New Practice for Risk Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events on Plastic Pipes and Drainage Structures
1. Scope
This risk assessment methodology is applicable for assessing the effects of climate change and extreme weather events on the performance of plastic pipes and drainage structures. Extreme weather events covered in this practice include severe storms, tropical cyclones and hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Plastic pipes and drainage structures covered in this standard practice include plastic and composite storm drains, culverts, and other structures used for non-pressure stormwater drainage applications.
Keywords
Sustainability; Resilience; Plastic Pipe; Risk Assessment; Climate Change; Extreme Weather Events; Culverts; Storm Drains
Rationale
Climate change has resulted in increased frequencies and durations of more extreme weather events, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes. The effects that these extreme weather events pose on buried structures has not been adequately addressed or quantified in existing standards. This standard practice offers a methodology to calculate and assess the risk that these events pose on buried structures and to provide guidance regarding how these risks could be mitigated. The methodology is based on research published in the Transportation Research Record in 2022 [Pluimer, M. L. (2022).
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 06-13-2025
Technical Contact: Michael Pluimer
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: