When we talk about the specifications on our waterworks products, we often reference the waterworks fastener standards from the ASTM, AWWA, and ASME. These organizations provide the standards over many things including all fasteners used in waterworks applications. It’s important to keep up with these organizations to ensure that all standards are being followed. Here’s an overview of the organizations and their responsibilities.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international non-profit association founded to manage water quality and supply. It is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world, including scientists, public water and waste system professionals, manufacturing companies, regulators, environmentalists, and others working to improve water systems around the world. The AWWA develops industry standards for products and processes related to water. There are over 150 AWWA standards covering filtration systems, utility management practices, pumps, tanks, steel, pipes, and fittings. At Birmingham Fastener, we follow AWWA standards for all of our water works products including t-head bolts, mechanical joint gasket and bolt packs, and other products. To learn more about the AWWA, visit their website.
ASTM International is an all-encompassing organization that produces over 12,000 standards for many different types of products globally. In relation to structural bolt specification, the ASTM provides the standards for how the bolts are made and what raw materials can be used to create them. Each ASTM standard is reviewed at a minimum of every three years, meaning standards can change. For example, prior to 2015, ASTM A325 and A490 were separate specifications. After a review of the standards, these were replaced by F3125, making A325 and A490 grades under the F3125 specification. ASTM International also provides the standards on testing methods and what tests have to be done on all structural bolts prior to installation. To learn more about ASTM International, visit their website.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a not-for-profit organization that works towards collaboration and skill development for engineering disciplines. They produce codes and standards for many different technical fields, including the fastener field. In regards to fasteners, the ASME provides manufacturers with dimensional standards and thread lengths for all types of bolts, including bolts used in waterworks. For more information on the ASME, visit their website.