Installing Factory-Made Corrugated Aluminum Culverts and Storm Sewer Pipe

B788/B788M: Standard Practice for Installing Factory-Made Corrugated Aluminum Culverts and Storm Sewer Pipe

Ensuring the long-term performance and structural integrity of buried conduits is paramount in civil engineering projects. For professionals working with corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipes, adherence to industry-leading installation practices is essential. ASTM B788/B788M provides the authoritative guidance needed to achieve this, offering a comprehensive framework for correct installation that directly impacts the durability and functionality of these vital infrastructure components.

What is B788/B788M?

ASTM B788/B788M is a standard practice developed by ASTM International that outlines the proper procedures for installing factory-made corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipes. Originating from a need for consistent, reliable installation methods, its primary purpose is to ensure that these buried conduits perform structurally as designed by integrating effectively with the surrounding soil structure. This standard is crucial for achieving optimal load-bearing capacity and longevity.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the installation of corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipes in both trench and projection (embankment) configurations. It details acceptable soil types, soil placement techniques, and foundation preparation critical for the structural performance of these flexible conduits. The practice specifically applies to factory-manufactured pipes intended for field joining and is designed for structures engineered in accordance with ASTM B790/B790M. It does not, however, specify the required density for soil backfill or the methods for its verification, which are left to project-specific specifications.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, Site Supervisors, Geotechnical Engineers, and Project Inspectors.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Civil Engineering, Public Works Departments, Municipalities, Transportation Authorities, and Infrastructure Development.
• • Compliance nature: While often considered a best practice, compliance is typically mandated by project specifications, making it effectively required for projects utilizing corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipes.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally overseen by project engineers, owners' representatives, and regulatory bodies during construction and project closeout phases.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires careful attention to the foundation supporting the pipe, ensuring uniform resistance to loads and avoiding sharp variations that could compromise structural stability. Professionals must ensure that bedding materials are free from deleterious substances and are appropriately placed to support the pipe's geometry, especially for pipe-arch structures. Key provisions include detailed guidance on managing trench excavations to maintain the integrity of the surrounding soil mass and specific considerations for treating soft or rock-laden foundations. Furthermore, the standard emphasizes the importance of proper handling and joining of pipe sections to maintain alignment and ensure a continuous, leak-resistant flow line.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B788/B788M works in conjunction with several other ASTM standards to provide a complete lifecycle approach to corrugated aluminum culverts and storm sewer pipes. It is directly related to ASTM B745/B745M, which specifies the requirements for the corrugated aluminum pipe itself, and ASTM B790/B790M, which covers the structural design of these conduits. Additionally, it references various ASTM test methods (e.g., D1556, D21