A996/A996M,or A1064/A1064M. Circumfer-
be buried in concrete backfill below ground line.
ential wire reinforcement shall conform to Specification
3.1.3 spun base—a base in which the concrete is distributed
A1064/A1064M or A641/A641M.
and compacted through centrifugal force.
5.6 All inserts shall be made from zinc alloy in accordance
3.1.4 tapered section—upper portion of base, which has a
with Specification B86 or stainless steel in accordance with
taper designed to match overlapping steel pole taper.
Specification F593. No aluminum inserts shall be allowed.
3.1.5 ultimate load—maximum load the base will carry in
5.7 The top and bottom ends of the bases shall be sealed to
the specified direction, before the concrete or steel will reach
preventgroundorrainwaterfromwickingintothestrandends.
its limiting state.
The sealing compound shall be specified by the purchaser.
4. Basis of Acceptance
6. Requirements
4.1 Acceptability of spun prestressed concrete bases pro-
6.1 General Requirements:
duced in accordance with this specification shall be determined
6.1.1 Concrete Cover—The minimum concrete cover over
by the test results of compressive strength tests of concrete
longitudinal reinforcing steel shall be ⁄4 in. (19 mm). The
cylinders and mill certificates for the reinforcing steel. The
concrete cover can be reduced to ⁄8 in. (16 mm) minimum for
manufacturer shall certify that the cement, aggregates,
portions of the base not exposed to soil or weather.
admixtures, and steel shall conform to the applicable specifi-
6.1.2 Circumferential Wire—Circumferential wire spacing
cation for each material. The manufacturer shall also certify
shall be 3 in. (76 mm) nominal, except at the ends (measured
adherence to tolerance on dimensions and mass. In addition the
from either the top or bottom to a distance of 1 ft (305 mm))
acceptability of the bases, produced in accordance with this
where the nominal spacing shall be 1 in. (25 mm).
specification, shall be verified by the results of full scale
6.1.3 Grounding—The purchaser shall specify any ground-
bending tests. The purchaser shall specify the number and
ing requirements needed.
frequency of full-scale tests. Bases shall be accepted on the
6.1.4 Exterior Surface Treatment—Exteriorconcretesurfa
...

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.
´1
Designation: C1804 − 14 C1804 − 20
Standard Specification for
Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Bases for Tapered Steel
Lighting Poles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1804; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in April 2015.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete bases used in lighting structures.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A416/A416M Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
A421/A421M Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire for Prestressed Concrete
A496/A496M Specification for Steel Wire, Deformed, for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 2013)
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A617/A617M Specification for Axle-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 1999)
A641/A641M Specification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel Wire
A722/A722M Specification for High-Strength Steel Bars for Prestressed Concrete
A996/A996M Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
B86 Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
F593 Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Studs
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on Architectural
and Structural Products.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014July 1, 2020. Published November 2014July 2020. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as
ɛ1
C1804 – 14 . DOI: 10.1520/C1804-14.10.1520/C1804-20.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1804 − 20
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
Specification for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries and Traffic Signals (LTS-6)
2.3 ACI Standard:
ACI 301 Specifications for Structural Concrete
2.4 ASCE7 Standard:
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
2.5 PCI Guides:
Guide for Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles
Guide Specification for Prestressed Concrete Poles
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 cracking load—a load which creates a bending moment of enough magnitude to produce a tensile stress greater than the
sum of induced compression plus the tensile strength of the concrete resulting in tensile cracks on the tension face of the base.
3.1.2 cylindrical section—lower portion of base designed to be buried in concrete backfill below ground line.
3.1.3 spun base—a base in which the concrete is distributed and compacted through centrifugal force.
3.1.4 tapered section—upper portion of base, which has a taper designed to match overlapping steel pole taper.
3.1.5 ultimate load—maximum load the base will carry in the specified direction, before the concrete or steel will reach its
limiting state.
4. Basis of Acceptance
4.1 Acceptability of spun prestressed concrete bases produced in accordance with this specification shall be determined by the
test results of compressive strength tests of concrete cylinders and mill certificates for the reinforcing steel. The manufacturer shall
certify that the cement, aggregates, admixtures, and steel shall conform to the applicable specification for each material. The
manufacturer shall also certify adherence to tolerance on dimensions and mass. In addition the acceptability of the bases, produced
in accordance with this specification, shall be verified by the results of full scale bending tests. The purchaser shall specify the
number and frequency of full-scale tests. Bases shall be accepted on the basis of producer certifications and historical test data of
full-scale bending and tests on equal or larger bases.
5. Materials
5.1 Cement—Portland cement shall conform to the requirements of Specification C150/C150M or shall be portland
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement conforming to the requirements of Specification C595/C595M.
Performance cement for specific use shall conform to Specification C1157/C1157M.
5.1.1 Supplementary Cementitious Materials—Fly ash shall conform to the requirements of Specification C618. Slag cement
(ground granulated blast furnace slag) shall conform to the requirements of Specification C989/C989M. Silica fume shall conform
to Specification C1240.
5.2 Aggregate—Aggregates shall conform to Specification C33/C33M except that the requirements for grading shall not apply.
If a producer can demonstrate that aggregates conforming to Specification C330/C330M could be used to manufacture an
acceptable product, those aggregates may be used.
5.3 Water—Water used for mixing concrete shall be free of oils, organic matter, and other substances in amounts that may be
deleterious to concrete or reinforcing steel, and it shall not contain concentration of chloride ions in excess of 500 ppm or sulfate
ions in excess of 1000 ppm.
5.4 Admixture—Chemical admixtures shall conform to Specification C494/C494M. Air-entraining admixtures shall conform to
Specification C260/C260M. Admixtures shall not cause the chloride ion content of the concrete to exceed 0.06 % by mass of
cementitious materials.
5.5 Steel—Prestressing steel shall conform to Specification A416/A416M, A421/A421M, or A722/A722M. Nontensioned
longitudinal reinforcement shall conform to Specification A615/A615M, A617/A617MA996/A996M, or A496/A496MA1064/
A1064M. Circumferential wire reinforcement shall conform to Specification A1064/A1064M, A496/A496M, or A641/A641M.
5.6
...