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.
The PVC Pipe Association has released the "Internal Pressure Design Calculator for PVC Pipe," which assists users in the design of PVC pipe for various pressure limit states. The methodology follows the latest version of AWWA C900 "Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, 4 In. Through 60 In." as well as the Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction (5th Edition). The user simply inputs pipe size, outside diameter (OD) regimen and operating temperature. Pressure inputs include working pressure, occasional surge pressure (also known as "emergency surge"), recurring surge and field hydrostatic test pressure. The calculator output is the pipe's actual OD dimension, required dimension ratio (DR) and required pressure class/rating. Note that this calculator only checks PVC pressure pipe capacity for these limit states. It does not check for design life from recurring (cyclic) surge pressures. An upcoming cyclic calculator will address this topic. Click here for calculator.
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