Parvez, J. & Nichols, R. (2023). Plastics Pipes Conference XXI, Lake Buena Vista. Available via the Plastic Pipes Conference Association database.
All thermoplastic and thermoset pipes must consider the impacts of cyclic loading on overall performance. Since its first use, PVC pipes have been tested for its resilience to such loading. As testing evolved over time, the method to determine cyclic capacity for gasketed PVC pipes has improved.
Previously, the cyclic equation was quite complex, requiring an iterative process or use of a 3-axis graph, and was accurate within a certain range of stress amplitude.
Recently, the PVC pipe industry worked with Utah State University to develop a new equation to calculate cyclic life for gasketed PVC pipe, which is simple to use and accurate for any stress amplitude. This new method has been recently incorporated into the new AWWA C900-22 standard.
This presentation will review the history of cyclic design for PVC pipes and present the new, simplified method, known as the Folkman method.
