Asbestos-Cement Underdrain Pipe

C508/C508M: Standard Specification for Asbestos-Cement Underdrain Pipe

For engineers and project managers involved in subsurface drainage, understanding and adhering to material specifications is paramount for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of critical infrastructure. ASTM C508/C508M provides an essential framework for specifying asbestos-cement underdrain pipe, a proven material utilized in diverse civil engineering applications. This authoritative standard ensures that materials used for vital drainage systems meet stringent performance and quality benchmarks.

What is C508/C508M?

ASTM C508/C508M, "Standard Specification for Asbestos-Cement Underdrain Pipe," establishes comprehensive requirements for both perforated and plain asbestos-cement pipe. Originating from the need for durable and reliable subsurface drainage components, this standard serves as the industry-leading benchmark for material composition, manufacturing, performance, and testing. Its primary purpose is to equip engineers with a dependable specification for selecting and procuring underdrain pipe suitable for demanding civil infrastructure projects.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the material properties, dimensions, and performance criteria for asbestos-cement underdrain pipe. It specifically addresses pipe intended for the conveyance of drainage water in subsurface drainage applications for highways, airports, agricultural land, and building foundations. The standard outlines requirements for material composition, crushing strength, joint integrity through couplings, and the precise specifications for perforations when applicable. It does not, however, cover installation procedures or address all potential safety concerns associated with its use, which remain the user's responsibility.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Drainage Engineers, Materials Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Inspectors.
• • Industries affected: Highway Construction, Airport Construction, Residential Development, Agricultural Drainage, and Municipal Infrastructure.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, serving as a de facto industry standard for procurement and design.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through project specifications, material testing, and third-party inspections during the construction phase.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals utilizing C508/C508M must ensure the selected pipe meets the following core requirements:

• • The standard requires pipe to be manufactured from an intimate mixture of portland cement and asbestos fiber, with specified limits on organic matter.
• • Manufacturers must demonstrate that the pipe meets minimum crushing strength requirements (detailed in Table 1) when tested according to specified ASTM methods.
• • The specification mandates the provision of suitable couplings to ensure silt-tight joints and maintain alignment.
• • For perforated pipe, the standard dictates the precise size, arrangement, and spacing of perforations to ensure effective water ingress.
• • Chemical requirements for Type II pipe, specifically the limit on uncombined calcium hydroxide, must be met to ensure durability in certain environments.

Related Standards & References

ASTM C508/C508M is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. Proven complementary standards include:

• • ASTM C500/C500M: Test Methods for Asbestos-Cement Pipe, which provides the detailed testing procedures for crushing strength and chemical analysis referenced in C508/C508M.
• • **ASTM C150/C15