Corrugated Aluminum Pipe for Sewers and Drains

B745/B745M-15: Standard Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe for Sewers and Drains

For engineers and project managers involved in vital infrastructure projects, ensuring the longevity and performance of storm water and drainage systems is paramount. ASTM B745/B745M-15 provides an essential framework for specifying corrugated aluminum pipe, offering a proven material solution for a range of buried conduit applications. This authoritative standard is a cornerstone for reliable and durable drainage system design.

What is B745/B745M-15?

ASTM B745/B745M-15 is the industry-leading standard that defines the material, fabrication, and performance requirements for corrugated aluminum pipe. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures that aluminum pipe intended for storm water drainage, culverts, and underdrains meets stringent quality and suitability criteria for buried applications. Its primary purpose is to provide a clear, comprehensive benchmark for manufacturers and purchasers.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the fabrication of corrugated aluminum pipe used exclusively for storm water drainage, agricultural underdrains, and the construction of culverts. It specifically excludes applications involving the conveyance of sanitary or industrial wastes. While the standard details pipe material and manufacturing, it does not cover installation aspects like bedding, backfill, or the direct correlation between earth cover load and pipe thickness; these are addressed in complementary practices. The purchaser is responsible for correlating installation conditions with the selected pipe thickness.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Materials Engineers, Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Procurement Specialists.
• • Industries Affected: Construction, Civil Engineering, Municipal Infrastructure, Transportation, and Agriculture.
• • Compliance Nature: Voluntary, but often mandated by project specifications and bid documents.
• • Enforcement: Typically checked by project engineers, quality control personnel, and municipal or transportation authorities during project review and construction oversight.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that corrugated aluminum pipe be fabricated from aluminum-alloy sheet conforming to Specification B744/B744M. Key provisions include detailed classifications for different pipe types, such as full circular, pipe-arch, and perforated configurations, each suited for specific drainage functions. Professionals must ensure that rivets or approved bolt and nut assemblies used for fabrication meet specified material and mechanical property requirements. The standard also outlines critical ordering information, including pipe type, diameter or dimensions, length, corrugation details, and sheet thickness, to ensure accurate product procurement.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B745/B745M-15 is frequently used in conjunction with ASTM B790/B790M, which provides guidance on the structural design of corrugated aluminum pipe, arches, and pipe-arches for buried applications. For proper installation, ASTM B788/B788M offers essential practices for factory-made corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipe. Additionally, ASTM A930 provides a framework for life-cycle cost analysis, enabling informed decisions on alternative drainage system designs.