ASTM International

Standard Specification for Polymeric Piles
 N D7258

Annotation

This specification addresses the use of round and rectangular cross-section polymeric piles in axial and lateral load-bearing applications, including but not limited to marine, waterfront, and corrosive environments.

This specification is only applicable to individual polymeric pile products. Sheet pile and other mechanically connected polymeric pile products using inter-locking systems, are not part of this specification.

The piling products considered herein are characterized by the use of polymers, whereby (1) the pile strength or stiffness requires the inclusion of the polymer, or (2) a minimum of fifty percent (50 %) of the weight or volume is derived from the polymer. The type classifications of polymeric piles described in Section 4 show how they can be reinforced by composite design for increased stiffness or strength.

This specification covers polymeric piles fabricated from materials that are virgin, recycled, or both, as long as the finished product meets all of the criteria specified herein. Diverse types and combinations of inorganic filler systems are permitted in the manufacturing of polymeric piling products. Inorganic fillers include such materials as talc, mica, silica, wollastonite, calcium carbonate, etc. Pilings are often placed in service where they will be subjected to continuous damp or wet exposure conditions. Due to concerns of water sensitivity and possible affects on mechanical properties in such service conditions, organic fillers, including lignocellulosic materials such as those made or derived from wood, wood flour, flax shive, rice hulls, wheat straw, and combinations thereof, are not permitted in the manufacturing of polymeric piling products.

The values are stated in inch-pound units as these are currently the most common units used by the construction industry.