Abstract

This practice covers the standard materials and installation procedures for polyethylene encasement to be applied to underground installations of ductile iron pipe for water or other liquids. It may also be used for polyethylene encasement of fittings, valves, and other appurtenances to ductile iron pipe systems. Linear low-density and high-density cross-laminated polyethylene films shall be manufactured of virgin polyethylene material, and shall conform to the required group, density, dielectric strength, and volume resistivity specifications. The polyethylene encasement material shall also be in accordance to the tensile strength, elongation, dielectric strength, impact resistance, and propagation tear resistance requirements. The polyethylene encasement shall be installed in such a way that it shall prevent contact between the pipe and the surrounding backfill and bedding material without intending to be a completely airtight or watertight enclosure. The polyethylene film shall be fitted to the contour of the pipe with sufficient slack to prevent stretching the polyethylene bridging irregular surfaces. For installations below the water table or in areas subject to tidal actions, or both, it is recommended that tube-form polyethylene be used with both ends sealed as thoroughly as possible with adhesive tape or plastic tie straps at the joint overlap.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers materials and installation procedures for polyethylene encasement to be applied to underground installations of ductile iron pipe. It may also be used for polyethylene encasement of fittings, valves, and other appurtenances to ductile iron pipe systems.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.2.1 Important SI values are provided in brackets. Also, certain important SI values appear without brackets or parentheses.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies

D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

D1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method

D1922 Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method

D4976 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials

ANSI/AWWA Standards

Keywords

corrosion protection; ductile iron pipe; polyethylene encasement; soil-test evaluation; stray direct current; Ductile iron pipe; Encasement; Iron pipe/fittings; Polyethylene (PE) pipe; Underground installation--water supply/distribution systems;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 23.040.10 (Iron and steel pipes)

DOI: 10.1520/A0674-10

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM A674