ASTM Committee C27 recently published two new test procedures and one new guide specification for 2026. Each of these further elevate the standard of practice for installed precast concrete water and wastewater systems.
ASTM C1957/C1957M-25 covers onsite exfiltration acceptance testing of precast concrete water and wastewater structures. It established field procedures and provides specific timeframes for verifying the integrity of precast structures during the installation phase using exfiltration limits. It is intended for assembled structures in their installed condition that do not already have specific testing procedures contained in their standards, which would include holding tanks and detention structures.
ASTM C1958/C1958M-25 is a guide for soil-tight grouted connections between concrete pipe and concrete structures. It focuses on the critical interface in buried concrete systems between the concrete structure and the influent or effluent pipes, including guidance on sizing openings and grouting the annular space so the pipe-to-structure connection achieves a soil-tight seal. The guide addresses pipe-to-structure connections using rigid pipe, specifically concrete pipe, and is not recommended for flexible pipe, where manufacturer procedures should be followed instead.
ASTM C1964-26 establishes a test practice for evaluating the integrity of precast concrete manholes using negative air pressure, or vacuum, after the manhole has been backfilled. The standard specifies a test vacuum of 10 in. Hg (33.86 kPa) consistent with pre-installed manholes and components, while also providing guidance on accounting for backfill loads and vacuum-induced loads. It further emphasizes precautions to avoid overloading manholes after they have been backfilled.
Hugh Martin, P.E., is the director of technical resources at NPCA. He is a licensed P.E. in 13 states and has been working in the concrete industry since 1993, primarily as a design engineer, but also fulfilling roles as product designer, quality control specialist and field representative. Martin is an active member of ASTM International, where he is the current chair of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products. He is a recipient of ASTM’s highest society award, the ASTM Award of Merit, and he has also received the Merlin G. Spangler Meritorious Service Award from ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe.