Designation: C478 − 13

Standard Specification for

Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C478; 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 Department of Defense.

PART I—GENERAL 2. Referenced Documents

1. Scope 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
1.1 This specification covers the manufacture and purchase Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
requirements of products used for the assembly and construc- A706/A706M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Deformed
tion of circular vertical precast reinforced concrete manholes and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
and structures used in sewer, drainage, and water works. A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and
1.2 Part I, Sections 1-11, of this specification presents Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
general requirements and requirements that are common to Concrete
each precast concrete product covered by this specification. C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
1.3 Part II of this specification presents specific require- C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
ments for each manhole product in the following sections: drical Concrete Specimens
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
Product Section
Grade Rings 12
C260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Con-
Flat Slab Tops 13 crete
Risers and Conical Tops 14 C309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Com-
Base Sections 15
Steps and Ladders 16 pounds for Curing Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
NOTE 1—Future products will to be included in Part II in a future
revision of this specification.
Concrete
C497 Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Manhole Sections, or
1.4 This specification is the inch-pound companion to Tile
Specification C478M; therefore, no SI equivalents are pre- C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
sented in the specification. C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
NOTE 2—This specification is a manufacturing and purchase specifica- Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
tion only and does not include requirements for backfill, or the relation- C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
ship between field load conditions and the strength requirements of the Products
manhole products and appurtenances. Experience has shown, however,
that the successful performance of this product depends upon the proper
C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and
selection of the product strength, type of foundation and backfill, and care Mortars
in the field installation of the manhole products and connecting pipes. The C1017/C1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
owner of the project for which these products are specified herein is Use in Producing Flowing Concrete
cautioned to require inspection at the construction site. 2.2 ACI Standard:3
318 Building Code, Requirements for Reinforced Concrete

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to precast
reinforced concrete manholes, see Terminology C822.

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.06 on Manholes contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Specials. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2013. Published April 2013. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C478 – 12a. DOI: Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
10.1520/C0478-13. Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C478 − 13
4. Materials and Manufacture 5. Design
4.1 General material requirements for precast reinforced 5.1 Design requirements for a product are prescribed in the
concrete manhole products are presented in 4.1.1-4.1.8. Other specific Part II section for that product.
materials or additional requirements for a product, if any, are 5.1.1 The minimum compressive strength of concrete man-
covered in the Part II section for that specific product. hole products covered by this specification shall be 4000 psi
4.1.1 Reinforced Concrete—Reinforced concrete shall con- unless specified otherwise in Part II of this specification.
sist of cementitious materials, mineral aggregates, and water, in 5.2 Modified or Special Design
which steel reinforcement has been embedded in such a 5.2.1 Manufacturers are not prohibited from submitting to
manner so that the steel reinforcement and concrete act the owner, for approval prior to manufacture, designs other
together. than those prescribed in the specific section for a product. If
4.1.2 Cementitious Materials: such approval is obtained, then the product shall meet all the
4.1.2.1 Cement—Cement shall conform to the requirements tests and performance requirements specified by the owner in
for portland cement of Specification C150, or shall be portland accordance with the appropriate sections on manufacture and
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement con- physical requirements.
forming to Specification C595, except that the pozzolan 5.2.2 If permitted by the owner, the manufacturer is not
constituent of the Type IP portland-pozzolan cement shall be prohibited from requesting approval of designs of special
fly ash. sections, such as reducers, tees, and bases.
4.1.2.2 Fly Ash—Fly ash shall conform to the requirements
of Class F or Class C of Specification C618. 6. Reinforcement
4.1.2.3 Slag Cement—Slag cement shall conform to the
requirements of Grade 100 or 120 of Specification C989. 6.1 This section presents requirements for reinforcement
4.1.3 Allowable Combinations of Cementitious Materials— cover, continuity, laps, welds, and splices. Other reinforcement
The combination of cementitious materials used in the concrete requirements are presented in Section 4, and any additional
shall be one of the following: requirements are given in the Part II section for a specific
4.1.3.1 Portland cement only, product.
4.1.3.2 Portland blast-furnace slag cement only, 6.2 Cover—The exposure of the ends of reinforcement,
4.1.3.3 Portland pozzolan cement only, stirrups or spacers used to position the reinforcement during
4.1.3.4 A combination of Portland cement and slag cement, placement of the concrete shall not be cause for rejection.
4.1.3.5 A combination of Portland cement and fly ash, or 6.3 Continuity—The continuity of the circumferential rein-
4.1.3.6 A combination of Portland cement, slag cement (not forcement shall not be destroyed during the manufacture of the
to exceed 25 % of the total cementitious weight) and fly ash product, except when lift holes or pipe openings are provided
(not to exceed 25 % of the total cementitious weight). in the product.
4.1.4 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to Specifica-
6.4 Welded Steel Cage Laps, Welds, and Splices:
tion C33, except that the requirements for gradation shall not
6.4.1 If splices are not welded, the reinforcement shall be
apply.
lapped not less than 20 diameters for deformed bars, and 40
4.1.5 Admixtures and Blends—The following admixtures
diameters for plain bars and cold-drawn wire. In addition,
and blends are allowable:
where lapped cages of welded wire fabric are used without
4.1.5.1 Air-entraining admixture conforming to Specifica- welding, the lap shall contain a longitudinal wire.
tion C260; 6.4.2 When splices are welded and are not lapped to the
4.1.5.2 Chemical admixture conforming to Specification minimum requirements in 6.4.1, pull tests of representative
C494/C494M; specimens shall develop at least 50 % of the minimum speci-
4.1.5.3 Chemical admixture for use in producing flowing fied ultimate tensile strength of the steel, and there shall be a
concrete conforming to Specification C1017/C1017M; minimum lap of 2 in. For butt welded splices in bars or wire,
4.1.5.4 Chemical admixture or blend approved by the permitted only with helically wound cages, pull tests of
owner. representative specimens shall develop at least 75 % of the
4.1.6 Steel Reinforcement—Reinforcement shall consist of minimum specified ultimate tensile strength of the steel.
wire and welded wire conforming to Specification A1064/
A1064M or of bars conforming to Specification A615/A615M, 6.5 Steel Hoop Splices—A representative sample steel hoop
Grade 40 or 60, or Specification A706/A706M, Grade 60. with welded splices shall develop at least 50 % of the mini-
4.1.7 Secondary Synthetic Fiber—Collated fibrillated poly- mum specified ultimate tensile strength of the steel, and there
propylene virgin fibers shall not be prohibited when used in shall be a minimum lap of 2 in. For butt welded splices, the
steel reinforced concrete manholes as a non-structural manu- representative steel hoop sample shall develop at least 75 % of
facturing enhancement. Only fibers designed and manufactured the minimum specified ultimate tensile strength of the steel.
specifically for use in concrete and so certified by the manu-
facturer shall be accepted. 7. Precast Concrete Manufacture
4.1.8 Other Materials—Other materials required for a prod- 7.1 Mixture—The aggregates shall be sized, graded,
uct and not covered in Section 4 will be covered in the Part II proportioned, and mixed with such proportions of cementitious
section for that specific product. materials and water as will produce a thoroughly-mixed

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 C478 − 13
concrete of such quality that the products will conform to the 8.2.1.2 Compression Testing of Cylinders—Cylinders shall
test and design requirements of this specification. All concrete be made in accordance with Test Methods C497, and shall be
shall have a water-cementitious ratio not exceeding 0.53 by tested in accordance with Test Method C39/C39M. For man-
weight. Cementitious materials shall be as specified in 4.1.2 hole products, an owner shall not be prohibited from requiring
and shall be added to the mix in a proportion not less than 470 concrete compressive tests on cylinder specimens numbering
lb/yd3, unless mix designs with a lower cementitious materials in the amount of 5 % of the total order of a manhole product,
content demonstrate that the quality and performance of the but not to exceed two cylinders for each day’s production. The
product meet the requirements of this specification. average compressive strength of all cylinders tested shall be
7.2 Curing—Concrete products shall be subjected to any equal to or greater than the specified strength of the concrete.
one of the methods of curing prescribed in 7.2.1-7.2.4 or to any Not more than 10 % of the cylinders tested shall fall below the
other method or combination of methods approved by the specified strength of the concrete. In no case shall any cylinder
owner that will give satisfactory results. tested fall below 80 % of the specified strength of the concrete.
7.2.1 Steam Curing—Concrete products are placed in a 8.2.1.3 Compression Testing of Cores—Cores shall be cut
curing chamber, free of outside drafts, and cured in a moist from the concrete manhole product and tested in accordance
atmosphere maintained by the injection of steam for such time with Test Methods C497, except that the requirements for
and such temperatures as needed to enable the products to meet moisture conditioning shall not apply. One core shall be taken
the strength requirements. The curing chamber shall be so from a manhole product selected at random from each day’s
constructed as to allow full circulation of the steam around the production run of a single concrete strength. When the concrete
entire product. compressive strength of the core is equal to or greater than
7.2.2 Water Curing—Concrete products are water-cured by 80 % of the specified strength of the concrete, the concrete
covering with water-saturated material, or by a system of strength of the production run is acceptable. If the core does
perforated pipes, mechanical sprinklers, porous hose, or by any not meet the preceding concrete strength requirement, another
other approved method that will keep the products moist during core from the same manhole product shall be taken and tested.
the curing period. 8.2.1.4 If the concrete compressive strength of the recore is
7.2.3 Sealing Membrane—A sealing membrane conforming equal to or greater than 80 % of the specified strength of the
to the requirements of Specification C309 is applied and shall concrete, the concrete strength of the production run is accept-
be left intact until the required concrete strength requirements able. If the recore does not meet the preceding concrete
are met. The concrete at the time of application of the strength requirement, that manhole product shall be rejected.
membrane shall be within 10°F of the atmospheric tempera- Two manhole products from the remainder of the day’s
ture. All concrete surfaces shall be kept moist prior to the production run shall be selected at random and one core taken
application of the membrane and shall be damp when the from each manhole product and tested. When the average
membrane is applied. concrete strength of the two cores is equal to or greater than
7.2.4 The manufacturer is not prohibited from combining 80 % of the specified strength of the concrete with no core
the methods prescribed in 7.2.1-7.2.3 provided the required below 75 % of the specified strength of the concrete, the
concrete compressive strength is attained. concrete strength of the day’s production run shall be accept-
able.
8. Acceptance 8.2.1.5 If the concrete strength of the two cores does not
8.1 Acceptance Procedures: meet the preceding concrete strength requirement, then the
8.1.1 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time remainder of the day’s production run shall be either rejected,
of, or before, placing an order, acceptance procedures for or, at the option of the manufacturer, each manhole product of
precast reinforced concrete manhole products shall be as the remainder of the day’s production run is not prohibited
specified in the Part II section for a particular product, and shall from being cored and accepted individually.
not be prohibited from consisting of one or more of the 8.2.1.6 Plugging Core Holes—Core holes on accepted con-
following: crete manhole products shall be plugged and sealed by the
8.1.1.1 Acceptance of a product on the basis of tests of manufacturer in a manner such that the manhole products will
materials, including concrete compressive strength and absorp- meet all of the requirements of this specification. Manhole
tion. sections so sealed shall be considered as satisfactory for use.
8.1.1.2 Acceptance of a product on the basis of inspection of 8.2.2 Absorption Test:
the finished product, including amount and placement of 8.2.2.1 The absorption of a specimen from a concrete
reinforcement to determine conformance with the design product, as determined in Test Methods C497, shall not exceed
prescribed under this specification, and freedom from defects. 9 % of the dry mass for Test Method A procedure or 8.5 % for
8.2 Test Methods: Test Method B procedure. All specimens shall be free of visible
8.2.1 Concrete Compressive Strength Test: cracks and shall represent the full thickness of the product.
8.2.1.1 Type of Specimen—Compression tests for satisfying 8.2.2.2 Specimens for Test Method B shall meet the require-
the minimum specified concrete strength requirement shall be ments of Test Methods C497.
made on either concrete cylinders or, at the option of the 8.2.2.3 Each specimen tested by Test Method A shall have a
manufacturer, on cores cut from the concrete manhole product. minimum weight of 2.2 lbs.

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 C478 − 13
8.2.2.4 When the initial absorption specimen from a con- 12.3.1 Joints—Grade rings are not required to have the joint
crete product fails to conform to this specification, the absorp- formed with male and female ends.
tion test shall be made on another specimen from the same
12.4 Circumferential Reinforcement :
product and the results of the retest shall be substituted for the
original test results. 12.4.1 The circumferential reinforcement shall have an
8.2.3 Retests—When not more than 20 % of the concrete equivalent area of not less than 0.07 in.2/vertical ft, but not less
test specimens tested under either 8.2.2.1 or 8.2.2.2 fail to pass than 0.024 in.2 in any one grade ring.
the requirements of this specification, the manufacturer is not 12.4.2 The circumferential reinforcement shall be one line
prohibited from culling his stock and eliminating whatever in the center third of the wall of the grade ring.
quantity of product he desires and shall so mark the culled 12.5 Permissible Variations:
product that they will not be shipped for the order. The required
12.5.1 Internal Diameter—The internal diameter of grade
tests shall be made on the balance of the order and the products
rings shall not vary more than 6 1 %.
shall be accepted if in conformance with the requirements of
this specification. 12.5.2 Wall Thickness—The wall thickness of grade rings
shall be not less than that prescribed in the design by more than
8.3 Test Equipment—Every manufacturer furnishing man- 5 % or 6 3⁄16 in., whichever is greater. A wall thickness greater
hole products under this specification shall furnish all facilities than that prescribed in the design shall not be cause for
and personnel necessary to carry out the tests required for rejection.
acceptance.
12.5.3 Height of Two Opposite Sides—Variations in laying
9. Repairs height of two opposite sides of grade rings shall be not more
than 1⁄4 in.
9.1 Repair of manhole products shall not be prohibited, if
necessary, because of imperfections in manufacture or damage 12.5.4 Height of Grade Ring—The underrun in height of a
during handling, and will be acceptable if, in the opinion of the grade ring shall be not more than 1⁄8 in./ft of height.
owner, the repaired products conform to the requirements of 12.5.5 Position of Reinforcement—For grade rings with a
this specification. 4-in. wall thickness, the maximum variation in the design
position of circumferential reinforcement from that described
10. Inspection in 12.4.1 shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 61⁄4 in.,
10.1 The quality of materials, the process of manufacture, whichever is greater. For grade rings with a wall thickness
and the finished manhole products shall be subject to inspec- greater than 4 in., the maximum variation from the design
tion and approval by the owner. position of reinforcement shall be 610 % of the wall thickness
or 65⁄8 in., whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall
11. Product Marking the cover over the reinforcement be less than 3⁄4 in. The
11.1 The following information shall be legibly marked on preceding minimum cover limitation does not apply to the
each precast concrete product: mating surfaces of the joint.
11.1.1 Specification and product designation: MH for man- 12.5.6 Area of Reinforcement—Steel reinforcement areas
hole base, riser, conical tops, and grade rings, that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall
11.1.2 Date of manufacture, and be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
11.1.3 Name or trademark of the manufacturer.
12.6 Rejection:
11.2 Marking shall be indented into the concrete or shall be
12.6.1 Grade rings shall be subject to rejection for failure to
painted thereon with waterproof paint.
conform to any of the specification requirements. In addition,
PART II—PRODUCTS an individual grade ring shall be subject to rejection because of
any of the following:
12. Grade Rings 12.6.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex-
12.1 Scope—This section covers precast reinforced concrete cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the
grade rings used for final adjustment of manholes to grade. joint.
12.2 Acceptance—Acceptability of grade rings covered by 12.6.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in
this specification shall be determined by the results of such compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey-
tests of materials as are required by Section 4; by compressive combed or open texture that would adversely affect the
strength tests on concrete cores or concrete cylinders required function of the grade ring.
by Section 8; and by inspection of the finished product, 12.6.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the
including amount and placement of reinforcement as pre- longitudinal axis of the grade ring, within the limits of
scribed by 12.4, 12.5, and 12.6, to determine its conformance permissible variations prescribed in 12.5.
with the design prescribed under this specification and its 12.6.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage
freedom from defects. would prevent making a satisfactory joint.
12.3 Design—The minimum wall thickness shall be one 12.6.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of
twelfth of the internal diameter of the grade ring or 4 in., 0.01 in. or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more,
whichever is greater. regardless of position in the wall.

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 C478 − 13
13. Flat Slab Tops steel at 90°. Straight rods used to reinforce openings shall have
a minimum length equal to the diameter of the opening plus 2
13.1 Scope—This section covers precast reinforced concrete
in.
flat slab tops used in the construction of manholes for use in
sewer, drainage, and water works. 13.5 Physical Requirements—Physical requirements for
tests shall conform to the requirements of Section 8.
13.2 Acceptance:
13.5.1 Proof-of-Design Test:
13.2.1 Acceptability of flat slab tops shall be determined by
13.5.1.1 If 13.2.2.2 has been designated as the basis of
the results of such tests of materials as are required by Section
acceptance, one flat slab top for each design shall be tested
4; by compressive strength tests on concrete cores or concrete
unless the owner has indicated otherwise.
cylinders required by Section 8; and by inspection of the
finished product, including amount and placement of reinforce- 13.5.1.2 The flat slab top proof-of-design test procedures
ment as prescribed by 13.4 and 13.6, to determine its confor- shall be in accordance with Test Methods C497.
mance with the design prescribed under this specification and 13.5.1.3 The ultimate test load shall be the sum of at least
its freedom from defects. 130 % of the dead load on the slab plus at lest 217 % of the
13.2.2 Unless otherwise designated by the owner at the time live-plus impact load on the slab. Dead load is the weight of the
of, or before, placing an order, two separate and alternative column of earth over the slab plus the weight of the riser
methods of acceptance are permitted for flat slab top manufac- supported by the slab. Live load is the maximum anticipated
turer designs, in addition to tests of materials and inspection wheel load that may be transmitted through the riser to the slab.
required in 13.2.1. 13.5.1.4 The flat slab top shall be acceptable if it supports
13.2.2.1 Acceptance on the Basis of Proof-of-Design Test— the required ultimate test load without failure. Ultimate
Acceptance of flat slab tops on the basis of the results of a strength failure is defined as the inability of the slab to resist an
proof-of-design test performed in accordance with 13.5 in lieu increase in the applied load.
of submission of design calculations and detailed drawings. 13.5.1.5 When agreed upon by the owner and manufacturer,
the flat slab top shall be acceptable based on certified copies of
13.2.2.2 Acceptance on the Basis of Rational Design—
the results of tests performed on identical flat slab tops instead
Acceptance of flat slab tops on the basis of design calculations
of requiring new proof-of-design acceptance tests.
by a rational method and detailed drawings.
13.6 Permissible Variations:
13.3 Design:
13.6.1 Internal Diameter—The internal diameter of the flat
13.3.1 The basis of flat slab top designs shall be the
slab tops entrance hole shall not vary more than 61 %.
appropriate sections of the latest edition of ACI 318.
13.6.2 Thickness—The thickness of flat slab tops shall be
13.3.2 Flat slab tops shall have a minimum thickness of 6 in. not less than that prescribed in the design by more than 5 % or
for risers up to and including 48 in. in diameter and 8 in. for 63⁄16 in., whichever is greater. A thickness greater than that
larger diameters. prescribed in the design shall not be cause for rejection.
13.3.3 The flat slab top access opening shall be a minimum 13.6.3 Length of Two Opposite Sides—Variations in lengths
of 24 in. in diameter. of two opposite sides of flat slab tops shall be not more than 1⁄4
13.3.4 Joint—The reinforced concrete flat slab top shall be in.
formed with or without a male or female end so that when the 13.6.4 Length—The underrun in length of a flat slab top
manhole base, riser and top section are assembled, they will shall be not more than 1⁄8 in./ft of length.
make a continuous and uniform manhole compatible with the 13.6.5 Position of Reinforcement—For flat slab tops with
tolerances given in 13.6. less than a 6 in. thickness, the maximum variation in the
13.3.4.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compres- position of reinforcement from that prescribed in 13.5 shall be
sion; therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required. 610 % of the thickness or 61⁄4 in., whichever is greater. For
13.4 Reinforcement: flat slab tops with a thickness greater than 6 in., the maximum
13.4.1 Flat slab tops manufactured with a joint or with other variation shall be 610 % of the thickness or 65 ⁄8 in.,
indication of the top or bottom of the slab shall be manufac- whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall the cover
tured with one layer of reinforcement placed near the bottom over the reinforcement be less than 3⁄4 in.
surface so that the protective cover over the reinforcement shall 13.6.6 Area of Reinforcement—Steel reinforcement areas
be 1 in. that are 0.005 in2/linear ft less than called for by design shall
13.4.2 Flat slab tops manufactured without a joint or with- be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area.
out other indication of the top or bottom of the slab shall be 13.7 Rejection:
manufactured with two layers of steel reinforcement, one 13.7.1 Flat slab tops shall be subject to rejection for failure
located near the bottom surface and one near the top surface so to conform to any of the specification requirements. In
that the protective cover over each layer is 1 in. addition, an individual flat slab top of shall be subject to
13.4.3 A layer of reinforcement shall have a minimum area rejection because of any of the following:
of 0.12 in.2/linear ft in both directions. 13.7.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex-
13.4.4 Openings in flat slab tops shall be additionally cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the
reinforced with a minimum of the equivalent of 0.20 in.2 of joint.

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 C478 − 13
13.7.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in 14.4.2 Longitudinal Members—Each line of circumferential
compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey- reinforcement shall be assembled into a cage that shall contain
combed or open texture that would adversely affect the sufficient longitudinal bars or members to maintain the rein-
function of the flat slab top. forcement in shape and position within the form to comply
13.7.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the with permissible variations in 14.7.
longitudinal axis of the flat slab top, within the limits of 14.4.3 Joint Reinforcement—The tongue or groove of the
permissible variations prescribed in 13.6. joint is not required to contain circumferential reinforcement.
13.7.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage
14.5 Steel Hoop Reinforcement:
would prevent making a satisfactory joint.
14.5.1 Continuous Steel Hoop Reinforcement for Risers and
13.7.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of
Conical Tops Up to and Including 48 in. in Diameter:
0.01 in, or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more,
regardless of position in the slab. NOTE 3—Care shall be taken to ensure that none of the steel hoop
reinforcement is cut prior to installation of the riser or conical top.
14. Risers and Conical Tops 14.5.1.1 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
14.1 Scope—This section covers precast reinforced concrete and conical tops up to and including 24 in. in height shall
risers and conical tops used in construction of manholes for use consist of no less than two hoops of steel wire or reinforcing
in sewer, drainage, and water works. bars. The steel hoop shall have a minimum cross-sectional
diameter of 0.250 in. and shall be located in each end quarter
14.2 Acceptance—Acceptability of risers and conical tops
of the riser or conical top, with a minimum distance of 1 in.
covered by this specification shall be determined by the results
from the shoulder of the riser or conical top.
of such tests of materials as are required by Section 4; by
14.5.1.2 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
compressive strength tests on concrete cores or concrete
and conical tops greater in height than 24 in. and up to and
cylinders required by Section 8; and by inspection of the
including 48 in. in height shall consist of no less than three
finished product, including the amount of reinforcement as
hoops of steel wire or reinforcing bars. The steel hoops shall
prescribed by either 14.4 or 14.5 and meeting permissible
have a minimum cross-sectional diameter of 0.250 in. and shall
variations as prescribed by 14.7, to determine its conformance
have a hoop located in each end quarter of the riser or conical
with the design prescribed under this specification and its
top with a minimum distance of 1 in. from the shoulder of the
freedom from defects.
riser or conical top. The third, or middle, hoop shall be located
14.3 Design—The minimum wall thickness shall be one from the shoulder of the riser or conical top a distance equal to
twelfth of the largest internal diameter of the riser or conical one-half the section height 66 in.
top. 14.5.1.3 Circumferential reinforcement for manhole risers
14.4 Welded Steel Cage Reinforcement : and conical tops greater in height than 48 in. and up to and
14.4.1 Circumferential Reinforcement for Risers and Coni- including 72 in. in height shall consist of no less than four
cal Tops: hoops of steel wire or reinforcing bars spaced equally 63 in.
14.4.1.1 Circumferential reinforcement shall consist of ei- throughout the height of the riser or conical top. The steel
ther one or two lines of steel. The total area of reinforcement hoops shall have a minimum cross-sectional diameter of 0.250
per vertical foot shall be not less than 0.0025 times the internal in. and shall have a hoop located in each end quarter of the riser
diameter in inches. or conical top with a minimum distance of 1 in. from the
14.4.1.2 A line of circumferential reinforcement for any shoulder of the riser or conical top.
given total area may be composed of two layers if the layers are 14.5.1.4 The hoop reinforcement shall be placed in the
not separated by more than the thickness of one cross member center third of the riser wall or conical top. The concrete cover
plus 1⁄4 in. The two layers shall be tied together to form a single over the hoop reinforcement in the wall of the section shall be
cage. All other specification requirements such as laps, welds, no less than 3⁄4 in. in accordance with 14.7.
and tolerances of placement in the wall of the riser or conical 14.5.1.5 For riser sections with openings, this section 14.5 is
top shall apply to this method of fabricating a line of not permitted.
reinforcement. 14.5.2 Joint Reinforcement—The tongue or groove of the
14.4.1.3 Where one line of circumferential reinforcement is joint is not required to contain circumferential reinforcement.
used, it shall be placed in the center third of the wall. The
14.6 Joints—Precast reinforced concrete risers and conical
protective cover over the circumferential reinforcement in the
tops shall be designed and manufactured with male and female
wall shall be no less than 3⁄4 in. in accordance with 14.7.
ends, so that the assembled manhole base, riser and conical top
14.4.1.4 Where two lines of circumferential reinforcement shall make a continuous and uniform manhole, compatible
are used, each line shall be so placed that the protective with the tolerances given in 14.7.
covering over the circumferential reinforcement in the wall
14.6.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compression;
shall be 1 in.
therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required.
14.4.1.5 The location of the reinforcement shall be subject
to the permissible variations in dimensions prescribed in 14.7. 14.7 Permissible Variations:
14.4.1.6 The spacing center to center of circumferential 14.7.1 Internal Diameter—The internal diameter of risers
reinforcement in a cage shall not exceed 6 in. and conical tops shall not vary more than 1 %.

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14.7.2 Wall Thickness—The wall thickness of risers and 15.2 Acceptance—Acceptability of base sections covered by
conical tops shall be not less than that prescribed in the design this specification shall be determined by the results of such
by more than 5 % or 63⁄16 in., whichever is greater. A wall tests of materials as are required by Section 4; by compressive
thickness greater than that prescribed in the design shall not be strength tests on concrete cores or concrete cylinders required
cause for rejection. by Section 8; and by inspection of the finished product,
14.7.3 Height of Two Opposite Sides—Variations in laying including amount and placement of reinforcement as pre-
heights of two opposite sides of risers or conical tops shall be scribed by 15.4 and 15.6, to determine conformance with the
not more than 5⁄8 in. design prescribed under this specification and its freedom from
14.7.4 Height of Section—The underrun in height of a riser defects.
or conical top shall be not more than 1⁄4 in./ft of height with a
15.3 Design:
maximum of 1⁄2 in. in any one section.
14.7.5 Position of Reinforcement—For risers or conical tops 15.3.1 The basis of base slab designs shall be the appropri-
with a 4 in. wall thickness or less, the maximum variation in ate sections of the latest edition of ACI 318.
the position of reinforcement from that prescribed in 14.5 and 15.3.2 Base slabs shall have a minimum thickness of 6 in.
14.6 shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 61⁄4 in., for manholes up to and including 48 in. in diameter and 8 in.
whichever is greater. For sections with a wall thickness greater for larger diameter manholes.
than 4 in., the maximum variation in the position of reinforce- 15.3.2.1 When a base section is precast monolithically with
ment shall be 610 % of the wall thickness or 65⁄8 in., a benched invert, the minimum concrete thickness from the
whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, shall the cover invert to bottom of the base slab shall be 4 in.
over the reinforcement be less than 3⁄4 in. The preceding 15.3.3 Benched inverts cast either monolithically with the
minimum cover limitation does not apply to the mating base section or as a secondary casting in a cured base section
surfaces of the joint. shall have the following minimum dimensions:
14.7.6 Area of Reinforcement—Steel reinforcement areas 15.3.3.1 Minimum slope of 1⁄2 in./ft from the channel to the
that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall inside diameter (ID) of riser wall for the benching.
be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area. 15.3.3.2 Minimum channel invert depth of one-half the pipe
14.8 Rejection: ID.
14.8.1 Risers and conical tops shall be subject to rejection 15.3.3.3 When a channel is cast in a cured base section, the
for failure to conform to any of the specification requirements. minimum concrete thickness under the invert shall be 2 in.
In addition, an individual riser or conical top shall be subject to 15.3.3.4 Width of channel at top of benching shall be a
rejection because of any of the following: minimum equal to the pipe ID.
14.8.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the wall, ex- 15.3.3.5 Invert shall provide a positive flow between inlet to
cept for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of the outlet pipes.
joint.
15.3.3.6 The minimum channel centerline radius shall be
14.8.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in
equal to the pipe ID.
compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey-
combed or open texture that would adversely affect the 15.4 Reinforcement:
function of the riser or conical top. 15.4.1 Base Section Circumferential Reinforcement—
14.8.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the Circumferential reinforcement shall meet all the requirements
longitudinal axis of the riser or conical top, within the limits of of Section 14, except that Section 14.5 is not permitted.
permissible variations prescribed in 14.7. 15.4.2 Base Slab Reinforcement:
14.8.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage 15.4.2.1 A layer of reinforcement shall be placed above the
would prevent making a satisfactory joint. midpoint and shall have a minimum area of 0.12 in.2/linear ft
14.8.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of in both directions.
0.01 in., or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more,
15.4.2.2 The minimum protective cover over the reinforce-
regardless of position in the wall.
ment shall be 1 in.
15. Base Sections 15.4.3 Longitudinal Members—Longitudinal bars or mem-
bers used to maintain a cage of circumferential reinforcement
15.1 Scope—This section covers three types of precast in shape and position within the form shall meet all the
concrete base sections manufactured for use in the construction requirements of Section 14.
of manholes used in sewer, drainage, and water works. The 15.4.4 Joint Reinforcement—The mating surface of the base
three types of base sections are (1) a base with riser wall and section joint is not required to contain circumferential rein-
base slab cast monolithically as a single unit with or without forcement.
benching, (2) a base consisting of a riser section with a
secondary poured integral base slab, with or without benching, NOTE 4—(Advisory) Base sections with multiple openings, large
and (3) a two-piece base consisting of a separate precast base openings, or both may require special consideration of their handling
reinforcement.
slab and a riser section with a sealed joint between the two. The
riser portions of a base section shall meet all the requirements 15.5 Joints—Precast reinforced base sections shall be de-
of Section 14. signed and manufactured with a male or female end, so that the

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assembled manhole base, riser and top will make a continuous 16.1.2 The user of this specification is advised that access
and uniform manhole, compatible with the tolerances given in through manholes may be by steps that are cast, mortared, or
15.6. attached by mechanical means into the walls of base, riser, or
15.5.1 Joints are designed to perform in axial compression; conical top sections or by ladder.
therefore, shear or load testing of the joint is not required. 16.2 Acceptance—Unless otherwise designated by the
15.6 Permissible Variations: owner at the time of, or before, placing an order, acceptance of
15.6.1 Internal Diameter—The internal diameter of base steps and ladders installed in manholes will be on the basis of
sections shall not vary more than 1 %. tests and inspection of the completed product.
15.6.2 Thickness—The thickness of base slabs with or 16.3 Materials:
without benching shall be not less than that prescribed in the 16.3.1 Except as required by Section 16, manhole steps and
design by more than 5 %. A thickness greater than that ladders shall conform to the requirements of the Occupational
prescribed in the design shall not be cause for rejection. Safety and Health Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
15.6.3 Height of Two Opposite Sides—Variations in laying 16.3.2 Manhole steps that are cast, mortared, or attached by
heights of two opposite sides of base sections shall be not more mechanical means into the walls of base, riser or conical top
than 5⁄8 in. sections shall meet the requirements of 16.4 and 16.5 in
15.6.4 Height of Sections—The underrun in height of a base addition to the following:
section shall be not more than 1⁄4 in./ft of height with a 16.3.2.1 When dissimilar types of materials are used in the
maximum of 1⁄2 in. in any one base section. steps, appurtenances and fastenings, the materials shall be
15.6.5 Position of Reinforcement—For base slabs with treated to prevent deleterious effects.
monolithic benched inverts with a 4 in. thickness, the maxi- 16.3.2.2 That portion of the step projecting into the base
mum variation in the position of reinforcement from that section, riser or conical top opening shall be free of splinters,
prescribed in 15.4 shall be 610 % of the thickness or 61⁄4 in., sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard.
whichever is greater. For base slabs with a 6 in. thickness or
greater, the maximum variation shall be 610 % of the thick- 16.4 Design:
ness or 65⁄8 in., whichever is the lesser. In no case, however, 16.4.1 Steps in base section, riser and conical top sections
shall the cover over the reinforcement be less than 3⁄4 in. The shall be aligned in each section so as to form a continuous
preceding minimum cover limitation does not apply to the ladder with rungs equally spaced vertically in the assembled
mating surfaces of base section joints. manhole at a maximum design distance of 16 in. apart.
15.6.6 Area of Reinforcement—Steel reinforcement areas 16.4.2 Steps shall be embedded in the base section, riser or
that are 0.005 in.2/linear ft less than called for by design shall conical top section wall a minimum distance of 3 in.
be considered as meeting the required steel reinforcement area. 16.5 Dimensions:
15.7 Rejection: 16.5.1 Ferrous metal steps not painted or treated to resist
corrosion shall have a minimum cross sectional dimension of 1
15.7.1 Base sections shall be subject to rejection for failure
in.
to conform to any of the specification requirements. In
addition, an individual base section shall be subject to rejection 16.5.2 The minimum width of rungs or cleats shall be 10 in.
because of any of the following: 16.5.3 The rung or cleat shall project a uniform clear
distance of 4 in. (minimum) to 6 in. (maximum) 6 1⁄4 in. from
15.7.1.1 Fractures or cracks passing through the riser wall,
the wall of the base, riser, or conical top section measured from
except for a single end crack that does not exceed the depth of
the point of embedment to the embedment side of the rung.
the joint.
15.7.1.2 Defects that indicate mixing and molding not in NOTE 5—Embedment point is considered the junction of the centerline
compliance with 7.1 or surface defects indicating honey- of the step leg and the wall of the base, riser or conical top section.
combed or open texture that would adversely affect the 16.5.4 The minimum clear distance between the rung or
function of the base section. cleat and the opposite wall of the base, riser, or conical top
15.7.1.3 The planes of the ends are not perpendicular to the shall be 18 in. measured at the center face of the rung or cleat.
longitudinal axis of the base section, within the limits of 16.5.5 The vertical spacing and vertical alignment between
permissible variations prescribed in 15.6. adjacent manhole steps and horizontal distance from the inside
15.7.1.4 Damaged or cracked ends, where such damage wall to the centerline of a manhole step may vary 1 inch from
would prevent making a satisfactory joint. the design dimension.
15.7.1.5 Any continuous crack having a surface width of 16.6 Physical Requirements:
0.01 in., or more and extending for a length of 12 in. or more, 16.6.1 Testing:
regardless of position in the base section.
16.6.1.1 The manufacturer furnishing manhole sections
with steps under this specification shall furnish all facilities and
16. Steps and Ladders personnel necessary to carry out the tests required in the
16.1 Scope: Manhole Step Test section of Test Methods C497.
16.1.1 This section covers manhole steps and ladders used 16.6.1.2 One installed manhole step of the type to be used
for providing access through manholes for use in sewer and on a project shall be tested unless certified test results are
water works. available.

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 C478 − 13
16.6.1.3 Vertical and horizontal load test procedures for 16.6.2.4 If certified test results are not available and the step
manhole steps shall be in accordance with Test Methods C497. selected fails to conform to the test requirements, the manu-
16.6.1.4 The horizontal pull out load shall be 400 lb. facturer may select two other steps for retests. If either of these
16.6.1.5 The vertical load shall be 800 lb. steps fail the retest, the steps shall be rejected.
16.6.2 Acceptance—The step shall be acceptable if the
following requirements are met: 17. Keywords
16.6.2.1 The step remains solidly embedded after applica-
tion of the horizontal load test. 17.1 absorption; acceptance criteria; base sections; com-
16.6.2.2 The step sustains a permanent set of 1⁄2 in. or less pressive strength; concrete; cone tops; design; flat slab tops;
after application of the vertical load test. grade rings; ladders; manhole; manufacture; reinforced; riser
16.6.2.3 No cracking or fracture of the step nor spalling of sections; sewer; steps; tests; water
the concrete is evident.

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