ASTM C443M-21

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

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 C14M, Specification C76M, or Specification C507M and precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to Specification C478M, provided that if there is conflict in permissible variations in dimensions, the requirements of this specification for joints shall govern.  
1.2 This specification is the metric counterpart of Specification C443.  
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 90 kPa (9 m), when tested per 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 C14M-20 - Standard Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C76M-19b - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76M-19a - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C507M-19 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76M-19 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C76M-18a - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C507M-18 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C76M-18 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C478M-18 - Standard Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections (Metric)
• 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 C507M-16 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C76M-16 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C478M-15a - Standard Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections (Metric)
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015

Overview

ASTM C443M-21 – Standard Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber Gaskets (Metric) outlines the requirements for watertight, flexible joints for concrete pipes and precast manhole sections using rubber gaskets. This metric standard is essential for controlling infiltration and exfiltration in underground utility infrastructure, ensuring that pipeline systems remain leak-resistant under operational conditions. ASTM C443M-21 applies exclusively to structures built to metric specifications and provides critical guidance to engineers, manufacturers, and inspectors working with reinforced and nonreinforced concrete pipes and manholes.

Key Topics

• Watertight Joint Performance: Defines performance criteria for joints to withstand hydrostatic pressures up to 90 kPa (9 meters head) when tested, both in straight alignment and under maximum allowable deflection.
• Rubber Gasket Requirements: Requires rubber gaskets used in joints to comply with dimension, tolerance, and physical property standards (referenced under ASTM C1619), covering both standard and oil-resistant gasket types.
• Joint Design Specifications:
  • Joints must utilize bells, grooves, spigots, or tongues to properly seat rubber gaskets.
  • Surfaces in contact with gaskets must be smooth and free from imperfections.
  • Joints must accommodate specified deflections without compromising leak resistance.
• Material and Manufacturing Standards: Gaskets must be produced using compliant materials and within strict dimensional tolerances.
• Inspection and Testing Protocols: Details requirements for physical testing, inspection, and approval; includes hydrostatic testing parameters to confirm leak resistance.
• Certification and Marking: Stipulates necessary documentation and labeling for lubricants and gaskets to ensure traceability and compliance.

Applications

ASTM C443M-21 is widely used in civil engineering projects where precast concrete pipes and manholes are installed in water and wastewater infrastructure. Key applications include:

• Sanitary Sewer Systems: Ensuring leak-resistant joints is critical for preventing contamination and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Stormwater Drainage: Effective sealing prevents groundwater infiltration and maintains system performance during variable flow conditions.
• Utility Infrastructure: Used in subgrade installations where structural integrity and long-term performance depend on the prevention of soil or water ingress/egress at joint locations.
• Municipal and Industrial Projects: Guarantees consistent performance in a range of environmental conditions and pressure requirements.

Contractors, pipe manufacturers, utility owners, and municipal authorities rely on this standard for specifying, constructing, and verifying the integrity of underground pipeline systems.

Related Standards

ASTM C443M-21 references and builds upon several other ASTM standards vital for comprehensive quality control in concrete pipeline construction:

• ASTM C14M – Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe (Metric)
• ASTM C76M – Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• ASTM C507M – Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
• ASTM C822 – Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• ASTM C1619 – Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures

For compatibility, always ensure referenced pipe and manhole components conform to these related metric standards.

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Keywords: ASTM C443M-21, concrete pipe, manhole joints, precast concrete, rubber gaskets, watertight joints, metric specification, infiltration, exfiltration, pipe joint testing, hydrostatic test, sewer, stormwater, ASTM standards

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: C443M −21
Standard Specification for
Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C443M; 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 Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe (Metric)
C76M Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm
1.1 Thisspecificationcoversflexibleleak-resistantjointsfor
Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber
C478M Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Con-
gasketsforsealingthejoints,whereinfiltrationorexfiltrationis
crete Manhole Sections (Metric) (Withdrawn 2020)
a factor in the design. The specification covers the design of
C507M Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical
joints and the requirements for rubber gaskets to be used
Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
therewith, for pipe conforming in all other respects to Speci-
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
fication C14M, Specification C76M, or Specification C507M
Products
and precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to
C1619 Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Con-
Specification C478M, provided that if there is conflict in
crete Structures
permissible variations in dimensions, the requirements of this
specification for joints shall govern.
3. Terminology
1.2 This specification is the metric counterpart of Specifi-
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
cation C443.
pipe, see Terminology C822.
NOTE 1—This specification covers the design and performance of the
4. Basis of Acceptance
rubber gasket joint only. Joints covered by this specification are adequate
for hydrostatic pressures up to 90 kPa (9 m), when tested per Section 9.
4.1 The acceptability of the pipe or manhole joints and
Infiltration or exfiltration quantities for an installed pipeline are dependent
gaskets shall be determined by the results of the physical tests
upon many factors other than the joints, and allowable quantities must be
prescribed in this specification, if and when required, and by
covered by other specifications and suitable testing of the installed
pipeline and system. inspection to determine whether the pipe joints and gaskets
conform to this specification as to design and freedom from
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
defects.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Materials and Manufacture for Gaskets
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 All rubber gaskets shall comply with Specification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
C1619 in terms of materials and manufacture. The gaskets
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
shall be extruded or molded to the specified size within a
2. Referenced Documents tolerance of 63 % on any dimension, measured at any cross
section.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C14M Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer,
6. Physical Requirements for Gaskets
6.1 Standard Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on
ments of Specification C1619, Class C.
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.08 on Joints for
Precast Concrete Structures.
6.2 Oil Resistant Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as C433M – 20. DOI:
10.1520/C0443M-21.
ments of Specification C1619, Class D.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C443M − 21
7. Design of Joints owner detailed designs for joints and gaskets other than those
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
design that they will withstand the forces caused by the nonbeveled pipe shall not vary from the perpendicular to the
pipe or manhole axis by more than 5 mm for internal diameters
compression of the gasket when joined, without cracking or
fracturing when tested in accordance with Section 9. or equivalent diameters 750 mm and smaller; or by more than
6 mm for internal diameters or equivalent diameters 825 to
7.1.4 The angle of taper on the conic surfaces of the inside
1350 mm inclusive; or not more than 10 mm for internal
of the bell or groove and the outer surface of the spigot or
diameters or equivalent diameters 1500 mm 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 the furnished gasket shall not
surface on the spigot or tongue shall be modified to properly
vary greater than those used in the design of the joint within
contain and seat the gasket.
7.1.6 or those approved by 7.2.
7.1.5 The annular space between the gasket-bearing sur-
8.3 Manufactured pipe or manhole joints found to be
faces of the assembled and centered joint shall be not more
outside of the design tolerance limits described within 7.1.6
than 75 % of the uncompressed height of the applied gasket
shall meet this standard only if they comply with all provisions
including all manufacturing tolerances of the joint and gasket
within 7.2, Alternative Joint Desig
...

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: C443M − 20 C443M − 21
Standard Specification for
Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C443M; 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 C14M, Specification
C76M, or Specification C507M and precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to Specification C478M, provided
that if there is conflict in permissible variations in dimensions, the requirements of this specification for joints shall govern.
1.2 This specification is the metric counterpart of Specification C443.
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 90 kPa (9 m), when tested per 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C14M Specification for Nonreinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and Culvert Pipe (Metric)
C76M Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
C478M Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections (Metric) (Withdrawn 2020)
C507M Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)
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.
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 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
C433M – 19a.C433M – 20. DOI: 10.1520/C0443M-20.10.1520/C0443M-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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C443M − 21
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
design shall provide for the deflection of a pipe or manhole unit by opening one side of the outside perimeter of the joint by 13
mm 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 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.
C443M − 21
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, manufacturers
...