Designation: C 12 023

Standard Practice for

Installing Vitried Clay Pipe Lines
1
This standard is issued under the xed designation C 12; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the proper methods of installing vitried clay pipe lines in order to fully utilize the structural properties
of such pipe.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C04 on Vitried Clay Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C04.20 on Methods of Test and
Specications.
Current edition approved January February 10, 20023. Published March 2002. June 2003. Originally published as C 1215T. approved in 1915. Last previous edition
approved in 2001 as C 1201.
1
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 301 Test Methods for Vitried Clay Pipe
2
C 425 Specication for Compression Joints for Vitried Clay Pipe and Fittings
2
C 700 Specication for Vitried Clay Pipe, Extra Strength, Standard Strength, and Perforated
2
C 828 Test Method for Low-Pressure Air Test of Vitried Clay Pipe Lines
2
C 896 Terminology Relating to Clay Products
2
C 1091 Test Method for Hydrostatic Inltration and Exltration Testing of Vitried Clay Pipe Lines
2
3. Terminology
3.1 GeneralTerminology C 896 can be used for clarication of terminology in this specication.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
4. Supporting Strength
4.1 The eld supporting strength of vitried clay pipe is materially affected by the methods of installation. The eld supporting
strength of a pipe is dened as its capacity to support dead and live loads under actual eld conditions. It is dependent upon two
factors: (1) the inherent strength of the pipe and ( 2) the bedding of the pipe.
4.2 The minimum bearing strength requirement in accordance with Specication C 700, as determined by the 3-edge-bearing
test of Test Methods C 301, is a measure of the inherent strength of the pipe.
4.3 The tests used to measure bearing strength determine relative pipe strengths but do not represent actual eld conditions.
Therefore, an adjustment called a load factor is introduced to convert minimum bearing strength to eld supporting strength. The
magnitude of the load factor depends on how the pipe is bedded. The relationship is:
Field supporting strength 5 minimum bearing strength 3 load factor
4.4 A factor of safety greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 1.5 shall be applied to the eld supporting strength to calculate
a safe supporting strength. The relationship is:
Safe supporting strength 5
Field supporting strength
Factor of safety
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05.
FIG. 1 Terminology
C 12 023
2
5. External Loads
5.1 The external loads on installed vitried clay pipe are of two general types: (1) dead loads and (2) live loads.
5.2 For pipes installed in trenches at a given depth, the dead load increases as the trench width, measured at the top of the pipe,
increases. Consequently, the trench width at the top of the pipe shall be kept as narrow as possible. Pipe failure may result if the
design trench width is exceeded. If the trench width exceeds the design width, a higher class of bedding, stronger pipe, or both,
must be investigated.
FIG. 2 Class D
FIG. 3 Class C
FIG. 4 Class B
FIG. 5 Crushed Stone Encasement
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5.3 Live loads that act at the ground surface are partially transmitted to the pipe. Live loads may be produced by wheel loading,
construction equipment or by compactive effort. Compaction of embedment and backll materials, beside and above the sewer
pipe, produces a temporary live load on the pipe. The magnitude of the live load from compactive effort varies with soil type,
degree of saturation, degree of compaction and depth of cover over the pipe. Care must be used in selection of compaction methods
so that the combined dead load and live load does not exceed the eld supporting strength of the pipe, or cause a change in its
line or grade.
NOTE 1For generally accepted criteria and methods for determining loads and supporting strengths, see Gravity Sanitary Sewer Design and
Construction, Water Pollution Control Federation Manual of Practice No. FD-5, American Society of Civil EngineersManuals and Report on
Engineering PracticeNo. 60.
3
6. Bedding and Encasement
6.1 Classes of bedding and encasements for pipe in trenches are dened herein. The load factors indicated are for conversion
of minimum bearing strength to eld supporting strength.
3
Available from American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191.
NOTE 1This type of construction requires the ll to extend from the pipe to the trench wall, not to extend above the top of the pipe or below the
bottom of the pipe. Where native soils are expansive, further investigation may be necessary.
FIG. 6 Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM)
NOTE 1Minimum width of concrete cradle: B
c
+ 8 in. (200 mm) or 1-
1
4 B
c
.
NOTE 2p is the ratio of the area of steel to the area of concrete. (It is recommended that wire mesh reinforcement or uniformly distributed small
diameter rebar be used in all concrete design.)
FIG. 7 Concrete Cradle
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6.2 Class D (Fig. 2) The pipe shall be placed on the a rm and unyielding trench bottom with bell holes provided (Fig. 9).
The initial backll shall be of selected material (Note 2).
6.2.1 The load factor for Class D bedding is 1.1.
NOTE 2Selected material is nely divided material free of debris, organic material, and large stones.
6.3 Class C (Fig. 3) The pipe shall be bedded in suitable material (Note 3 and Note 4). Where suitable material is not
available, other materials approved by the engineer, shall be used. The bedding shall have a minimum thickness beneath the pipe
of 4 in. (100 mm) or one eighthof the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater, and shall extend up the haunches of the
pipe one sixth of the outside diameter of the pipe. The initial backll shall be of selected material (Note 2).
6.3.1 The load factor for Class C bedding is 1.5.
NOTE 3Suitable material is well-graded
3
4 to
1
4 in. (19 to 6 mm) crushed stone, having a minimum of one fractured face, or other angular,
non-consolidating bedding material not subject to migration. Where crushed material is not readily available, locally available and commonly used
Well-graded angular, non-consolidating bedding materials are acceptable, if used with engineering judgment as to their ability to provide adequate pipe
support. more stable than rounded bedding materials of equal gradation. Material shall be shovel-sliced so the material lls and supports the haunch area
and encases the pipe to the limits shown in the trench diagrams (Figs. 3-6 and Fig. 8).
NOTE 1Minimum width of concrete arch: B
c
+ 8 in. (200 mm) or 1
1
4 B
c
.
NOTE 2p is the ratio of the area of steel to the area of concrete. (It is recommended that wire mesh reinforcement or uniformly distributed small
diameter rebar be used in all concrete design.)
FIG. 8 Concrete Arch
FIG. 9 Uniform Pipe Support
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NOTE 4Sand is suitable as a bedding material in a total sand environment but may be unsuitable where high and rapidly changing water tables are
present in the pipe zone. It may also be undesirable for bedding, or haunching in a trench cut by blasting or in trenches through clay type soil. Regardless
of the trench condition or bedding class, the maximum load factor for sand bedding is 1.5.
6.4 Class B (Fig. 4) The pipe shall be bedded in suitable material (Note 3). The bedding shall have a minimum thickness
beneath the pipe of 4 in. (100 mm) or one eighth of the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater, and shall extend up the
haunches of the pipe to the springline. The initial backll shall be of selected material (Note 2).
6.4.1 The load factor for Class B bedding is 1.9.
6.5 Crushed Stone Encasement (Fig. 5)There are specic sites where crushed stone encasement may be desirable. The
crushed stone shall extend to the specied trench width and shall have a minimum thickness beneath the pipe of 4 in. (100 mm)
or one eighth of the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater, and shall extend upward to a horizontal plane at the top
of the pipe barrel (see Note 5). Encasement shall consist of well-graded
3
4 to
1
4 in. (19 to 6 mm) crushed stone or other
non-consolidating bedding material not subject to migration. Material shall be carefully placed into the pipe haunches (Note 3).
The initial backll shall be of selected material (Note 2).
NOTE 5Sufficient crushed stone or other suitable material (Note 3) shall be placed so that the bedding extends to a horizontal plane at the top of the
pipe barrel following removal of any trench sheeting or boxes.
6.5.1 The load factor for crushed stone encasement is 2.2.
6.6 Controlled Low Strength Material (Fig. 6)Controlled low strength material has been shown to be an economic alternative
to compacted bedding material. It assists in utilizing the inherent strength of the pipe, completely lling the haunch area, and
reducing the trench load on the pipe.
6.6.1 The pipe shall be bedded on crushed stone or other suitable material (Note 3 and Note 4). The bedding shall have a
minimum thickness beneath the pipe of 4 in. (100 mm) or one eighth of the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater.
Controlled low strength material shall be directed to the top of the pipe to ow down on both sides to prevent misalignment. Fill
to the top of the pipe. The initial backll may be placed when the pour is capable of supporting the backll material without
intermixing.
NOTE 6Attention is directed to terminology and material references. See American Concrete Institute Report: ACI 229R-94 Controlled Low Strength
Materials (CLSM).
4
6.6.2 The load factor for controlled low strength material is 2.8.
6.7 Class AThis class of bedding can be achieved with either of two construction methods.
6.7.1 Concrete Cradle (Fig. 7) The pipe shall be bedded in a monolithic cradle of reinforced concrete having a thickness
under the barrel of at least 6 in. (150 mm) or one fourth of the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater, and extending
up the haunches to a height of at least one half the outside diameter of the pipe. The cradle width shall be at least equal to the
outside diameter of the pipe plus 4 in. (100 mm) on each side or one and one fourth times the outside diameter of the pipe,
whichever is greater. If the trench width is greater than either of these dimensions, concrete may be placed to full trench width.
Suitable material shall extend upward to a horizontal plane at the top of the pipe barrel. The initial backll shall be selected
material.
6.7.1.1 The load factor for Class A concrete cradle bedding is 3.4 for reinforced concrete with p = 0.4 %, where p is the
percentage of the area of transverse steel to the area of concrete at the bottom of the pipe barrel as shown in Fig. 7.
6.7.2 Concrete Arch (Fig. 8) The pipe shall be bedded in suitable material (Note 3). The bedding shall have a minimum
thickness beneath the pipe of 4 in. (100 mm) or one eighth of the outside diameter of the pipe, whichever is greater, and shall extend
up the haunches of the pipe to the springline. The top half of the pipe shall be covered with monolithic reinforced concrete arch
with a minimum thickness from the top of the pipe barrel, of 6 in. (150 mm) or one fourth of the nominal diameter of the pipe,
whichever is greater. The width of the arch shall be at least equal to the outside diameter of the pipe plus 4 in. (100 mm) on each
side, or one and one fourth times the outside diameter, whichever is greater. If the trench width is greater than either of these
dimensions, concrete may be placed to full trench width.
6.7.2.1 The load factor for Class A concrete arch bedding is 3.4 for reinforced concrete with p = 0.4 %, and up to 4.8 for
reinforced concrete with p = 1.0 %, where p is the percentage of the area of transverse steel to the area of concrete above the top
of the pipe barrel as shown in Fig. 8.
6.8 Concrete Encasement:
6.8.1 There are specic sites where concrete encasement may be desirable. Concrete encasement shall completely surround the
pipe and shall have a minimum thickness, at any point, of one fourth of the outside diameter of the pipe or 4 in. (100 mm),
whichever is greater.
6.8.2 The encasement shall be designed by the engineer to suit the specic use.
4
Available from American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
C 12 023
6
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
7. Trench Excavation
7.1 Trenches shall be excavated to a width that will provide adequate working space, but not more than the maximum design
width. Trench walls shall not be undercut.
7.2 The trench walls can be sloped to reduce trench wall failure. This sloping will not increase the load on the pipe provided
the measured trench width at top of pipe does not exceed the design trench width.
7.3 Trenches, other than for Class D bedding, shall be excavated to provide space for the pipe bedding.
7.4 Sheet, shore, and brace trenches, as necessary, to prevent caving or sliding of trench walls, to provide protection for
workmen and the pipe, and to protect adjacent structures and facilities.
7.5 Sheeting shall not be removed below the top of the pipe if the resulting slope of native soil increases the trench width to
such an extent that the load on the pipe exceeds the safe eld supporting strength of the pipe and bedding system.
7.6 When a movable box is used in place of sheeting or shoring, secure the installed pipe to prevent it from moving when the
box is moved.
7.7 It is preferable to keep the trench dry during all phases of construction. Exercise caution when terminating the dewatering
procedure to avoid disturbing the pipe installation.
8. Trench Foundation
8.1 The trench foundation is the area below the pipe and bedding which supports the pipe bedding structure.
8.2 The trench foundation shall be rm and unyielding.
9. Pipe Bedding
9.1 Bell holes shall be excavated to prevent point loading of the bells or couplings of laid pipe, and to establish full-length
support of the pipe barrel (Fig. 9).
9.2 Bedding shall be placed so that the pipe is true to line and grade and to provide uniform and continuous support of the pipe
barrel.
10. Pipe Handling
10.1 Pipe and ttings shall be handled carefully to protect from damage.
10.2 Carefully examine each pipe and tting before installation, for soundness and specication compliance. Pipe accepted may
be plainly marked by the inspector. Rejected pipe shall not be defaced, but shall be replaced with pipe that meets specication.
10.3 Handle pipe so that premolded jointing surfaces or attached couplings do not support the weight of the pipe. Do not damage
the jointing surfaces or couplings by dragging, contact with hard materials, or by use of hooks.
11. Pipe Laying
11.1 Clean joint contact surfaces immediately prior to joining. Use joint lubricants and joining methods, as recommended by
the pipe manufacturer.
11.2 Unless otherwise required, lay all pipe straight between changes in alignment and at uniform grade between changes in
grade. Excavate bell holes for each pipe joint. When joined in the trench, the pipe shall form a true and smooth line.
11.3 Straight lengths of pipe may be used for horizontal or vertical curves by uniformly deecting each joint. The joint
deection limits shall be as described in Table 1.
11.4 Whenever practicable, start pipe laying at the lowest point and install the pipe so that the spigot ends point in the direction
of ow to prevent bedding material from entering the joint.
11.5 After each pipe had been brought to grade, aligned, and placed in nal position, deposit and shovel slice or spade bedding
material under the pipe haunches. Wyes and tees shall be bedded to prevent shear loading.
TABLE 1 Joint Deection Limits
NOTE 1For calculating the minimum radius of curvature use the following:
pipe3 in. (75 mm) to 12 in. (305 mm) Diameter radius = 24 3 pipe length
pipe15 in. (380 mm) to 24 in. (610 mm) Diameter radius = 32 3 pipe length
pipe27 in. (685 mm) to 36 in. (915 mm) Diameter radius = 48 3 pipe length
pipe39 in. (990 mm) to 42 in. (1065 mm) Diameter radius = 64 3 pipe length
NOTE 2Material is applicable to compression joints for vitried clay pipe and ttings in accordance with Specication C 425.
Nominal Diameter,
in. (mm)
Maximum Angular
Deection per Joint,
degrees
Maximum Deection
of Pipe,
in./linear ft (mm/linear m)
312 (75305) 2.4
1
2 (42)
1524 (380610) 1.8
3
8 (31)
2736 (685915) 1.2
1
4 (21)
3942 (9901065) 0.9
3
16 (16)
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11.6 Place pipe that is to be bedded in concrete cradle or encased in concrete, in proper position on temporary supports. When
necessary, rigidly anchor or weight the pipe to prevent otation as concrete is placed.
11.7 Place concrete for cradles, arches, or encasement uniformly on each side of the pipe and deposit at approximately its nal
position. Concrete placed beneath the pipe shall be sufficiently workable so that the entire space beneath the pipe can be lled
without excessive vibration.
11.8 Where pipe connects with outside faces of manhole walls or the outside faces of the walls of other structures, provide a
pipe joint such that slight exibility or motion can take place in or near the plane of the wall face. It is recommended that a 12
to 18 in. (300 to 450 mm) pipe stub be extended from manhole or other wall faces. The pipe stub shall be bedded in the same
manner as the pipe.
12. Backlling Trenches
12.1 Initial backll need not be compacted to develop eld supporting strength of the pipe. Final backll may require
compaction to prevent settlement of the ground surface.
12.2 Unless otherwise directed, backll trenches as soon as practicable after the pipe is laid. In the case of concrete bedding,
delay backlling until the concrete has set sufficiently to support the backll load.
12.3 The initial backll shall be of selected material (Note 2). Final backll shall have no rock or stones having a dimension
larger than 6 in. (150 mm) within 3 ft. (0.9 m) of the top of the pipe.
12.4 Puddling, jetting, or water ooding may be used for consolidating backll material only when approved by the engineer.
13. Field Performance and Acceptance
13.1 After installation the sewer shall be tested for integrity by a method specied or approved by the engineer.
13.2 Where ground water exists, the line may be tested for inltration by determining the quantity of water entering the system
during a specied time period. Inltration testing is recommended and shall conform to the test procedure described in Test Method
C 1091.
13.3 Where ground water does not exist, either a water or low-pressure air test method may be used and shall be specied. The
exltration test shall conform to the test procedure described in Test Method C 1091. Air testing shall conform to the test procedure
described in Test Method C 828, and is recommended.
NOTE 7When water or air tests are specied and the acceptance of a line depends upon satisfactory results, it should be recognized that several factors
have a bearing on these results. Manhole bases, walls, and seals must be watertight. Household and commercial building and roof drains must be isolated.
Stoppers must be sufficiently secured to be air or watertight.
13.4 In order for the performance of the line to be acceptable, all tests shall be made on pipe laid in accordance with the bedding
provisions of Section 6. Joining procedures shall follow the recommendation of the pipe manufacturer.
14. Keywords
14.1 backlling; bedding; clay pipe; compaction; construction; design; excavation; installation; load factors; perforated pipe;
pipe; sewers; trench foundation; trenching; vitried
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. INSTALLATION CRITERIA FOR PERFORATED VITRIFIED CLAY PIPE
X1.1 Position of Perforations:
X1.1.1 Perforations in a subdrain or leachate pipe shall normally be down.
X1.1.2 Under unique conditions it may be desirable to place the perforations up.
X1.2 Method of Design:
X1.2.1 Design in accordance with standard engineering practice, noting particularly, the bearing strength as listed in
Specication C 700.
X1.3 Bedding and Backll:
X1.3.1 Bedding and backll shall be in accordance with the engineers design.
X1.3.2 It is desirable to contain the bedding with a lter fabric.
X1.3.3 In the pipe zone the material shall be free draining without migration.
X1.3.4 Extreme care should be exercised in placement and compaction of backll.
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