An ASTM International standard establishes minimum flexural strength, dimensional tolerances and freeze-thaw durability requirements for concrete paving slabs used in commercial and residential projects.

C1782/C1782M, Specification for Utility Segmental Concrete Paving Slabs, determines standards for such products with dimensions ranging from 12" x 12" to 48" x 48". Due to their larger size, these paving slabs do not fall under the existing ASTM standard for interlocking concrete paving units (C936).

The specification determines standards for concrete pavement slabs with dimensions ranging from 12" by 12" to 48" by 48". Image credit: Pixabay.“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 ASTM member David R. Smith, technical director at the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. “C1782 provides a baseline acceptance standard using any of three manufacturing processes: dry cast, wet cast and hydraulically pressed.”

The standard—developed by ASTM International’s Committee on Manufactured Masonry Units (C15)—is geared to architects, civil engineers and landscape architects, who will use it when writing construction specifications. Paving slab manufacturers will use the standard to promote products that meet or exceed its requirements.

The standard will also give concrete testing labs the opportunity to provide an additional service in testing paving slabs.