Designation: C 443 – 05a

Standard Specification for

Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 443; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope C 478 Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Man-

1.1 This specification covers flexible watertight joints for hole Sections
concrete pipe and precast manhole sections, using rubber C 507 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Cul-
gaskets for sealing the joints, where infiltration or exfiltration is vert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe
a factor in the design. The specification covers the design of C 822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
joints and the requirements for rubber gaskets to be used Products
therewith, for pipe conforming in all other respects to Speci- C 1619 Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Con-
fication C 14, Specification C 76, or Specification C 507 and crete Pipe
precast manhole section conforming in all other respects to
3. Terminology
Specification C 478, provided that if there is conflict in
permissible variations in dimensions the requirements of this 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to con-
specification for joints shall govern. crete pipe, see Terminology C 822.
1.2 A complete metric companion to Specification C 443 4. Basis of Acceptance
has been developed—C 443M; therefore, no metric equivalents
are presented in this specification. 4.1 The acceptability of the pipe joints and gaskets shall be
determined by the results of the physical tests prescribed in this
NOTE 1—This specification covers the design and performance of the specification, if and when required, and by inspection to
rubber gasket joint only. Joints covered by this specification are normally determine whether the pipe joints and gaskets conform to this
adequate for hydrostatic pressures up to 13 psi (30 ft) without leakage,
when tested in accordance with Section 9. Infiltration or exfiltration
specification as to design and freedom from defects.
quantities for an installed pipeline are dependent upon many factors other
5. Materials and Manufacture for Gaskets
than the joints, and allowable quantities must be covered by other
specifications and suitable testing of the installed pipeline and system. 5.1 All rubber gaskets shall comply with Specification
C 1619 in terms of materials and manufacture. The gaskets
2. Referenced Documents shall be extruded or molded to the specified size within a
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 tolerance of 66 % on any dimension, measured at any cross
C 14 Specification for Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and section.
Culvert Pipe
C 76 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm 6. Physical Requirements for Gaskets
Drain, and Sewer Pipe 6.1 Standard Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
1
ments of Specification C 1619, Class C.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on 6.2 Oil Resistant Gasket Requirements—All rubber gaskets
Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.08 on Joints for
Precast Concrete Structures. shall meet the dimensions, tolerances, and physical require-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2005. Published October 2005. Originally ments of Specification C 1619, Class D.
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C 443–05.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Design of Joints
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 7.1 The manufacturer shall furnish the owner with the
the ASTM website. detailed design of the joint or joints including design and

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

1
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 06:29:18 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 443 – 05a
durometer hardness of the rubber gasket proposed to be 8. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
furnished under this specification. 8.1 The planes formed by the ends of nonbeveled pipe shall
7.1.1 The joint design shall consist of a bell or groove on not vary from the perpendicular to the pipe axis by more than
one end of a unit of pipe, and a spigot or tongue on the adjacent 3⁄16 in. for internal diameters or equivalent diameters 30 in. and
end of the joining pipe. smaller; or by more than 1⁄4 in. for internal diameters or
7.1.2 All surfaces of the joint upon or against which the equivalent diameters 33 to 54 in. inclusive; or not more than 3⁄8
gasket is capable of bearing shall be smooth, free of spalls, in. for internal diameters or equivalent diameters 60 in. and
cracks or fractures, and imperfections that would adversely larger.
affect the performance of the joint. 8.2 The manufacturer’s tolerances for the width of the
7.1.3 The joints of the pipe shall be of such design that they annular space between the gasket bearing surfaces shall not
will withstand the forces caused by the compression of the vary by more than 610 % of the uncompressed thickness of
gasket when joined, without cracking or fracturing when tested the applied gasket.
in accordance with Section 9.
7.1.4 The angle of taper on the conic surfaces of the inside 9. Performance Requirements for Joints
of the bell or groove and the outer surface of the spigot or 9.1 When required by the owner, assembled joints shall pass
tongue where the gasket seats shall be not more than 3.5° the following performance tests without leakage at the joints,
measured from the pipe axis, except that tapers up to 5° are not and the manufacturer shall have the option of allowing the
prohibited if proven adequate by plant tests as specified in assembled joints to stand under a pressure of 13 psi or less, for
Section 9 and approved by the owner. The conic surface on the a maximum of 24 h prior to the test:
spigot or tongue shall be modified to properly contain and seat 9.1.1 Pipes in Straight Alignment—Hydrostatic pressure
the gasket. tests on joints shall be made on an assembly of two sections of
7.1.5 The annular space between the gasket-bearing sur- pipe, properly connected in accordance with the joint design.
faces of the assembled and centered joint shall be not more At the option of the owner a second such test shall be required.
than 75 % of the uncompressed thickness of the applied gasket Suitable bulkheads shall be provided either within the pipe
including the manufacturer’s tolerances of the joint and gasket. adjacent to and on either side of the joint, or at the outer ends
The joint design shall provide for the deflection of a pipe unit of the two joined pipe sections. No fillings or packings shall be
by opening one side of the outside perimeter of the joint 1⁄2 in. placed prior to watertightness tests. After the pipe sections are
wider than the assembled position without reducing its water- fitted together with the gasket or gaskets in place, the assembly
tightness. Where greater deflections are required than provided shall be subjected to an internal hydrostatic pressure of 13 psi
by the joint design, beveled joints or elbows must be provided. (30 ft) pressure head for 10 min. Moisture or beads of water
7.1.6 The gasket shall be the sole element depended upon to appearing on the surface of the joint will not be considered as
make the joint flexible and watertight. The gasket shall be a leakage. If leakage of joints should initially occur, the manu-
continuous ring which fits snugly into the annular space facturer shall have the option to extend the test period up to 24
between the overlapping surfaces of the assembled pipe joint to h.
form a flexible watertight seal. 9.1.2 Pipes in Maximum Deflected Position—Upon comple-
7.1.7 The gasket shall not be stretched more than 30 % of its tion of the test for pipes in straight alignment in 9.1.1, the test
original circumference when seated on the spigot or tongue end sections shall be deflected to create a position 1⁄2 in. wider than
of the pipe. the assembled position on one side of the outside perimeter of
7.1.8 Where the particular joint design utilizing a rubber each joint and shall be subjected to an internal hydrostatic
gasket dictates the use of a lubricant to facilitate assembly, the pressure of 10 psi for 10 min. Moisture or beads of water
lubricant composition shall have no detrimental effect on the appearing on the surface of the joint will not be considered as
performance of the gasket and joint due to prolonged exposure. leakage.
NOTE 2—Joints in an assembled position are defined as joints in the
9.1.3 Unless prohibited by the owner at or before the time of
position after assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s design. placing an order for pipe with diameters 36 inches or larger, the
manufacturer has the option to test the pipe joint for water-
7.2 Alternative Joint Designs—When agreed upon by the tightness to the parameters established in sections 10.1.1 and
owner, manufacturers are not prohibited from submitting to the 10.1.2 by methods which pressurize the rubber gasketed joint
owner detailed designs for joints and gaskets other than those either internally or externally.
described in Section 7. Design submissions shall include joint
geometry, tolerances, gasket characteristics, proposed plant 10. Storage
tests, gasket splice bend tests, and such other information as
required by the owner to evaluate the joint design for field 10.1 The lubricant shall be stored in accordance to the
performance. Joints and gaskets of alternative joint designs lubricant manufacturer’s recommended temperature range.
shall at least meet all test requirements of this specification if
permitted by the owner. Alternative joint designs shall be 11. Inspection
acceptable provided the designs are approved by the owner 11.1 The quality of the materials and the finished pipe joint
prior to manufacture and provided the test pipe comply with and gasket shall be subject to inspection and approval by an
the specified tests. inspector employed by the owner.

2
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 06:29:18 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 443 – 05a
12. Certification repaired shall not exceed one fourth of the inside diameter or
12.1 When requested by the owner, the manufacturer shall equivalent diameter of the pipe or the circumferential length of
furnish written certification that the joint lubricant conforms to several areas combined does not exceed one half of the inside
all requirements of this specification for the specific gaskets diameter or equivalent diameter of the pipe.
supplied. 14.2 At the option of the owner, the pipe joint that has been
repaired shall be subjected to the designated hydrostatic test in
13. Marking accordance with 9.1.1 and shall be accepted if it passes the
13.1 Lubricant—The following information shall be clearly hydrostatic test requirements.
marked on each container of lubricant.
13.1.1 Name of lubricant manufacturer. 15. Rejection
13.1.2 Usable temperature range for application and stor- 15.1 Pipe joints and gaskets shall be subject to rejection
age. upon failure to conform to any of the requirements of this
13.1.3 Shelf life. specification. Pipe that is damaged because of carelessness or
13.1.4 Lot or batch number. continuing failure to prevent recurrent imperfections in manu-
facture or damage during handling shall be subject to rejection.
14. Repairs 15.2 Gaskets shall be subject to rejection whenever they
14.1 Spalled areas, manufacturing imperfections, or damage show surface checking, weathering, or other deterioration prior
during handling, of each pipe end, are not prohibited from to installation in the work.
being repaired and will be acceptable, if in the opinion of the
owner, the repaired pipe conforms to the requirements of 7.1.2; 16. Keywords
provided the circumferential length of a single area to be 16.1 concrete pipe; joints; rubber gaskets

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

3
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 06:29:18 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.