ASTM C924M-89(1998)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C 924M – 89 (Reapproved 1998)
METRIC
Standard Practice for Testing
Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines by Low-Pressure Air Test
Method [Metric]
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 924M; 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 (ε) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Practice
1.1 Thispracticecoversproceduresfortestingconcretepipe 4.1 The sewer line to be tested is plugged.Air is introduced
sewer lines, when using the low-pressure air test method to at low pressures into the plugged line. The amount of air loss
demonstrate the integrity of the installed material and the is used to determine the acceptability of the sewer line.
construction procedures.This practice is used for testing 100 to
5. Significance and Use
600-mm circular concrete pipe sewer lines utilizing gasketed
joints. 5.1 This is not a routine test. The values recorded are
applicable only to the sewer being tested and at the time of
1.2 This practice may also be used as a preliminary test to
enable the installer to demonstrate the condition of the line testing.
prior to backfill.
6. Safety Precautions
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6.1 The air test may be dangerous if a line is not prepared
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
properly and proper procedures are not followed.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6.2 It is extremely important that plugs be installed and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
braced in such a way as to prevent blowouts. It is also
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use (see Section 6,
imperative that the pressure in the pipe be relieved completely
Safety Precautions).
before any plug is loosened for removal.
1.4 This practice is the metric companion to Practice C 924.
NOTE 3—As an example, 27-kPa air pressure acting on one side of a
NOTE 1—Air test criteria presented in this practice are similar to those
375-mm plug results in a total force of approximately 3100 N on the plug.
in general use. The test and criteria have been used widely and success-
Such a force could cause the expulsion of an improperly installed plug.
fully in testing smaller diameter pipe, but additional data are required to
confirm the safety and applicability or develop criteria for pipe larger than
6.3 Pressurizing equipment should include a 42-kPa pres-
600 mm in diameter. Larger pipe may be accepted more conveniently by
sure relief device to reduce hazards and avoid over-
visual inspection and individual joint testing.
pressurization with possible damage to the line.
NOTE 2—It should be understood that no correlation has been found
6.4 No one should be allowed in or near the manholes
between air loss and water leakage.
during pressurization, testing, or depressurization.
2. Referenced Documents
7. Capacity of Air Compressor
2.1 ASTM Standards:
7.1 To provide satisfactory test results, the air compressor
C 822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
should be capable of pressurizing the sewer test section in the
Products
required test time, or less, as determined by 9.1. The compres-
C 969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance
sor capacity required to accomplish the pressurization is equal
Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
to the rate necessary to fill the sewer to the desired pressure
3. Terminology
plus the allowable air loss rate:
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to con-
0.17D L
C 5 1 Q (1)
crete pipe, see Terminology C 822.
T
1 where:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-13 on Concrete
C = compressor capacity, m /s,
Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.09 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved Jan. 27, 1989. Published March 1989. Originally T = required test time, or less, s,
published as C 924M – 84. Last previous edition C 924M – 86.
D = pipe internal diameter, m,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 924M
TABLE 2 Allowable Air Loss for Various Pipe Sizes
L = length of test section, m, and
D, Nominal D, Nominal
Q = allowable air loss, rate, m /s. 3 3
Q,m /min Q,m /min
Pipe Size, mm Pipe Size, mm
8. Preparation of the Sewer Line 100 0.06 375 0.11
150 0.06 450 0.14
8.1 Where practical, clean the sewer line prior to testing to
200 0.06 525 0.15
wet the pipe surface and eliminate debris. 250 0.07 600 0.17
300 0.08
NOTE 4—A wetted interior pipe surface is desirable and will produce
more consistent test results. Air may pass through the walls of dry pipe.
This can be overcome by wetting the pipe. If the problem persists,
9.3 When the pressure has stabilized and is at or above the
segmental testing of the line will establish if there is a significant leak.
starting test pressure of 24 kPa, commence the test by allowing
8.2 Plug all pipe outlets including laterals, which should be
the gage pressure to drop to 24 kPa at which point the time
given special attention. Review safety precautions in Section 6.
recording is initiated. Record the drop in pressure for the test
period.
9. Procedure
9.4 If the drop in pressure is 7 kPa or less during the test
9.1 Determine the test time for the sewer line to be tested by
period, accept the line. If the drop in pressure is more than 7
using Table 1. Table 1 has been established using the criteria
kPa during the test period, inspect, evaluate, and retest the line
specified in Table 2, and the formulas contained in Appendix
to determine the cause of excessive air loss.
X1. The test time is the time required for the pressure to drop
9.5 Use or failure of this air test shall not preclude accep-
from 24 kPa to 17 kPa.
tance by appropriate water infiltration or exfiltration testing,
NOTE 5—All test pressures are measured as gage pressure, which is
(see Practice C 969), or other me
...