New ASTM standard covers segmental concrete paving slabs

Sources: ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa.; CP staff

ASTM C1782/C1782M, Specification for Utility Segmental Concrete Paving Slabs, determines the minimum flexural strength, dimensional tolerances, and freeze-thaw durability requirements for 12- to 48-in. square products.

“There have been some notable paving slab failures over the years in part due to poor pavement design and also lack of product standards,” says Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute Technical Director David Smith, a member of C1782-authoring ASTM C15 Committee on Manufactured Masonry Units. “C1782 provides a baseline acceptance standard using any of three manufacturing processes: dry cast, wet cast, and hydraulically pressed.”

The standard fills a gap for these products, he adds, noting that due to their larger size, paving slabs do not fall under the existing ASTM C936, Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units. C1782 provides a set of requirements, reflecting familiar terms and references, for large-slab producers. Architects, civil engineers and landscape architects will benefit most from the standard, using it when writing construction specifications as producers promote units that meet or exceed C1782 requirements. The standard will also give concrete labs the opportunity to provide an additional service in testing paving slabs. — ASTM Customer Relations, 877/909-ASTM; www.astm.org