Structural Design of Corrugated Steel Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches for Storm and Sanitary Sewers and Other Buried Ap...

A796/A796M - 15A: Standard Practice for Structural Design of Corrugated Steel Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches for Storm and Sanitary Sewers and Other Buried Applications

When designing critical underground infrastructure, the integrity and longevity of storm and sanitary sewer systems are paramount. For professionals tasked with ensuring the robust performance of these vital networks, ASTM A796/A796M - 15A stands as an essential and authoritative guide. This standard practice provides engineers with the proven methodologies necessary for the structural design of corrugated steel pipe, pipe-arches, and arches, ensuring their reliability in demanding buried applications.

What is A796/A796M - 15A?

A796/A796M - 15A is a comprehensive standard practice published by ASTM International that establishes the framework for the structural design of various corrugated steel conduit shapes. Originating from decades of industry experience and research, its primary purpose is to equip engineers with the technical guidance required to design these buried structures for optimal performance and safety under diverse loading conditions.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the structural design of a wide array of corrugated and ribbed steel pipe configurations, including pipe-arches, arches, and structural plate systems. It specifically addresses designs intended for storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and other buried applications subjected to earth and live loads. The standard emphasizes the composite nature of buried structures, acknowledging the critical interaction between the steel conduit and the surrounding soil envelope. However, it explicitly excludes the structural design of deep corrugated plate structures, which are addressed elsewhere.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Design Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Engineers involved in infrastructure development.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Public Works, Infrastructure Development, Municipal Engineering, and Transportation.
• • Compliance nature: This practice is typically a recommended or voluntary standard, often referenced or mandated by project specifications, local building codes, or public agency requirements.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally verified by project engineers, design reviewers, and regulatory bodies overseeing public works and infrastructure projects.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires engineers to consider the interaction between the soil and the steel conduit as a composite structure. Professionals must ensure that designs account for both static earth loads and dynamic live loads, such as those from traffic. Key provisions include the calculation of required wall areas based on material properties and expected loads, and the evaluation of structural performance against buckling and yielding criteria. Furthermore, the practice outlines methodologies for determining appropriate safety factors and resistance factors to ensure the long-term durability and safety of the installed structures.

Related Standards & References

A796/A796M - 15A works in conjunction with several other ASTM standards that define the material properties and installation procedures for these conduits. Complementary standards include ASTM A760/A760M (Specification for Corrugated Steel Pipe, Metallic-Coated for Sewers and Drains) and ASTM A761/A761M (Specification for Corrugated Steel Structural Plate, Zinc-Coated, for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches), which detail the manufactured products. Additionally, **ASTM A