AASHTO M 36-16 (2020) PDF Download

The AASHTO M 36-16 (2020) is a standard specification that pertains to corrugated steel pipe that is specifically used for sewers and drains. The purpose of this standard is to provide guidelines and requirements for the design, fabrication, and installation of metallic-coated corrugated steel pipe for various drainage applications, such as stormwater drainage, underdrains, culverts, and similar uses.

The pipe covered by this specification is not intended for use in conveying sanitary or industrial wastes. The steel sheet used in fabricating the pipe is required to have a protective metallic coating. The specified metallic coatings include zinc (galvanizing), aluminum Type 2, 55 percent aluminum-zinc alloy, zinc-5 percent aluminum-mischmetal alloy, or aluminum Type 1.

Additionally, the standard allows for the specification of steel sheet with a zinc and aramid fiber composite coating, which is always accompanied by an asphalt coating. It is important to note that when using this composite coated sheet, the requirements in this specification should be considered as applying to a semi-finished pipe, and the finished pipe must still meet the provisions outlined in AASHTO M 190.

While the metallic coatings specified in this standard provide varying levels of protection against corrosion and abrasion, there may be environments where none of these coatings can offer adequate protection. In such cases, additional protection can be achieved through the use of coatings applied after fabrication of the pipe or through the use of polymer precoated corrugated steel pipe, as outlined in other AASHTO standards.

It is important to highlight that this specification does not cover requirements for bedding, backfill, or the relationship between earth cover load and sheet thickness of the pipe. The successful performance of the pipe relies on proper selection of sheet thickness, appropriate bedding and backfill materials, controlled manufacturing processes, and careful installation. The specific installation procedures are detailed in AASHTO's Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division II, Section 26.