ASTM C828-23

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Designation: C828 − 11 (Reapproved 2021) C828 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Low-Pressure Air Test of Vitrified Clay Pipe Lines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C828; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method defines procedures for testing vitrified clay pipe lines, using low-pressure air, to demonstrate the integrity of
the installed line. Refer to Practice C12.
1.2 This test method shall be performed on lines after connection laterals, if any, have been plugged and braced adequately to
withstand the test pressure, and after the trenches have been backfilled for a sufficient time to generate a significant portion of the
ultimate trench load on the pipe line. The time between completion of the backfill operation and low-pressure air testing shall be
determined by the approving authority.
1.3 This test method may also be used as a preliminary test, which enables the installer to demonstrate the condition of the line
prior to backfill and further construction activities.
1.4 This test method is suitable for testing gravity-flow sewer pipe constructed of vitrified clay or combinations of clay and other
pipe materials.
1.5 Terminology C896 is to be used for clarification of terminology in this test method.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C04 on Vitrified Clay Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C04.20 on Methods of Test
and Specifications.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021Feb. 1, 2023. Published April 2021February 2023. Originally approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 20162021 as
C828 - 11(2016). DOI: 10.1520/C0828-11R21.(2021). DOI: 10.1520/C0828-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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C828 − 23
C12 Practice for Installing Vitrified Clay Pipe Lines
C1091 Test Method for Hydrostatic Infiltration Testing of Vitrified Clay Pipe Lines
C896 Terminology Relating to Clay Products
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The section of the line to be tested is plugged. Air, at low pressure, is introduced into the plugged line. The line passes the
test if the rate of air loss, as measured by pressure drop, does not exceed a specified amount in a specified time. This may be
determined by the use of Table 1, or calculated by use of the formulas in Appendix X1.
4. Hazards
4.1 The low-pressure air test may be dangerous to personnel if, through lack of understanding or carelessness, a line is
over-pressurized or plugs are installed improperly. It is extremely important that the various plugs be installed so as to prevent the
sudden expulsion of a poorly installed or partially inflated plug. As an example of the hazard, a force of 250 lbf (1110 N) is exerted
on an 8-in. (205-mm) plug by an internal pressure of 5 psi (35 kPa). Observe the following safety precautions:
4.1.1 No one shall be allowed in the manholes during testing because of the hazards.
4.1.2 Install all plugs securely.
4.1.3 When lines are to be tested, it may be necessary that the plugs be braced as an added safety factor.
4.1.4 Do not over-pressurize the lines. Do not exceed 5 psi (35 kPa).
5. Preparation of the Line
5.1 Air may pass through the walls of dry pipe. A wetted interior pipe surface is desirable and will produce more consistent test
results. Usually moisture absorbed from the backfill is sufficient to cope with this situation. Where practical, clean the line prior
to testing to wet the pipe surface and eliminate debris.
6. Procedure
6.1 Determine the test time for the section of line to be tested using Table 1 or Table X1.1 or the formulas in Appendix X1.
6.2 Plug all openings in the test section.
6.3 Add air until the internal pressure of the line is raised to approximately 4.0 psi (28 kPa). After this pressure is reached, allow
the pressure to stabilize. The pressure will normally drop as the air temperature stabilizes. This usually takes 2 to 5 min, depending
on the pipe size. The pressure should be reduced to 3.5 psi (24 kPa) before starting the test.
TABLE 1 Minimum Test Time for Various Pipe Sizes
Nominal T (time),
Pipe Size, in. (mm) min/100 ft
(min/100 m)
48 (1220) 8.5
4 (100) 0.3 (0.98)
6 (150) 0.7 (2.3)
8 (205) 1.2 (3.9)
10 (255) 1.5 (4.9)
12 (305) 1.8 (5.9)
15 (380) 2.1 (6.9)
18 (455) 2.4 (7.9)
21 (535) 3.0 (9.8)
24 (610) 3.6 (11.8)
27 (685) 4.2 (13.8)
30 (760) 4.8 (15.7)
33 (840) 5.4 (17.7)
36 (915) 6.0 (19.7)
39 (990) 6.6 (21.6)
42 (1065) 7.3 (23.9)
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