Installing Corrugated Steel Structural Plate Pipe for Sewers and Other Applications

A807/A807M - 13: Standard Practice for Installing Corrugated Steel Structural Plate Pipe for Sewers and Other Applications

Ensuring the long-term performance and structural integrity of buried infrastructure is paramount in civil engineering projects. For critical applications like sewers, storm drains, and culverts, the proper installation of corrugated steel structural plate pipe is not just a construction detail, but a fundamental requirement for public safety and asset longevity. ASTM A807/A807M - 13 provides the authoritative guidance professionals need to achieve this.

What is A807/A807M - 13?

ASTM A807/A807M - 13 is an industry-leading standard practice developed by ASTM International. It outlines the essential procedures, materials, and soil conditions necessary for the correct installation of corrugated steel structural plate pipe, pipe-arches, arches, and underpasses. Its primary purpose is to ensure these robust structures perform as designed when interacting with surrounding soil, a critical component of their structural system.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the field installation of factory-fabricated corrugated steel structural plate structures designed according to ASTM A796/A796M. It details requirements for trench and embankment installations, focusing on foundation preparation, bedding, and the crucial aspects of soil placement and compaction around the structure. While it doesn't cover the manufacturing of the plates themselves (addressed by A761/A761M), it explicitly addresses the field practices necessary to achieve the anticipated structural performance of the assembled system.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, Site Supervisors, Geotechnical Engineers, and Field Technicians involved in buried infrastructure projects.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Municipal Works, Transportation, and Environmental Engineering.
• • Compliance nature: While often a contractual requirement, compliance is generally considered best practice and recommended for ensuring project success and safety.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified by project engineers, owner representatives, and regulatory bodies during construction and project closeout.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires meticulous attention to the foundation supporting the structure, ensuring uniform resistance and avoiding sharp variations. Professionals must ensure that the soil used for backfill is acceptable and properly compacted, as it forms an integral part of the structural system. Key provisions include specific guidance on trench excavation, emphasizing the need for adequate space for assembly and backfill while adhering to safety regulations. Furthermore, the practice mandates proper bedding techniques to provide consistent support and details the importance of managing the interaction between the structure and the surrounding soil, especially in challenging foundation conditions.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A807/A807M - 13 is a pivotal standard that works in concert with several others. It is intrinsically linked to ASTM A761/A761M, which covers the specifications for the corrugated steel structural plates themselves. For the structural design of these buried systems, ASTM A796/A796M provides the foundational engineering principles. Additionally, various ASTM test methods for soil classification (e.g., D2487) and in-place density determination (e.g., D1556, D6938) are referenced, providing the