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.
PVC sewer pipes in deep-burial applications: Finite-element analysis and laser-profiling of an in-service pipeline.
Tools to assist engineers with hydraulic design.
Comparison of PVC and fiberglass large-diameter sewer pipes.
Revisions to PVC sewer-pipe standards require updates to utility master specs as well as project specs.
PVC pipe has been in service in North America since the 1950s and has proven its ability to function well when exposed to the rigors of cold-temperature installation and operation. PVC is widely used in Canada, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, so cold weather is not a limiting factor for PVC pipe projects.
Many pipe installers think that a PVC pipe spigot is correctly installed if its insertion line has disappeared into the pipe bell. They believe that the purpose of the line is to ensure that the spigot has been installed far enough to allow the gasket to seal properly. This is only partly correct.
The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association has recently published sample specifications for water and sewer pipes.
As with many subjects, there is a germ of truth to the allegation: it is true that UV radiation from sunlight can affect the outermost surface of PVC pipe. However, even after prolonged exposure, there is no practical effect on the pipe’s performance characteristics.
Molecularly Oriented PVC Pipe — PVCO: light-weight, thinner-walled alternative with the same pressure capacity as thicker-walled PVC pipe.
PVC pressure fittings — guide for design and installation.
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