ASTM Standard Addresses Stormwater Chamber Structure
Thermoplastic corrugated stormwater chambers are similar to other types of plastic piping systems in that they are subjected to significant live loads from surface traffic as well as dead loads from earth cover. However, differences in construction — specifically, the fact that chambers are open-bottomed arches — necessitate an understanding of how corrugated stormwater chambers behave differently from other piping systems in a buried environment.
A proposed new ASTM International standard, WK21965, Practice for Structural Design of Thermoplastic Corrugated Stormwater Chambers, will bring rational design procedures and uniformity to ensure structural safety over the design life (typically 50 or more years) of corrugated stormwater chamber systems. The proposed standard is being developed by Subcommittee F17.65 on Land Drainage.
“There is a growing demand for these types of chambers for the on-site detention/retention of stormwater as owners and developers strive to meet federal EPA and state stormwater management regulations,” says Phillip Sharff, vice chair of Subcommittee F17.65 and a principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. “The proposed standard follows design requirements in the American Association of State Highway Officials LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for thermoplastic pipe.” According to Sharff, the proposed standard provides detailed design procedures, including examples that can be applied by the engineers and manufacturers who design the chambers.
Sharff says that chamber manufacturers developing new configurations and engineers verifying the structural adequacy of chambers for particular applications will be the primary users of WK21965. For technical Information, contact Sharff, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Waltham, Mass. (781.907.9241; pasharff@sgh.com). Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems meets April 20-23 during the April committee week in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals.