ACI SPEC-350.1-22 PDF

Full title and description

SPEC-350.1-22 — Tightness Testing of Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures — Specification. This ACI specification provides standardized test methods, acceptance criteria, and procedural requirements for demonstrating liquid- and gas-tightness of concrete environmental engineering structures (reservoirs, tanks, channels, and similar containment structures), including hydrostatic, surcharged hydrostatic, pneumatic, and combination tests.

Abstract

SPEC-350.1-22 establishes test procedures and acceptance criteria for conducting tightness tests on concrete containment structures and assemblies. The specification covers preparatory work, test execution (hydrostatic, surcharged hydrostatic, pneumatic, and combination methods), instrumentation and monitoring, safety considerations, and reporting requirements. It is intended to be used where contract documents require verification of watertightness or gastightness in environmental engineering concrete works.

General information

• Status: Current / Active.
• Publication date: 2022 (ACI SPEC-350.1 — 2022 edition).
• Publisher: American Concrete Institute (ACI).
• ICS / categories: Construction materials and environmental engineering standards (commonly indexed under ICS 91.100 — Construction materials and related categories).
• Edition / version: 2022 edition (SPEC-350.1-22).
• Number of pages: 18 pages (typical ACI product listing for the SPEC-350.1-22 document).

Scope

This specification applies to the tightness testing of concrete and composite environmental engineering containment structures designed to resist liquid or gaseous loads. It covers testing after construction and when concrete has reached the required compressive strength, unless otherwise specified in contract documents. Tests included are: hydrostatic tightness testing for open or covered structures, surcharged hydrostatic testing for closed structures, pneumatic testing for closed structures, and combination hydrostatic–pneumatic procedures. Project-specific contract documents may modify or supplement the Specification’s provisions.

Key topics and requirements

• Types of tests: hydrostatic, surcharged hydrostatic, pneumatic, and combination tests and selection criteria for each type.
• Preparatory requirements prior to testing: cleaning, repairs, isolation of cells, and verification that concrete has achieved specified strength.
• Test acceptance criteria: allowable leakage limits, measurement intervals, and evaluation methods for pass/fail decisions.
• Instrumentation and measurement procedures: water-level monitoring, pressure gauges, and instrumentation calibration and reporting.
• Safety and environmental considerations: handling of test fluids, confined-space precautions, and hazard controls for pneumatic testing.
• Documentation and reporting: required test records, witness and observer roles, and recommended report contents for contract compliance.

Typical use and users

Used by owners, specifying engineers, design firms, construction contractors, testing agencies, and commissioning teams involved in water and wastewater treatment plants, potable water reservoirs, secondary containment structures, process and industrial tanks, channels, and other liquid- or gas-containing concrete structures where verified tightness is required. The specification is often referenced in contract documents to provide a clear, uniform set of acceptance tests.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ACI and related documents include ACI 350 (Code/Guide for environmental engineering concrete structures), ACI 350.5 (specifications related to environmental concrete), and other test standards or material specifications called out in contract documents. Project contracts may also reference national or local regulations for containment and environmental protection.

Keywords

tightness testing, hydrostatic test, pneumatic test, surcharged hydrostatic, containment, reservoirs, tanks, leakage criteria, environmental engineering, ACI SPEC-350.1-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SPEC-350.1-22 is the American Concrete Institute specification that defines accepted procedures and acceptance criteria for demonstrating the liquid- or gas-tightness of environmental engineering concrete structures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers preparatory requirements, test methods (hydrostatic, surcharged hydrostatic, pneumatic, and combinations), measurement and instrumentation practices, acceptance criteria for leakage, safety considerations, and reporting requirements for containment structures constructed of concrete or concrete combined with other materials.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Owners, design engineers, contractors, testing/inspection agencies, and commissioning teams for water/wastewater treatment facilities, potable water reservoirs, secondary containment and industrial process tanks, channels, and similar structures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 SPEC-350.1 edition is the current ACI specification for tightness testing (replacing earlier ACI 350.1 editions). Users should always confirm the edition required by contract documents.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — SPEC-350.1-22 is associated with the ACI 350 family of documents covering environmental engineering concrete structures (codes, guides, and related specifications) and is commonly used alongside ACI 350 (code/guide) and related ACI specifications and reports.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Tightness testing, hydrostatic test, pneumatic test, leakage acceptance, containment structures, reservoirs, tanks, environmental engineering, ACI SPEC-350.1-22.