ASTM C506M-22a

Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Arch Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe (Metric)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers reinforced arch-shaped concrete pipe to be used for the conveyance of sewage, industrial wastes, storm water, and for the construction of culverts. Pipe manufactured according to this specification shall be of three classes identified as Class A-II, A-III, and A-IV. The reinforced concrete shall consist of cementitious materials, mineral aggregates, and water, in which steel has been embedded in such a manner that the steel and concrete act together. The pipe shall be designed to meet both the 0.01 in. crack and ultimate strength requirements determined by conducting plant load bearing tests, material tests, and inspection of manufactured pipe for visual defects and imperfections. The reinforcement, joint, and manufacture are detailed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers reinforced arch-shaped concrete pipe to be used for the conveyance of sewage, industrial wastes, storm water, and for the construction of culverts.  
1.2 This specification is the SI companion to Specification C506; therefore, no inch-pound equivalents are presented in this specification. Reinforced concrete pipe that conform to the requirements of Specification C506 are acceptable under this Specification C506M unless prohibited by the owner.  
Note 1: This specification is a manufacturing and purchase specification only, and does not include requirements for bedding, backfill, or the relationship between field load condition and the strength classification of pipe. However, experience has shown that the successful performance of this product depends upon the proper selection of the class of pipe, type of bedding and backfill, and care that the installation conforms to the construction specifications. The owner of the reinforced concrete pipe specified herein is cautioned that he must correlate the field requirements with the class of pipe specified and provide inspection at the construction site.  
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: 14-Sep-2022
• ICS: 23.040.50 - Pipes and fittings of other materials
• Technical Committee: C13 - Concrete Pipe
• Drafting Committee: C13.02 - Reinforced Sewer and Culvert Pipe

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 C989/C989M-24 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C497M-20a - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C497M-20 - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM C497M-19a - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C990M-09(2019) - Standard Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe, Manholes, and Precast Box Sections Using Preformed Flexible Joint Sealants (Metric) (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C309-19 - Standard Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C497M-19 - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-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 C497M-18 - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C822-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• 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 C497M-17 - Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017

Overview

ASTM C506M-22a sets out the standard specification for reinforced concrete arch-shaped pipe, primarily used in the construction of culverts, storm drains, and sewer pipelines. Issued by ASTM International, this standard covers requirements for pipe manufactured using metric units (SI), providing detailed guidelines on materials, design, fabrication, and testing to ensure quality and performance in the conveyance of sewage, industrial waste, and storm water. The specification is manufacturing- and purchase-focused, offering a robust reference point for producers and purchasers of reinforced concrete arch pipe.

Key Topics

• Pipe Classes: The standard defines three classes of pipe (A-II, A-III, and A-IV), each with specific structural requirements.
• Material Requirements:
  • Cementitious materials such as portland cement, slag cement, and fly ash.
  • Aggregates conforming to ASTM C33/C33M.
  • Potable or non-potable water meeting ASTM C1602/C1602M.
  • Steel reinforcement as specified by relevant ASTM standards.
  • Admixtures for enhanced performance as per ASTM C494/C494M and C260/C260M.
• Design and Performance Criteria:
  • Specifications for wall thickness, reinforcement area, and compressive strength.
  • Requirements for joint types and placement of reinforcing steel.
  • Acceptance based on load-bearing, material testing, and visual inspection.
• Testing Protocols:
  • Plant load-bearing tests following standardized methods.
  • Concrete compressive strength via core or cylinder sampling.
  • Annual absorption testing for quality assurance.
• Dimensional Tolerances:
  • Permissible variation in internal dimensions, wall thickness, length, and reinforcement positioning.
• Marking and Identification:
  • Mandatory marking for class, specification, manufacturer, and production date.

Applications

Reinforced concrete arch pipes specified in ASTM C506M-22a are essential in various civil engineering and infrastructure projects, offering durability and strength for:

• Stormwater Management: Engineered arch shapes maximize flow capacity for storm drain systems, providing efficient water conveyance during peak events.
• Sewage Systems: The robust design ensures long service life in municipal and industrial sewer networks.
• Culverts and Crossings: Frequently used in roadways, railways, and land development projects to facilitate safe and effective water passage beneath structures.
• Industrial Waste Conveyance: The reinforced structure accommodates the transport of industrial effluents under demanding conditions.

By adhering to this standard, engineers and contractors can ensure compliance with recognized best practices in both public and private infrastructure projects, contributing to safer, more reliable underground piping systems.

Related Standards

For optimal application, ASTM C506M-22a references several relevant ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM C506: Inch-pound companion specification for reinforced concrete arch pipe.
• ASTM C33/C33M: Specification for concrete aggregates.
• ASTM C150/C150M, C595/C595M, C618, C989/C989M: Specifications for cements and pozzolans.
• ASTM C260/C260M, C494/C494M: Admixture specifications for concrete.
• ASTM C990M, C1896: Specifications for pipe joints using flexible joint sealants.
• ASTM C497M: Test methods for concrete pipe, manhole, and precast box sections.
• ASTM A615/A615M, A706/A706M, A36/A36M: Standards for steel reinforcement used in concrete pipes.

By integrating these and other referenced standards, ASTM C506M-22a provides a comprehensive framework for the design, manufacture, and use of reinforced concrete arch culvert, storm drain, and sewer pipes in metric units.

Keywords: ASTM C506M-22a, reinforced concrete arch pipe, storm drain pipe, sewer pipe, culvert, concrete pipe specification, concrete pipe standards, civil infrastructure, SI units.

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: C506M −22a
Standard Specification for
Reinforced Concrete Arch Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer
Pipe (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C506M; 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* Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A706/A706M Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-
1.1 This specification covers reinforced arch-shaped con-
Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
crete pipe to be used for the conveyance of sewage, industrial
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and
wastes, storm water, and for the construction of culverts.
Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
1.2 This specification is the SI companion to Specification
Concrete
C506; therefore, no inch-pound equivalents are presented in
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
this specification. Reinforced concrete pipe that conform to the
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
requirements of Specification C506 are acceptable under this
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
Specification C506M unless prohibited by the owner.
for Concrete
C309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Com-
NOTE 1—This specification is a manufacturing and purchase specifica-
tion only, and does not include requirements for bedding, backfill, or the pounds for Curing Concrete
relationship between field load condition and the strength classification of
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
pipe. However, experience has shown that the successful performance of
Concrete
this product depends upon the proper selection of the class of pipe, type
C497M Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box
of bedding and backfill, and care that the installation conforms to the
Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
construction specifications. The owner of the reinforced concrete pipe
specified herein is cautioned that he must correlate the field requirements
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
with the class of pipe specified and provide inspection at the construction
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
site.
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Products
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Concrete and Mortars
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
C990M Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Manholes, and Precast Box Sections Using Preformed
Flexible Joint Sealants (Metric)
2. Referenced Documents
C1017/C1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Use in Producing Flowing Concrete (Withdrawn 2022)
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
C1116/C1116M Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
A615/A615M SpecificationforDeformedandPlainCarbon-
C1602/C1602M Specification for Mixing Water Used in the
Production of Hydraulic Cement Concrete
C1896 Specification for Joints for ConcreteArch Pipe Using
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on
Profile Rubber Gaskets
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.02 on
Reinforced Sewer and Culvert Pipe.
3. Terminology
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C506M – 22. DOI:
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
10.1520/C0506M-22A.
pipe, see Terminology C822.
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.
*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
C506M − 22a
4. Classification of the concrete from the wall of the pipe as required in 11.9;
and by visual inspection of the finished pipe to determine its
4.1 Pipe manufactured according to this specification shall
conformance with the accepted design and its freedom from
beofthreeclassesidentifiedasClassA-II,A-III,andA-IV.The
defects.
strength requirements are prescribed in Table 1.
5.1.2 Acceptance on the Basis of Material Test and Inspec-
5. Basis of Acceptance
tion of Manufactured Pipe for Defects and Imperfections—
Acceptability of the pipe in all diameters and classes produced
5.1 Unlessotherwisedesignatedbytheowneratthetimeof,
in accordance with 7.1 or 7.2 shall be determined by the results
or before placing an order, there are two separate and alterna-
of such material tests as are required in accordance with 6.2,
tive bases of acceptance. Independent of the method of
6.3, 6.5, and 6.6; by crushing tests on concrete cores or cured
acceptance, the pipe shall be designed to meet both the 0.01-in.
concrete cylinders; by an absorption test of the concrete from
crack and ultimate strength requirements.
the wall of the pipe for each mix design that is used on an
5.1.1 Acceptance on Basis of Plant Load Bearing Tests,
order; and by inspection of the finished pipe, including amount
Material Tests, and Inspection of Manufactured Pipe for Visual
and placement of reinforcement, to determine its conformance
Defects and Imperfections—Acceptability of the pipe in all
with the accepted design and its freedom from defects.
diameters and classes produced in accordance with 7.1 or 7.2
shall be determined by the results of the three-edge-bearing 5.1.3 Whenagreeduponbytheownerandthemanufacturer,
tests as defined in 11.3.1; by such material tests as are required any portion or any combination of the tests itemized in 5.1.1 or
in accordance with 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, and 6.6, by an absorption test 5.1.2 may form the basis of acceptance.
A
TABLE 1 Strength Requirements for Reinforced Concrete Pipe
C
Double Line Reinforcement
B
f'c MPa
Continuous Basic Reinforcement = A
Approx- D
Additional Reinforcement = A Single Line
D s
s
imate Mini- Mini-
Reinforcement
Equivalent T, mum mum
“U ” “V ”
Class Inner Cage Outer Cage
Round mm Rise, Span,
(Inner Cage) (Outer Cage)
Size, mm mm
Dimen- Dimen-
mm
A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV sion, A-II A-III A-IV sion, A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV
mm mm
375 57 280 460 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7 2.5 3.6
450 63 345 560 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 3.0 5.5
525 69 395 660 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.8 3.6 6.1
600 75 460 725 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . 660 . . . 735 . . . 3.4 4.6 6.8
750 88 570 920 27.6 27.6 27.6 1.9 2.5 3.8 1.5 1.9 3.0 760 1.9 2.5 3.8 865 1.5 1.9 2.8 3.8 5.1 7.6
900 100 675 1110 27.6 27.6 27.6 2.3 3.2 4.6 1.9 2.5 3.6 865 2.3 3.2 4.6 990 1.9 2.5 3.4 4.6 6.3 9.3
1050 113 795 1300 27.6 27.6 27.6 2.8 3.8 5.7 2.1 3.0 4.4 1065 2.8 3.8 5.7 1090 2.1 3.0 4.6 5.5 7.6 11.4
1200 125 915 1485 27.6 27.6 . 3.2 4.6 . 2.5 3.6 . 1220 3.2 4.6 . 1245 2.5 3.6 . 6.3 9.3 .
1350 138 1015 1650 27.6 27.6 . 3.8 5.1 . 3.0 4.0 . 1320 3.8 5.1 . 1395 3.0 4.0 . 7.6 10.2 .
1500 150 1145 1855 27.6 27.6 . 4.4 5.9 . 3.6 4.6 . 1525 4.4 5.9 . 1700 3.6 4.6 . 8.9 11.8 .
1800 175 1370 2235 27.6 34.5 . 5.5 7.6 . 4.2 5.9 . 1725 5.5 7.6 . 1955 4.2 5.9 . 11.0 15.2 .
2100 200 1575 2590 27.6 34.5 . 6.8 9.3 . 5.1 7.2 . . 6.8 9.3 . . 5.1 7.2 . 13.5 18.6 .
2250 213 1830 2920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2400 225 1960 3100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2700 250 2215 3505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3000 275 2460 3910 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3300 250 2705 4285 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D-Loads for 3–Edge-Bearing Method
Class 0.3-mm Ultimate
Crack
A-II 50.0 75.0
A-III 65.0 100.0
A-IV 100.0 150.0
Note—Test load in newtons per linear
metre equals D-load × inside span in
millimetres.
A
For modified or special designs, see 7.3.
B
f'c = minimum compressive strength of concrete in megapascals.
C
As an alternative to designs requiring double line reinforcement, the reinforcement may be positioned and proportioned so that the total reinforcement of the inner cage
plus the middle cage shall not be less than that specified for the inner cage continuous basic reinforcement, and the additional reinforcement “U ” and the total
reinforcement of the outer cage plus the middle cage shall not be less than that specified for the outer cage continuous basic reinforcement and the additional reinforcement
“V.”
D
A = circumferential steel area in square millimetres per longitudinal centimetre of pipe barrel in each continuous basic cage and additional cages in area denoted “U ”
s
and “V.” Dimensions “U ” and “V ” are measured on the center line of the culvert wall.
C506M − 22a
5.2 Age for Acceptance—Pipe shall be considered ready for (Type II andType III) and nonsynthetic fiber (Type I) designed
acceptancewhentheyconformtotherequirementsasindicated andmanufacturedspecificallyforuseinconcreteandconform-
by the specified tests. ing to the requirements of Specification C1116/C1116M shall
be accepted.
6. Materials
6.7 Water—Water used in the production of concrete shall
6.1 Reinforced Concrete—The reinforced concrete shall
be potable or nonpotable water that meets the requirements of
consist of cementitious materials, mineral aggregates, water,
Specification C1602/C1602M.
and admixtures, if used, in which steel has been embedded in
such a manner that the steel and concrete act together.
7. Design
6.2 Cementitious Materials:
7.1 Size and Dimensions—The standard sizes of arch pipe
6.2.1 Cement—Cement shall conform to the requirements
are listed in Table 1.The internal dimensions for each standard
for portland cement of Specification C150/C150M, or shall be
size shall be as defined in Fig. 1, subject to the permissible
portland blast-furnace slag cement, portland-limestone cement,
variations of Section 12.
or portland-pozzolan cement conforming to the requirements
7.2 Design Tables—The wall thickness, compressive
of Specification C595/C595M, except that the pozzolan con-
strength of concrete, and the area of circumferential reinforce-
stituent in the Type IP portland pozzolan cement shall be fly
ment shall be as prescribed in Table 1, subject to the provisions
ash.
of 7.3, 11.4, and Section 12.
6.2.2 Slag Cement—Slag cement shall conform to the re-
7.2.1 Footnotes to the tables herein are intended to be
quirementsofGrade100or120ofSpecificationC989/C989M.
amplifications of the tabulated requirements and are to be
6.2.3 Fly Ash—Fly ash shall conform to the requirements of
considered applicable and binding as if they were contained in
Class F or Class C of Specification C618.
the body of the specification.
6.2.4 Allowable Combinations of Cementitious Materials—
7.3 Modified and Special Designs:
Thecombinationofcementitiousmaterialsusedintheconcrete
7.3.1 If permitted by the owner, the manufacturer may
shall be one of the following:
request approval by the owner of modified designs that differ
6.2.4.1 Portland cement only,
from the designs in this Section 7 or special designs for sizes
6.2.4.2 Portland blast-furnace slag cement only,
andloadsbeyondthoseshowninTable1,orspecialdesignsfor
6.2.4.3 Portland-pozzolan cement only,
pipe sizes that do not have steel reinforcement areas shown in
6.2.4.4 Portland-limestone cement only,
Table 1.
6.2.4.5 A combination of portland cement or portland-
7.3.2 Such modified or special designs shall be based on
limestone cement and slag cement,
rational or empirical evaluations of the ultimate strength and
6.2.4.6 A combination of portland cement or portland-
cracking behavior of pipe and shall fully describe to the owner
limestone cement and fly ash,
any deviations from the requirements of this Section 7. The
6.2.4.7 A combination of portland cement or portland-
descriptions of modified or special designs shall include the
limestone cement, slag cement, and fly ash, or
wall thickness, the concrete strength, and the area, type,
6.2.4.8 A combination of portland pozzolan cement and fly
placement, number of layers, and strength of the steel rein-
ash.
forcement.
6.3 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the require-
7.3.3 The manufacturer shall submit to the owner proof of
ments of Specification C33/C33M except that the requirement
the adequacy of the proposed modified or special design. Such
for gradation shall not apply.
proof may comprise the submission of certified three-edge-
6.4 Admixtures—The following admixtures and blends are
bearing tests already made, which are acceptable to the owner
allowable:
or, if such three-edge-bearing tests are not available or
6.4.1 Air-entraining admixture conforming to Specification
acceptable, the manufacturer may be required to perform proof
C260/C260M;
tests on sizes and classes selected by the owner to demonstrate
6.4.2 Chemical admixture conforming to Specification
the adequacy of the proposed design.
C494/C494M;
7.3.4 Such pipe must meet all of the test and performance
6.4.3 Chemical admixture for use in producing flowing
requirements specified by the owner in accordance with
concrete conforming to Specification C1017/C1017M; and
Section 5.
6.4.4 Chemical admixture or blend approved by the owner.
7.4 Area—In this specification, when the word area is not
6.5 Steel Reinforcement—Reinforcement shall consist of
described by adjectives, such as cross-sectional or single wire,
wire or welded wire conforming to of Specification A1064/
it shall be understood to be the cross-sectional area of
A1064M or of bars conforming to Specification A36/A36M,
reinforcement per unit lengths of pipe.
Specification A615/A615M Grade 280 or 420, or Specification
A706/A706M Grade 420. For helically wound cages only, 8. Reinforcement
weld shear tests are not required.
8.1 Circumferential Reinforcement—A line of circumferen-
6.6 Fibers—Syntheticfibersandnonsyntheticfibersshallbe tial reinforcement for any given total area may be composed of
allowed to be used, at the manufacturer’s option, in concrete two layers for pipe with wall thicknesses of less than 180 mm
pipeasanonstructuralmanufacturingmaterial.Syntheticfibers or three layers for pipe with wall thicknesses of 180 mm or
C506M − 22a
Approximate
Equivalent
Water Area, m Rise, mm Span, mm A,mm B,mm C,mm R ,mm R ,mm R ,mm
1 2 3
Round Size,
mm
375 0.10 280 460 10 121 128 580 270 102
450 0.15 345 560 −5 153 145 700 350 135
525 0.20 395 660 20 158 195 900 375 135
600 0.26 460 725 90 153 248 1035 370 115
750 0.41 570 920 95 194 305 1300 475 155
900 0.59 675 1110 105 218 395 1575 570 160
1050 0.82 795 1300 130 258 460 1855 665 190
1200 1.06 915 1485 155 297 522 2135 760 220
1350 1.33 1015 1650 170 330 575 2350 850 250
1500 1.64 1145 1855 190 373 642 2670 955 285
1800 2.38 1370 2235 225 428 798 3200 1145 320
2100 3.21 1575 2590 255 475 940 4130 1320 355
2250 4.13 1830 2920 330 604 970 4650 1500 490
2400 4.80 1960 3100 385 616 1040 5535 1575 510
2700 6.13 2215 3505 435 681 1182 6835 1780 570
3000 7.60 2460 3910 480 740 1345 7655 1980 610
3300 9.21 2705 4285 530 835 1458 8355 2175 685
FIG. 1 Cross-Sectional Shape of Arch Pipe
greater. The layers shall not be separated by more than the circumferential from the inside shoulder of the bell or the
thickness of one longitudinal plus 6 mm. The multiple layers shoulder of the spigot shall be 75 mm except that if this
shall be fastened together to form a single cage. All other distance exceed one-half the wall thickness, the pipe wall shall
specification requirements such as laps, welds, and tolerances contain at least a total reinforcement area of the minimum
of placement in the wall of the pipe, etc., shall apply to this specified area per linear foot times the laying length of the pipe
method of fabricating a line of reinforcement. section. The minimum cover on the last circumferential near
8.1.1 Where one line of reinforcement is used, it shall be the spigot shoulder shall be 13 mm.
placedsothatthecoveroftheconcreteoverthecircumferential 8.1.3.2 Where the reinforcement is in the bell or spigot the
reinforcement at the vertical and horizontal diameters of the minimum end cover on the last circumferential shall be 13 mm
pipe is 25 mm from the inside and outside surfaces of the pipe, in the bell or 6 mm in the spigot.
except for wall thicknesses less than 62 mm, the protective 8.1.4 The spacing center to center of circumferential rein-
cover of the concrete over the circumferential reinforcement in forcementinacageshallnotexceed100mmforpipeuptoand
the wall of the pipe shall be 18 mm. including pipe having a 100-mm wall thickness nor exceed the
8.1.2 Where two lines of reinforcement of arch shape wall thickness for larger pipe, and shall in no case exceed 150
corresponding to the contour of the pipe are used, each line mm.
shall be so placed that the covering of concrete over the 8.1.5 The continuity of the circumferential reinforcing steel
reinforcement is 25 mm. shall not be destroyed during the manufacture of the pipe,
8.1.3 The location of the reinforcement shall be subject to except that when agreed upon by the owner, lift eyes or holes
the permissible variations in dimensions given in 12.5. Re- may be provided in each pipe for the purpose of handling.
quirements for placement and protective covering of the 8.1.6 If splices are not welded, the reinforcement shall be
concrete from the inner or outer surface of the pipe do not lapped not less than 20 diameters for deformed bars and
apply to that portion of a cage which is flared so as to extend deformed cold-worked wire, and 40 diameters for plain bars
into the bell or reduced in diameter so as to extend into the and cold-worked wire. The measurement of this lap length
spigot. shall be tip-to-tip from the ends of the circumferential wires. In
8.1.3.1 Where the wall reinforcement does not extend into addition, where lapped cages of welded wire reinforcement are
the joint, the maximum longitudinal distance to the last used without welding, the lap shall contain a longitudinal wire.
C506M − 22a
8.1.6.1 When splices are welded and are not lapped to the 10.1.1 Mixing Water—Water used in the production of
minimum requirements abo
...

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: C506M − 22 C506M − 22a
Standard Specification for
Reinforced Concrete Arch Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer
Pipe (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C506M; 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 reinforced arch-shaped concrete pipe to be used for the conveyance of sewage, industrial wastes,
storm water, and for the construction of culverts.
1.2 This specification is the SI companion to Specification C506; therefore, no inch-pound equivalents are presented in this
specification. Reinforced concrete pipe that conform to the requirements of Specification C506 are acceptable under this
Specification C506M unless prohibited by the owner.
NOTE 1—This specification is a manufacturing and purchase specification only, and does not include requirements for bedding, backfill, or the relationship
between field load condition and the strength classification of pipe. However, experience has shown that the successful performance of this product
depends upon the proper selection of the class of pipe, type of bedding and backfill, and care that the installation conforms to the construction
specifications. The owner of the reinforced concrete pipe specified herein is cautioned that he must correlate the field requirements with the class of pipe
specified and provide inspection at the construction site.
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:
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A706/A706M Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C497M Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile (Metric)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.02 on Reinforced Sewer
and Culvert Pipe.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022Sept. 15, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20202022 as
C506M – 20.C506M – 22. DOI: 10.1520/C0506M-22.10.1520/C0506M-22A.
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
C506M − 22a
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C990M Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe, Manholes, and Precast Box Sections Using Preformed Flexible Joint Sealants
(Metric)
C1017/C1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Use in Producing Flowing Concrete (Withdrawn 2022)
C1116/C1116M Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
C1602/C1602M Specification for Mixing Water Used in the Production of Hydraulic Cement Concrete
C1896 Specification for Joints for Concrete Arch Pipe Using Profile Rubber Gaskets
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 three classes identified as Class A-II, A-III, and A-IV. The strength
requirements are prescribed in Table 1.
A
TABLE 1 Strength Requirements for Reinforced Concrete Pipe
C
Double Line Reinforcement
B
f'c MPa
Continuous Basic Reinforcement = A
Approx- D
Additional Reinforcement = A Single Line
D s
s
imate Mini- Mini-
Reinforcement
Equivalent T, mum mum
“U ” “V ”
Class Inner Cage Outer Cage
Round mm Rise, Span,
(Inner Cage) (Outer Cage)
Size, mm mm
Dimen- Dimen-
mm
A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV sion, A-II A-III A-IV sion, A-II A-III A-IV A-II A-III A-IV
mm mm
375 57 280 460 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7 2.5 3.6
450 63 345 560 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 3.0 5.5
525 69 395 660 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.8 3.6 6.1
600 75 460 725 27.6 27.6 27.6 . . . . . . 660 . . . 735 . . . 3.4 4.6 6.8
750 88 570 920 27.6 27.6 27.6 1.9 2.5 3.8 1.5 1.9 3.0 760 1.9 2.5 3.8 865 1.5 1.9 2.8 3.8 5.1 7.6
900 100 675 1110 27.6 27.6 27.6 2.3 3.2 4.6 1.9 2.5 3.6 865 2.3 3.2 4.6 990 1.9 2.5 3.4 4.6 6.3 9.3
1050 113 795 1300 27.6 27.6 27.6 2.8 3.8 5.7 2.1 3.0 4.4 1065 2.8 3.8 5.7 1090 2.1 3.0 4.6 5.5 7.6 11.4
1200 125 915 1485 27.6 27.6 . 3.2 4.6 . 2.5 3.6 . 1220 3.2 4.6 . 1245 2.5 3.6 . 6.3 9.3 .
1350 138 1015 1650 27.6 27.6 . 3.8 5.1 . 3.0 4.0 . 1320 3.8 5.1 . 1395 3.0 4.0 . 7.6 10.2 .
1500 150 1145 1855 27.6 27.6 . 4.4 5.9 . 3.6 4.6 . 1525 4.4 5.9 . 1700 3.6 4.6 . 8.9 11.8 .
1800 175 1370 2235 27.6 34.5 . 5.5 7.6 . 4.2 5.9 . 1725 5.5 7.6 . 1955 4.2 5.9 . 11.0 15.2 .
2100 200 1575 2590 27.6 34.5 . 6.8 9.3 . 5.1 7.2 . . 6.8 9.3 . . 5.1 7.2 . 13.5 18.6 .
2250 213 1830 2920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2400 225 1960 3100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2700 250 2215 3505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3000 275 2460 3910 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3300 250 2705 4285 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D-Loads for 3–Edge-Bearing Method
Class 0.3-mm Ultimate
Crack
A-II 50.0 75.0
A-III 65.0 100.0
A-IV 100.0 150.0
Note—Test load in newtons per linear
metre equals D-load × inside span in
millimetres.
A
For modified or special designs, see 7.3.
B
f 'c = minimum compressive strength of concrete in megapascals.
C
As an alternative to designs requiring double line reinforcement, the reinforcement may be positioned and proportioned so that the total reinforcement of the inner cage
plus the middle cage shall not be less than that specified for the inner cage continuous basic reinforcement, and the additional reinforcement “U ” and the total
reinforcement of the outer cage plus the middle cage shall not be less than that specified for the outer cage continuous basic reinforcement and the additional reinforcement
“V.”
D
A = circumferential steel area in square millimetres per longitudinal centimetre of pipe barrel in each continuous basic cage and additional cages in area denoted “U ”
s
and “V.” Dimensions “U ” and “V ” are measured on the center line of the culvert wall.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
C506M − 22a
5. Basis of Acceptance
5.1 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time of, or before placing an order, there are two separate and alternative bases
of acceptance. Independent of the method of acceptance, the pipe shall be designed to meet both the 0.01-in. crack and ultimate
strength requirements.
5.1.1 Acceptance on Basis of Plant Load Bearing Tests, Material Tests, and Inspection of Manufactured Pipe for Visual Defects
and Imperfections—Acceptability of the pipe in all diameters and classes produced in accordance with 7.1 or 7.2 shall be
determined by the results of the three-edge-bearing tests as defined in 11.3.1; by such material tests as are required in accordance
with 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, and 6.6, by an absorption test of the concrete from the wall of the pipe as required in 11.9; and by visual
inspection of the finished pipe to determine its conformance with the accepted design and its freedom from defects.
5.1.2 Acceptance on the Basis of Material Test and Inspection of Manufactured Pipe for Defects and Imperfections—Acceptability
of the pipe in all diameters and classes produced in accordance with 7.1 or 7.2 shall be determined by the results of such material
tests as are required in accordance with 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, and 6.6; by crushing tests on concrete cores or cured concrete cylinders; by
an absorption test of the concrete from the wall of the pipe for each mix design that is used on an order; and by inspection of the
finished pipe, including amount and placement of reinforcement, to determine its conformance with the accepted design and its
freedom from defects.
5.1.3 When agreed upon by the owner and the manufacturer, any portion or any combination of the tests itemized in 5.1.1 or 5.1.2
may form the basis of acceptance.
5.2 Age for Acceptance—Pipe shall be considered ready for acceptance when they conform to the requirements as indicated by
the specified tests.
6. Materials
6.1 Reinforced Concrete—The reinforced concrete shall consist of cementitious materials, mineral aggregates, water, and
admixtures, if used, in which steel has been embedded in such a manner that the steel and concrete act together.
6.2 Cementitious Materials:
6.2.1 Cement—Cement shall conform to the requirements for portland cement of Specification C150/C150M, or shall be portland
blast-furnace slag cement, portland-limestone cement, or portland-pozzolan cement conforming to the requirements of
Specification C595/C595M, except that the pozzolan constituent in the Type IP portland pozzolan cement shall be fly ash.
6.2.2 Slag Cement—Slag cement shall conform to the requirements of Grade 100 or 120 of Specification C989/C989M.
6.2.3 Fly Ash—Fly ash shall conform to the requirements of Class F or Class C of Specification C618.
6.2.4 Allowable Combinations of Cementitious Materials—The combination of cementitious materials used in the concrete shall
be one of the following:
6.2.4.1 Portland cement only,
6.2.4.2 Portland blast-furnace slag cement only,
6.2.4.3 Portland-pozzolan cement only,
6.2.4.4 Portland-limestone cement only,
6.2.4.5 A combination of portland cement or portland-limestone cement and slag cement,
6.2.4.6 A combination of portland cement or portland-limestone cement and fly ash,
6.2.4.7 A combination of portland cement or portland-limestone cement, slag cement, and fly ash, or
C506M − 22a
6.2.4.8 A combination of portland pozzolan cement and fly ash.
6.3 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the requirements of Specification C33/C33M except that the requirement for
gradation shall not apply.
6.4 Admixtures—The following admixtures and blends are allowable:
6.4.1 Air-entraining admixture conforming to Specification C260/C260M;
6.4.2 Chemical admixture conforming to Specification C494/C494M;
6.4.3 Chemical admixture for use in producing flowing concrete conforming to Specification C1017/C1017M; and
6.4.4 Chemical admixture or blend approved by the owner.
6.5 Steel Reinforcement—Reinforcement shall consist of wire or welded wire conforming to of Specification A1064/A1064M or
of bars conforming to Specification A36/A36M, Specification A615/A615M Grade 280 or 420, or Specification A706/A706M
Grade 420. For helically wound cages only, weld shear tests are not required.
6.6 Fibers—Synthetic fibers and nonsynthetic fibers shall be allowed to be used, at the manufacturer’s option, in concrete pipe as
a nonstructural manufacturing material. Synthetic fibers (Type II and Type III) and nonsynthetic fiber (Type I) designed and
manufactured specifically for use in concrete and conforming to the requirements of Specification C1116/C1116M shall be
accepted.
6.7 Water—Water used in the production of concrete shall be potable or nonpotable water that meets the requirements of
Specification C1602/C1602M.
7. Design
7.1 Size and Dimensions—The standard sizes of arch pipe are listed in Table 1. The internal dimensions for each standard size shall
be as defined in Fig. 1, subject to the permissible variations of Section 12.
7.2 Design Tables—The wall thickness, compressive strength of concrete, and the area of circumferential reinforcement shall be
as prescribed in Table 1, subject to the provisions of 7.3, 11.4, and Section 12.
7.2.1 Footnotes to the tables herein are intended to be amplifications of the tabulated requirements and are to be considered
applicable and binding as if they were contained in the body of the specification.
7.3 Modified and Special Designs:
7.3.1 If permitted by the owner, the manufacturer may request approval by the owner of modified designs that differ from the
designs in this Section 7 or special designs for sizes and loads beyond those shown in Table 1, or special designs for pipe sizes
that do not have steel reinforcement areas shown in Table 1.
7.3.2 Such modified or special designs shall be based on rational or empirical evaluations of the ultimate strength and cracking
behavior of pipe and shall fully describe to the owner any deviations from the requirements of this Section 7. The descriptions of
modified or special designs shall include the wall thickness, the concrete strength, and the area, type, placement, number of layers,
and strength of the steel reinforcement.
7.3.3 The manufacturer shall submit to the owner proof of the adequacy of the proposed modified or special design. Such proof
may comprise the submission of certified three-edge-bearing tests already made, which are acceptable to the owner or, if such
three-edge-bearing tests are not available or acceptable, the manufacturer may be required to perform proof tests on sizes and
classes selected by the owner to demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed design.
7.3.4 Such pipe must meet all of the test and performance requirements specified by the owner in accordance with Section 5.
C506M − 22a
Approximate
Equivalent
Water Area, m Rise, mm Span, mm A, mm B, mm C, mm R , mm R , mm R , mm
1 2 3
Round Size,
mm
375 0.10 280 460 10 121 128 580 270 102
450 0.15 345 560 −5 153 145 700 350 135
525 0.20 395 660 20 158 195 900 375 135
600 0.26 460 725 90 153 248 1035 370 115
750 0.41 570 920 95 194 305 1300 475 155
900 0.59 675 1110 105 218 395 1575 570 160
1050 0.82 795 1300 130 258 460 1855 665 190
1200 1.06 915 1485 155 297 522 2135 760 220
1350 1.33 1015 1650 170 330 575 2350 850 250
1500 1.64 1145 1855 190 373 642 2670 955 285
1800 2.38 1370 2235 225 428 798 3200 1145 320
2100 3.21 1575 2590 255 475 940 4130 1320 355
2250 4.13 1830 2920 330 604 970 4650 1500 490
2400 4.80 1960 3100 385 616 1040 5535 1575 510
2700 6.13 2215 3505 435 681 1182 6835 1780 570
3000 7.60 2460 3910 480 740 1345 7655 1980 610
3300 9.21 2705 4285 530 835 1458 8355 2175 685
FIG. 1 Cross-Sectional Shape of Arch Pipe
7.4 Area—In this specification, when the word area is not described by adjectives, such as cross-sectional or single wire, it shall
be understood to be the cross-sectional area of reinforcement per unit lengths of pipe.
8. Reinforcement
8.1 Circumferential Reinforcement—A line of circumferential reinforcement for any given total area may be composed of two
layers for pipe with wall thicknesses of less than 180 mm or three layers for pipe with wall thicknesses of 180 mm or greater. The
layers shall not be separated by more than the thickness of one longitudinal plus 6 mm. The multiple layers shall be fastened
together to form a single cage. All other specification requirements such as laps, welds, and tolerances of placement in the wall
of the pipe, etc., shall apply to this method of fabricating a line of reinforcement.
8.1.1 Where one line of reinforcement is used, it shall be placed so that the cover of the concrete over the circumferential
reinforcement at the vertical and horizontal diameters of the pipe is 25 mm from the inside and outside surfaces of the pipe, except
for wall thicknesses less than 62 mm, the protective cover of the concrete over the circumferential reinforcement in the wall of
the pipe shall be 18 mm.
8.1.2 Where two lines of reinforcement of arch shape corresponding to the contour of the pipe are used, each line shall be so placed
that the covering of concrete over the reinforcement is 25 mm.
8.1.3 The location of the reinforcement shall be subject to the permissible variations in dimensions given in 12.5. Requirements
for placement and protective covering of the concrete from the inner or outer surface of the pipe do not apply to that portion of
a cage which is flared so as to extend into the bell or reduced in diameter so as to extend into the spigot.
8.1.3.1 Where the wall reinforcement does not extend into the joint, the maximum longitudinal distance to the last circumferential
C506M − 22a
from the inside shoulder of the bell or the shoulder of the spigot shall be 75 mm except that if this distance exceed one-half the
wall thickness, the pipe wall shall contain at least a total reinforcement area of the minimum specified area per linear foot times
the laying length of the pipe section. The minimum cover on the last circumferential near the spigot shoulder shall be 13 mm.
8.1.3.2 Where the reinforcement is in the bell or spigot the minimum end cover on the last circumferential shall be 13 mm in the
bell or 6 mm in the spigot.
8.1.4 The spacing center to center of circumferential reinforcement in a cage shall not exceed 100 mm for pipe up to and including
pipe having a 100-mm wall thickness nor exceed the wall thickness for larger pipe, and shall in no case exceed 150 mm.
8.1.5 The continuity of the circumferential reinforcing steel shall not be destroyed during the manufacture of the pipe, except that
when agreed upon by the owner, lift eyes or holes may be provided in each pipe for the purpose of handling.
8.1.6 If splices are not welded, the reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 20 diameters for deformed bars and deformed
cold-worked wire, and 40 diameters for plain bars and cold-worked wire. The measurement of this lap length shall be tip-to-tip
from the ends of the circumferential wires. In addition, where lapped cages of welded wire reinforcement are used without welding,
the lap shall contain a longitudinal wire.
8.1.6.1 When splices are welded and are not lapped to the minimum requirements above, there shall be a minimum lap of 50 mm
and
...