Apr 01, 2005

A proposed new specification currently being developed by ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products addresses the issue of watertightness in septic tanks and grease interceptors. The proposed standard, WK7426, Specification for Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Tanks and Pipes, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee C27.30 on Water and Wastewater Containers.

"The entries of the pipes into the tank are points where differential shear loads are concentrated and are a frequent source of infiltration and exfiltration," says Michael R. Miller, a C27.30 member and a systems director and quality manager at the Press-Seal Gasket Corporation, Fort Wayne, Ind. Miller notes that there are currently no specifications for either sealing or testing the sealing of a pipe/tank connection.

According to Miller, the closest pertinent standard to WK7426 is ASTM C 923, Specification for Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Manhole Structures, Pipes and Laterals. Subcommittee C27.30 is using C 923 as the basis for WK7426, which will directly address the needs of tank manufacturers and consumers.

Miller says the proposed specification will apply to several different kinds of conventional-bury precast concrete, including septic tanks, on-site treatment chambers, settling tanks, pump stations, grease interceptors, cisterns, detention tanks/fields, and water supply tanks.

All interested parties are invited to participate in the development of WK7426. For more information, enter "WK7426" in the site search box on the home page of ASTM International’s Web site (www.astm.org/).

For further technical information, contact Michael R. Miller, systems director and quality manager, Press-Seal Gasket Corporation, Fort Wayne, Ind. (phone: 260/436-0521; mrm@press-seal.com). Subcommittee C27.30 meets June 15, in Reno, Nev. Committee C27 meets Dec. 6-7, in Dallas, Texas. For membership or meeting details, contact Joe Hugo, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9740; jhugo@astm.org).

Releases #7125