Designation: C478 15

Standard Specification for

Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C478; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

PART IGENERAL 2. Referenced Documents

1. Scope 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
1.1 This specification covers the manufacture and purchase
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
requirements of products used for the assembly and construc-
tion of circular vertical precast reinforced concrete manholes A706/A706M Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-
and structures used in sewer, drainage, and water works. Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and
1.2 Part I, Sections 1 11, of this specification presents Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
general requirements and requirements that are common to Concrete
each precast concrete product covered by this specification. C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
1.3 Part II of this specification presents specific require- C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
ments for each manhole product in the following sections: drical Concrete Specimens
Product Section C150 Specification for Portland Cement
Grade Rings 12 C260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Con-
Flat Slab Tops 13
Risers and Conical Tops 14 crete
Base Sections 15 C309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Com-
Steps and Ladders 16 pounds for Curing Concrete
NOTE 1Future products will to be included in Part II in a future C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
revision of this specification. Concrete
1.4 This specification is the inch-pound companion to C497 Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Manhole Sections, or
Specification C478M; therefore, no SI equivalents are pre- Tile
sented in the specification. C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
NOTE 2This specification is a manufacturing and purchase specifica- C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
tion only and does not include requirements for backfill, or the relation- Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
ship between field load conditions and the strength requirements of the C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
manhole products and appurtenances. Experience has shown, however, Products
that the successful performance of this product depends upon the proper
selection of the product strength, type of foundation and backfill, and care
C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and
in the field installation of the manhole products and connecting pipes. The Mortars
owner of the project for which these products are specified herein is C1017/C1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
cautioned to require inspection at the construction site. Use in Producing Flowing Concrete
C1602/C1602M Specification for Mixing Water Used in the
Production of Hydraulic Cement Concrete
2.2 ACI Standard:3
318 Building Code, Requirements for Reinforced Concrete

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.06 on Manholes contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Specials. Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C478 14. DOI: Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
10.1520/C0478-15. Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

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3. Terminology steel reinforced concrete manholes as a non-structural manu-
3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms relating to precast facturing enhancement. Only fibers designed and manufactured
reinforced concrete manholes, see Terminology C822. specifically for use in concrete and so certified by the manu-
facturer shall be accepted.
4. Materials and Manufacture 4.1.9 Other MaterialsOther materials required for a prod-
uct and not covered in Section 4 will be covered in the Part II
4.1 General material requirements for precast reinforced section for that specific product.
concrete manhole products are presented in 4.1.1 4.1.9. Other
materials or additional requirements for a product, if any, are 5. Design
covered in the Part II section for that specific product. 5.1 Design requirements for a product are prescribed in the
4.1.1 Reinforced ConcreteReinforced concrete shall con- specific Part II section for that product.
sist of cementitious materials, mineral aggregates, and water, in 5.1.1 The minimum compressive strength of concrete man-
which steel reinforcement has been embedded in such a hole products covered by this specification shall be 4000 psi
manner so that the steel reinforcement and concrete act unless specified otherwise in Part II of this specification.
together.
4.1.2 Cementitious Materials: 5.2 Modified or Special Design
4.1.2.1 CementCement shall conform to the requirements 5.2.1 Manufacturers are not prohibited from submitting to
for portland cement of Specification C150, or shall be portland the owner, for approval prior to manufacture, designs other
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement con- than those prescribed in the specific section for a product. If
forming to Specification C595, except that the pozzolan such approval is obtained, then the product shall meet all the
constituent of the Type IP portland-pozzolan cement shall be tests and performance requirements specified by the owner in
fly ash. accordance with the appropriate sections on manufacture and
4.1.2.2 Fly AshFly ash shall conform to the requirements physical requirements.
of Class F or Class C of Specification C618. 5.2.2 If permitted by the owner, the manufacturer is not
4.1.2.3 Slag CementSlag cement shall conform to the prohibited from requesting approval of designs of special
requirements of Grade 100 or 120 of Specification C989. sections, such as reducers, tees, and bases.
4.1.3 Allowable Combinations of Cementitious Materials 6. Reinforcement
The combination of cementitious materials used in the concrete
shall be one of the following: 6.1 This section presents requirements for reinforcement
4.1.3.1 Portland cement only, cover, continuity, laps, welds, and splices. Other reinforcement
4.1.3.2 Portland blast-furnace slag cement only, requirements are presented in Section 4, and any additional
4.1.3.3 Portland pozzolan cement only, requirements are given in the Part II section for a specific
4.1.3.4 A combination of Portland cement and slag cement, product.
4.1.3.5 A combination of Portland cement and fly ash, or 6.2 CoverThe exposure of the ends of reinforcement,
4.1.3.6 A combination of Portland cement, slag cement (not stirrups or spacers used to position the reinforcement during
to exceed 25 % of the total cementitious weight) and fly ash placement of the concrete shall not be cause for rejection.
(not to exceed 25 % of the total cementitious weight). 6.3 ContinuityThe continuity of the circumferential rein-
4.1.4 AggregatesAggregates shall conform to Specifica- forcement shall not be destroyed during the manufacture of the
tion C33, except that the requirements for gradation shall not product, except when lift holes or pipe openings are provided
apply. in the product.
4.1.5 Admixtures and BlendsThe following admixtures
and blends are allowable: 6.4 Welded Steel Cage Laps, Welds, and Splices:
4.1.5.1 Air-entraining admixture conforming to Specifica- 6.4.1 If splices are not welded, the reinforcement shall be
tion C260; lapped not less than 20 diameters for deformed bars, and 40
4.1.5.2 Chemical admixture conforming to Specification diameters for plain bars and cold-drawn wire. In addition,
C494/C494M; where lapped cages of welded wire fabric are used without
4.1.5.3 Chemical admixture for use in producing flowing welding, the lap shall contain a longitudinal wire.
concrete conforming to Specification C1017/C1017M; 6.4.2 When splices are welded and are not lapped to the
4.1.5.4 Chemical admixture or blend approved by the minimum requirements in 6.4.1, there shall be a minimum lap
owner. of 2 in. and a weld of sufficient length such that pull tests of
4.1.6 Steel ReinforcementReinforcement shall consist of representative specimens shall develop at least 50 % of the
wire and welded wire conforming to Specification A1064/ minimum specified tensile strength of the steel. For butt
A1064M or of bars conforming to Specification A615/A615M, welded splices in bars or wire, permitted only with helically
Grade 40 or 60, or Specification A706/A706M, Grade 60. wound cages, pull tests of representative specimens shall
4.1.7 WaterWater used in the production of concrete shall develop at least 75 % of the minimum specified tensile strength
be potable or non-potable water that meets the requirements of of the steel.
Specification C1602/C1602M. 6.5 Steel Hoop SplicesWhen splices are welded and are
4.1.8 Secondary Synthetic FiberCollated fibrillated poly- not lapped to the minimum requirements in 6.4.1, there shall be
propylene virgin fibers shall not be prohibited when used in a minimum lap of 2 in. and a weld of sufficient length such that
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pull tests from representative specimens shall develop at least 8.1.1.2 Acceptance of a product on the basis of inspection of
50 % of the minimum specified tensile strength of the steel. For the finished product, including amount and placement of
butt welded splices, pull tests from representative specimens reinforcement to determine conformance with the design
shall develop at least 75 % of the minimum specified tensile prescribed under this specification, and freedom from defects.
strength of the steel. 8.2 Test Methods:
8.2.1 Concrete Compressive Strength Test:
7. Precast Concrete Manufacture
8.2.1.1 Type of SpecimenCompression tests for satisfying
7.1 MixtureThe aggregates shall be sized, graded, the minimum specified concrete strength requirement shall be
proportioned, and mixed with such proportions of cementitious made on either concrete cylinders or, at the option of the
materials and water as will produce a thoroughly-mixed manufacturer, on cores cut from the concrete manhole product.
concrete of such quality that the products will conform to the 8.2.1.2 Compression Testing of CylindersCylinders shall
test and design requirements of this specification. All concrete be made in accordance with Test Methods C497, and shall be
shall have a water-cementitious ratio not exceeding 0.53 by tested in accordance with Test Method C39/C39M. For man-
weight. Cementitious materials shall be as specified in 4.1.2 hole products, an owner shall not be prohibited from requiring
and shall be added to the mix in a proportion not less than 470 concrete compressive tests on cylinder specimens numbering
lb/yd3, unless mix designs with a lower cementitious materials in the amount of 5 % of the total order of a manhole product,
content demonstrate that the quality and performance of the but not to exceed two cylinders for each days production. The
product meet the requirements of this specification. average compressive strength of all cylinders tested shall be
7.2 CuringConcrete products shall be subjected to any equal to or greater than the specified strength of the concrete.
one of the methods of curing prescribed in 7.2.1 7.2.4 or to Not more than 10 % of the cylinders tested shall fall below the
any other method or combination of methods approved by the specified strength of the concrete. In no case shall any cylinder
owner that will give satisfactory results. tested fall below 80 % of the specified strength of the concrete.
7.2.1 Steam CuringConcrete products are placed in a 8.2.1.3 Compression Testing of CoresCores shall be cut
curing chamber, free of outside drafts, and cured in a moist from the concrete manhole product and tested in accordance
with Test Methods C497, except that the requirements for
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atmosphere maintained by the injection of steam for such time

and such temperatures as needed to enable the products to meet moisture conditioning shall not apply. One core shall be taken
the strength requirements. The curing chamber shall be so from a manhole product selected at random from each days
constructed as to allow full circulation of the steam around the production run of a single concrete strength. When the concrete
entire product. compressive strength of the core is equal to or greater than
80 % of the specified strength of the concrete, the concrete
7.2.2 Water CuringConcrete products are water-cured by
strength of the production run is acceptable. If the core does
covering with water-saturated material, or by a system of
not meet the preceding concrete strength requirement, another
perforated pipes, mechanical sprinklers, porous hose, or by any
core from the same manhole product shall be taken and tested.
other approved method that will keep the products moist during
the curing period. 8.2.1.4 If the concrete compressive strength of the recore is
equal to or greater than 80 % of the specified strength of the
7.2.3 Sealing MembraneA sealing membrane conforming
concrete, the concrete strength of the production run is accept-
to the requirements of Specification C309 is applied and shall
able. If the recore does not meet the preceding concrete
be left intact until the required concrete strength requirements
strength requirement, that manhole product shall be rejected.
are met. The concrete at the time of application of the
Two manhole products from the remainder of the days
membrane shall be within 10F of the atmospheric tempera-
production run shall be selected at random and one core taken
ture. All concrete surfaces shall be kept moist prior to the
from each manhole product and tested. When the average
application of the membrane and shall be damp when the
concrete strength of the two cores is equal to or greater than
membrane is applied.
80 % of the specified strength of the concrete with no core
7.2.4 The manufacturer is not prohibited from combining
below 75 % of the specified strength of the concrete, the
the methods prescribed in 7.2.1 7.2.3 provided the required
concrete strength of the days production run shall be accept-
concrete compressive strength is attained.
able.
8.2.1.5 If the concrete strength of the two cores does not
8. Acceptance
meet the preceding concrete strength requirement, then the
8.1 Acceptance Procedures: remainder of the days production run shall be either rejected,
8.1.1 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time or, at the option of the manufacturer, each manhole product of
of, or before, placing an order, acceptance procedures for the remainder of the days production run is not prohibited
precast reinforced concrete manhole products shall be as from being cored and accepted individually.
specified in the Part II section for a particular product, and shall 8.2.1.6 Plugging Core HolesCore holes on accepted con-
not be prohibited from consisting of one or more of the crete manhole products shall be plugged and sealed by the
following: manufacturer in a manner such that the manhole products will
8.1.1.1 Acceptance of a product on the basis of tests of meet all of the requirements of this specification. Manhole
materials, including concrete compressive strength and absorp- sections so sealed shall be considered as satisfactory for use.
tion. 8.2.2 Absorption Test:

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8.2.2.1 The absorption of a specimen from a concrete tests of materials as are required by Section 4; by compressive
product, as determined in Test Methods C497, shall not exceed strength tests on concrete cores or concrete cylinders required
9 % of the dry mass for Test Method A procedure or 8.5 % for by Section 8; and by inspection of the finished product,
Test Method B procedure. All specimens shall be free of visible including amount and placement of reinforcement as pre-
cracks and shall represent the full thickness of the product. scribed by 12.4, 12.5, and 12.6, to determine its conformance
8.2.2.2 Specimens for Test Method B shall meet the require- with the design prescribed under this specification and its
ments of Test Methods C497. freedom from defects.
8.2.2.3 Each specimen tested by Test Method A shall have a 12.3 DesignThe minimum wall thickness shall be one
minimum weight of 2.2 lbs. twelfth of the internal diameter of the grade ring or 4 in.,
8.2.2.4 When the initial absorption specimen from a con- whichever is greater.
crete product fails to conform to this specification, the absorp- 12.3.1 JointsGrade rings are not required to have the joint
tion test shall be made on another specimen from the same formed with male and female ends.
product and the results of the retest shall be substituted for the
original test results. 12.4 Circumferential Reinforcement:
8.2.3 RetestsWhen not more than 20 % of the concrete 12.4.1 The circumferential reinforcement shall have an
test specimens tested under either 8.2.2.1 or 8.2.2.2 fail to pass equivalent area of not less than 0.07 in.2/vertical ft, but not less
the requirements of this specification, the manufacturer is not than 0.024 in.2 in any one grade ring.
prohibited from culling his stock and eliminating whatever 12.4.2 The circumferential reinforcement shall be one line
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quantity of product he desires and shall so mark the culled in the center third of the wall of the grade ring.
product that they will not be shipped for the order. The required 12.5 Permissible Variations:
tests shall be made on the balance of the order and the products 12.5.1 Internal DiameterThe internal diameter of grade
shall be accepted if in conformance with the requirements of rings shall not vary more than 6 1 %.
this specification. 12.5.2 Wall ThicknessThe wall thickness of grade rings
8.3 Test EquipmentEvery manufacturer furnishing man- shall be not less than that prescribed in the design by more than
hole products under this specification shall furnish all facilities 5 % or 6 316 in., whichever is greater. A wall thickness greater
and personnel necessary to carry out the tests required for than that prescribed in the design shall not be cause for
acceptance. rejection.
12.5.3 Height of Two Opposite SidesVariations in laying
9. Repairs height of two opposite sides of grade rings shall be not more
9.1 Repair of manhole products shall not be prohibited, if than 14 in.
necessary, because of imperfections in manufacture or damage 12.5.4 Height of Grade RingThe underrun in height of a
during handling, and will be acceptable if, in the opinion of the grade ring shall be not more than 18 in./ft of height.
owner, the repaired products conform to the requirements of 12.5.5 Position of ReinforcementFor grade rings with a
this specification. 4-in. wall thickness, the maximum variation in the design
position of circumferential reinforcement from that described
10. Inspection in 12.4.1 shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 614 in.,
whichever is greater. For grade rings with a wall thickness
10.1 The quality of materials, the process of manufacture, greater than 4 in., the maximum variation from the design
and the finished manhole products shall be subject to inspec- position of reinforcement shall be 610 % of the wall thickness
tion and approval by the owner. or 658 in., whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall
the cover over the reinforcement be less than 34 in. The
11. Product Marking
preceding minimum cover limitation does not apply to the
11.1 The following information shall be legibly marked on mating surfaces of the joint.
each precast concrete product: 12.5.6 Area of ReinforcementSteel reinforcement areas
11.1.1 Specification and product designation: MH for man- that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall
hole base, riser, conical tops, and grade rings, be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
11.1.2 Date of manufacture, and
12.6 Rejection:
11.1.3 Name or trademark of the manufacturer.
12.6.1 Grade rings shall be subject to rejection for failure to
11.2 Marking shall be indented into the concrete or shall be conform to any of the specification requirements. In addition,
painted thereon with waterproof paint. an individual grade ring shall be subject to rejection because of
any of the following:
PART IIPRODUCTS
12.6.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex-
12. Grade Rings cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the
joint.
12.1 ScopeThis section covers precast reinforced concrete 12.6.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in
grade rings used for final adjustment of manholes to grade. compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey-
12.2 AcceptanceAcceptability of grade rings covered by combed or open texture that would adversely affect the
this specification shall be determined by the results of such function of the grade ring.

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12.6.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the manufactured with two layers of steel reinforcement, one
longitudinal axis of the grade ring, within the limits of located near the bottom surface and one near the top surface so
permissible variations prescribed in 12.5. that the protective cover over each layer is 1 in.
12.6.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage 13.4.3 A layer of reinforcement shall have a minimum area
would prevent making a satisfactory joint. of 0.12 in.2/linear ft in both directions.
12.6.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of 13.4.4 Openings in flat slab tops shall be additionally
0.01 in. or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more, reinforced with a minimum of the equivalent of 0.20 in.2 of
regardless of position in the wall. steel at 90. Straight rods used to reinforce openings shall have
a minimum length equal to the diameter of the opening plus 2
13. Flat Slab Tops in.
13.1 ScopeThis section covers precast reinforced concrete 13.5 Physical RequirementsPhysical requirements for
flat slab tops used in the construction of manholes for use in tests shall conform to the requirements of Section 8.
sewer, drainage, and water works. 13.5.1 Proof-of-Design Test:
13.2 Acceptance: 13.5.1.1 If 13.2.2.2 has been designated as the basis of
13.2.1 Acceptability of flat slab tops shall be determined by acceptance, one flat slab top for each design shall be tested
the results of such tests of materials as are required by Section unless the owner has indicated otherwise.
4; by compressive strength tests on concrete cores or concrete 13.5.1.2 The flat slab top proof-of-design test procedures
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cylinders required by Section 8; and by inspection of the shall be in accordance with Test Methods C497.
finished product, including amount and placement of reinforce- 13.5.1.3 The ultimate test load shall be the sum of at least
ment as prescribed by 13.4 and 13.6, to determine its confor- 130 % of the dead load on the slab plus at lest 217 % of the
mance with the design prescribed under this specification and live-plus impact load on the slab. Dead load is the weight of the
its freedom from defects. column of earth over the slab plus the weight of the riser
13.2.2 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time supported by the slab. Live load is the maximum anticipated
of, or before, placing an order, two separate and alternative wheel load that may be transmitted through the riser to the slab.
methods of acceptance are permitted for flat slab top manufac- 13.5.1.4 The flat slab top shall be acceptable if it supports
turer designs, in addition to tests of materials and inspection the required ultimate test load without failure. Ultimate
required in 13.2.1. strength failure is defined as the inability of the slab to resist an
13.2.2.1 Acceptance on the Basis of Proof-of-Design Test increase in the applied load.
Acceptance of flat slab tops on the basis of the results of a 13.5.1.5 When agreed upon by the owner and manufacturer,
proof-of-design test performed in accordance with 13.5 in lieu the flat slab top shall be acceptable based on certified copies of
of submission of design calculations and detailed drawings. the results of tests performed on identical flat slab tops instead
13.2.2.2 Acceptance on the Basis of Rational Design of requiring new proof-of-design acceptance tests.
Acceptance of flat slab tops on the basis of design calculations
by a rational method and detailed drawings. 13.6 Permissible Variations:
13.6.1 Internal DiameterThe internal diameter of the flat
13.3 Design:
slab tops entrance hole shall not vary more than 61 %.
13.3.1 The basis of flat slab top designs shall be the
appropriate sections of the latest edition of ACI 318. 13.6.2 ThicknessThe thickness of flat slab tops shall be
13.3.2 Flat slab tops shall have a minimum thickness of 6 in. not less than that prescribed in the design by more than 5 % or
for risers up to and including 48 in. in diameter and 8 in. for 6316 in., whichever is greater. A thickness greater than that
larger diameters. prescribed in the design shall not be cause for rejection.
13.3.3 The flat slab top access opening shall be a minimum 13.6.3 Length of Two Opposite SidesVariations in lengths
of 24 in. in diameter. of two opposite sides of flat slab tops shall be not more than 14
13.3.4 JointThe reinforced concrete flat slab top shall be in.
formed with or without a male or female end so that when the 13.6.4 LengthThe underrun in length of a flat slab top
manhole base, riser and top section are assembled, they will shall be not more than 18 in./ft of length.
make a continuous and uniform manhole compatible with the 13.6.5 Position of ReinforcementFor flat slab tops with
tolerances given in 13.6. less than a 6 in. thickness, the maximum variation in the
13.3.4.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compres- position of reinforcement from that prescribed in 13.5 shall be
sion; therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required. 610 % of the thickness or 614 in., whichever is greater. For
flat slab tops with a thickness greater than 6 in., the maximum
13.4 Reinforcement:
variation shall be 610 % of the thickness or 658 in., which-
13.4.1 Flat slab tops manufactured with a joint or with other
ever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall the cover over the
indication of the top or bottom of the slab shall be manufac-
reinforcement be less than 34 in.
tured with one layer of reinforcement placed near the bottom
13.6.6 Area of ReinforcementSteel reinforcement areas
surface so that the protective cover over the reinforcement shall
that are 0.005 in2/linear ft less than called for by design shall
be 1 in.
be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
13.4.2 Flat slab tops manufactured without a joint or with-
out other indication of the top or bottom of the slab shall be 13.7 Rejection:

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13.7.1 Flat slab tops shall be subject to rejection for failure 14.4.1.4 Where two lines of circumferential reinforcement
to conform to any of the specification requirements. In are used, each line shall be so placed that the protective
addition, an individual flat slab top of shall be subject to covering over the circumferential reinforcement in the wall
rejection because of any of the following: shall be 1 in.
13.7.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex- 14.4.1.5 The location of the reinforcement shall be subject
cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the to the permissible variations in dimensions prescribed in 14.7.
joint. 14.4.1.6 The spacing center to center of circumferential
13.7.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in reinforcement in a cage shall not exceed 6 in.
compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey- 14.4.2 Longitudinal MembersEach line of circumferential
combed or open texture that would adversely affect the reinforcement shall be assembled into a cage that shall contain
function of the flat slab top. sufficient longitudinal bars or members to maintain the rein-
13.7.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the forcement in shape and position within the form to comply
longitudinal axis of the flat slab top, within the limits of with permissible variations in 14.7.
permissible variations prescribed in 13.6. 14.4.3 Joint ReinforcementThe tongue or groove of the
13.7.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage joint is not required to contain circumferential reinforcement.
would prevent making a satisfactory joint. 14.5 Steel Hoop Reinforcement:
13.7.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of 14.5.1 Continuous Steel Hoop Reinforcement for Risers and
0.01 in, or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more, Conical Tops Up to and Including 48 in. in Diameter:
regardless of position in the slab.
NOTE 3Care shall be taken to ensure that none of the steel hoop
reinforcement is cut prior to installation of the riser or conical top.
14. Risers and Conical Tops
14.5.1.1 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
14.1 ScopeThis section covers precast reinforced concrete and conical tops up to and including 24 in. in height shall

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risers and conical tops used in construction of manholes for use consist of no less than two hoops of steel wire or reinforcing
in sewer, drainage, and water works. bars. The steel hoop shall have a minimum cross-sectional
14.2 AcceptanceAcceptability of risers and conical tops diameter of 0.250 in. and shall be located in each end quarter
covered by this specification shall be determined by the results of the riser or conical top, with a minimum distance of 1 in.
of such tests of materials as are required by Section 4; by from the shoulder of the riser or conical top.
compressive strength tests on concrete cores or concrete 14.5.1.2 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
cylinders required by Section 8; and by inspection of the and conical tops greater in height than 24 in. and up to and
finished product, including the amount of reinforcement as including 48 in. in height shall consist of no less than three
prescribed by either 14.4 or 14.5 and meeting permissible hoops of steel wire or reinforcing bars. The steel hoops shall
variations as prescribed by 14.7, to determine its conformance have a minimum cross-sectional diameter of 0.250 in. and shall
with the design prescribed under this specification and its have a hoop located in each end quarter of the riser or conical
freedom from defects. top with a minimum distance of 1 in. from the shoulder of the
riser or conical top. The third, or middle, hoop shall be located
14.3 DesignThe minimum wall thickness shall be one from the shoulder of the riser or conical top a distance equal to
twelfth of the largest internal diameter of the riser or conical one-half the section height 66 in.
top. 14.5.1.3 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
14.4 Welded Steel Cage Reinforcement: and conical tops greater in height than 48 in. and up to and
14.4.1 Circumferential Reinforcement for Risers and Coni- including 72 in. in height shall consist of no less than four
cal Tops: hoops of steel wire or reinforcing bars spaced equally 63 in.
14.4.1.1 Circumferential reinforcement shall consist of ei- throughout the height of the riser or conical top. The steel
ther one or two lines of steel. The total area of reinforcement hoops shall have a minimum cross-sectional diameter of 0.250
per vertical foot shall be not less than 0.0025 times the internal in. and shall have a hoop located in each end quarter of the riser
diameter in inches. or conical top with a minimum distance of 1 in. from the
14.4.1.2 A line of circumferential reinforcement for any shoulder of the riser or conical top.
given total area may be composed of two layers if the layers are 14.5.1.4 The hoop reinforcement shall be placed in the
not separated by more than the thickness of one cross member center third of the riser wall or conical top. The concrete cover
plus 14 in. The two layers shall be tied together to form a single over the hoop reinforcement in the wall of the section shall be
cage. All other specification requirements such as laps, welds, no less than 34 in. in accordance with 14.7.
and tolerances of placement in the wall of the riser or conical 14.5.1.5 For riser sections with openings, this section 14.5 is
top shall apply to this method of fabricating a line of not permitted.
reinforcement. 14.5.2 Joint ReinforcementThe tongue or groove of the
14.4.1.3 Where one line of circumferential reinforcement is joint is not required to contain circumferential reinforcement.
used, it shall be placed in the center third of the wall. The 14.6 JointsPrecast reinforced concrete risers and conical
protective cover over the circumferential reinforcement in the tops shall be designed and manufactured with male and female
wall shall be no less than 34 in. in accordance with 14.7. ends, so that the assembled manhole base, riser and conical top

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shall make a continuous and uniform manhole, compatible base slab cast monolithically as a single unit with or without
with the tolerances given in 14.7. benching, (2) a base consisting of a riser section with a
14.6.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compression; secondary poured integral base slab, with or without benching,
therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required. and (3) a two-piece base consisting of a separate precast base
14.7 Permissible Variations: slab and a riser section with a sealed joint between the two. The
14.7.1 Internal DiameterThe internal diameter of risers riser portions of a base section shall meet all the requirements
and conical tops shall not vary more than 1 %. of Section 14.
14.7.2 Wall ThicknessThe wall thickness of risers and 15.2 Acceptance:
conical tops shall be not less than that prescribed in the design 15.2.1 Acceptability of base sections covered by this speci-
by more than 5 % or 6316 in., whichever is greater. A wall fication shall be determined by the results of such tests of
thickness greater than that prescribed in the design shall not be materials as are required by Section 4; by compressive strength
cause for rejection. tests on concrete cores or concrete cylinders required by
14.7.3 Height of Two Opposite SidesVariations in laying Section 8; and by inspection of the finished product, including
heights of two opposite sides of risers or conical tops shall be amount and placement of reinforcement as prescribed by 15.4
not more than 58 in. and 15.7, to determine conformance with the design prescribed
14.7.4 Height of SectionThe underrun in height of a riser under this specification and its freedom from defects.
or conical top shall be not more than 14 in./ft of height with a
15.2.2 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time
maximum of 12 in. in any one section.
of, or before, placing an order, two separate and alternate
14.7.5 Position of ReinforcementFor risers or conical tops
methods of acceptance are permitted for the three types of base
with a 4 in. wall thickness or less, the maximum variation in
sections manufacturer designs prescribed in 15.1, in addition to
the position of reinforcement from that prescribed in 14.5 and
test of materials and inspection required in 15.2.1.
14.6 shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 614 in.,
whichever is greater. For sections with a wall thickness greater 15.2.2.1 Acceptance on the Basis of Proof-of-Design Test
than 4 in., the maximum variation in the position of reinforce- Acceptance of base section or base slab prescribed in 15.1 on
ment shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 658 in., the basis of the results of a proof-of-design test performed in
whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall the cover accordance with 15.5.1 in place of submission of design
over the reinforcement be less than 34 in. The preceding calculations and detail drawings.
minimum cover limitation does not apply to the mating 15.2.2.2 Acceptance on the Basis of Rational Design
surfaces of the joint. Acceptance of base sections prescribed in 15.1 on the basis of
14.7.6 Area of ReinforcementSteel reinforcement areas design calculations by rational method and detail drawings.
that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall 15.3 Design:
be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
15.3.1 When acceptance is in accordance with 15.2.2.2, the
14.8 Rejection: basis of the rational design shall be the appropriate sections of
14.8.1 Risers and conical tops shall be subject to rejection the latest edition of ACI 318.
for failure to conform to any of the specification requirements. 15.3.2 Base slabs shall have a minimum thickness of 6 in.
In addition, an individual riser or conical top shall be subject to for manholes up to and including 48 in. in diameter and 8 in.
rejection because of any of the following: for larger diameter manholes.
14.8.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex-
15.3.2.1 When a base section is precast monolithically with
cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the
a benched invert, the minimum concrete thickness from the
joint.
invert to bottom of the base slab shall be 4 in.
14.8.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in
compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey- 15.3.3 Benched inverts cast either monolithically with the
combed or open texture that would adversely affect the base section or as a secondary casting in a cured base section
function of the riser or conical top. shall have the following minimum dimensions:
14.8.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the 15.3.3.1 Minimum slope of 12 in./ft from the channel to the
longitudinal axis of the riser or conical top, within the limits of inside diameter (ID) of riser wall for the benching.
permissible variations prescribed in 14.7. 15.3.3.2 Minimum channel invert depth of one-half the pipe
14.8.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage ID.
would prevent making a satisfactory joint. 15.3.3.3 When a channel is cast in a cured base section, the
14.8.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of minimum concrete thickness under the invert shall be 2 in.
0.01 in., or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more, 15.3.3.4 Width of channel at top of benching shall be a
regardless of position in the wall. minimum equal to the pipe ID.
15. Base Sections 15.3.3.5 Invert shall provide a positive flow between inlet to
outlet pipes.
15.1 ScopeThis section covers three types of precast
15.3.3.6 The minimum channel centerline radius shall be
concrete base sections manufactured for use in the construction
equal to the pipe ID.
of manholes used in sewer, drainage, and water works. The
three types of base sections are (1) a base with riser wall and 15.4 Reinforcement:
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15.4.1 Base Section Circumferential Reinforcement 15.7.2 ThicknessThe thickness of base slabs with or
Circumferential reinforcement shall meet all the requirements without benching shall be not less than that prescribed in the
of Section 14, except that Section 14.5 is not permitted. design by more than 5 %. A thickness greater than that
15.4.2 Base Slab Reinforcement: prescribed in the design shall not be cause for rejection.
15.4.2.1 A layer of reinforcement shall be placed above the 15.7.3 Height of Two Opposite SidesVariations in laying
midpoint and shall have a minimum area of 0.12 in.2/linear ft heights of two opposite sides of base sections shall be not more
in both directions. than 58 in.
15.4.2.2 The minimum protective cover over the reinforce- 15.7.4 Height of SectionsThe underrun in height of a base
ment shall be 1 in. section shall be not more than 14 in./ft of height with a
15.4.3 Longitudinal MembersLongitudinal bars or mem- maximum of 12 in. in any one base section.
bers used to maintain a cage of circumferential reinforcement 15.7.5 Position of ReinforcementFor base slabs with
in shape and position within the form shall meet all the monolithic benched inverts with a 4 in. thickness, the maxi-
requirements of Section 14. mum variation in the position of reinforcement from that
15.4.4 Joint ReinforcementThe mating surface of the base prescribed in 15.4 shall be 610 % of the thickness or 614 in.,
section joint is not required to contain circumferential rein- whichever is greater. For base slabs with a 6 in. thickness or
forcement. greater, the maximum variation shall be 610 % of the thick-
ness or 658 in., whichever is the lesser. In no case, however,
NOTE 4(Advisory) Base sections with multiple openings, large shall the cover over the reinforcement be less than 34 in. The
openings, or both may require special consideration of their handling preceding minimum cover limitation does not apply to the
reinforcement.
mating surfaces of base section joints.
15.5 Physical RequirementsPhysical requirements for test 15.7.6 Area of ReinforcementSteel reinforcement areas
shall conform to the requirements of Section 8. that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall
15.5.1 Proof-of-Design Test: be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
15.5.1.1 If 15.2.2.1 has been designated as the basis of 15.8 Rejection:
acceptance, one base section or base slab for each design shall 15.8.1 Base sections shall be subject to rejection for failure
be tested unless the owner has indicated otherwise. to conform to any of the specification requirements. In
15.5.1.2 The base section or base slab proof-of-design test addition, an individual base section shall be subject to rejection
procedures shall be in accordance with Test Methods C497. because of any of the following:
15.5.1.3 The ultimate test load shall be the sum of at least 15.8.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the riser wall,
130 % of the dead load on the base section or base slab plus at except for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of
least 217 % of the live load on the slab. Dead load is the weight the joint.
of the column of earth cover plus the weight of the riser 15.8.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in
section(s) plus surcharge transmitted through the riser sec- compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey-
tion(s) to the base section or base slab. Live load is the combed or open texture that would adversely affect the
maximum anticipated wheel load that may be transmitted function of the base section.
through the riser to the base section or base slab. The ultimate 15.8.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the
test load shall be applied to the base section or base slab as a longitudinal axis of the base section, within the limits of
uniformly distributed load. permissible variations prescribed in 15.7.
15.5.1.4 The base section or base slab shall be acceptable if 15.8.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage
it supports the required ultimate test load without failure. would prevent making a satisfactory joint.
Ultimate strength failure is defined as the inability of the slab 15.8.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of
to resist an increase in the applied load. 0.01 in., or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more,
15.5.1.5 When agreed upon by the owner and manufacturer, regardless of position in the base section.
the base section or base slab shall be acceptable based on
certified copies of the results of tests performed on identical 16. Steps and Ladders
base sections or base slabs instead of requiring new proof-of-
design acceptance test. 16.1 Scope:
16.1.1 This section covers manhole steps and ladders used
15.6 JointsPrecast reinforced base sections shall be de- for providing access through manholes for use in sewer and
signed and manufactured with a male or female end, so that the water works.
assembled manhole base, riser and top will make a continuous 16.1.2 The user of this specification is advised that access
and uniform manhole, compatible with the tolerances given in through manholes may be by steps that are cast, mortared, or
15.7. attached by mechanical means into the walls of base, riser, or
15.6.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compression; conical top sections or by ladder.
therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required.
16.2 AcceptanceUnless otherwise designated by the
15.7 Permissible Variations: owner at the time of, or before, placing an order, acceptance of
15.7.1 Internal DiameterThe internal diameter of base steps and ladders installed in manholes will be on the basis of
sections shall not vary more than 1 %.
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16.3 Materials: 16.5.5 The vertical spacing and vertical alignment between
16.3.1 Except as required by Section 16, manhole steps and adjacent manhole steps and horizontal distance from the inside
ladders shall conform to the requirements of the Occupational wall to the centerline of a manhole step may vary 1 inch from
Safety and Health Standards, U.S. Department of Labor. the design dimension.
16.3.2 Manhole steps that are cast, mortared, or attached by 16.6 Physical Requirements:
mechanical means into the walls of base, riser or conical top 16.6.1 Testing:
sections shall meet the requirements of 16.4 and 16.5 in
16.6.1.1 The manufacturer furnishing manhole sections
addition to the following:
with steps under this specification shall furnish all facilities and
16.3.2.1 When dissimilar types of materials are used in the
personnel necessary to carry out the tests required in the
steps, appurtenances and fastenings, the materials shall be
Manhole Step Test section of Test Methods C497.
treated to prevent deleterious effects.
16.6.1.2 One installed manhole step of the type to be used
16.3.2.2 That portion of the step projecting into the base
on a project shall be tested unless certified test results are
section, riser or conical top opening shall be free of splinters,
available.
sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard.
16.6.1.3 Vertical and horizontal load test procedures for
16.4 Design: manhole steps shall be in accordance with Test Methods C497.
16.4.1 Steps in base section, riser and conical top sections 16.6.1.4 The horizontal pull out load shall be 400 lb.
shall be aligned in each section so as to form a continuous 16.6.1.5 The vertical load shall be 800 lb.
ladder with rungs equally spaced vertically in the assembled 16.6.2 AcceptanceThe step shall be acceptable if the
manhole at a maximum design distance of 16 in. apart. following requirements are met:
16.4.2 Steps shall be embedded in the base section, riser or 16.6.2.1 The step remains solidly embedded after applica-
conical top section wall a minimum distance of 3 in. tion of the horizontal load test.
16.5 Dimensions: 16.6.2.2 The step sustains a permanent set of 12 in. or less
16.5.1 Ferrous metal steps not painted or treated to resist after application of the vertical load test.
corrosion shall have a minimum cross sectional dimension of 1 16.6.2.3 No cracking or fracture of the step nor spalling of
in. the concrete is evident.
16.5.2 The minimum width of rungs or cleats shall be 10 in. 16.6.2.4 If certified test results are not available and the step
16.5.3 The rung or cleat shall project a uniform clear selected fails to conform to the test requirements, the manu-
distance of 4 in. (minimum) to 6 in. (maximum) 6 14 in. from facturer may select two other steps for retests. If either of these
the wall of the base, riser, or conical top section measured from steps fail the retest, the steps shall be rejected.
the point of embedment to the embedment side of the rung.
NOTE 5Embedment point is considered the junction of the centerline 17. Keywords
of the step leg and the wall of the base, riser or conical top section. 17.1 absorption; acceptance criteria; base sections; com-
16.5.4 The minimum clear distance between the rung or pressive strength; concrete; cone tops; design; flat slab tops;
cleat and the opposite wall of the base, riser, or conical top grade rings; ladders; manhole; manufacture; reinforced; riser
shall be 18 in. measured at the center face of the rung or cleat. sections; sewer; steps; tests; water

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