ASTM C825-19

Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Barriers

ABSTRACT
This specification covers precast concrete barriers intended for use adjacent to a roadway or as a median to redirect vehicles unintentionally leaving the roadway. The acceptance criteria for these barriers shall be based on strength properties, dimensional properties, and end results. Conformance as to materials (cement, aggregates, admixtures, and steel reinforcements), design (concrete strength, air entrainment, dimensions, steel reinforcements, concrete finish, lifting devices, anchorage, and reinforcement laps, welds, and splicing), and manufacture (mixture, accelerated curing, water curing, membrane curing, and forms) should be observed precisely. Physical requirements shall be examined by compression, curing compression, and core compression tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers precast concrete barriers, intended to be used adjacent to a roadway or as a median, to redirect vehicles unintentionally leaving the roadway.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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-Nov-2019
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C27 - Precast Concrete Products
• Drafting Committee: C27.20 - Architectural and Structural Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C825-06(2011) - Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Barriers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• 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 C173/C173M-24 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C231/C231M-24 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-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 C173/C173M-23 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-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

Overview

ASTM C825-19: Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Barriers establishes the requirements for precast concrete barriers used alongside roadways or as medians, with the primary goal of redirecting vehicles that unintentionally leave the roadway. This standard, developed by ASTM International, addresses critical aspects such as material properties, barrier design, manufacturing processes, and acceptance testing to ensure safety, reliability, and durability of concrete barriers in transportation infrastructure.

By providing clear quality standards and testing protocols, ASTM C825-19 supports both manufacturers and purchasers in ensuring that precast concrete safety barriers meet the demands of modern roadways.

Key Topics

• Material Conformance: Barriers must be manufactured using approved materials, including Portland cement, aggregates, admixtures, and steel reinforcements that comply with referenced ASTM standards.
• Design Requirements:
  • Defined compressive strength requirements.
  • Air entrainment criteria for durability.
  • Precise dimensional tolerances.
  • Required placement and coverage of steel reinforcement.
  • Specifications for finish, anchorage, and lifting devices.
• Manufacturing Standards:
  • Concrete must be mixed and cured (using accelerated, water, or membrane methods) to achieve required strength and uniformity.
  • Rigid forms are necessary for consistent shape and quality.
• Performance Testing:
  • Compression testing of specimens ensures minimum strength and durability.
  • Dimensional checks ensure barriers fit their intended function.
  • Assessment of surface straightness and the integrity of repairs.
• Quality Assurance and Inspection:
  • Inspection protocols for production, repair acceptance, and criteria for rejection.
  • Requirements for independent testing, when specified by the purchaser.

Applications

Precast concrete barriers governed by ASTM C825-19 are essential for public safety in a variety of infrastructure projects:

• Highway Medians: Used as median barriers to separate opposing lanes and reduce vehicle crossover accidents.
• Roadside Safety: Installed adjacent to highways or urban roadways to redirect errant vehicles and minimize roadside hazards.
• Temporary or Permanent Traffic Control: Utilized in construction zones, providing both worker protection and traffic guidance.
• Urban Infrastructure: Suitable for use in parking facilities, bridge approaches, and transit terminals where controlled vehicle movement is critical.

By adhering to ASTM C825-19, project stakeholders can ensure their traffic barriers are robust, reliable, and compliant with internationally-recognized safety standards.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced in the development and implementation of ASTM C825-19, including:

• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C33/C33M - Specification for Aggregates
• ASTM C260/C260M - Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
• ASTM C494/C494M - Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• ASTM A615/A615M - Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• ASTM A1064/A1064M - Specification for Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement

For organizations planning road construction, transportation safety projects, or urban infrastructure upgrades, ASTM C825-19 provides a well-established and internationally-recognized framework for specifying, producing, and validating precast concrete barriers. This standard simplifies compliance, improves quality assurance, and ultimately enhances roadway safety.

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: C825 −19
Standard Specification for
Precast Concrete Barriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C825; 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 C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
1.1 This specification covers precast concrete barriers, in-
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
tended to be used adjacent to a roadway or as a median, to
C173/C173M Test Method forAir Content of Freshly Mixed
redirect vehicles unintentionally leaving the roadway.
Concrete by the Volumetric Method
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C231/C231M Test Method forAir Content of Freshly Mixed
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Concrete by the Pressure Method
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
and are not considered standard.
for Concrete
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Structural Concrete
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Concrete
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
2. Referenced Documents
3. Classification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1 Precast concrete barriers manufactured in accordance
A416/A416M Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-
with this specification shall be as shown in either Fig. 1or Fig.
Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
2.
A421/A421M Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire
for Prestressed Concrete
4. Basis of Acceptance
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
4.1 Precast barrier shall comply with all of the provisions of
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A996/A996M Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel this specification and shall be tested as prescribed in 8.3 and
8.4.
Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and 4.1.1 Acceptance as to Strength Properties—Concrete bar-
rier shall be acceptable under the strength tests when the
Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
Concrete sections have met the requirements of Section 8.
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test 4.1.2 Acceptance as to Dimensional Properties—Concrete
Specimens in the Field barrier shall meet the dimensional tolerances of Section 9.
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates 4.1.3 Acceptance as to End Result—The concrete barrier
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin- sections shall be finally acceptable to the purchaser at the
drical Concrete Specimens designated point of delivery with no significant cracking.
Significant cracking is defined as fractures or cracks passing
through the section or any continuous structural crack extend-
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C27 on Precast ing for a length of 12 in. (305 mm) or more, regardless of
Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
position in the section.
Architectural and Structural Products.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally
5. Materials
approvedin1979.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2011asC825 – 06(2011).DOI:
10.1520/C0825-19.
5.1 Cement—Portland cement shall conform to the require-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ments of Specification C150/C150M or shall be portland
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement con-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. forming to the requirements of Specification C595/C595M.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C825 − 19
6.2 Concrete Strength—Concrete for barrier sections shall
have a design compressive strength of 4000 psi (28 MPa) in 28
days.
6.3 Air Entrainment—Unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser, all concrete shall have an air content of 5 ⁄2 61%
as measured by Test Methods C173/C173M or C231/C231M.
6.4 Dimensions—Cross-sectional dimensions of the barrier
shall be as shown in Fig. 1. Unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser, the length of each barrier section shall be a
minimum of 10 ft (3 m).
6.5 Steel Reinforcement—Unless designated by the
purchaser, steel reinforcement shall be designed by the pro-
ducer and shall be sufficient to permit handling, delivery, and
placement of the sections without damage. The producer shall
providesteelreinforcementdetailstothepurchaser.Thedesign
FIG. 1 New Jersey Barrier
cover of concrete over reinforcing steel shall be a minimum of
2 in. (50 mm). Unless prestressing is used, reinforcement shall
be assembled as a cage utilizing any combination of single or
multiple layers and mats containing sufficient longitudinal bars
orwireextendingthroughthesectiontomaintaintheshapeand
position of reinforcement within the form during placement of
the concrete. The exposure of the ends of longitudinal rein-
forcement in the barrier shall not be a cause for rejection.
NOTE 1—The purchaser or producer, or both, of the precast concrete
barrier specified herein is cautioned that he should design reinforcing for
the ends of barrier sections in accordance with the publication “Concrete
Median Barrier Research,” Vol, 2, Research Report, prepared by the
Southwest Research Institute for the Federal Highway Administration, to
prevent fracture at the joints.
6.6 Reinforcement Laps, Welds, and Splicing—All splices
shall be acceptable to the purchaser and shall develop the full
strength of the reinforcing.
6.7 Concrete Finish—Concrete finishing shall be at the
option of the producer and shall produce a finish comparable to
a steel form finish.The concrete finish and curing of all median
barrier sections shall be uniform for all sections included in the
FIG. 2 Type-F Barrier
contract lot.
6.8 Lifting Devices—Should the producer cast lifting de-
vices into the barrier sections, they shall not be on the side
5.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to Specification
surfaces.
C33/C33M or C330/C330M.
6.9 Anchorage—Anchorage to prevent lateral movement of
5.3 Admixtures—Admixturesmaybeusedwiththeapproval
the barrier shall consist of dowels, keyway joints, or interlock-
of the purchaser. Air-entraining admixtures shall conform to
ing devices as may be specified by the purchaser.
Specification C260/C260M.
...

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: C825 − 06 (Reapproved 2011) C825 − 19
Standard Specification for
Precast Concrete Barriers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C825; 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
1.1 This specification covers precast concrete barriers, intended to be used adjacent to a roadway or as a median, to redirect
vehicles unintentionally leaving the roadway.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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:
A82/A82M Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 2013)
A185/A185M Specification for Steel Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain, for Concrete (Withdrawn 2013)
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)
A497/A497M Specification for Steel Welded Wire Reinforcement, Deformed, for Concrete (Withdrawn 2013)
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
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
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C33C33/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
C150C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C231C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
C260C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C330C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C595C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
3. Classification
3.1 Precast concrete barriers manufactured in accordance with this specification shall be as shown in either Fig. 1or Fig. 2.
4. Basis of Acceptance
4.1 Precast barrier shall comply with all of the provisions of this specification and shall be tested as prescribed in 8.3 and 8.4.
This specification 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 May 1, 2011Dec. 1, 2019. Published June 2011December 2019. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 20062011 as
C825 – 06.C825 – 06(2011). DOI: 10.1520/C0825-06R11.10.1520/C0825-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C825 − 19
FIG. 1 New Jersey Barrier
FIG. 2 Type-F Barrier
4.1.1 Acceptance as to Strength Properties—Concrete barrier shall be acceptable under the strength tests when the sections have
met the requirements of Section 8.
4.1.2 Acceptance as to Dimensional Properties—Concrete barrier shall meet the dimensional tolerances of Section 9.
4.1.3 Acceptance as to End Result—The concrete barrier sections shall be finally acceptable to the purchaser at the designated
point of delivery with no significant cracking. Significant cracking is defined as fractures or cracks passing through the section or
any continuous structural crack extending for a length of 12 in. (305 mm) or more, regardless of position in the section.
5. Materials
5.1 Cement—Portland cement shall conform to the requirements of Specification C150C150/C150M or shall be portland
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement conforming to the requirements of Specification C595C595/C595M.
5.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to Specification C33C33/C33M or C330C330/C330M.
5.3 Admixtures—Admixtures may be used with the approval of the purchaser. Air-entraining admixtures shall conform to
Specification C260C260/C260M. Chemical admixtures shall conform to Specification C494/C494M. Fly ash or other pozzolanic
admixtures shall conform to Specification C618. Admixtures containing chlorides shall not be used in the manufacture of
prestressed barrier sections.
5.4 Steel Reinforcement—Steel reinforcement shall consist of wire fabric conforming to SpecificationsSpecification A185/
A185MA1064/A1064M or A497/A497M, or of wire conforming to Specifications A82/A82M, A421/A421M, or A496/
A496MA1064/A1064M, or of strand conforming to Specification A416/A416M, or of bars conforming to Specifications
A615/A615M or A996/A996M.
C825 − 19
6. Design
6.1 Precast concrete barrier shall be as defined in Section 3.
6.2 Concrete Strength—Concrete for barrier sections shall have a design compressive strength of 4000 psi (28 MPa) in 28 days.
6.3 Air Entrainment—Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, all concrete shall have an air content of 5 ⁄2 6 1 % as
measured by Test Methods C173/C173M or C231C231/C231M.
6.4 Dimensions—Cross-sectional dimensions of the barrier shall be as shown in Fig. 1. Unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser, the length of each barrier section shall be a minimum of 10 ft (3 m).
6.5 Steel Reinforcement—Unless designated by the purchaser, steel reinforcement shall be designed by the producer and shall
be sufficient to permit handling, delivery, and placement of the sections without damage. The producer shall provide steel
reinforcement details to the purchaser. The design cover of concrete over reinforcing steel shall be a minimum of 2 in. (50 mm).
Unless prestressing is used, reinforcement shall be assembled as a cage utilizing any combination of single or multiple layers and
mats containing sufficient longitudinal bars or wire extending through the section to maintain the shape and position of
reinforcement within the form during placement of the concrete. The exposure of the ends of longitudinal reinforcement in the
barrier shall not be a cause for rejection.
NOTE 1—The purchaser or producer, or both, of the precast concrete barrier specified herein is cautioned that he should design reinforcing for the ends
...