Specification

for FRP
Products

SAMPLE
SPECIFICAT
IONS

1
Guide Lines Specification “Standard Specification for
Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe (FRP) “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber Reinforced
Thermosetting-Resin) Sewer Pipe”
1. Scope
2.3 For joints:
This specification applies to the
ASTM D4161
furnishing of all labor, materials and
“Standard Specification for
services in connection with the
“Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced
manufacturing, testing, delivery, and
Thermosetting Resin) Pipe Joints
installation of underground Fiberglass
Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals.
Reinforced Plastic (FRP)* gravity and
pressure piping, joints, fittings and
spools as specified in the engineering
2.4 For Test Methods
documents and drawings for pipe size
up to 4000 mm. The specification
The following additional standard shall
covers operating internal gauge
be used as references where
pressures up to 32 bar.
appropriate:
In case of conflict, the requirements of
SASO no 2413 – 00*
this specification shall control.
“Test Methods for Fiberglass
Reinforced Resin Pipes”
2. Codes, Standards and Manuals
ASTM D638
“Standard Test Method for Tensile
All pipes joints and fittings supplied
Properties of Plastics”
under this specification shall, as a
ASTM D2290
minimum, meet the requirements of
“Standard Test Method for Apparent
the following standards:
Tensile Strength of Ring or Tubular
Plastics and Reinforced Plastics by
2.1 For pressure pipe:
Split Disk Method”
SASO 1578 – 99
ASTM D2412
“Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Buried
“Standard Test Method for External
Pressure Pipe”
Loading Properties of Plastic Pipe by
AWWA C950
Parallel-Plate Loading”
“AWWA Standard for Fiberglass
ASTM D2583
Pressure Pipe” and
“Standard Test Method for Indentation
ASTM D3517
Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means
“Standard Specification for
of a Barcol Impressor”
“Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber Reinforced
ASTM D2992
Thermosetting-Resin) Pressure Pipe”
“Standard Test Method for Obtaining
Hydrostatic Design Basis for
2.2 For gravity sewer pipe:
“Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced
SASO 1577 – 99
Thermosetting Resin) Pipe and
“Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Buried
Fittings”
Sewer Pipe” and
ASTM D3567
ASTM D3262
“Standard Test Method for
Determining Dimensions of
“Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced
*
Both Fiberglass Reinforced Thermosetting-
*
Resin Pipe (RTRP) and Reinforced-Resin The standard is under final stages of approval
Morter Pipe (RTMP) are FRP Pipes. and release.

2
Thermosetting Resin) Pipe and
Fittings”
ASTM D3681
“Standard Test Method for Chemical
Resistance of “Fiberglass” (Glass-
Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting Resin)
Pipe in a deflected condition”.
ASTM D5365
“Standard Test Method for Long -Term
Ring Bending Strain of “Fiberglass”
(Glass-Fiber-Reinforced
Thermosetting Resin) Pipe.
2.5 Product Manual
The following standard shall be used
as reference where appropriate:
AWWA Manual M45
“Fiberglass Pipe Design”
3. Product Description
3.1 Materials
3.1.1 Resin Systems
The Manufacturer will use only
approved polyester or vinylester resin
systems for which he can provide
documented performance in this
particular application. The data shall
have been acquired from a composite
material of similar construction and
composition as the product proposed
for this project.
3.1.2 Glass Reinforcements
The reinforcing glass fibers used to
manufacture the components shall be
of highest quality commercial grade of
glass filaments suitably treated with
binder and sizing compatible with
impregnating resins. The glass
reinforcement forms are: C-veil, direct
roving, and chop roving.
Unidirectional (Axial Tape) glass
reinforcement may also be used.
3.1.3 Fillers
Silica sand or other chemically
compatible fillers may be used in the
laminate
3.1.4 Electrometric Sealing Rings
Elastomeric Sealing Rings must be
supplied by recognized, acceptable,
quality Manufacturers. The elastomeric
compound used must be compatible
with the use environment.
3.2 Manufacture and Construction
3.2.1 Pipes
The pipes shall be supplied in
accordance with diameter and
tolerances specified in section 3.3.
They shall be manufactured by
controlled, continuous filament process
Drostholm or Flowtite with a winding
angle of 87° to 89° using the materials
described in section 3.1 to result in a
corrosion resistant composite structure
to meet the operating conditions for
this project as detailed in Table#1 for
each pipe diameter.
Stiffening ribs may be used to increase
the overall pipe stiffness. They can be
of glass fiber filament-wound or glass
fiber woven roving construction using
similar resin as used in the pipe
cylinder.
Table#1(1): Project Conditions
Project Condition Value
I) Pipe Attributes:
1. Pipe Diameter(s) (2), DN ……..
(mm)
2. Operating Pressure, PW
(Bar) ……..
3. Surge Pressure, PS, (Bar) ……..
4. Total Max. Pressure with
Surge PW + PS , (Bar) ……..
4. Negative Pressure, PV
(Bar) ……..
5. Factory Test Pressure(3)
(Bar) = 2 x PW ……..
6. Maximum Field Test
Pressure(4) = 1.5 x PW, ……..
(Bar)
7. Pipe Pressure Class(5), Pc
(Bar) ……..
8. Pipe Stiffness Class(6),
3
 STIS (Pa)
II) Installation Attributes:
9. Depth of Earth Cover(7)(8),
Minimum, Hmin , (m)
10. Depth of Earth Cover(7),
Maximum, Hmax , (m)
11. Ground Water Table
Depth, Hw(8) ,(m)
12. Trench Width, at Pipe
Spring Line, Bd , (m)
13. Vehicular Traffic Load,
Type or Wheel Load, (Kg)
14. Operating Temperature
15. Native Soil Description /
Type at pipe zone area(9)
16. Backfill Material Type and
Compaction Degree(10)
(1) One table may be prepared for each pipe size and/or
operating/installation condition
…….. Other joining methods such as Butt
and strap joints, flanged joints could be
used.
……..
…….. 3.2.3 Fittings
…….. Flanges, bends, reducers, tees, and
other fittings shall, when installed, be
…….. capable of withstanding all operating
conditions given in Table#1. Flanges
…….. and reducers shall be contact molded
…….. or winded. Other fittings shall be
manufactured from mitered sections of
…….. pipe joint by glass fiber reinforced
polyester or vinyl ester resin overlays.
…….. Fittings to be used inside chambers, if
any, shall be clearly identified to the
Manufacturer.

(2) Refer to sec.3.3.1 3.3 Dimensions

(3) For Sizes above 1300mm, test frequency as agreed
with the Manufacturer.
(4) Use of Field Joint Tester at the Manufacturer
recommended joint test pressure is acceptable.
(5) Pipe Pressure Class (PC) is to be selected from
Table#2. Note that PC  1.4 x (PW + PS)
(6) Refer to sec. 4.1
(7) Refer to sec. 4.1.2
(8) Ensure sufficient cover or provide pipe anchoring as
per manufacturer recommendation to prevent an
empty submerged pipe from floating at shallow
covers if water table is high.
(9) Refer to AWWA Manual M45, Chapter 5, Table 5-6.
Native soil reaction modulus, E’n , can be specified
in this field.
(10) Modulus of the soil reaction , E’b , for the pipe zone
backfill material can be specified in this field. Refer
to AWWA Manual M45 , Chapter 5, Table 5-5.
3.2.2 Joint types
The pipe shall be connected with glass
fiber reinforced double bell couplings
that utilize elastomeric sealing rings to
maintain joint water-tightness. The
joints must meet the performance
requirements of ASTM D4161.
3.3.1 Nominal Diameters
Pipe will be supplied with nominal
diameter (DN) for sizes 500mm and
above as multiples of 100mm, and
multiples of 50mm for sizes between
100 and 500mm. 80mm can also be
supplied.
3.3.2 Actual Outside Diameter
The pipe Outside Diameter (OD) shall
be at least 2% larger than the nominal
diameter (DN).
3.3.3 Lengths
The pipe standard effective length will
be 12m with a tolerance of ±25mm
for DN greater than 300mm and 6m
for sizes less than or equal to
300mm.Other section lengths (up to
18m) may be supplied for special
orders, subjected to the engineers
approval. A maximum of 10% of the
pipe sections may be supplied in
random or factory joint lengths, again
subjected to the approval of the
engineer.

3.3.4 Wall thickness

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The minimum average wall thickness The minimum and maximum earth
shall be the thickness as stated in cover for each pipe size and/or each
section 10.1.1. The minimum single length of the pipe to be supplied shall
point thickness shall not be less than be as summarized in Table#1.
87.5% of the stated thickness.
The pipe Manufacturer burial
3.3.5 End Squareness limitations (minimum and maximum)
All pipe ends shall be square to the based on the installation parameters
pipe axis ±6mm or ±0.5% of DN and the pipe STIS class shall be met.
whichever is the greater. Special installations shall be used
outside the limits (see section 7.2).
3.3.6 Tolerance of Fittings
The tolerance of the angle of the bend 4.2 Pressure Classes
and the angle between the header and Pressure classes shall be selected from
the branch of a tee shall be ±2°. The Table#2 below:
tolerance on the laying length of a
fitting shall be ±50mm.
Table#2: Pipe Pressure Classes(1)
4.0 Product Selection and Design Pressure Class Pressure Rating
PC (Bar)
4.1 Stiffness* H-010 1
Stiffness selection is dependent on H-030 3
burial conditions and operating H-060 6
vacuum (if it exists). Minimum H-090 9
stiffness shall not be less than H-100 10
10,000Pa for pipe diameter less than H-120 12
or equal to 300mm, and 2500Pa for H-150 15
pipe nominal diameter greater than H-160 16
300mm. Higher stiffness class if H-180 18
required for pipe diameter above H-200 20
300mm must be supplied to the H-250(2) 25
following Specific Tangential Initial H-320 (3)
32
Stiffness (STIS): 5,000Pa or
10,000Pa. (1) PC 1.4 x (PW + PS).
(2) Minimum STIS = 5,000Pa.
(3) Minimum STIS = 10,000Pa.
4.1.1 Operating Negative Pressure
The negative pressure (vacuum) is as 4.3 Pipe Design
shown in Table#1. The supplied pipe The underground pipe pressure and
stiffness class shall meet the negative stiffness class shall meet all design
pressure based on the installation requirements of AWWA Manual M45 –
attributes as specified in Table#1. Chapter 5 based on either the
installation attributes as defined in
4.1.2 Burial Conditions Table#1 (if given), or the Manufacturer
* installation requirements for the
Pipe Stiffness is Measured as Specific Initial
Tangential Stiffness , STIS; it is equal to EI/D3, specific native soil conditions. The
where E is the ring flexural modulus of design shall be on strain basis.
elasticity, I is moment of inertia of pipe wall
for ring bending and equals to tT/12, where, tT 5.0 Qualification Testing
is the total pipe wall thickness, and D is the
pipe mean diameter.

5
The physical properties and
characteristics of the pipes shall be
determined by prototype testing of the
manufactured product. These tests
need not be conducted specifically for
this project if prior tests on similar
products have been previously
completed. Testing may be conducted
on one diameter and extrapolated to
other diameters if the pipes are of
similar composition and material
arrangement and are manufactured
from the same materials specification
using a similar process.
All prototype test results must be
retained by the Manufacturer and be
available for inspection by purchased.
5.1 Hydrostatic Design Basis-HDB
The hydrostatic design basis (HDB)
will be obtained in accordance with
procedure B of ASTM D2992, being
established at an extrapolated 50-year
value, or in accordance with SASO no
2413 – 00.
5.2 Long - Term Ring Bending
Strength-Sb
The long-term ring bending strength
(Sb) will be determined in accordance
to ASTM D5365 for water projects, or
in accordance with SASO no 2413 –
00.
Minimum values for Sb, expressed as
relative pipe deflection is:
STIS STIS STIS
2500Pa 5000Pa 10000Pa
15% 12% 9%
5.3 Long-Term Strain Corrosion-Ssc
The long-term ring deflection in a
chemical environment (Ssc), often
referred to as strain corrosion, will be
determined in accordance to ASTM
D3681 for sewer and industrial waste
projects, or in accordance with SASO
no 2413 – 00.
Minimum values for Ssc shall meet
SASO 1578 – 99 or ASTM D3262
requirements.
5.3 Joints
Flexible coupling joints shall be
qualified per ASTM D4161.
6.0 Product Use
6.1 Deflection
The maximum allowable initial
diametrical deflection shall be as per
Manufacturer recommendations and it
shall in no case be more than 3%.
The maximum allowable long-term
deflection shall be as per Manufacturer
recommendations and it shall in no
case be more than 6%.
The maximum allowable angular
deflection (turn) at any coupling joint
must not exceed the Manufacturer’s
allowable joint angular deflection
limit. Use of angular joint deflection to
obtain directional change along the
pipe centerline is acceptable subjected
to the engineer’s approval and the
Manufacturer’s acceptance.
6.2 Operating Temperature
The maximum allowable operating
temperature of the pipes shall be as
given in Table#1.
7.0 Installation Procedures
7.1 Standard Installation Procedures
FRP pipes shall be installed in
accordance with the installation
parameters as specified in Table#1
(when given) or in accordance with
Manufacturer’s installation instructions
brochure.
7.2 Additional Procedures
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Additional installation procedures like
pipe or fitting concrete encasement /
pouring, pipe flexibility at rigid
connections, pipe end reinforcement,
field closure sections, pipe casing
procedures, use of concrete cover
slabs, ..etc. shall be done as per the
Manufacturer installation instructions
or his written advice.
8.0 Quality Control Testing
The manufacturer shall be ISO 9000
certified (have established Quality
System and Procedures). Quality
control testing shall be conducted in
accordance with this specification and
in accordance with SASO no 2413 –
00 or ASTM relevant test method.
These tests shall as a minimum cover:
A. Pipe stiffness
B. Hydrostatic testing (as agreed with
purchaser)
C. Axial and hoop Load capacities
D. Barcol hardness
E. Critical dimensions
F. Visual acceptance
Adequate records must be kept by the
Manufacturer such reports will be
readily available for inspection by the
customer or his engineer or
representative. Quality control tests
may be witnessed by the customer or
his representative.
8.1 Pipe Stiffness
Samples of pipe shall be tested for
compliance with pipe stiffness in
accordance with section 4.1. The test
frequency of pipe ring samples shall be
at least one per lot* or one per day.
If the one sample fails, it should be re-
tested. If it still fails, cut two (2)
additional samples from the lot (from
the proceeding and the following
pipes). If they both pass, then the entire
* *
Maximum production lot size = 100 pipe
sections.
batch except the failed pipe is
considered acceptable. If not as above,
the pipes must be proven individually
acceptable. Testing will be carried out
in accordance with ASTM D2412.
8.2 Hydraulic Leak Test
The Manufacturer shall, as agreed
upon with the purchaser,
hydrostatically test the pipes to 1.5
times the Design pressure specified in
Table # 1 up to 1400 mm diameter and
beyond 1400 mm up to one times the
Design pressure.
The pressure class of the pipes will be
that specified in Table#1 (as selected in
section 4.2). Any pipe failing to pass
this test to be rejected. Rejected pipes
may be repaired and re-tested; if they
pass, they will then be accepted.
8.3 Load Capacity (Hoop and Axial)
Tests will be performed accordance to
requirements in SASO 1578-99 or
AWWA C950 and ASTM D3517 to
check load capacity (or strength) both
in the hoop and axial direction.
One of each test shall be made per
production lot*.
Should samples fail to meet or exceed
the stated values for each test, two
additional samples shall be cut from
the proceeding and following pipes. If
they both pass and the average of all
three sets passes, then the entire lot is
considered acceptable.
8.4 Barcol Hardness Test
Barcol hardness tests will be conducted
in accordance with ASTM D2483.
Pipes failing to reach the required level
of cure will be rejected. Rejected pipes
may be re-tested in accordance with
this specification. If their cure at this
Maximum production lot size = 100 pipe
sections
7
time has reached the required standard,
they will be acceptable.
8.5 Critical Dimensions
Pipes will be measured for compliance
with critical dimensions as specified in
section 3.3 including diameter,
thickness, end squareness and length.
Measurements will be made in
accordance with ASTM D3567.
8.5.1 Diameter
Checks on diameter will be made at
each change of diameter manufactured.
The pipe outside diameter (OD) shall
meet the requirement for OD as stated
in section 3.3.2.
8.5.2 Thickness
All pipes will be checked for
compliance with thickness stated in
section 10.1.1. The minimum average
thickness and the minimum single
point thickness must meet the
requirements as stated in section
3.3.4.Thin pipes may be reinforced or
may be acceptable for another class.
8.5.3 End Squareness
Any pipe with stepped ends shall be
checked to ensure compliance with the
requirements of section 3.3.5.
8.5.4 Length
All pipes must be measured to ensure
compliance with the requirements of
section 3.3.3.
8.6 Visual Acceptance
The pipes shall be free from all
defects, including delamination,
bubbles, pinholes, cracks, pits, blisters,
foreign inclusions, and resin starved
areas that, due to their nature, degree
or extend, detrimentally affect the
strength and serviceability of the pipe.
The pipe shall be as uniform as
commercially practicable in color,
opacity, density and other physical
properties.
9.0 Customer inspections
9.1 Customer Inspection
The customer or his engineer or his
authorized representative shall be
entitled to inspect pipes or witness the
pipe manufacturing and Quality
Control (QC) tests. Such inspection
shall in no way relieve the
Manufacturer of the responsibility to
provide products that comply with
applicable standards within this
specification.
9.2 Manufacturer’s notification to
Customer
Should the customer wish to see
specific pipes during any
manufacturing stage, the Manufacturer
shall provide the customer or his
representative with reasonable advance
notice of when and where the
production of these specific pipes will
take place.
10.0 Submittals
10.1 Submittals to be given before or
at the time of bedding
The Manufacturer shall include in his
offer, in addition to the items specified
sufficient data for the broad evaluation
of his proposed pipe. This data shall
include, as a minimum, the following
specific information:
10.1.1 Details of the proposed pipe
thickness and properties
10.1.1.1 Pressure class
10.1.1.2 Stiffness class
10.1.2 Details of joints
10.1.3 Hydrostatic test plan (to be
agreed with the purchaser)
10.2 Submittals to be Given After the
Pipes have been Ordered and Prior
to Manufacturing
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Following the ordering of pipes and
prior to production, the Manufacturer
will supply the following information:
10.2.1 Details of nesting and
packaging of pipe together with
methods for de-nesting and unpacking
of pipes (section 11).
10.2.2 Instructions for the storage and
handling of pipes and couplings
Compliance to the manufacturer’s
requirements must be met.
10.2.3 Installation Instructions.
Manufacturer recommendations must
be adhered to for the installation of the
products.
11.0 Packaging, Handling and
Shipping
2. Pipe joint preparations (Fig.8 to 11)
and joining method (Fig.12 to 15).
3. Pipe backfill nomenclature
(Fig.16).
4. Minimum trench width (Fig.17).
5. Pipe backfilling practice (proper
bedding – Fig.18 & 19, and proper
haunch – Fig.20, 21 & 29).
6. Field closure section assembly
(Fig.22 & 23).
7. Pipe concrete encasement (pipe
support or anchoring before
concrete pouring) (Fig.24 to 28).
8. The use of short pipe section and
rigid end detail to provide pipe
flexibility (Fig.30 to 32).
9. Angular joint deflection and offset
(Fig.33)
10. Flanged joint (Fig.34).
11. On-site pipe joint tester (Fig.35).
12. ADD ANY MORE ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION

Packaging, handling and shipping

should be done in accordance with the
Manufacturer’s instructions.

12.0 Installation Site Service

Field service representative of the

Manufacturer may be requested to be
present. The service will range from
continuous (essentially full-time) to
intermittent during the installation of
the pipes.

The extent of the presence of the field

service representative will be covered
in the pipe supply contract between the
Manufacturer and Purchaser.

13.0 Additional Information

Attached figures show additional

information on the following
( This need to be supplied based on the
project )

1. Pipe handling (Fig.1 to 7)

9
Table#1(1): Project Conditions (1) One table may be prepared for each pipe size and/or
operating/installation condition

Project Condition Value

I) Pipe Attributes:
(2) Refer to sec.3.3.1
1. Pipe Diameter(s) (2), DN ……..
(mm)
2. Operating Pressure, PW
(Bar) ……..
3. Surge Pressure, PS, (Bar) ……..
4. Total Max. Pressure with
Surge PW + PS , (Bar) ……..
4. Negative Pressure, PV
(Bar) ……..
5. Factory Test Pressure(3) (3) For Sizes above 1300mm, test frequency as agreed
with the Manufacturer.
(Bar) = 2 x PW ……..
6. Maximum Field Test
Pressure(4) = 1.5 x PW, …….. (4) Use of Field Joint Tester at the Manufacturer
(Bar) recommended joint test pressure is acceptable.

7. Pipe Pressure Class(5), Pc (5) Pipe Pressure Class (PC) is to be selected from
(Bar) …….. Table#2. Note that PC  1.4 x (PW + PS)

8. Pipe Stiffness Class(6), (6) Refer to sec. 4.1

STIS (Pa) ……..
II) Installation Attributes:
(7) Refer to sec. 4.1.2
9. Depth of Earth Cover(7)(8), (8) Ensure sufficient cover or provide pipe anchoring as
Minimum, Hmin , (m) …….. per manufacturer recommendation to prevent an
empty submerged pipe from floating at shallow
10. Depth of Earth Cover(7), covers if water table is high.
Maximum, Hmax , (m) ……..
11. Ground Water Table
Depth, Hw(8) ,(m) ……..
12. Trench Width, at Pipe
Spring Line, Bd , (m) ……..
13. Vehicular Traffic Load,
Type or Wheel Load, (Kg) ……..
14. Operating Temperature ……..
15. Native Soil Description / (9) Refer to AWWA Manual M45, Chapter 5, Table 5-6.
Native soil reaction modulus, E’n , can be specified
Type at pipe zone area(9) …….. in this field.
16. Backfill Material Type and (10) Modulus of the soil reaction , E’b , for the pipe zone
backfill material can be specified in this field. Refer
Compaction Degree(10) …….. to AWWA Manual M45 , Chapter 5, Table 5-5.

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