American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-99
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-93)

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

FOR
POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT
FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS

Administrative Secretariat
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION
Cosecretariat
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION

Effective date: January 1, 2000.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors in 1972.
Approved by AWWA Board of Directors June 20, 1999.
Approved by American National Standards Institute October 26, 1999.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually
contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA
publication of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National
Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional
materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American
National Standards.

CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036;
(212) 642-4900.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
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mission of the publisher.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Committee Personnel
A21 Subcommittee 4, Coatings and Linings, which reviewed this standard, had
the following personnel at the time:

Troy F. Stroud, Chair

Kenneth W. Henderson, Vice-Chair

Consumer Members

K.A. Alms, St. Louis County Water, St. Louis, Mo. (AWWA)
T.C. Moreno, Bexar Metropolitan Water District, San Antonio, Texas (AWWA)
D.W. Russom, Little Rock Water Works, Jacksonville, Ark. (AWWA)
C.R. Schwenker, Fairfax County Water Authority, Merrifield, Va. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

K.W. Henderson, Malcom Pirnie Inc., White Plains, N.Y. (AWWA)

M.G. Hoover, HYA a Dames & Moore Company, Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
Harold Kennedy, Suiken & Kennedy LLP, Morrisville, N.C. (AWWA)
D.A. Lincoln, Aurora Pipe Line Company, Commerce City, Colo. (AWWA)
P.I. McGrath, Jr., Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
R.L. Scarpa, Metcalf & Eddy Inc., Austin, Texas (AWWA)
W.H. Smith, W.H. Smith & Associates, Flora, Ill. (AWWA)
K.E. Wilson, Post, Buckley, Schuh, Jernigan, Tampa, Fla. (AWWA)

Producer Members

D.R. Charko, Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe, Phillipsburg, N.J. (AWWA)
A.M. Horton, US Pipe & Foundry Company, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
D.L. McCage, Techno Coatings Inc., Anaheim, Calif. (AWWA)
C.W. McCauley Jr., Griffin Pipe Products Company, Lynchburg, Va. (AWWA)
P.L. Robertson, Specifications Rubber Products, Alabaster, Ala. (AWWA)
P.A. Selig, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
T.F. Stroud, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)

AWWA Standards Committee A21, Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings, which

reviewed and approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time of
approval:

Robert L. Scarpa, Chair

Larry R. Dunn, Vice-Chair

Consumer Members

D. Bradley, South Fork Water Board, Oregon City, Ore. (AWWA)

T.E. Coughran, City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana, Calif. (AWWA)
A.J. DeBoy, Indiana–American Water Company, Greenwood, Ind. (AWWA)
R.R. Goold, Johnson County Water District No. 1, Kansas City, Kan. (AWWA)

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

J.D. Larson, St. Louis County Water Company, St. Louis, Mo. (AWWA)
G.L. Meyer, City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, S.D. (AWWA)
T.C. Moreno, Bexar Metropolitan Water District, San Antonio, Texas (AWWA)
C.R. Schwenker, Fairfax County Water Authority, Merrifield, Va. (AWWA)
G.A. Seibel, Tualatin Valley Water District, Beaverton, Ore. (AWWA)
R.D. Zwygart, Tampa Water Department, Tampa, Fla. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

K.M. Bell, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, Ill. (UL)

Vance Forsgren, Forsgren Associates, Rexburg, Idaho (AWWA)
Joseph Goss*, Delon, Hampton & Associates, Rockville, MD (NEWWA)
K.W. Henderson, Malcolm Pirnie Inc., White Plains, N.Y. (AWWA)
M.G. Hoover, HYA Consulting Engineers, Pasadena, Calif. (AWWA)
M.B. Horsley, Black & Veatch LLP, Kansas City, Mo. (AWWA)
W.B. Jeffcoat, CH2M Hill, Montgomery, Ala. (AWWA)
Harold Kennedy Jr., Suiken & Kennedy LLP, Morrisville, N.C. (AWWA)
J.E. McClelland,† Council Liaison, McClelland Consulting Engineers,
Little Rock, Ark. (AWWA)
E.W. Misichko,* Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, Ill. (UL)
R.L. Scarpa, Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., Austin, Texas (NEWWA)
W.H. Smith, W.H. Smith & Associates, Flora, Ill. (AWWA)
J.H. Wilber,† Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
L.C. Yates, McGoodwin, Williams and Yates, Fayetteville, Ark. (AWWA)

Producer Members

Bill Bliss, Tyler Pipe, Tyler, Texas (AWWA)

J.C. Delk, McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala. (DIPRA)
L.R. Dunn, US Pipe & Foundry Company, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
B.C. Helton*, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala. (DIPRA)
C.W. McCauley, Griffin Pipe Products Company, Lynchburg, Va. (AWWA)
P.L. Robertson, Specification Rubber Products, Alabaster, Ala. (AWWA)
P.A. Selig, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala. (DIPRA)
Dennis Shumard, EBAA Iron Inc., Eastland, Texas (AWWA)
T.F. Stroud, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, Birmingham, Ala. (DIPRA)

* Alternate
† Liaison, nonvoting

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Contents

All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may be
found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword Appendix
I Introduction.......................................... vii A Notes on Procedures for Soil Survey
I.A Background........................................... vii Tests and Observations and Their
I.B History ................................................. viii Interpretation to Determine Whether
II Special Issues ...................................... viii Polyethylene Encasement Should
II.A Useful Life of Polyethylene ................ viii Be Used .................................................11
II.B Type of Material.................................. viii
II.C Exposure to Sunlight ............................ ix Figures
II.D Copper Service Connections................. ix
III Use of This Standard............................ ix 1 Installation Method A ............................ 5
III.A Purchaser Options and 2 Slack-Reduction Procedure for
Alternatives........................................ ix Installation Methods A and B............ 6
III.B Modification to Standard...................... ix 3 Installation Method B ............................ 6
IV Major Revisions..................................... ix 4 Installation Method C ............................ 7
V Comments............................................... x 5 Preferred Method for Making
Direct Service Taps on
Standard PE-Encased Iron Pipe ......................... 8

1 General Tables
1.1 Scope ....................................................... 1
1 Polyethylene Tube and Sheet Sizes
1.2 Purpose ................................................... 1
for Push-on Joint Type ....................... 4
1.3 Application.............................................. 1
A.1 Soil Test Evaluation.............................13
2 References ............................................ 1
3 Definitions............................................ 2
4 Requirements
4.1 Materials................................................. 2
4.2 Tube Size or Sheet Width ..................... 3
4.3 Marking .................................................. 3
4.4 Installation ............................................. 3

5 Verification .......................................... 8
5.1 Inspection and Certification by
Manufacturer ...................................... 8

6 Delivery................................................. 8

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C105/A21.5

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. In 1926, the American Standards Association (ASA) (now
American National Standards Institute [ANSI]) Committee A21, Cast-Iron Pipe and
Fittings, was organized under the sponsorship of the American Gas Association
(AGA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Water
Works Association (AWWA), and the New England Water Works Association
(NEWWA). The current sponsor is AWWA, and the present scope of Committee A21
is to develop standards and manuals for ductile-iron pressure pipe for water supply
service and ductile-iron and gray-iron fittings for use with this pipe. These
standards and manuals include design, dimensions, materials, coatings, linings,
joints, accessories, and methods of inspection and testing.
In 1958, Committee A21 was reorganized. Standards were divided into groups
focusing on the topics listed above, and subcommittees were established to study each
group in accordance with the review and revision policy of ASA. In 1984, the
committee became AWWA Standards Committee A21 on Ductile-Iron Pipe and
Fittings.
The present scope of A21 Subcommittee 4, Coatings and Linings, is to review
interior and exterior corrosion of ductile-iron pipe and fittings and to draft standards
for the interior and exterior protection of ductile-iron pipe and fittings. Accordingly,
Subcommittee 4 is responsible for the development of
1. Standards on polyethylene encasement materials and their installation to
provide corrosion protection, when required, for ductile-iron pipe and fittings.
2. Procedures for the investigation of soil to determine when polyethylene
protection is indicated.
I.A.1 History of polyethylene encasement. Loose polyethylene encasement
was first used experimentally in the United States in 1951 for protection of gray-iron
pipe in corrosive environments. The first field installation of polyethylene wrap on
gray-iron pipe in an operating water system was in 1958. The installation consisted
of approximately 600 ft (180 m) of 12-in. (305-mm) pipe installed in a waste-dump fill
area. Since 1958, polyethylene encasement has been used extensively in installa-
tions in severely corrosive soils throughout the United States on pipe ranging in size
from 3 in. to 64 in. (76 mm to 1,600 mm) in diameter. Polyethylene encasement has
been used as a soil-corrosion preventative in a number of other countries as well. An
International Standard for Polyethylene Sleeving (ISO-8180)* has been adopted since
the procedure was developed in the United States.
I.A.2 Research. The Cast Iron Pipe Research Association (CIPRA)† (now
known as the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association [DIPRA]) has researched
several severely corrosive test sites. The tests indicate that polyethylene encasement
provides a high degree of protection resulting in minimal and generally insignificant
exterior surface corrosion of ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe protected in this manner.

*International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

†CIPRA became the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) in 1979.

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Investigations of many field installations in which loose polyethylene encase-
ment has been used as protection for ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe against soil
corrosion confirm DIPRA’s findings. These field installations also indicate that the
dielectric capability of polyethylene provides shielding for ductile-iron and gray-iron
pipe from stray direct current at most levels encountered in the field.
I.B. History. The first edition of this standard was published in 1972 as
American National Standard for Polyethylene Encasement for Gray and Ductile
Cast-Iron Piping for Water and Other Liquids.
In 1976, Subcommittee 4 reviewed the 1972 edition and submitted a recommen-
dation to Committee A21 that the standard be reaffirmed without change, except for
updating the foreword.
In the 1982 revision, ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-82, references to gray cast-iron
pipe were deleted from the title and throughout the standard because gray cast-iron
pipe was no longer produced in the United States. Also, metric conversions of all
dimensions were added to the standard.
The 1986 edition of the standard defined the thickness requirement for
polyethylene film; provided new figures showing installation methods; and extended
the length of connecting piping to be wrapped from 2 ft (0.6 m) to 3 ft (0.9 m).
Additionally, a requirement for wrapping service lines of dissimilar metals for a
distance of 3 ft (0.9 m) from the ductile iron pipe was also incorporated.
In the 1993 revision of the standard, Section 4.1, Materials, was expanded to
include 4-mil, high-density, cross-laminated (“HDCL”) polyethylene and Class B
(colors) material was added to allow the purchase of colored polyethylene. Addition-
ally, Table 1 was modified to reflect reduced tube widths comparable with push-on
joint pipe and fittings, and the size range was expanded to include 60- and 64-in.
(1,500- and 1,600-mm) pipe. A recommendation that circumferential wraps of tape
be placed at 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals along the barrel of the pipe for installation below
the water table or in areas subject to tidal actions was added to Section 4.3.1, and
Section 4.3.6 was revised to indicate the preferred method of making direct service
taps on polyethylene encased pipe. An illustration of this procedure was added.
II. Special Issues.
II.A. Useful life of polyethylene. Tests of polyethylene used to protect ductile-
iron and gray-iron pipe have shown that, after 40 years of exposure to severely
corrosive soils, strength loss and elongation reduction are insignificant. US Bureau
of Reclamation (BUREC)* studies of polyethylene film used underground illustrate
that tensile strength was nearly constant and that elongation was only slightly
affected during a seven-year test period. BUREC’s accelerated soil-burial testing
(acceleration estimated to be 5 to 10 times that of field conditions) shows
polyethylene to be highly resistant to bacteriological deterioration.
II.B. Type of material. The materials described in this standard are a linear
low-density polyethylene film and a high-density cross-laminated film. A low-density
film was used in the initial research and testing of polyethylene encasement to
protect ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe from corrosion. The current materials provide
the same degree of protection as the low-density film and are stronger and more
damage resistant. Other types of polymeric material are also available that may
provide equally suitable protection.

*Laboratory and Field Investigations of Plastic Films. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Reclamation, Rept. No. ChE-82 (Sept. 1968).

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 II.C. Exposure to sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will eventually
deteriorate polyethylene film. Although the film is required to contain not less than
2 percent carbon black or 2 percent of a hindered-amine ultraviolet inhibitor,
exposure of wrapped pipe should be kept to a minimum.
II.D. Copper service connections. The direct connection of copper services to
ductile- and gray-iron pipelines has historically been a common practice in the
waterworks industry. To minimize the possibility of bi-metallic corrosion, service
lines of dissimilar metals and the attendant corporation stop should be wrapped with
polyethylene or a suitable dielectric tape for a minimum clear distance of 3 ft (0.9 m)
from the main (Sec. 4.4.7).
In addition, the grounding of household electrical services to the copper water
service line may also result in stray current corrosion of the copper service or the
ductile-iron or gray-iron main. AWWA policy opposes the grounding of electrical
systems to pipe systems conveying drinking water to a customer’s premises. AWWA
further states that interior piping systems may be connected to an electrical service
neutral and to a separate grounding electrode, provided these systems are electrically
insulated from the water utility’s pipe system. To minimize the possibility of stray
current corrosion on the ductile-iron or gray-iron main, electrical insulating couplings
should be installed at the water main.
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability
or compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions are suitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.
III.A. Purchaser options and alternatives. This standard includes certain
options that, if desired, must be specified. These options are
1. Color of polyethylene material (Sec. 4.1.3).
2. Installation method—A, B, or C (Sec. 4.3)—if there is a preference.
3. Type of polyethylene material (Sec. 4.1.1 and 4.1.2).
III.B. Modification to standard. Any modification to the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. The major revisions in this edition of the standard are
as follows:
1. The format has been changed to AWWA standard style.
2. Section II.D, Copper Service Connections, was added to the Foreward of the
standard.
3. Definitions of parties and types of polyethylene film were added to Sec. 3.
4. Changes to Sec. 4.1., Materials, include:
a. Deletion of low-density polyethylene film.
b. Addition of linear low-density polyethylene film and appropriate
material requirements and physical properties.
c. Increasing the tensile strength requirement for the high-density, cross-
laminated polyethylene film.
d. Addition of impact and tear resistance requirements for both polyethyl-
ene materials.
e. Deletion of the minus tolerance on film thickness for both materials.
f. Addition of an ultraviolet inhibitor, any natural or colored film except
black film containing carbon block.
5. Sec. 4.3, Marking, was added to facilitate traceability and to help ensure
compliance with the standard.

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 6. In Sec. 4.4.2.2, Method B, an alternate method of using a 3-ft sheet of
polyethylene rather than a 3-ft length of polyethylene tube for joint makeup was
added.
7. Sec. 5.1, Inspection and Certification by Manufacturer, was also added to
help ensure compliance with this standard.
8. In appendix A, a new paragraph on stray current corrosion and a new
section on uniquely severe environments were added. Additionally, the resistivity
ranges in Table A.1, Soil Test Evaluation, were increased to make the procedure more
conservative.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Volunteer and Technical Support Group, (303) 794-7711
Ext. 6283, FAX (303) 795-7603, or write to the group at 6666 W. Quincy Ave.,
Denver, CO 80235.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-99
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-93)

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR

POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT
FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers materials and installation procedures for polyethylene
encasement to be applied to underground installations of ductile-iron pipe. This
standard also may be used for polyethylene encasement of fittings, valves, and other
appurtenances to ductile-iron pipe systems.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to provide purchasers, manufacturers, and
constructors with the minimum requirements for polyethylene sheet and tubes to be
used for external corrosion protection of buried ductile-iron pipe, fittings, and
appurtenances.
Sec. 1.3 Application
This standard or sections of this standard can be referenced in specifications for
the purchasing and installation of polyethylene sheet or tubes for corrosion protection
of buried ductile iron pipe, fittings, and appurtenances.

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they
form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any case
of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

2 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

ASTM D* 149—Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and

Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power
Frequencies.
ASTM D 882—Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting.
ASTM D 1709—Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by
the Free-Falling Dart Method.
ASTM D 1922—Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of
Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method.
ASTM D 4976—Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and
Extrusion Materials.
ANSI†/AWWA C600—Standard for Installation of Ductile-Iron Water Mains and
Their Appurtenances.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
1. Constructor: The party that furnishes the work and materials for
placement or installation.
2. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
3. Polyethylene encasement: The encasement of piping with polyethylene
film in tube or sheet form.
4. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Film: Film extruded from virgin linear
low-density polyethylene raw material.
5. High-Density, Cross-Laminated Polyethylene Film: Film extruded from
virgin high-density polyethylene raw material, which is then molecularly oriented by
stretching. Two single-ply layers of the film are then laminated together with their
orientations at 90° to one another to form the final product.
6. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Materials
4.1.1 Linear low-density polyethylene film. Linear low-density polyethylene film
shall be manufactured of virgin polyethylene material conforming to the following:
4.1.1.1 Raw material requirements per ASTM D4976
Group: 2 (Linear)
Density: 0.910 to 0.935 g/cm3
Dielectric strength: Volume resistivity, 1015 ohm-cm, minimum

* American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.
† American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 3

4.1.1.2 Physical properties of finished film.

Tensile strength: 3,600 psi (24.8 MPa), minimum in machine and trans-
verse direction (ASTM D882)
Elongation: 800 percent, minimum in machine and transverse direction
(ASTM D882)
Dielectric strength: 800 V/mil (31.8 V/µm) thickness, minimum (ASTM
D149)
Impact resistance: 600 g, minimum (ASTM D1709 Method B)
Propagation tear resistance: 2,550 gf (grams force), minimum in machine
and transverse direction (ASTM D1922)
4.1.1.3 Thickness. Linear low-density polyethylene film shall have a mini-
mum thickness of 0.008 in. (8 mil or 200 µm).
4.1.2 High-density, cross-laminated polyethylene film. High-density, cross-
laminated polyethylene film shall be manufactured of virgin polyethylene material
conforming to the following:
4.1.2.1 Raw material requirements per ASTM D4976
Group: 2 (Linear)
High-density: 0.940 to 0.960 g/cm3
Dielectric strength: Volume resistivity, 1015 ohm-cm, minimum
4.1.2.2 Physical properties of finished film.
Tensile strength: 6,300 psi (43.4 MPa), minimum in machine and trans-
verse direction (ASTM D882)
Elongation: 100 percent, minimum in machine and transverse direction
(ASTM D882)
Dielectric strength: 800 V/mil (31.8 V/µm) thickness, minimum (ASTM
D149)
Impact resistance: 800 g, minimum (ASTM D1709 Method B)
Propagation tear resistance: 250 gf, minimum in machine and transverse
direction (ASTM D1922)
4.1.2.3 Thickness. High-density, cross-laminated polyethylene film shall have
a minimum thickness of 0.004 in. (4 mil or 100 µm).
4.1.3 Color. Polyethylene film may be supplied with its natural color, colors
including white and black, or black (weather-resistant) containing not less than
2 percent carbon black with an average particle diameter of 50 mm or less. A
minimum of 2 percent of a hindered-amine ultraviolet inhibitor is required in any
natural or colored film except black film containing 2 percent or more carbon black.
Sec. 4.2 Tube Size or Sheet Width
Tube size or sheet width for each pipe diameter shall be as listed in Table 1.
Sec. 4.3 Marking
4.3.1 Marking requirements. The polyethylene film supplied shall be clearly
marked, at a minimum of every 2-ft along its length, containing the following information:
a. Manufacturer’s name or trademark.
b. Year of manufacture
c. ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5
d. Minimum film thickness and material type (LLDPE or HDCLPE).
e. Applicable range of nominal pipe diameter size(s).
f. Warning—Corrosion Protection—Repair Any Damage

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

4 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

Table 1 Polyethylene tube and sheet sizes for push-on joint pipe*

Nominal Pipe Diameter Minimum Polyethylene Width—in. (cm)

in. (mm) Flat Tube Sheet

3 (76) 14 (36) 28 (71)
4 (102) 14 (36) 28 (71)
6 (152) 16 (41) 32 (81)
8 (203) 20 (51) 40 (102)
10 (254) 24 (61) 48 (122)
12 (305) 27 (69) 54 (137)
14 (356) 30 (76) 60 (152)
16 (406) 34 (86) 68 (173)
18 (457) 37 (94) 74 (188)
20 (508) 41 (104) 82 (208)
24 (610) 54 (137) 108 (274)
30 (762) 67 (170) 134 (340)
36 (914) 81 (206) 162 (411)
42 (1,067) 81 (206) 162 (411)
48 (1,219) 95 (241) 190 (483)
54 (1,400) 108 (274) 216 (549)
60 (1,500) 108 (274) 216 (549)
64 (1,600) 121 (307) 242 (615)

* These wrap sizes should work with most push-on joint pipe and fitting bell sizes. Where bell circumferences are larger than
the sheet sizes shown, the bell areas should be carefully wrapped with cut film sections, effectively lapping and securing
cut edges as necessary; or, alternatively, sufficiently large tube or sheet film to effectively cover these joints should be
ordered.

4.3.2 Marking height. Letters and numerals used for marking items a
through e in Section 4.3.1. shall not be less than 1 in. in height. Item f in Section
4.3.1 shall be not less than 11/2 in. in height.
Sec. 4.4 Installation
4.4.1 General. The polyethylene encasement shall prevent contact between
the pipe and the surrounding backfill and bedding material, but it is not intended to
be a completely airtight or watertight enclosure. All lumps of clay, mud, cinders, etc.,
on the pipe surface shall be removed prior to installation of the polyethylene
encasement. During installation, soil or embedment material shall not be trapped
between the pipe and the polyethylene.
The polyethylene film shall be fitted to the contour of the pipe creating a snug,
but not tight, encasement with minimum space between the polyethylene and the
pipe. Sufficient slack shall be provided in contouring to prevent stretching the
polyethylene where it bridges irregular surfaces, such as bell-spigot interfaces, bolted
joints, or fittings and to prevent damage to the polyethylene caused by backfilling
operations. Overlaps and ends shall be secured with adhesive tape, or plastic tie straps.
For installations below the water table or in areas subject to tidal actions, tube-
form polyethylene should be used with both ends thoroughly sealed with adhesive

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 5

tape or plastic tie straps at the joint overlap. Also, circumferential wraps of tape
should be placed at 2 ft (0.6 m) intervals along the barrel of the pipe to minimize the
space between the polyethylene and the pipe.
4.4.2 Pipe. This standard includes three methods of installation of polyethyl-
ene encasement on pipe. Methods A and B are for use with polyethylene tubes, and
method C is for use with polyethylene sheets.
4.4.2.1 Method A. (Refer to Figure 1.) Cut polyethylene tube to a length
approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) longer than the pipe section. Slip the tube around the pipe,
centering it to provide a 1-ft (0.3-m) overlap on each adjacent pipe section and
bunching it accordion-fashion lengthwise until it clears the pipe ends.
Lower the pipe into the trench and make up the pipe joint with the preceding
section of pipe. A shallow bell hole must be made at the joints to facilitate installation
of the polyethylene tube.
After assembling the pipe joint, make the overlap of the polyethylene tube. Pull
the bunched polyethylene from the preceding length of pipe, slip it over the end of the
new length of pipe, and secure it in place. Then slip the end of the polyethylene from
the new pipe section over the end of the first wrap until it overlaps the joint at the
end of the preceding length of pipe. Secure the overlap in place. Take up the slack
width at the top of the pipe as shown in Figure 2 to make a snug but not tight fit
along the barrel of the pipe, securing the fold at quarter points.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired as
described in Sec. 4.4.5. Proceed with the installation of the next section of pipe in the
same manner.
4.4.2.2 Method B. (Refer to Figure 3.) Cut polyethylene tube to a length
approximately 1 ft (0.3 m) shorter than that of the pipe section. Slip the tube around
the pipe, centering it to provide 6 in. (150 mm) of bare pipe at each end. Take up the
slack width at the top of the pipe as shown in Figure 2 to make a snug but not tight
fit along the barrel of the pipe, securing the fold at quarter points. Secure the ends as
described in Sec. 4.4.1.
Before making up a joint, slip a 3-ft (0.9-m) length of polyethylene tube over the
end of the preceding pipe section, bunching it accordion-fashion lengthwise.
Alternatively, place a 3-ft (0.9-m) length of polyethylene sheet in the trench under the
joint to be made. After completing the joint, pull the 3-ft (0.9-m) length of

One length of polyethylene tube for each length of pipe, overlapped at joint.

Figure 1 Installation method A

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6 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

Take up the slack in the tube to make a snug but not tight fit. Fold the excess back over the top of the pipe, securing the fold at
quarter points along the length of the pipe.

Figure 2 Slack-reduction procedure for installation methods A and B

Separate pieces of polyethylene tube for barrel of pipe and polyethylene tube or sheet for joints. The polyethylene over joints
overlaps tube encasing barrel. (Method B is not recommended for bolted-type joints unless an additional layer of polyethylene
is provided over the joint area as in methods A and C.)

Figure 3 Installation method B

polyethylene over or around the joint, overlapping the polyethylene previously

installed on each adjacent section of pipe by at least 1 ft (0.3 m). Make each end snug
and secure as described in Sec. 4.4.1. A shallow bell hole is necessary and shall be
made at joints to facilitate the installation of the polyethylene tube or sheet.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired as
described in Sec. 4.4.5. Proceed with installation of the next section of pipe in the
same manner.
4.4.2.3 Method C. (Refer to Figure 4.) Cut polyethylene sheet to a length
approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) longer than that of the pipe section. Center the cut length
to provide a 1-ft (0.3-m) overlap on each adjacent pipe section, bunching it until it
clears the pipe ends. Wrap the polyethylene around the pipe so that it circumferen-
tially overlaps the top quadrant of the pipe. Secure the cut edge of polyethylene sheet
at intervals of approximately 3 ft (0.9 m).

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 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 7

Pipe completely wrapped with flat polyethylene sheet.

Figure 4 Installation method C

Lower the wrapped pipe into the trench and make up the pipe joint with the
preceding section of pipe. A shallow bell hole is necessary and shall be made at the
joints to facilitate installation of the polyethylene. After completing the joint, make
the overlap and secure the ends as described in Sec. 4.4.1.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired as
described in Sec. 4.4.5. Proceed with installation of the next section of pipe in the
same manner.
4.4.3 Pipe-shaped appurtenances. Bends, reducers, offsets, and other
pipe-shaped appurtenances shall be covered with polyethylene in the same manner
as the pipe.
4.4.4 Odd-shaped appurtenances. When it is not practical to wrap valves,
tees, crosses, and other odd-shaped pieces in a tube, wrap with a flat sheet or split
length of polyethylene tube by passing the sheet under the appurtenance and
bringing the sheet around the body. Make seams by bringing the edges of the
polyethylene sheet together, folding them over twice, and taping them. Handle width
and overlaps at joints as described in Sec. 4.4.2.1. Tape the polyethylene securely in
place at the valve stem and other penetrations.
4.4.5 Repairs. Repair cuts, tears, punctures, or damage to polyethylene with
adhesive tape or with a short length of polyethylene sheet, or with a tube cut open,
wrapped around the pipe to cover the damaged area, and secured in place.
4.4.6 Openings in encasement. Provide openings for branches, service taps,
blowoffs, air valves, and similar appurtenances by cutting an X in the polyethylene
and temporarily folding back the film. After the appurtenance is installed, tape the
slack securely to the appurtenance, and repair the cut and any other damaged areas
in the polyethylene with tape. Direct service taps may also be made through the
polyethylene, with any resulting damaged areas being repaired as described
previously. To make direct service taps, apply two or three wraps of adhesive tape
completely around the polyethylene encased pipe to cover the area where the tapping
machine and chain will be mounted. This method minimizes possible damage to the
polyethylene during the direct tapping procedure. After the tapping machine is
mounted, the corporation stop is installed directly through the tape and polyethylene

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8 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

Figure 5 Preferred method for making direct service taps on PE-encased iron pipe

as shown in Figure 5. This method is very effective in eliminating damage to the

polyethylene encasement caused by the tapping machine and chain during the
tapping operation. After the direct tap is completed, the entire circumferential area
shall be closely inspected for damage and repaired if needed.
4.4.7 Junctions between wrapped and unwrapped pipe. Where polyethylene-
wrapped pipe joins an adjacent pipe that is not wrapped, extend the polyethylene
wrap to cover the adjacent pipe for a distance of at least 3 ft (0.9 m). Secure the end
with circumferential turns of adhesive tape.
Service lines of dissimilar metals shall be wrapped with polyethylene or a
suitable dielectric tape for a minimum clear distance of 3 ft (0.9 m) away from the
ductile-iron pipe.
4.4.8 Backfill for polyethylene-wrapped pipe. Use the same backfill material
as that specified for pipe without polyethylene wrap, exercising care to prevent
damage to the polyethylene wrapping when placing backfill. Backfill material shall
be free from cinders, refuse, boulders, rocks, stones, or other material that could
damage the polyethylene. In general, backfilling practice should be in accordance
with the latest revision of ANSI/AWWA C600.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Inspection and Certification by Manufacturer
5.1.1 Quality control and inspection. The manufacturer shall establish the
necessary quality control and inspection practice to ensure compliance with this standard.
5.1.2 Manufacturer’s statement. The manufacturer shall, if required by the
purchaser’s specifications, provide a sworn statement that the inspection and all
applicable material requirements of Section 4.1 have been met and that all results
comply with the requirements of this standard.
5.1.3 Freedom from defects. All polyethylene film shall be clean, sound, and
without defects that could impair service.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 9

SECTION 6: DELIVERY
This standard has no applicable information for this section.

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 APPENDIX A
Notes on Procedures for Soil Survey Tests and Observations
and Their Interpretation to Determine Whether
Polyethylene Encasement Should Be Used
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5.

In the appraisal of soil and other conditions that affect the corrosion rate of
ductile-iron pipe,* many factors must always be considered. They are outlined here. A
method of evaluating and interpreting each factor and a method of weighing each factor to
determine whether polyethylene encasement should be used are subsequently described.
These methods should be employed only by qualified personnel who are experienced
in soil analysis and evaluation of conditions potentially corrosive to ductile-iron pipe.
Factors such as moisture content, soil temperature, location of soil sample with respect to
pipe, time between removal of soil sample and testing, and other factors can significantly
affect the soil-test evaluation. For example, certain soil environments are considered to
be potentially corrosive to ductile-iron pipe, and therefore, do not require evaluation to
determine the need for corrosion protection. These environments include, but are not
limited to, coal, cinders, muck, peat, mine wastes, and landfill areas high in foreign
materials. Existing installations and the potential for stray direct-current corrosion
should also be a part of the evaluation.
Soil Survey Tests and Observations
Factors to consider when determining the need for polyethylene encasement of
pipe are outlined below. A discussion of each point follows the outline.
1. Earth resistivity.
a. Four-pin
b. Single-probe
c. Saturated-sample (soil-box)
2. pH.
3. Oxidation-reduction (redox) potential.
4. Sulfides.
a. Azide (qualitative)
5. Moisture content (relative).
a. Prevalence
6. Soil description.
a. Particle size
b. Uniformity
c. Type
d. Color
7. Potential stray direct current.
a. Nearby cathodic protection utilizing rectifiers
b. Railroads (electric)
c. Industrial equipment, including welding equipment
d. Mine transportation equipment
8. Experience with existing installations in the area.

* NOTE: The information contained in appendix A is also applicable to gray-iron pipe. Although gray-iron pipe
is no longer produced in the United States, many miles of this product remain in service.

11

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12 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

1. Earth resistivity. There are three methods for determining earth resistiv-
ity: four-pin, single-probe, and soil-box. In the field, a four-pin determination should
be made with pins spaced at approximate pipe depth. This method yields an average
of resistivity from the surface to a depth equal to pin spacing. However, results are
sometimes difficult to interpret where dry topsoil is underlain with wetter soils and
where soil types vary with depth. The Wenner configuration is used with a
soil-resistance meter, which is available with varying ranges of resistance. For
all-around use, a meter with a capacity of up to 104 ohms is suggested, because it
permits both field and laboratory testing of most soils.
Because of this difficulty in interpretation, the same meter may be used with a
single probe that yields resistivity at the point of the probe. A boring is made into the
subsoil allowing the probe to be pushed into the soil at the desired depth.
Because the soil may not be typically wet, a sample should be removed for
saturated resistivity determination. This may be accomplished with a laboratory unit
that permits the introduction of water to saturation, therefore simulating saturated
field conditions. The unit is used in conjunction with a soil-resistance meter.
The interpretation of the results of resistivity measurements is extremely
important. A determination based on a four-pin reading with dry topsoil averaged
with wetter subsoil would probably be inaccurate. Only by determining the resistivity
in soil at pipe depth can an accurate interpretation be made. Also, the local situation
should be determined concerning groundwater table, the presence of shallow
groundwater, and the approximate percentage of time the soil is likely to be water
saturated.
With ductile-iron pipe, corrosion protection provided by products of corrosion is
enhanced if there are dry periods during each year. Dry periods seem to permit
hardening, or toughening, of the corrosion scale or products, which then become
impervious and serve as better insulators.
In making field determinations of resistivity, temperature is important. The
resistivity increases as the temperature decreases. As the water in the soil
approaches freezing, resistivity increases greatly and, therefore, is not reliable. Field
determinations under frozen soil conditions should be avoided. Reliable results under
these conditions can be obtained only by the collection of suitable subsoil samples for
analysis in laboratory conditions at a proper temperature.
Interpretation of resistivity data. Because of the wide variance in results
obtained using the methods described, it is difficult to interpret any single reading
without knowing which method was used to obtain the reading. The interpretation
should be based on the lowest reading obtained, with consideration to other
conditions, such as typical moisture content of the soil. Because of the lack of exact
correlation between experiences and resistivity, it is necessary to assign ranges of
resistivity rather than specific numbers. Table A.1 shows the points assigned to
various ranges of resistivity. These points, when considered along with points
assigned to other soil characteristics (also shown in Table A.1), are significant.
2. pH. In the pH range of 0.0 to 4.0, soil serves well as an electrolyte. In the
pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, soil conditions are optimum for sulfate reduction. In the pH
range of 8.5 to 14.0, soils are generally high in dissolved salts, yielding a low soil
resistivity.
In testing pH, a combination pH electrode is pushed into the soil sample, and a
direct reading is made, following suitable temperature setting on the instrument.
Normal procedures are followed for standardization.

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 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 13

Table A.1 Soil-test evaluation

Soil Characteristics Based on Samples Taken Down to Pipe Depth Points*

Resistivity—ohm-cm (based on water-saturated soil box)

<1,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
≥1,500–1,800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
>1,800–2,100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
>2,100–2,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
>2,500–3,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
>3,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

pH:
0–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2–4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4–6.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
6.5–7.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0†
7.5–8.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
>8.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Redox potential:
> +100 mV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
+50 to +100 mV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5
0 to +50 mV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Negative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Sulfides:
Positive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5
Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Negative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Moisture:
Poor drainage, continuously wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fair drainage, generally moist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Good drainage, generally dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
*Ten points indicates that soil is corrosive to ductile-iron pipe; protection is needed.

†If sulfides are present and low or negative redox-potential results are obtained, add three points for this range.

3. Oxidation-reduction (redox) potential. The redox potential of a soil is

significant, because the most common sulfate-reducing bacteria can live only in
anaerobic conditions. A redox potential greater than +100 mV demonstrates that the
soil is sufficiently aerated, preventing sulfate reducers from forming. Potentials of 0
to +100 mV may or may not indicate anaerobic conditions; however, a negative redox
potential definitely indicates the anaerobic conditions in which sulfate reducers
thrive. The redox test is performed using a pH/mV meter with a combination ORP
electrode inserted into the soil sample. It should be noted that soil samples removed
from a boring or excavation can undergo a change in redox potential when exposed to

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

14 AWWA C105/A21.5-99

air. These samples should be tested immediately after the excavation. Heavy clays,
muck, and organic soils are often anaerobic. For this reason, these soils should be
regarded as potentially corrosive.
4. Sulfides. The sulfide determination is recommended because of its field
expediency. A positive sulfide reaction reveals a potential problem caused by
sulfate-reducing bacteria. The sodium azide–iodine qualitative test is used to identify
sulfides. In this determination, a solution of 3 percent sodium azide in a 0.1N iodine
solution is introduced into a test tube containing a sample of the soil. Sulfides
catalyze the reaction between sodium azide and iodine resulting in nitrogen. If strong
bubbling or foaming results, sulfides are present, as are sulfate-reducing bacteria. If
very slight bubbling is noted, sulfides are probably present in small concentration,
and the result is noted as a trace.
5. Moisture content. Because prevailing moisture content is extremely impor-
tant to all soil corrosion, this condition must be determined. It is not necessary that
the specific moisture content of a soil sample be determined, because the content
probably varies throughout the year. However, local authorities should observe the
soil moisture conditions many times during the year. (Although mentioned in item 1,
Earth Resistivity, this variability factor is reiterated to emphasize the importance of
notation.)
6. Soil description. In each investigation, soil types should be completely
described. The description should include color and physical characteristics, such as
particle size, plasticity, friability, and uniformity. Observation and testing will reveal
whether the soil is high in organic content; this should be noted. In a given area,
corrosivity may often be reflected in certain types and colors of soil. This information
is valuable for future investigations or for determining suspect soils.
Soil uniformity is important because of the possible development of local
corrosion cells caused by the difference in potential, such as different soil types
contacting the pipe. The same is true for uniformity of aeration. If one segment of soil
contains more oxygen than a neighboring segment, a corrosion cell can develop from
the difference in potential. This cell is known as a differential aeration cell.
There are several basic types of soils that should be noted in the soil description:
sand, loam, silt, clay, and muck. In addition, unusual soils, such as peat or soils high
in foreign material, should be noted.
7. Potential stray direct current. All soil surveys should consider the possibility
of stray direct current which might interfere with the ductile-iron-pipe installation.
The widespread use of rectifiers and ground beds for cathodic protection of
underground structures has increased the potential of stray direct current. The
proximity of these cathodic protection systems should be noted. Among other
potential sources of stray direct current are electric railways, industrial equipment
(including welding equipment), and mine-transportation equipment.
Normally, the amount of stray current influence from cathodic protection
systems on an electrically discontinuous ductile iron pipeline will be negligible. It is
not detrimental to the expected life of the system, unless the pipeline comes close to
an impressed-current, cathodic-protection anode bed where the current density is
high. When ductile iron pipelines are exposed to high-density stray current
environments, the pipeline should be rerouted or the anode bed relocated. If neither
of these options is feasible, the ductile iron pipe in this area should be electrically
bonded together, electrically isolated from adjacent pipe, polyethylene encased, and
appropriate test leads and “current drain” installed.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 15

8. Experience with existing installations. The best information on soil corro-

sivity with respect to ductile-iron pipe results from experience with this material in
the area under investigation. Every effort should be made to acquire these data by
questioning local officials and, if possible, by observing existing installations.
Soil-Test Evaluation
When the soil-test procedures described in this standard are employed, the
following tests are used in evaluating corrosivity of the soil: resistivity, pH, redox
potential, sulfides, and moisture. For each of these tests, results are categorized
according to their contribution to corrosivity. Point values are assigned, based on
experience with ductile-iron pipe (see Table A.1). When results of these five
tests/observations are available, the assigned points are totaled. If the sum is equal
to 10 or more, the soil is corrosive to ductile-iron pipe, and protection against exterior
corrosion should be provided. This system of evaluation is limited to soil corrosion
and does not include consideration of stray direct current.
General. These notes address only ductile-iron pipe, the soil environment in
which the pipe will serve, and the methods of determining a need for polyethylene
encasement.
Uniquely Severe Environments
Research has shown that polyethylene encasement alone is a viable corrosion
protection system for ductile- and gray-iron pipe in most environments. However,
other options should be considered for environments where all the following
characteristics co-exist: (1) soil resistivity ≤500 ohm-cm; (2) anaerobic conditions in
which sulfate-reducing bacteria thrive [neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5), low or negative redox-
potential (negative to +100 mV), and the presence of sulfides (positive or trace)]; and
(3) water table intermittently or continually above the invert of the pipe.

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