The Long Term Performance of Plastics Pipes [PE, PVC]

Since the early Eighties the UK Watec Industry has witnessed a significant growth in the use of MDPE pipe. To ensure confidence in the use of the material and to generate confidence in PVC-U pipes, a collaborative project between the Water Industry and the manufacturers, was undertaken. The aims of the project were :- to eharacterise MDPE and PVC-U polymers and pipes. To look in detail at the performance of both materials in fatigue. To discover the range of service conditions outside which fast fracture may occur in HOPE. To monitor the ageing of both materials in the ground. This paper outlines the structure of the project and indicates the benefits gained by the participants.