Concrete Pavements and Linings Installed in Corrugated Steel Structures in the Field

A979/A979M: Standard Specification for Concrete Pavements and Linings Installed in Corrugated Steel Structures in the Field

When designing and constructing durable underground infrastructure, ensuring the integrity of corrugated steel structures is paramount. The ASTM A979/A979M standard provides an authoritative framework for specifying and installing concrete pavements and linings within these vital systems, offering proven methods to enhance longevity and performance.

What is A979/A979M?

ASTM A979/A979M is an industry-leading standard that outlines the essential material requirements and installation procedures for concrete pavements and linings within corrugated steel pipes and structural plate structures. Originating from ASTM International, its primary purpose is to ensure high-quality field installation, thereby extending the service life of these critical infrastructure components.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the application of concrete pavements and linings to both new and existing corrugated steel structures, including pipes and structural plates. It specifies minimum thickness requirements, material properties, and installation methodologies. Importantly, A979/A979M does not cover pre-cast or factory-applied concrete elements, which are addressed by other ASTM standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Construction Managers, Contractors, and Inspectors involved in infrastructure projects.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Transportation, Municipal Services, and Water and Wastewater management.
• • Compliance nature: While often voluntary, compliance is typically specified in contract documents, making it effectively mandatory for project adherence.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally overseen by project engineers and designated inspectors to ensure adherence to the specified requirements.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that concrete pavements and linings be installed only after the corrugated steel structure is in place and appropriately backfilled. Professionals must ensure that concrete for pavements achieves a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3250 psi (22.4 MPa), with a higher strength of 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) for linings. Key provisions include specific minimum thickness requirements above corrugation crests or bolt heads, tailored for either pavements or full linings. The standard also details acceptable concrete materials, including cement types, aggregates, and water, and mandates a maximum water-cement ratio of 0.50 by weight for workability and durability.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A979/A979M works in conjunction with several other critical standards. For the design of corrugated steel structures, Practice A796/A796M is essential. Installation practices for factory-made pipes and structural plates are covered by Practice A798/A798M and Practice A807/A807M, respectively. Furthermore, Specification A849 addresses factory-applied concrete coatings, distinguishing its scope from the field-applied methods detailed in A979/A979M.