Aluminum Alloy Sheet for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe

B744/B744M: Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloy Sheet for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe

When designing and procuring materials for critical storm water management infrastructure, engineers and designers rely on authoritative standards to ensure product reliability and longevity. ASTM B744/B744M, the "Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloy Sheet for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe," stands as an essential document in this domain, providing the foundational requirements for aluminum alloy sheet used in the fabrication of corrugated aluminum pipes. Adherence to this industry-leading specification is paramount for projects demanding robust and durable drainage solutions.

What is B744/B744M?

ASTM B744/B744M is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International that specifies the requirements for aluminum alloy sheets intended for manufacturing corrugated aluminum pipes. These pipes are primarily used for storm water drainage, culverts, and underdrains. The standard ensures that the aluminum alloy sheet possesses the necessary chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances to produce pipes that meet performance expectations in civil engineering applications.

Scope & Purpose

This proven standard governs the specifications for aluminum alloy sheets that will be fabricated into corrugated pipes. It covers the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the parent sheet material, as well as dimensional tolerances for both flat and corrugated sheets. The purpose is to establish a consistent baseline for material quality, ensuring that the resulting corrugated pipes are suitable for their intended applications in civil infrastructure. The standard does not cover the design of the corrugated pipe itself, nor does it specify welding or joining procedures, focusing solely on the material properties of the sheet.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Civil Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Procurement Specialists, and Quality Inspectors involved in the infrastructure and construction sectors.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Civil Engineering, Water Infrastructure Management, and Manufacturers of corrugated metal pipe.
• • Compliance nature: Primarily voluntary, but often mandated by project specifications, municipal codes, and engineering design requirements.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through material certifications, quality control inspections by fabricators, and by project owners or their representatives during material acceptance.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard mandates that the aluminum alloy sheet must meet specific chemical composition and mechanical property requirements as defined by referenced ASTM standards, primarily Specification B209/B209M.
• • Professionals must ensure that the specified sheet thickness and tolerances, including those for corrugations and covering width, conform to the dimensions outlined within B744/B744M.
• • Key provisions include guidelines for identifying the material, ensuring traceability, and outlining requirements for manufacturer certification when specified.
• • The standard specifies that mechanical property tests should ideally be performed on the sheet prior to corrugation to account for potential cold-working effects.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B744/B744M frequently references other critical ASTM standards to provide a complete material specification framework. These often include:

• • ASTM B209/B209M (Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate): This is a foundational standard that B744/B744M relies upon for detailed chemical composition and mechanical property requirements of the aluminum alloys used.
• • **ANSI H35.2/