Tanques Enterrados

Installation Guide for PVC Pressure Pipe
This installation guide has been developed by North American Pipe Corporation for use as a field installation guide. General information regarding the correct installation of PVC pressure pipe and assembly of integral bell gasketed joints is included. For more detailed technical information, refer to American Water Works Association C605, “UndergroundInstallation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe and Fittings for Water.” This installation guide outlines design and construction practices. The statements contained in this installation guide are those of North American Pipe Corporation and are not warranties, nor are they intended to be warranties.

TRENCHING
Clean trenches save time and money. Don’t let the excavated material blocksidewalks, drive or utility outlets. Follow all safety rules and regulations. Protect workers with sheeting and trench boxes in hazardous areas and slope walls in dry soils. When sheeting or trench box is moved, make sure the pipe is not moved and the side support material is not disturbed.

WIDTH OF TRENCH
The width of the top of the trench will be determined by local conditions. At the pipe zone,the trench width should be kept to a practical minimum. The minimum clear width of the trench measured at the springline of the pipe is generally specified at least one foot greater than the outside diameter of the pipe to enable backfill material to be installed in the haunching area. Where embedment compaction is required, the trench shall be wide enough to accommodate the compaction equipment.If minimum trench width is exceeded, and embedment compaction is required, pipe zone haunching should be compacted to a point at least one pipe diameter from the pipe on both sides of the pipe.

RECEIVING
When a load of pipe arrives at a job site, it is your responsibility to check it thoroughly. If possible, inspect each piece for damage. Check quantities against the shipping list. Notemissing or damaged items on bill of lading. Set aside any damaged items and notify the shipper.

UNLOADING
It is also your responsibility to unload the shipment. DO IT WITH REASONABLE CARE. Careless unloading can result in damaged product or personal injury. Use a fork-lift or front-end loader with fork attachment, if available. Ensure the fork attachment is long enough to support the bundles. Whenunloading by hand, remove one piece at a time, and block the shipment to keep pipe from rolling off the truck.

DEPTH OF TRENCH
For water distribution and transmission lines, pipe should be buried so that the top of the pipe is at least 6 inches (150 mm) below the deepest recorded penetration of frost. Where surface loads will be encountered and where frost is not a problem, the minimum heightof cover over the crown of the pipe is 12 inches (300 mm).

STORAGE
If you can unload the shipment in unit packages, the pipe will be easier to store. Stack it on reasonably level ground. If you unload one piece at a time, place the pipe bevel to bell. Never stack over eight feet in height. Don’t stack the pipe next to heat sources such as boilers, steam lines, electrical equipment or engineexhausts. Gaskets should also be protected from heat, oil and grease.

THE BOTTOM OF THE TRENCH
The objective of bedding is to provide a continuous support for the pipe at the required line and grade. Frozen material should not be used to support or bed the pipe. At least 4 inches (100 mm) of bedding material should be placed under the pipe if rocky conditions exist. The bedding may or may not becompacted, but in any event, the projecting bells of the pipe should be properly relieved in the trench bottom so that the entire pipe is evenly supported by the bedding. Where the trench bottom is unstable (organic material, or “quick” sand or similar material), the trench bottom should be over-excavated and brought back to grade with approved material.

HANDLING
DO NOT DROP THE PIPE. String...