ASTM C891-20

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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.
Designation: C891 − 19 C891 − 20
Standard Practice for
Installation of Underground Precast Concrete Utility
Structures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C891; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the procedures to be followed in the planning, site preparation, and installation of underground precast
concrete utility structures. Concrete pipe and box culverts are not covered under this practice. Also, precast concrete manholes
covered in Specification C478C478/C478M are excluded from this practice.
1.2 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.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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:
C478C478/C478M Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections (Metric) C0478_C0478M
3. Survey
3.1 The installation area shall be surveyed using the work-print and a checklist to identify the work to be done and to determine
that the plans are correct.
3.1.1 The location of the utility structure should be where it will cause minimum interference with traffic and shall be clearly
defined on work prints.
3.1.2 All underground facilities and structures such as gas, water, sewer, power, telephone cable, and so forth shall be located and
identified. Location markings shall be placed by the affected utilities before the construction.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.10 on Utility
Structures.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2019Dec. 15, 2020. Published January 2020December 2020. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20112019
as C891 – 11.C891 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C0891-19.10.1520/C0891-20.
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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C891 − 20
3.2 The survey shall identify any obstacles such as overhead wires, building structures, and so forth that will interfere with crane
operations, work progress, or create a safety hazard. Precautionary arrangements shall be made before excavation begins.
3.3 The survey shall give consideration to the soil structure so that proper shoring, sloping, or both, may be planned in advance
of the excavation work.
4. Planning
4.1 Permits required to do work in accordance with the detail plans shall be secured before starting the job. All permits or a record
of the permits shall be retained on the job for immediate reference.
4.2 All utilities and owners of surface and subsurface facilities and structures in the area shall be given advance notification of
proposed excavation. Every effort shall be made to avoid damage to the facilities of others. If any damage occurs, the owner of
the damaged facility shall be notified immediately.
4.3 Planning shall include the coordination of all responsible parties to ensure that arrangements for removal of broken pavement,
rocks, excess spoil, and so forth have been made. Responsible parties shall arrange for the delivery, distribution, and storage of
required material. If such material cannot be stored on the site, other storage areas must be provided.
4.4 Should it appear that a structure location will interfere with traffic, review the situation with the engineer and notify appropriate
authorities.
4.5 Provide for access to call boxes, fire hydrants, etc.
4.6 Lifting equipment capabilities and certifications shall be in compliance with local and national safety codes. The manufacturer
shall supply special lifting instructions of the structure if needed. If precast component weights are not available, the installer shall
consult with the manufacturer to obtain the weight of the utility structure.
5. Safety Requirements
5.1 Safety requirements for construction shall be in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
5.2 The utility structure or any sections that comprise the structure assembly shall only be lifted at the lifting points so designated
by the manufacturer.
5.2.1 The weight of each section to be handled shall be clearly indicated by marking of the section or clearly indicated on the
delivery documents.
6. Excavating
6.1 Coordinate the various excavation operations from the point of opening the pavement to completion of backfill so that the work
area thus occupied is kept to a minimum consistent with the conditions governing the work. This is particularly important where
an excavation is adjacent to hospitals, police and fire department buildings, service stations, and so forth.
6.2 If unforeseen facilities or obstructions are encountered, stop excavating operations immediately. Expose the obstructions with
wood handled digging tools and investigate them with caution. If there is any doubt as to the type of obstruction exposed, request
positive identification from those suspected of owning the facility and then proceed as circumstances dictate.
6.3 Buried work frequently requires the use of heavy construction equipment and transport of heavy loads. Certain soil conditions
may be encountered that will not support these loads. To avoid hazards and unnecessary delays caused by cave-ins or equipment
becoming mired, carefully observe the prevailing conditions beforehand and take appropriate preventive measures.
6.4 When excavating across highways, streets, alleys, drives, and walks, perform the work in a manner that will minimize
C891 − 20
interference with traffic. If necessary, bridge the opening with a structure of adequate strength to support any traffic likely to pass
over it. Handrails are required for structures bridging sidewalk openings.
6.5 Inspect excavations after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing occurrence, and increase the protection against slides and
cave-ins, if necessary.
6.6 In dewatering excavations, make certain that the discharge is carried to a suitable runoff point.
6.7 The excavation depth must allow for the overall assembled height of the utility structure plus the height of co
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