AASHTO M 36-16 (2020) covers corrugated steel pipe intended for use for storm water drainage, underdrains, the construction of culverts, and similar uses. Pipe covered by this specification is not normally used for the conveyance of sanitary or industrial wastes. The steel sheet used in fabrication of the pipe has a protective metallic coating of zinc (galvanizing), aluminum Type 2, 55 percent aluminum-zinc alloy, zinc-5 percent aluminum-mischmetal alloy or aluminum Type 1.

Steel sheet with zinc and aramid fiber composite coating may be specified for fabrication of pipe. Pipe made from sheet with this composite coating is always furnished with an asphalt coating. Therefore, the requirements in this specification should be considered as applying to a semi-finished pipe; the finished pipe must include provisions of M 190.

Note--Pipe fabricated with zinc and aramid fiber composite coated sheet and asphalt postcoating may be used for sanitary sewers and industrial applications. Petroleum products or similar materials in the sewer effluent may affect the performance of the asphalt coating.

The several different metallic coatings may not provide equal protection of the base metal against corrosion or abrasion in all environments, or both. Some environments may be so severe that none of the metallic coatings included in this specification will provide adequate protection. Additional protection for corrugated steel pipe can be provided by use of coatings applied after fabrication of the pipe as described in M 190, or by use of polymer precoated corrugated steel pipe as described in M 245.

This specification does not include requirements for bedding, backfill, or the relationship between earth cover load and sheet thickness of the pipe. Experience has shown that the successful performance of this product depends upon the proper selection of sheet thickness, type of bedding and backfill, controlled manufacture in the plant, and care in the installation. The installation procedure is described in AASHTO's Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division II, Section 26.