AASHTO PP 63-09 (2014) PDF Download

AASHTO PP 63-09 (2014) Standard Practice for Pipe Joint Selection for Highway Culvert and Storm Drains is a standard practice that focuses on the selection and design of pipe joints for culvert and storm drain installations. The purpose of this standard practice is to address the importance of pipe joint design and to provide guidelines for selecting appropriate joints that meet the performance requirements.

The standard highlights the significance of pipe joints in the overall performance and durability of culvert and sewer systems. It emphasizes that many problems and failures in these systems can be traced back to inadequate pipe joints. Therefore, proper selection of pipe joints is crucial to ensure the structural and hydraulic performance of the system, stability of backfill and soil envelope, line and grade of the culvert, integrity of the overlying embankment and pavement, and compliance with storm and sanitary sewer permits.

To achieve these objectives, the standard practice provides clear definitions of joint performance terms, a rational design methodology to determine the appropriate joint performance requirements, and uniform criteria for manufacturers' joint qualification and contractors' post-installation pipe joint testing.