The Dynamic Fatigue Behaviour of UPVC Pressure Pipe

The dynamic fatigue performance of a new high strength, oriented, uPVC (HSPVC) pressure pipe is compared to the conventional as-extruded uPVC product under similar test conditions. Results obtained by cycling the hydraulic pressure in lengths of standard production pipe and by applying cyclic circumferential tensile stresses to short hoop specimens cut from pipe are included and both testing techniques detailed. Comparisons are made with other published data in the field and results overall are used to demonstrate the superior dynamic fatigue resistance of HSPVC over its traditional counterpart. Some pointers to the likely long term dynamic performance of both products in the field are given.