Technical Blog

Welcome to John’s Blog. Answers to frequently asked questions are periodically posted here. The objective is to share information about PVC pipe with readers as well as with utilities, design engineers and pipe installers. The blog provides the latest information on PVC pipe design, installation, and application for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

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John Houle: Senior Technical Consultant, PVC Pipe Industry

John Houle holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from the University of Oregon. He has more than 25 years of experience in the plastic pipe industry in applications engineering, market development, forensic analysis, technical writing, and standards development.

Introduction to Molecularly Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride (PVCO) Pipe

Feb 7, 2024  John Houle

Molecularly Oriented PVC Pipe — PVCO: light-weight, thinner-walled alternative with the same pressure capacity as thicker-walled PVC pipe.

Testing Confirms PVC Pipe Hydraulic Coefficients Are Conservative

Sep 26, 2023  John Houle

Recent hydraulic research on new and in-service PVC pipe has confirmed that industry-recommended flow coefficients are conservative for design of pressure and non-pressure pipes.

PVC Force Main Cyclic-Life Calculator

Sep 21, 2021  John Houle

New online calculator for PVC sewer force mains uses project parameters to calculate expected cyclic life and determine the appropriate DR for projects.

New PVC Force Main Design Guide

Sep 8, 2021  John Houle

Guide for PVC sewer force mains uses recently developed method for cyclic-fatigue design.

Internal Pressure Design Calculator for PVC Pipe

Jun 29, 2020  John Houle

Calculator for designing PVC pipe for internal pressures.

External Load Design Calculator for PVC Pipe

May 11, 2020  John Houle

Calculator for designing PVC pipe for earth and live loads.  Users input soil and pipe parameters to calculate deflections.

Assessing Environmental Product Declarations for Underground Piping

Apr 14, 2020  John Houle

Find out how to objectively evaluate sustainability and environmental claims for underground infrastructure.

Organotin (Tin) Stabilizers: Not a Health Concern for PVC Pipe

Mar 25, 2019  John Houle

PVC pipe’s organotin stabilizers — not a health concern.

PVC Pipe Accommodates Dynamic Ground Movement

Mar 12, 2019  John Houle

PVC pipe — an excellent choice for ground-movement situations

Sample Specifications for PVC Water and Sewer Pipes

Feb 25, 2019  John Houle

The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association has recently published sample specifications for water and sewer pipes.