Keeping track of pertinent industry codes, standards and rules updates can be a challenge. The Industry Updates Hub is intended to provide an overview of recent rule changes as well as upcoming revisions we anticipate in the future so you can stay informed.
ASTM C94-21b
ASTM C1613-22
ASTM C1227
ACI-PCI Committee 319
MASH 2016
Boom Truck Crane Certification
NPCA-PCI Joint Concrete Products List
New Industry Standards
ASTM C443 & C443M
AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering
New Industry Standards
This list is updated on an ongoing basis with newly-developed standards pertinent to the precast concrete industry.
- New Standards developed by ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates:
- ASTM C1866, “Standard Specification for Ground-Glass Pozzolan for Use in Concrete” was developed in 2020
- New Standards developed by ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe:
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- ASTM C1903, “Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Duct Bank” was developed in 2021.
Contact the NPCA Technical Services team of engineers with any questions on these topics.
ACI Establishes ACI-PCI Committee 319
The American Concrete Institute has initiated a new joint ACI/PCI technical committee, ACI-PCI Committee 319, to develop and maintain structural concrete code requirements unique to the design of precast concrete.
A memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of the joint committee is available here. The committee was developed in direct response to expressed industry need for building code requirements that address the unique aspects of precast concrete design. The release states, “ACI-PCI Committee 319 will develop and maintain structural concrete code requirements both unique to the design of precast concrete and complementary to ACI 318, ‘Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.'”
Although the ACI-PCI Committee 319 roster is full, NPCA professional staff will continue to participate in and monitor ACI-PCI 319 activity. Information about ACI membership can be found here.
For questions about this topic, contact Claude Goguen.
Proposed Revision to ASTM C1227, “Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Septic Tanks”
ASTM C1227 is a standard under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and was developed by Subcommittee C27.30 on Water and Wastewater Containers.
Subcommittee C27.30 is proposing revisions to ASTM C1227 that address access safety concerns. The current version of ASTM C1227 is available here.
Some septic tank access covers may be susceptible to cracking or deterioration, may eventually fail due to excessive point loads, or may be dislodged if not secured properly after servicing or maintenance. Children, adults and pets can accidentally fall into, or otherwise inadvertently, access wastewater tanks and sustain serious or fatal injuries. A secondary safety device could reduce the risk of these hazards.
A secondary safety apparatus is specifically manufactured to provide an additional layer of protection from accidental entry in the event the primary access cover is damaged, loose or missing. The new language being developed by C27.30 would require a secondary safety apparatus to be installed in each septic tank top slab or riser opening and the device must be capable of supporting 250 pounds.
The new proposed language is expected to open for ballot in fall 2021. To provide comments on the proposed secondary safety apparatus language and get involved in shaping the standard, join ASTM C27 here.
For questions about this topic, contact [email protected].
MASH 2016
Updates regarding the FHWA/AASHTO agreement to implement MASH 2016 testing requirements for roadside safety hardware including precast concrete barriers.
On January 7, 2016, FHWA issued a memorandum detailing the “Joint Implementation Agreement for Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)” which outlined a proposed timeline for evaluating different types of barrier in accordance to the MASH 2016 criteria.
The agreement applies to bridge rails, transitions, all other longitudinal barriers (including portable barriers installed permanently), as well as temporary work zone devices (including portable barriers).
The agreement states devices manufactured on or before December 31, 2019, and successfully tested to NCHRP Report 350 or the 2009 edition of MASH may continue to be used throughout their normal service lives, while devices manufactured after December 31, 2019, must be tested in accordance with the MASH 2016 guidelines.
As a result, many DOT-approved precast barrier designs that have been tested in accordance with NCHRP 350 may no longer be produced or used because they have not been evaluated per the MASH 2016 requirements. However, states may continue to specify MASH 2009-compliant or NCHRP 350-compliant devices based on a FHWA clarification memo when:
- a MASH 2016‐compliant device does not exist to address the situation; or
- a MASH 2016‐compliant device exists but does not meet the state’s needs given project or regional conditions;
- the state is awaiting completion of MASH‐2016 testing for a specific device, in which case the state must document the plan for testing the device that will be used on future projects in lieu of the specified NCHRP 350 device; or
- the device is a temporary work zone device that has been in use prior to December 31, 2019, and is still within its normal service life.
Each state entity is responsible for outlining its plan for compliance. Precasters are encouraged to contact their respective state entity regarding requirements. More information about the FHWA/AASHTO agreement to implement MASH 2016 testing requirements is available here.
To discuss your state’s policy, or if you have questions about the MASH 2016 regulation, contact [email protected].
Boom Truck Crane Certification
OSHA requirements for crane operator certification are now in effect.
OSHA requires crane operators to be qualified and certified to operate most cranes that have a lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or more. Precast manufacturers who use monorail hoists, also referred to as A-frame cranes, will not be required to certify operators of those vehicles. Certification must be issued by an accredited crane operator certification organization.
To start the registration process with one of the third-party organizations offering certification exams, please visit either the NCCCO website here or the NCCER website here. Each of these organizations can help you find trainers in your area to conduct classes to help you prepare for the exams.
More information, including OSHA resources, NCCCO and NCCER resources, FAQs, testing resources, and sample load charts are available here.
For questions about this topic, contact Daryl Burns, P.E., NPCA director of codes and standards.
NPCA and PCI Issue Joint Concrete Products List
The National Precast Concrete Association and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute issued a joint document to alleviate confusion in the marketplace regarding certification programs for precast and prestressed concrete products.
Both NPCA and PCI administer widely accepted, independent, third party-audited plant certification programs. Working together on these certification programs has been a priority for both organizations since 2013 as part of a wider effort to align key programs, including their annual trade shows, marketing, government affairs, technical and safety materials, and education and training.
The document, available here, allows specifiers to determine easily whether products require NPCA certification, PCI certification or whether either is allowable. This clarification ensures the accurate specification of certification programs, while also ensuring that all appropriately certified plants can bid the project.
Read the full press release here.
Proposed Revision to ASTM C443 and C443 Metric, “Standard Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber Gaskets”
ASTM C443 & C443M are standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and are overseen by Subcommittee C13.08 on Joints for Precast Concrete Structures.
Two work items have been developed to revise and update various sections within ASTM C443 and C443M. If approved, these revisions would update the design criteria and tolerance levels used for design and production of precast joints. Additionally, the appendices will include an updated figure showing joint terminology described within the standard and an updated joint design example.
ASTM C443 and C443M are the most widely utilized rubber gasketed joint standard for precast concrete pipe and manhole structures. Precast companies which utilize C443 and C443M as their produced rubber gasketed joint should be aware of applicable standards updates.
The new proposed language is expected to open for ballot in late 2021. To provide comments on the proposed language and get involved in shaping the standard, join ASTM C13 here.
For questions about this topic, contact Claude Goguen.
2021 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering is available
American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association members develop and update this important guide manual utilized by railroad engineers and their consulting engineers to design precast concrete structures.
The 2021 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering is available for purchase from the AREMA website in the Publications webpage. The manual is divided into specific chapters related to railroad design and operation. It is available for purchase by chapters of importance to specific industry. Chapter 8 Concrete Structures and Foundations is the specific chapter of importance for those interested in the structural design requirements of precast box culvert, pipe, retaining walls and other bridge components. It is important to understand some of the differences between the AREMA guide requirements and those of both ACI and AASHTO.
Current pricing for Chapter 8 is $220 for AREMA members and $290 for non-members. Visit the AREMA website at to learn more about this association, membership and active participation within a technical committee.
For more information about this topic, contact Phil Cutler.
ASTM C1613-22
The newly revised ASTM C1613-22, “Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Gravity Grease Interceptor Tanks” will come out in mid-February 2022.
ASTM C1613 is a standard under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and was updated by Subcommittee C27.30. Late last year, the subcommittee proposed some changes to ASTM C1613-17.
The subcommittee proposed a change to the committee name adding the word “Gravity” because that is all the standard applies to. The standard does not apply to hydromechanical grease interceptors. Adding “Gravity” to the standard’s title will help precasters, specifiers and regulators more readily identify to what products this standard applies.
Additionally, to stay in line with the latest industry codes and standards, ASTM C1613 was revised to reference the current version of the UPC, rather than the 2003 or 2006 versions.
For questions about this topic, contact [email protected].
ASTM C94-21b
The revised ASTM C94-21b, “Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete” is available.
This new version removes the 90-minute time limit to discharge the concrete from the time the water is introduced to the cement and aggregates or the introduction of the cement to the aggregates. If you rely on ready-mix, this change would apply to you.
For questions about this topic, contact [email protected].
