ICPI Applauds New ASTM Standard for Segmental Concrete Paving Slabs
Chantilly, VA (PRWEB) August 22, 2016 -- A new ASTM International standard, C1782 Standard Specification for Utility Segmental Concrete Paving Slabs, sets minimum requirements for flexural strength, dimensional tolerances, and freeze-thaw durability for slabs with dimensions ranging from 12 by 12 in. to 48 by 48 in. The new standard supports growing use of slabs for commercial and residential projects, according to Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI).
Paving slabs represented 13.2% of total segmental concrete pavement production in the U.S. and Canada last year, according to the newly released 2016 ICPI Industry Sales Profile. The report also found that there was a 6.3% increase in commercial applications for slabs in 2015.
“For the first time, paving slab manufacturers, material suppliers, testing labs, and other experts worked together to develop a product standard that addresses the needs of this important paving product group,” said Matt Lynch, chairman of ICPI. “Architects, civil engineers, and landscape architects will benefit when writing construction specifications. Paving slab manufacturers will use the standard to promote products that meet or exceed its requirements. The standard will also provide concrete testing labs the opportunity to offer an additional service in testing paving slabs.”
Due to their larger size, paving slabs did not fall under the existing ASTM standard for interlocking concrete paving units (C936). C1782 now provides a set of requirements that producers can meet which uses familiar ASTM terms and references.
“This standard fills a major gap for these products,” said David R. Smith, ASTM member and ICPI Technical Director. “There have been a few notable paving slab failures over the years in part due to poor pavement design and also lack of product standards. C1782 provides a baseline acceptance standard using any of three manufacturing processes: dry cast, wet cast, and hydraulically pressed.”
The new standard is for utility slabs and not expressly for high end architectural applications. ASTM will likely see an additional standard or amending C1782 to include closer tolerance paving slabs with architectural finishes for roof deck and at-grade applications.
About ICPI
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) supports its members in assuring segmental concrete pavement systems are the preferred choice for sustainable and environmentally friendly pavements in North America. ICPI aims to increase awareness, use and acceptance of segmental concrete pavement systems in North America through the development of marketing and technical resources for design professionals, contractors and homeowners. To learn more about ICPI, visit http://www.icpi.org. To purchase the 2016 ICPI Industry Sales Profile, visit https://www.icpi.org/shop.
Dennis Smith, Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, http://www.icpi.org, 703-657-6898, [email protected]
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