Best 16" waterline material for wet soils conditions

[Denob]

What is the best material for a 16" water transmission line that will buried in wet soils via open-cut (let's assume that well pointing or trenchless is not an option)? I was thinking of CertaLok's new 16" C905 PVC because of its restrained joint system. Any other thoughts?

 

[cvg]

what do you mean by "wet soils"? Will this be below the water table?

 

[stanier]

PE or ABS would be used in Australia although their is some reluctance to use PE because of safety issues. If the pipe needs to be repaired there is concern about using electrical butt fusion equipment in a wet trench.

ABS is available up to DN800 Class 15. Its not the stufff from the USA but made to AS 3518. Used extensively in water and wastewater, bilding services and slurry applications. Its also available as a preformed insulated pipe. Ideal for chilled water reticulation.

The material is manufactured in Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. It complies with world standards for potable water use.

http://www.tycowater.com.au/water/products/plastic_pipeline_systems/plastic_products

 

[cvg]

be careful with lightweight pipe in wet trench, if water table rises enough, it could float. You need sufficient cover or dead weight to counteract the bouyant force of an empty pipe.

 

[BRIS]

I think by your comment that well pointing is not an option you are proposing to lay under water. That is to joint and string the pipe laong the trench and then lower into the water. Your choices include welded steel, solvent welded Upvc - but be careful with the hadeling, GRP (Glass reinforced fibre) with wiped joints, HDPE etc. You need to sink the pipe either by fillingwith water or adding weights - concrete collars.

If not and you are only concerned with the groundwater level rising after pipe laying then you don't need any form of welded or locked joint. At normal cover of 3 feet (800 mm) the weight of the backfill will restrian the pipe. DIPRA will tell you that ductile iron is the best material other assocaitions will tell you the PVC is best etc - you have to go through the normal pipe selection procedure of corrositivity, capital and installation cost, prssure rasting, surge capacity etc.