A new ASTM standard developed by Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems will be an important step in advancing the use of high density polyethylene pipe in municipal storm sewer applications. The standard, F 2306, Specification for 12 to 60 in. (300 to 1500 mm) Annular Corrugated Profile Wall Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings for Gravity Flow Storm Sewer and Subsurface Drainage Applications, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F17.62 on Sewer.

"This standard is a major leap forward in the acceptance and growth of HDPE pipe," says F17.62 member John Kurdziel, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Kurdziel notes that HDPE pipe has long been used for agricultural and highway drainage applications. As technical advances have allowed for dramatic increases in the diameter of HDPE pipe, its usage in higher profile projects, such as highway culverts, has expanded.

"Acceptance of HDPE pipe grew significantly over the years, due to the product’s economic, handling, hydraulic and durability advantages," says Kurdziel. As HDPE pipe became more widely used in highway applications, it also became more commonly used in the building of storm sewers. However, as HDPE pipe manufacturers began to contemplate the use of the pipe in municipal storm sewer applications, the need for an ASTM HDPE standard became apparent.

According to Kurdziel, "Municipal engineers specify to a large degree with principally ASTM standards. The development of F 2306 now provides municipal engineers with a tool and a means for specifying HDPE pipe. This standard will significantly increase the number of applications for HDPE pipe and will provide an economic benefit to both cities and manufacturers."

Committee F17 welcomes participation from any parties interested in future revisions to F 2306.

ASTM standards are available from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact) or www.astm.org/.

For further technical information, contact John Kurdziel, director of technical services and market development, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., Hilliard, Ohio (phone: 800/733-7473; John.Kurdziel@ads-pipe.com). Committee F17 meets Nov. 6-9, in Dallas, Texas. For membership or meeting details, contact Robert Morgan, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org).

Release #7135