49 CFR 195 "Pipelines Facilities for Transportation of Hazardous Liquids or Carbon Dioxide" states that "Butt welding type fittings must meet the bursting strength requirements of ASME B16.9". Further down, 49 CFR 195 allows changes in pipe direction by bending pipe. ASME B31.4 "Pipeline Transportation systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids" also has similar language. ASME B16.9 applies to "Factory Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings" and states that fabricators of wrought fittings can the specified burst testing method to qualify the fitting design. If, during the construction of a buried steel fuel pipeline, a 90° change in direction is required, and the Contractor has a fabricator make a 90°bend by bending pipe, does this bursting test requirement still apply? The pipe being used to fabricate the bend is thicker than the straight pipe being used; after bending, the wall thickness of the bend will exceed that of the adjacent pipe; and calculations per ASME B31.3 show that the wall thickness of the bend is abotu 4 times that required.