ASTM C1618-19

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Designation: C1618 − 13 C1618 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Concrete Sanitary Sewer Pipe by Negative (Vacuum) or
Positive Air Pressure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1618; 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 test method covers procedures for testing of precast concrete pipe sections, prior to delivery, where maximum field
leakage rates are specified.
1.2 Tests described in this standard are intended to be used at the point of manufacture of the concrete pipe and are not intended
for testing installed pipe (for field tests see Practices C924, C969, and C1214). The user of this specification is advised that
individual or multiple pipe sections may be tested for the purpose of testing the pipe barrel and additionally the joints in straight
alignment when multiple pipe sections are tested.
1.3 Test times are based on leakage rates and therefore are proportional only to the pipe diameter and are constant for any length
of test pipe or pipeline.
1.4 Test times tabulated and the rate of air loss in this standard are based on successful testing of installed pipelines. However,
since air and water have different physical properties, retests of some pipelines not meeting field air tests have been successful
2 2
when tested with water. The leakage rates of 0.0017 CFM/ft and 0.0003 CFM/ft , were determined empirically as the maximums
for pipe to meet the 50 and 200 gal/(in. of internal diameter) (mile of sewer) (24h) test rates, respectively.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
NOTE 1—The availability of this test procedure for concrete pipe varies from location to location. Check with local supplier(s) for availability and
recommendations.
1.6 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 the appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and to determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its use. See Section 6 for specific safety precautions.
1.7 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:
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
C924 Practice for Testing Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines by Low-Pressure Air Test Method (Withdrawn 2013)
C969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
C1214 Test Method for Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms related to precast concrete pipe, see Terminology C822.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.09 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved July 1, 2013Jan. 1, 2019. Published December 2013January 2019. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
C1618 – 05C1618 – 13.(2013). DOI: 10.1520/C1618-13.10.1520/C1618-19.
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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C1618 − 19
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The pipe to be tested shall be sealed at the outer ends with suitable airtight bulkheads. The manufacturer shall choose to
use either low-pressure air or negative pressure air (vacuum) test methods to evaluate the condition of the pipe before delivery.
The change in the internal pressure during a specified time is used to determine the acceptability of the pipe.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This is a quality control test performed at the manufacturing plant to establish that the finished, shippable pipe meets the
leakage limits stated in the specifications.
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 The user of this specification is advised of the following:
6.1.1 This test may be dangerous if a pipe is not prepared properly and proper procedures are not followed.
6.1.2 No one should be allowed near the ends of the pipe or test bulkheads during the test.
7. Apparatus
7.1 For positive air pressure test, one bulkhead shall include a remote controlled valve that will release the internal test pressure.
7.1 For the low-pressure air test, tie rods or an external test frame that is designed to resist the force caused by internal air
pressure shall be used to restrain the bulkheads. The low-pressure air test assembly shall be protected by a relief valve set to release
at a pressure no greater than 6 psi. The The bulkheads used for negative pressure air tests do not require external restraints.
7.2 The pressure or vacuum pumps shall have adequate capacity to obtain the required test pressure.
7.3 The test pressure shall be measured with a gage or manometer that is precise enough to measure the increments of pressure
change specified by this standard.
7.4 The pressure measuring devices shall be located in a safe area where they can be observed without danger to test personnel.
8. Preparation of the Pipe
8.1 Allow the test pipe to cool to ambient air temperature.
NOTE 2—A wetted pipe is desirable and will produce more consistent test results. Air may pass through the walls of dry pipe.
8.2 The pipe joint shall be visually inspected for smoothness. The dimensions of the gasket-bearing surfaces shall be verified
to be within tolerance
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