Corrugated Steel Structural Plate, Zinc-Coated, for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches

A761/A761M: Standard Specification for Corrugated Steel Structural Plate, Zinc-Coated, for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches

For engineers and project managers involved in civil infrastructure, understanding the foundational standards for material selection and fabrication is paramount. The AASHTO A761/A761M standard is an essential document that provides the comprehensive framework for specifying and utilizing zinc-coated corrugated steel structural plates in critical construction applications. Adherence to this industry-leading specification ensures the durability, structural integrity, and long-term performance of vital buried infrastructure.

What is A761/A761M?

AASHTO's A761/A761M standard establishes the proven requirements for manufacturing and supplying zinc-coated corrugated steel structural plates. Developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, its primary purpose is to provide engineers with a reliable specification for materials used in field-assembled pipes, pipe-arches, and arches, ensuring their suitability for demanding civil engineering projects.

Scope & Purpose

This authoritative standard governs the material properties, fabrication, and coating requirements for corrugated steel structural plates intended for field assembly into various shapes, including circular pipes, pipe-arches, and arches. It also specifies requirements for associated fasteners and accessory materials. While it details the plate specifications, it explicitly excludes requirements for bedding, backfill, and the correlation between earth cover load and plate thickness, which are addressed in separate design and installation practices.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Project Managers, Construction Inspectors, and Materials Engineers.
• • Industries affected: Transportation, Public Works, Utilities, and Heavy Construction.
• • Compliance nature: Mandatory for projects requiring adherence to AASHTO standards or specified by project plans.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified by project owners, transportation agencies, and construction inspectors through material submittals, testing, and site inspections.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that corrugated steel structural plates be fabricated from specified steel grades and conform to defined corrugation profiles and dimensions. Professionals must ensure that all steel plates receive a uniform and adherent zinc coating meeting specified weight and quality standards for corrosion resistance. Key provisions include detailed requirements for plate thickness selection, seam bolt types and quantities, and end-treatment options to facilitate proper field assembly and structural performance. The specification also outlines acceptable methods for repairing damaged coatings.

Related Standards & References

A761/A761M works in conjunction with other essential standards for comprehensive structural design and installation. Notably, AASHTO Practice A796/A796M provides guidance on the structural design of corrugated steel structures for buried applications, while AASHTO Practice A807/A807M details the proper installation procedures for these structures. Referenced ASTM standards, such as those for steel grades (e.g., A36/A36M) and zinc coating testing (e.g., A90/A90M), further define material quality and performance criteria.