T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

Standard Method of Test for

Concrete Pipe, Manhole Section's, or Tile

AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 280-941

(ASTM DESIGNATION: C 497-91)
(ASTM DESIGNATION: C 497M-91)

1. SCOPE1 2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS 4.3 Apparatus:

4.3.1 The testing machine may be of
1.1 These test methods cover testing of 2.1 AASHTO Standards: any type of sufficient capacity and shall
concrete pipe, manhole sections, and tile. be capable of providing the rate of
M 231 Specification for Weighing loading prescribed in Section 4.5.3.
The test methods described are used in Devices Used in the Testing
production testing and acceptance testing of Materials 4.3.2 The testing machine shall be
to evaluate the properties provided for in substantial and rigid throughout. so that
the specifications. M 262 Definitions of Terms Relating the distribution of the load %viii not be
to Concrete Pipe and Related affected appreciably by the deformation
1.2 The tests appear in the following Products
order: or yielding of any part.
T 22 Test for Compressive 4.3.3 The three-edge-bearing method
Section Strength of Cylindrical
External load crushing strength ............. 4 of loading shall be used. The test
Flat slab tops .......................................... 5
Concrete Specimens specimen shall be supported on a lower
Core strength ......................................... 6 T 24 Obtaining and Testing Drilled bearing of two parallel longitudinal strips
Absorption.............................................. 7 Cores and Sawed Beams of and the load applied through an upper
Hydrostatic ............................................. 8 Concrete bearing (Figures 1, 2. 3, and 4). At the
Permeability .......................................... 9
Manhole step ......................................... 10 T 67 Load Verification of Testing option of the manufacturer, the lower
Machines bearing or the upper bearing beam may
1.3 The test specimens shall not have extend the full length or any portion of
been exposed to a temperature below T 231 Capping Cylindrical Concrete
the length of the specimen.
40°F (4°C) for the 24 hours immediately Specimens
preceding the test and shall be free of all 4.3.4 The lower bearings shall consist
2.2 ASTM Standard:
visible moisture. of wood or hard rubber strips. Wooden
C 670 Practice for Preparing strips shall be straight. have a cross
1.4 If any test specimen fails because of Precision Statements for Test section of not less than 2 in. (50 mm) in
mechanical reasons such as failure of Methods for Construction width and not less than 1 in. (25 mm) nor
testing equipment or improper specimen Materials more than 1½ in. (38 mm) in height and
preparation, it may be discarded and shall have the top inside corners rounded
another specimen taken. to a radius of ½ in. (13 nun). Hard rubber
3. TERMINOLOGY
1.5 Specimens shall be selected in strips shall have a durometer hardness of
accordance with the specifications for the not less than 45 nor more than 60. They
type of pipe or tile being tested. 3.1 Definitions: shall be rectangular in cross section,
1.6 This method may be used with either having a width of not less than 2 in. (50
inch-pound or metric units of measure. mm), a thickness of not less than 1 in. (25
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating
Values in the two units may not be mm) nor more than 1 ½ in. (38 mm), and
to concrete pipe, see M 262.
exactly equal. Metric units are shown in shall have the top inside corner rounded
parentheses in the text for clarity, but are to a radius of ½ in. (13 mm)
the values that should be used when 4. EXTERNAL LOAD CRUSHING 4.3.5 The lower bearing strips shall be
testing pipe for conformity to metric STRENGTH TEST BY THE fastened to a wooden or steel beam or
specifications. THREE-EDGE BEARING TEST directly to a concrete base, any of which
METHOD shall provide sufficient rigidity to permit
1.7 This standard may involve haz-
ardous materials, operations, and application of maximum load without de-
equipment. This standard does not 4.1 Summary of Test Method-The test flection greater than 1/720 of the specimen
purport to address all of the safety specimen is tested in a machine designed length. The rigid base shall be at least 6
problems associated with its use. It is the to apply a crushing force upon the in. (150 mm) wide. The interior vertical
responsibility of whoever uses this specimen in a plane through the vertical sides of the strips shall be parallel and
standard to establish appropriate safety axis extending along the length of the spaced a distance apart of not more than
and health practices and determine the specimen. 1 in./ft (80 mm/m) of specimen diameter,
applicability of regulatory limitations but in no case less than 1 in. (25 mm).
4.2 Significance and Use-The crushing The bearing faces of the lower strips shall
prior to use. test can be either a quality control test not vary from a straight line vertically or
performed to establish that the finished, horizontally by more than 1/32 in./ft (2.5
shippable pipe has sufficient strength to mm/m) of length under no load.
withstand the crushing loads stated in the
1
This method agrees with ASTM C 497-9I and specifications or a proof of design test 4.3.6 The upper bearing shall be a rigid
ASTM C 497M-9I except that the 5-hour boil performed to prove the adequacy of wood beam with or without an attached
absorption is the only absorption method, and for hard rubber strip. The wood block shall
reference to weighing apparatus. design.
be sound, free of knots, and straight and
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T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

4.5.2 Mark the two ends of the

specimen at a point midway between the
lower bearing strips and then establish
the diametrically opposite point on each
end. Place the upper bearing beam so that
it is aligned with these marks.
4.5.3 For reinforced concrete pipe any
rate of load application up to a maximum
of 7500 Ibf/linear foot (109.4 kN/ linear
metre) of pipe per minute may be used up
to 75 Percent of the specified design
strength 4t which time the rate of loading
shall be reduced to a maximum uniform
rate of 3000 lbf/linear foot (43.8
kN/linear metre) of pipe per minute. If
both the design strength and the ultimate
strength are being determined, a specified
rate of loading need not be maintained
after the design strength has been
reached. For non-reinforced concrete
pipe any rate of load application up to a
maximum of 7500 lbf/linear foot (109
kN/linear metre) of pipe per minute may
be used up to 75 percent of the specified
ultimate strength at which time the rate of
loading shall be reduced to the maximum
uniform rate of 3000 lbf/linear foot (43.8
kN/linear metre) of pipe per minute.
4.5.4 As defined in M 262, the design
strength is the maximum load applied to
the pipe before a crack having a width of
0.01 in. (0.3 mm) occurs throughout a
continuous length of 1 ft (300 mm) or
more measured parallel to the
longitudinal axis of pipe barrel expressed
as Dload. Consider the crack 0.01 in. (0.3
mm) width when the point of the
measuring gage will, without forcing,
penetrate 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) at close
true from end to end. It shall be fastened 4.3.8 The equipment shall be so intervals throughout the specified
to a steel or wood-faced steel beam of designed that the load will be distributed distance of 1 ft (300 mm). Measure the
such dimensions that deflections under about the center of the overall length (L,) width of the crack by means of a gage
maximum load will not be greater than of the specimen (Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4). made from a leaf 0.01 in. (0.3 nun) in
1
/720 of the specimen length. The bearing At the option of the manufacturer, the thickness (as in a set of standard
face of the upper bearing block shall not center of the load may be applied at any machinist gages), ground to a point of 1/16
deviate from a straight line by more than point of the overall length (L,) of the in. (1.5 mm) in width with corners
1
/32 in./ft (2.5 mm/m) of length. specimen. The load may be applied either rounded and with a taper of ¼ in./in.
at a single point or at multiple points (0.25 mm/mm) as shown in Figure 6.
When a hard rubber strip is used on the
bearing face it shall have a durometer dependent on the length of the specimen NOTE 1-As used in this specification, the
hardness of not less than 45 nor more being tested and the rigidity of the test 0.01 in. (0.3 mm) crack is a test criterion for
than 60, and shall have a width of not less frame. Multiple points of load pipe- tested in three-edge-bearing test and is
than 2 in. (50 mm) and a thickness of not applications to the upper bearing will not intended as an indication of overstressed or
less than 1 in. (25 mm) nor more than 1½ permit use of lighter beams without failed pipe under installed conditions.
in. (38 mm) and shall be secured to a appreciable deflection.
4.5.5 As defined in M 262, the ultimate
wood block meeting the above 4.4 Calibration-The loading device shall
strength is the maximum load supported
requirements. be one which shall provide an accuracy
by the pipe.
4.3.7 If mutually agreed upon by the of ± 2 percent at the specified test loads.
manufacturer and the purchaser prior to A calibration curve may be used. The NOTE 2-Ultimate strength of concrete pipe in
the test, before the specimen is placed, a machines used for performing the three- the buried condition is dependent on varying
fillet of plaster of pans not exceeding 1 edge-bearing tests shall be verified in soil bedding factors and varying failure modes
in. (25 mm) in thickness may be cast on accordance with T 67. and may have no relationship to the ultimate
strength as defined under threeedge-bearing
the surface of the upper and lower 4.5 Procedure:
conditions.
bearings. The width of the fillet cap, 4.5.1 Place the specimen on the two
upper or lower, shall be not more than 1 lower bearing strips in such a manner that 4.6 Calculations:
in./ft (80 mm/m) of the specimen the pipe or tile rests firmly and with the
diameter, but in no case less than 1 in. 4.6.1 Strength test results shall be
most uniform possible bearing on each calculated in terms of pounds force per
(25 mm). strip.
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T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

load to the riser or frame as assembled to

the flat slab top. If no access opening has
been provided to the flat slab top, apply
the test load to the center of the flat slab
top by means of a 12 by 12 by 4 in. (300
by 300 by 100 mm) wood bearing block
(See Figure 7). Calculate the test load as
follows:
Pu = 1.3D+2.17L(1 + I)
where:
Pu = applied minimum ultimate proof-
of-design test load, lb, (N),
D = total calculated field dead load on
the slab, lb, (N),
L = calculated live load on the flat slab
top, and
I = impact factor, 30-percent
minimum.

6. CORE STRENGTH TEST

METHOD

6.1 Summary of Test Method-The

compressive strength of the concrete in
the pipe is determined by making
crushing tests of cores from the pipe.
6.2 Significance and Use-The core
strength test is a quality control test
performed to establish the fact that the
finished, shippable precast concrete
product had sufficient concrete strength
to meet the strengths stated in the
specifications.
6.3 Apparatus-A core drill shall be used
for securing cylindrical core specimens
from the wall of the pipe; a shot drill or a
diamond drill may be used.
6.4 Test Specimens:
6.4.1 A core specimen for the deter-
linear foot (kilonewtons per linear metre). Therefore, no calculation of precision and mination of compressive strength shall
The laying length used in calculating the bias are presently possible. Specifications have a diameter at least three times the
strength values shall be that indicated by that include this test method for the maximum size of the coarse aggregate
L in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, except that for various types of concrete pipe should used in the concrete. If cores are cut from
tongue and groove pipe, the laying length include a provision for additional tests of the wall of the pipe and tested, the length
L shall include either the tongue or the one or more specimens. to diameter ratio shall lie between one
groove, whichever is longer. and two after the curved surfaces have
4.6.2 The load in pounds per linear foot been removed from the cut core.
5. TEST METHOD FOR FLAT
(kilonewtons per linear metre) required to SLAB TOPS 6.4.2 Moisture Conditioning-Unless
produce the 0.01 in. (0.3 mm) crack shall the agency for which the testing is being
be calculated by dividing the total load done directs otherwise, the core test
on the specimen at the time the indicated 5.1 Summary of Test Method-A load is specimens shall be submerged in lime-
crack occurs by the laying length of the applied to the flat slab top and the saturated water in accordance with the
pipe. supporting capacity of the flat slab top is provisions of T 24.
4.6.3 The crushing strength, or ultimate measured. 6.5 Procedure:
strength, in pounds per linear foot 5.2 Significance and Use-The test me- 6.5.1 End Preparation and Capping-
(kilonewtons per linear metre) shall be thod is a proof of design test performed Core specimens to be tested in
calculated by dividing the maximum load to prove the adequacy of the design. compression shall have ends that are
applied to the specimen by the laying 5.3 Procedure-Place the section that has essentially smooth and perpendicular to
length. been designated to receive the flat slab the axis and of the same diameter as the
4.7 Precision and Bias-The true value for top on a firm, even surface. Assemble the body of the specimen. Before making the
the strength of a concrete pipe cannot be flat slab top to this section. If a frame or compression test, cap the ends of the
determined because the specimen is riser has been designed to be fitted to the specimen in order to meet the
tested to destruction and an exact access portion of the flat slab top, requirements of T 231.
duplicate specimen cannot be obtained. assemble it to the slab top. Apply the test
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T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

6.5.2 Measurement-Prior to testing,

measure the length of the capped
specimen to the nearest 0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
and determine its average diameter to the
nearest 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) from two
measurements taken at right angles near
the center of the length.
6.5.3 Test specimens as prescribed in
the applicable sections of T 22.
6.6 Calculation and Report-Calculate the
compressive strength of each specimen
in pounds-force per square inch (pascals)
based on the average diameter of the
specimen. If the ratio of length to dia-
meter is less than two, make allowance
for the ratio of length to diameter by
multiplying the compressive strength by
the applicable correction factor given in
the following table (determine values not
given in the table by interpolation):
Ratio Length of Cylinder Strength
to Diameter, l/d Correction Factor
1.75 0.98
1.50 0.96
1.25 0.94
1.10 0.90
1.00 0.85

6.7 Precision and Bias-This method for

testing concrete pipe for strength is
considered satisfactory for acceptance
testing of commercial shipments since
the method has been used extensively for
acceptance testing. In cases of disagree-
ment arising from differences in values
reported by the purchaser and the seller
when using this test method for accep-
tance testing, the statistical bias, if any,
between the laboratory of the purchaser
and the laboratory of the seller should be
determined with each comparison being
based on testing specimens randomly
drawn from one pipe of the type being
evaluated.

7. ABSORPTION TEST METHOD

7.1 Summary of Test Method-This test

method covers the testing of a specimen
that is a sample or core from the wall of
the pipe. The test specimen is first
subjected to drying, then to immersion to
determine the specimen's absorption of
water when tested by the described
procedures.
7.2 Significance and Use-The test
method is a quality control test
performed to establish the fact that the
finished, shippable pipe meets the
absorption limits stated in the
specifications.
7.3 Test Specimens-Absorption test
specimens shall be in accordance with
the requirements of the applicable pipe
specification.

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T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

7.4 Procedure for Boiling Absorption 7.6.1 Single-Operator Precision-The since the test result merely states whether
Test: single operator standard deviation has there is conformance to the criteria for
7.4.1 Drying Specimens-Dry specimens been found to be 0.143 percent. success specified.
in a ventilated mechanical convection Therefore, results of two properly
oven at a temperature of 221 to 239° F conducted tests by the same operator on
the same material should not differ by 9. PERMEABILITY TEST
(105 to 115°C), until two successive METHOD
weighings at intervals of not less that 6 more than 0.40 percent.
hours show an increment of loss not NOTE 3-The numbers in Section 7.6.1
greater than 0.10% of the last oven-dry represent, respectively, the (IS) and (D2S) 9.1 Summary of Test Method-A section
mass of the specimen. Dry specimens limits described in ASTM C 670. of pipe is kept filled with water for a
with a wall thickness of 1.5 in. (38 mm) 7.6.2 Multilaboratorv Precision- specified time and the outer surface is
or less for a minimum of 24 hours; dry Multilaboratory Precision has not been tested for moisture.
specimens with a wall thickness of 1.5 to determined but is being investigated. 9.2 Significance and Use-The method is
3 in. (38 to 75 mm) for a minimum of 48 Statements will be included when the a quality control test performed to
hours; dry specimens with a wall proper data have been obtained and establish the fact that the fmished,
thickness exceeding 3 in. (75 mm) for a analyzed. shippable pipe meets the leakage limits
minimum of 72 hours. Use the last 6 7.6.3 Bias-Bias cannot be determined stated in the specifications.
hours of the minimum drying time to since the true value of absorption is not 9.3 Procedure-Perform tests by placing a
determine whether or not the sample had known and cannot be determined except section of pipe with the spigot end down
obtained the proper dried mass. by application of tests for which the bias on a soft rubber mat or its equivalent,
7.4.2 Weighing Dried Specimens- is not known. weighted if necessary, and kept filled
Weigh the oven-dried specimens imme- with water to a level of the base of the
diately upon removal from the oven. socket during the test period. Make the
8. HYDROSTATIC TEST METHOD
7.4.3 Immersion and Boiling-Within 24 initial inspection approximately 15
hours, carefully place the dried specimen minutes after the test has begun. If the
that has been weighed. in a suitable 8.1 Summary of Test Method-A section pipe shows moist or damp spots on the
receptacle that contains clean water at a of pipe is subjected to hydrostatic outer surface of the pipe at that time,
temperature of 50 to 75°F (10 to 24°C). pressure and observed for leakage at the continue the tests for a period not to
Use distilled water, rain water, or tap joint or on the surface of the pipe. exceed 24 hours at the option of the
water that is known to have no effect on 8.2 Significance and Use-The method is manufacturer. Examine the pipe during
test results. Heat the water to boiling in a quality control test performed to the extended period for existence of
not less than 1 hour and not more than 2 establish the fact that the finished, moist or damp spots.
hours. Do not apply live steam to the shippable pipe meets the leakage require- 9.4 Precision and Bias-No justifiable
water to shorten the preboil period until 1 ments stated in the specifications for the statement can be made either on precision
hour of heating by gas or electricity has pipe wall or pipe joint, or both, installed. or on the bias of this method of testing
been completed. Continue the boiling for 8.3 Procedure: for leakage since the test result merely
5 hours. At the end of the 5-hour boiling states whether there is conformance to
period, turn off the heat, and allow the 8.3.1 The equipment for making the
the criteria for success specified.
specimen to cool in water to room test shall be such that the specimen under
temperature by natural loss of heat for test can be filled with water to the
not less than 14 hours nor more than 24 exclusion of air and subjected to the 10. MANHOLE STEP TEST
hours. required hydrostatic pressure without METHODS
there being enough leakage from the ends
7.4.4 Reweighing Wet Specimens- of the pipe to interfere with the test.
Remove the water-cooled specimens 10.1 Summary of Test Method-This
from the water, place on an open drain 8.3.2 Do not test when the temperature method of testing determines the ability
rack, and allow to drain for 1 minute. of the specimen, the air around the of an installed step to withstand a
Remove the remaining superficial water specimen, or the water within the specified horizontal pull at right angles to
by quickly blotting the specimen with a specimen is below 33°F (1°C). the wall of a manhole riser or cone
dry absorbent cloth or paper. Weigh the 8.3.3 Connect a standardized pressure section, and then a vertical load parallel
specimen immediately following blotting. gage to the specimen. If the pipe is being to the wall of the section.
7.4.5 Weighing-Weigh specimens on a tested in a vertical position, the gage 10.2 Significance and Use-The
balance conforming to M 231 for the should be placed at or as close to as is manhole step tests are intended to be
class of general purpose balance required practical above the joint being tested. If used for production control, lot
for the principal sample weight of the the pipe is being tested in a horizontal acceptance, or adequacy of design. These
sample being tested. Record specimen position, the gage should be placed to tests are performed to establish whether
weights to the precision indicated by the measure pressure at or as close to as or not the installed step has sufficient
readability required for the balance in M practical above the horizontal axis of the strength to withstand the specified loads.
231. pipe. Raise the pressure of the water in
about 1 minute to the required level and 10.3 Apparatus-In making the tests,
7.5 Calculation and Report-Take the hold for the specified item. The water any mechanical or hand powered devices
increase in mass of the boiled specimen pressure or the time of the holding which have calibrated load indicators
over its dry mass as the absorption of the pressure, or both, may be increased when attached may be used. The attachments
specimen, and express it as a percentage so specified. from the heads of each testing device to
of the dry mass. Report the results the rung of the step are to be sufficiently
separately for each specimen. 8.4 Precision and Bias-No justifiable sturdy to preclude any bending of the
statement can be made either on precision attachment and rung over the length of
7.6 Precision and Bias: or on the bias of this method of testing the attachment. The attachments to the
for leakage under hydrostatic pressure rung are to be 3-½ in. (90 mm) in length.
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T 280 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

10.4 Procedure-The tests may be test attachment is centered at the same (1800N). The second load as defined in
made with the section to be tested placed location on the rung, and a second load is 10.4 shall be 800 lbs (3600N).
on its side for easier access to the step to applied perpendicular to the plane of the 10.5 Precision and Bias-No justifiable
be tested. The first load shall be applied first load application. The second load is statement can be made either on precision
to the plane of the step by means of a applied at a uniform rate until the or on the bias of these methods of testing
pull-out device centered on the step rung specified load is reached. for pull-out strength since the test result
and shall be applied at a uniform rate 10.4.1 Maximum Loads-The first load as merely states whether there is
until the specified load is reached. The defined in Section 10.4 shall be 400 lbs conformance to the criteria for success
pull-out device is then removed and the specified.

651