Concrete pipes come in many types and sizes, including standard concrete pipe sizes. As a popular product in the construction industry, concrete pipe has many uses and is essential for home improvements and remodeling projects.

This article will guide you as you scout the standard concrete pipe sizes for your project.

What Is a Standard Concrete Pipe?

Concrete pipe is a type of pipe used for conveying liquids, gasses, and slurries. It is made from concrete and features either spiral reinforcement or longitudinal steel reinforcing bars to increase its strength.

The most common types of concrete pipes you’ll find are:

• Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP): It has two layers of reinforcing hoops on the outside and can be used for pipelines carrying high-capacity water or sewage. RCP comes in diameters ranging from 1/2 inch to 72 inches.
• Precast reinforced concrete pipe (PRC): PRC is made from hollow tubes filled with precast concrete. At the installation site, the pipe is inserted into sleeves as individual segments or panels and cured with an external layer of cement or grout. Precast concrete comes in standard sizes up to 48 inches in diameter, but you can customize it to meet specific needs. During manufacturing, you would add more reinforcement materials inside each section before curing it as a one-piece unit.

Concrete Pipe Grades and Pipe Classifications

It is possible to design and test precast concrete pipe to satisfy any loading situation, making it the most robust pipe available. Concrete pipes differ in their pre-installed strengths —  measured through a D-Load test expressing pounds per linear foot per diameter foot or lb/ft/ft.

Class I through Class V concrete pipes earn their classifications from the D-Load test carried out at the factory. Classes I through III have a minimum D-load of 800, 1000, and 1350, respectively, and a maximum D-load capacity of 1200, 1500, and 2000, respectively. Class IV has a minimum D-load of 2000 and a maximum D-load of 3000, while Class V has a minimum and maximum D-load of 3000 and 3750, respectively.

Standard Concrete Pipe Sizes

Standard concrete pipe sizes are 18, 15, 12, 10, and 8 inches. The size of a concrete pipe is determined by its diameter.

ASTM C76 is a standard for reinforced and non-reinforced concrete pipes. The specification covers joints in straight sections of concrete. The ASTM C76 specification covers tongue and groove joints with rubber gaskets in straight sections of concrete pipes up to 9 feet long.

AASHTO M170 and M196 cover joints in straight sections with a concrete pipe thickness of 4 to 15 inches for precast and cast-in-place pipe products, including steel reinforcing bars.

What Are the Different Uses for Standard Concrete Pipe?

Standard concrete pipe has many uses, but its applicability depends on several factors, such as concrete pipe thickness or diameter. Possible uses include:

• Storm drains
• Water lines
• Sewage lines
• Drainage pipes
• Irrigation pipes
• Gas lines

Get Your Standard Concrete Pipes  

Knowing the concrete pipe sizes and specifications can help you choose a material that fits your project needs, be it standard or large concrete pipe sizes.

The most common diameter for concrete pipe is 48 inches, often used in home construction and commercial applications. The 48-inch size refers directly to the diameter of the hole it will fit into, so if you’re installing a storm drain or culvert using concrete pipe dimensions of 12 inches or 18 inches, ensure you have enough space available to accommodate the entire length.

We have many types of concrete pipes: slotted, perforated, and corrugated. All work well, depending on your application. If you need help choosing the right product and reviewing the concrete pipe sizes chart, contact AmeriTex Pipe & Products today!