Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard aims to help design precast concrete structures used by drainage and utility infrastructure owners.

“The new standard will allow owners and engineers to specify a unified standard in place of referencing numerous other codes, and it supports industry standards for product manufacturers,” said ASTM International member Hugh Martin, an engineering manager at Oldcastle Infrastructure.

He says the standard essentially codifies requirements for precast structures from the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) specifications developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The standard also addresses soil loads, hydrostatic loads, surcharge loads, and other loads, he adds.

ASTM International’s precast concrete products committee (C27) developed the standard (which will soon be published as C1889).

Martin notes that the new standard supports Goal 12 (responsible production and consumption) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by educating the engineering community in a way that reduces overuse of materials in manufacturing for infrastructure. 

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member of ASTM. The next meeting of the ASTM International precast concrete products committee is Dec. 10-11, in Houston, Texas, USA.