ASTM C118/C118M-24
Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage

Standard No.

ASTM C118/C118M-24

Release Date

2024

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)  US  /  ASTM

Latest

ASTM C118/C118M-24

Introduction

Standard Overview and Technical Evolution

ASTM C118/C118M-24 is the latest version of the standard for unreinforced concrete pipe for irrigation and drainage. It has been revised 24 times since its initial publication in 1935. This standard uses a dual unit system (Imperial/Metric) to clearly distinguish the different technical requirements for irrigation pipe and drainage pipe.

---

Key material requirements

Material type	Standard basis	Special requirements
Cement	C150/C150M or C595/C595M	8 combinations are allowed (Clause 6.2.4)
Aggregate	C33/C33M	Gradation requirements do not apply
Fiber	C1116/C1116M	Only as non-structural manufacturing material

---

Comparison of Design and Test Requirements

Irrigation Pipe Performance Indicators (Table 1)

• Working Pressure: 25-30ft (75-90kPa)
• Minimum Hydrostatic Test Pressure: 40-50psi (275-345kPa)
• Three-Sided Load: 1300-2000lbf/ft (19-29kN/m)

Drainage Pipe Classification Requirements (Table 2)

• The difference in wall thickness between standard and heavy-duty pipes is 12.5-25%
• Absorption Rate Limit: 8.5-9%

---

Implementation recommendations

Site precautions

According to Note 1 of the standard, special attention should be paid to:

1. This specification does not include requirements for base bed, backfill or installation
2. Pipeline characteristic parameters must be verified according to site conditions
3. Full quality supervision is required during the installation process

Test scheme design

The following test combination is recommended:

• Irrigation pipe: Three-side load bearing + hydrostatic pressure test
• Drainage pipe: Three-side load bearing + boiling absorption test

---

Technology Development Analysis

Main updates of the 2024 version include:

• Explicitly allow the use of Portland limestone cement (Clause 6.2.1)
• Added fiber reinforcement material specifications (Clause 6.5)
• Metric pipe diameter tolerance refinement (Table 3)

ASTM C118/C118M-24 Referenced Document

• ASTM C150/C150M Standard Specification for Portland Cement*， 2024-07-01 Update
• ASTM C260/C260M Standard Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete*， 2024-12-15 Update
• ASTM C33/C33M Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates*， 2024-11-06 Update
• ASTM C494/C494M Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• ASTM C497 Standard Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Manhole Sections, or Tile
• ASTM C595/C595M Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements*， 2025-08-01 Update
• ASTM C618 Standard Specification for Fly Ash And Raw Or Calcined Natural Pozzolan For Use As A Mineral Admixture In Portland Cement Concrete
• ASTM C822 Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• ASTM C989/C989M Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars*， 2025-06-01 Update

ASTM C118/C118M-24 history

• 2024 ASTM C118/C118M-24 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2019 ASTM C118-19 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2015 ASTM C118-15 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2011 ASTM C118-11 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2005 ASTM C118-05a Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2005 ASTM C118-05 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 2003 ASTM C118-03 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage
• 1999 ASTM C118-99 Standard Specification for Concrete Pipe for Irrigation or Drainage

Standard and Specification