CULTEC, Inc. Achieves a Published ASTM Product Standard

BROOKFIELD, Connecticut – CULTEC, Inc. successfully balloted a newly approved and published ASTM product standard, designated as ASTM F3430-20, Specification for Cellular Polypropylene (PP) Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection Chambers.

This new standard defines the requirements for PP chambers manufactured by the structural foam process, which produces chambers with a cellular wall. Since this was the first product of its kind brought before the ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping, CULTEC went the extra mile to incorporate innovative testing and inspection processes into the standard to ensure consistent quality products.

According to Michelle Zwick, CULTEC’s Technical Contact for the standard development, “Persistence and faith in the process was key to a successful outcome.  Every step of the way was rooted in integrity and science.”

Although ASTM F3430 is a newly approved standard specification, it is technically sound, for several reasons. First, it is similar to existing standards for stormwater chambers, namely ASTM F2418, Standard Specification for Polypropylene (PP) Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection Chambers, and ASTM F2922, Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection Chambers.

Second, although the performance requirements mirror those of the other stormwater chamber standards, additional quality assurance requirements were included in ASTM F3430 to ensure that the customer consistently receives a part that meets the standard.  It’s all about protecting the consumer. Finally, the draft of ASTM F3430 underwent multiple iterations given active participation within the ASTM task group, helping ensure the technical requirements were adequate.

“The development process of ASTM F3430 was a test of resilience and resolution,” said Abraham Murra of Abraham Murra Consulting.  “Michelle demonstrated her abilities to bring a group of diverse interests to consensus and her professionalism in handling difficult situations.”

ASTM F3430 will provide regulatory agencies and specifying engineers with the ability to select a product designed and tested to meet strict material and structural requirements.  Additionally, manufacturers may use ASTM F3430 as a guide for designing and testing a cellular plastic chamber that meets these requirements as well.

Design engineers and regulatory agencies will refer to ASTM F3430 when selecting an appropriate product for use in an underground stormwater retention/detention system.  Because these systems are often installed under trafficked areas, it is critical that the chambers are designed to withstand heavy truck and soil loads in the short and long-term.  When a chamber system is specified to meet the requirements of ASTM F3430, the user will have peace of mind that the product was designed, tested, and manufactured to the highest standard for long-lasting structural performance.