Understanding How Molecular Differences Influence Plastic Pipe Performance

For any material, a basic understanding of physical and mechanical properties forms the foundation upon which the best engineering design decisions can be made regarding the use of that material. This concept certainly applies to all current piping materials, including the plastic materials that have gained widespread acceptance and use in the range of buried pipeline applications. This paper examines the basic differences between the two most commonly used buried pipeline plastics — polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). The differences will be traced back to their respective molecular compositions and structures, which provide a clear explanation and understanding of their variations in performance behavior. The discussion includes their impact on pipe applications and performance optimization. The physical properties covered and explained include molecular weight, molecular bonding forces, molecular structure (morphology), glass transition temperature, melt temperature, specific gravity, hardness, and resistance to some of the more common chemical environments. The mechanical properties examined include tensile strength, long-term stress capacity, modulus of elasticity, viscoelastic creep, thermal expansion/contraction, and static fracture toughness.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/41187(420)78
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780784411872
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2011 ASCE
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Walker, Bob
• Conference:
  • Pipelines Conference 2011
  • Location: Seattle WA, United States
  • Date: 2011-7-23 to 2011-7-27
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 848-863
• Monograph Title: Pipelines 2011: A Sound Conduit for Sharing Solutions

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Mechanical properties; Pipelines; Plastic pipe; Polyvinyl chloride; Tensile strength
• Uncontrolled Terms: High density polyethylene
• Subject Areas: Materials; Pipelines; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01380472
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780784411872
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Aug 21 2012 5:09PM