Ameron Calculation Manual for

Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

INDEX

1. Introduction

2. Pipewall Thickness based on internal pressure

2.1 Wall thickness

2.2 Diameter

2.3 Dimensional pipe properties

3. Trust force due to temperature and variation in length

3.1 Length Change

3.2 Thrust

4. Support and guide spacing

5. Pipe bending radius

6. Collapse resistance for liquid

7. Pipe-ring stiffness

8. Waterhammer and surge

9. Headloss or pressure drop for liquid flow

10. Literature

11. Legenda

Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group division Europe

P.O. Box 6 - 4191 CA Geldermalsen - Holland
tel. +31 345 587 587 - fax +31 345 587 561
email: info@ameron-fpg.nl
 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

1. Introduction In this Technical Bulletin an overview is given of commonly

used formulas in relation with Glassfibre Reinforced Epoxy
piping.

2. Pipe wall thickness The minimum required wallthickness of the pipe is based on
design codes as ASME and ANSI. To most products an inferior
liner is added, consisting of C-veil and resin.

3. Trust forces due to On many occasions the pipe is fabricated to pressure as well as
temperature, pressure a varying temperature of the medium. Pressure variation will
and variation in length cause a length change if the product is unrestrained and due to
the Poisson effect an increase in pressure will shorten the pipe.
This is alos mathematically explained. Expension and
contraction due to temperature variations and internal pressure
will either combined or individual result in thrust forces on the
anchoring points

4. Support and Guide The formulas for the calculation of the optimal distance between
spacing two supports or guide spacings for single, partial and
continuous spans are given. The calculations take into account
density of the liquid and the weight of the pipe.

5. Bending radius A slight gradual change in direction or deviation of the pipe may
be obtained by using the flexibility of the pipe. In that case the
allowable bending radius of the glass reinforced epoxy pipe can
be calculated

6. Collapse resistance for When the external pressure on the pipe may exceed the
liquid internal pressure one has to take into account the collapse
resistance of the pipe. This is ruled by equations which differs
from those for internal pressure.

7. Pipe-ring stiffness To make calculations for earth and wheel-loads on buried pipe,
values have to be used like STIS (= Specific Tangential Initial
Stiffness), STES (= Specific Tangential End Stiffness) and other
values, as used in the U.S.A., Stiffness Factor and Pipe
Stiffness.

8. Waterhammer and Changes in velocity of fluids cause changes in pressure.

surge Especially when these velocity changes are sudden, they can
result in high forces, which may harm the piping system

9. Head loss or pressure Head loss or pressure drop can be calculated by using the
drop for liquid flow Hazen-Williams equation for water and the Darcy-Weisbach for
laminar flows, e.g. for oil. Head loss in fittings are calculated by
defining a corresponding pipe length.

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 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

1. INTRODUCTION
This manual presents the calculations, used by Ameron to
calculate the various aspects related to glass reinforced epoxy
(= GRE) pipe.

This will help the reader to understand the equations which

govern certain common engineering cases of GRE
pipesystems. Also these equations can be used to make the
required calculations.

When making these calculations the input data should be

based on the physical mechanical properties, diameter and
wallthickness of Ameron products by: The spreadsheet
presented by Ameron in its documentation gives these values.

2. PIPEWALL THICKNESS BASED ON INTERNAL PRESSURE

2.1 Wall Thickness The minimum pipewall thickness is calculated with the formula
according to
ASME / ANSI B31.3 [1] (Paragraph A304.1.2):
Dp
ts = (1)
2sF + p

ASTM D-2992 [2] uses the same type of formula to calculate

the hoop stress as follows:
(D a - t s )
σ=p (2)
2t s

The above mentioned formula has been rearranged to induce

the internal liner and is used by Ameron to calculate the
minimum reinforced wall thickness of Bondstrand pipe as
follows:

Minimum reinforced wall thickness in [m]:

p(d + 2t l ) 2σst s
ts = ⇔p= (3)
2σs − p d + t s + 2t l

Minimum total wall thickness in [m]:

t = ts + tl + ta (4)

2.2 Diameter Minimum outside diameter of pipe in [m]:

D = d + 2t (5)

Mean pipe wall diameter in [m]:

Dm = d + t (6)

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2
2.3 Dimensional pipe Cross section area of minimum pipe wall in [m ] :
properties
Aw = π (d + t)t (7)

2
Area of pipe bore in [m ]:
A b = 0,25πd 2 (8)

2
Cross section area of min. structural wall in [m ]:
(
A s = π ( d + 2t l ) + t s t s) (9)

2
Cross section area of inner liner in [m ]:
Al = π (d + tl )tl, (10)

2
Weight of pipe per unit length in [kg/m ]:
w p = A s ρs + A l ρl (11)

1
Weight of fluid per unit pipe length in [kg/m ]:
w f = 0,25πd 2 ρ f (12)

4
Linear moment of inertia of the pipe [3] in [m ]:
I l = I s + I lin (13)

4
Linear moment of inertia of the structural wall in [m ]:

Is =
π
64
(
(d + 2t l + 2t s )4 − (d + 2t l )4 ) (14)

4
Linear moment of inertia of the inner liner in [m ]:

I lin =
π
64
(
(d + 2t l )4 − d )
4
(15)

Note! In case of calculating with the moment of inertia of the

total wall thickness and the elasticity modulus of structural wall,
the moment of inertia may be multiplied by 0,25, which is the
approximate ratio between the modulus of elasticity of the liner
and the structural wall. The stiffness factor IE = Is Es + Ilin El = Is
Es + Ilin Es 0,25 so I = Is + Ilin 0,25.

3. TRUST FORCE DUE TO TEMPERATURE AND VARIATION IN LENGTH

3.1 Length change Like in other types of pipe material, in unrestrained condition,
Bondstrand fiberglass reinforced pipe changes its length with
temperature change. Tests have shown that the amount of
expansion varies linearly with temperature, in other words the
coefficient of thermal expansion of Bondstrand pipe is constant
[4, 5, 6].

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Change in length due to thermal expansion in [m]:

∆LT = λL∆T (16)

Subjected to an internal pressure, a free Bondstrand pipeline

will expand its length due to thrust force at the ends of the
pipeline.
The amount of change in the pipeline is a function of pressure,
pipe wall thickness, diameter, Poisson's ratio and the effective
moduli of elasticity in both, axial and circumferential direction at
the operating temperature.

Change in length due to pressure in [m]:

 pd 2 pd 2   pd 2  E l 
∆Lp = L − µc  = L  (1 − 2 µc )  (17)
 4tD m E l 2tD m E c   4tD m E l  E c 

The total length change is the sum of the change due to

temperature and due to pressure.

The above shown equation for length change due to pressure,

compared to the general equation:

 π  2 
 Pbf   p 4 d   pd 2  (18)
∆L = L  = L  = L 
 A w El   πtD m E l   4tD m E l 
 
shows that, the length increase due to the bulkhead force is
considerably reduced by the Poisson’s effect. The reduction
may amount to 50%, subject to the value 2µcEl / Ec , e.g. for
Series 2000: 2 x 0,56 x 11000 / 25200 = 0,49 (at 21°C).

3.2 Thrust Thrust due to temperature is principally independent of pipe

length. In practice, the largest compressive thrust is normally
developed on the first positive temperature cycle. Subsequently
the pipe develops both, compressive and tensile loads as it is
subjected to temperature cycles. Neither, compressive nor
tensile loads, are expected to exceed the thrust on the first
cycle, irregardless the range of the temperature changes.
In a fully restrained and blocked or anchored Bondstrand pipe,
length changes induced by temperature change are resisted by
the anchors and converted to thrust [4, 5, 6].

Thrust due to temperature in [N]:

FT = λ∆TA w E l = λ∆T(πD m t ) E l (19)

The theory of thrust due to internal pressure in a restrained

pipeline is rather complicated. This is because in straight,
restrained pipelines with rigid joints, the Poisson's effect
produces considerable tension in the pipe wall.
As internal pressure is applied, the pipe expands
circumferentially and at the same time tries to contract

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 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

longitudinally. This creates a considerable tensile force in the

pipe wall, and acts to reduce the hydrostatic thrust on the
anchors. In pipelines with elbows, closed valves, reducers or
closed ends, the internal pressure works on the cross sectional
area of the ends. This thrust may be twice the effect of
pressure on the pipe wall.
The thrust is independent of the run length or support spacing.

Thrust due to pressure in [N]:

 E 
Fp = pA b 1 − 2 µc l  (20)
 Ec 
The concurrent effects of pressure and temperature must be
combined for the design of anchors. Similarly, on multiple pipe
runs, thrusts developed in all runs must be added for the total
effect on the anchors.

Thrust due to temperature and pressure in [N]:

FTp = FT + Fp (21)

Resulting force due to thrust from two pipelines meeting at an

elbow or turn in the pipeline in [N]:
δ 
Fe = 2sin F (22)
2

Force at a reduction in a straight run by the larger diameter in

[N]:
 E 
Fr = λ∆TE l ( A bl − A bs ) + p( A wl − A ws )1 − 2 µ c l  (23)
 Ec 

In a blocked or anchored pipe system the Poisson's effect

causes tension in the pipe wall which counteracts the pipe
thrust due to temperature. The tension in the pipe wall may be
positive or negative, subject to the direction of the temperature
/ pressure change.

Thrust or tension in pipewall in a restrained blocked or

anchored pipeline due to temperature change and pressure in
[N]:
 πpd 2 E l 
Fw = λ∆TA w E l −  µ c  (24)
 2E c 

∆L σ Fp Fp
=ε = = = (25)
L E l A w E l πD m E l t

Equation 20 is valid, and

∆L pd 2  El 
= 1 − 2 µc  (26)
L 4tD m E l  Ec 

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As can be seen substituting and re-arranging gives equation

20.

The product from equation 20

 El  pd 2  E l 
( pA )−2 µ
b c 
Ec 
⇔  ( − µ c )
2  Ec 
(27)


gives a negative sign, which is tension in the pipe wall caused

by the Poisson’s effect, which counteracts the bulkhead force
exercised on the blocking or anchoring.

4. SUPPORT AND GUIDE SPACING

The distance between two succeeding supports, depends on

the parameters as load, moment of inertia and elasticity, as
well as the layout of the system. Local loads, such as heavy
fittings heavy flange arrangements, valves vertical runs etc. as
well as changes in horizontal directions, may also affect the
support distances.
A long term deflection of 0,0127 m, is normally acceptable for
appearance and sufficient for drainage.

Distance between supports for partial run [3, 7] in [m]:

0,25
E I 
L p = 1,24 b l  (28)
 w 
(Note! For imperial input resulting in inches this equation can
be used if 1,24 is replaced by 0,258).

For continuous span Lp may be increased by 20%, for single

spans Lp should be decreased by 20%, giving the same results
as when using following equations:

Distance between supports for continuous run in [m]:

0,25
E I 
L c = 1,486 b l  (29)
 w 

Distance between supports for single run in [m]:

0,25
E I 
L s = 0,994 b l  (30)
 w 

Note! For imperial input resulting in inches these equations can

be used if 1,486 is replaced by 0,31 and 0,994 by 0,207.

Explanation of partial span

The general equations to calculate the maximum deflection of

a tubular body are for continuous span

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5wL4
fw = (31)
384EI
and for single span

wL4
fw = (32)
384EI
Taking 0,0127 m as deflection “fw”, these equations may be re-
arranged to calculate the span as equation 29 and equation 30.
The partial span equation 28 is the average between the
equations 29 and 30, giving the same result as equation 29 if
increased by 20% or equation 30 if decreased by 20%.
If anchors are used at both ends of a pipeline, to restrict axial
movements, until a method of controls must be designed in
order to prevent excessive lateral deflection or buckling of pipe
due to compressive load. Guides may be required in
conjunction with expansion joints or expansion loops, to control
excessive deflection.
The guide spacing can be calculated by using the rearranged
Euler equation multiplied by 75%.

Distance between guides in [m]:

0,5
 
 
 ElIl 
Lg = 0,75π (33)
  
El 
 λ∆TA w E l + pA b 1 - 2 µ c  
  Ec  

The above equation solves for the maximum stable length of a

pipe column when fixed ends are assumed, which is reduced
by 25% to develop the original portion of curves, now seen only
in the smaller diameters, and to allow for non-Euler behaviour
near the origin of the curve.
Not only to resist buckling of the pipe as a column or "snaking"
but to also adjust guide spacing to prevent excessive vertical
deflections due to weight, the length calculated by the Euler
equation, should be checked by using it in the following
equation of [4].

Vertical deflection in [m]:

0,5
− wLg   kLg   kLg   P 
y=  tan −  where k =  w  (34)
2kPw   4   4   E bIl 

If "y" is less than -0,0127 m, the guide distance, Lg obtained

from the Euler equation is the recommended guide spacing.
If "y" is greater than -0,0127m, a shorter length Lg should be
chosen and used in the Roark equation until by trial and error a
final length, Lg, is determined that closely approximates a "y" of
-0,0127 m.

Bending moments in the pipe due to deflection or buckling

(using [4]) in

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 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

 kLg   kL 
g
[Nm]:     (35
−w 2 −w 2
− M = 2 1 −  and +M= 2  − 1
k   kLg   k   kLg  
 tan    tan  
  2    2  

5. PIPE BENDING RADIUS

Knowledge about the bending radius is required for buried pipe

systems, in order to know if the pipeline can follow an existing
or projected curved pipe track. The minimum allowable bending
radius depends on temperature and pressure.

Minimum allowable bending radius [7] in [m]:

0,5t E b D
RB = (36)
σl − σp

Actual axial stress due to internal pressure for BI-AXIAL loaded

2
systems in [N/mm ]:

p d 
σp =  + 1 (37)
4  ts 

Actual axial stress due to internal pressure for UNI-AXIAL

2
loaded systems in [N/mm ]:

p d 
σp =  + 1 (38)
8  ts 

Notes:
1. For allowable axial tensile stress 50 % is used of the axial
bending strength shown in the pipe data sheets.
Since Bondstrand pipe and joints can be loaded bi-axially,
consequently most are used in that way. The minimum bending
radii shown in the pipe data sheets are based on bi-axial
loading for that reason.

6. COLLAPSE RESISTANCE FOR LIQUID

Where pipes may be exposed to external pressure, such as in

tanks, buoyant systems, divers etc., the resistance against
collapse may become determining.
2
Minimum Ultimate collapse pressure [3] in [Pa= N/m ] if pipe is
sufficiently long:
1
2E c t s 3
 p c (1 − µ c µ l ) 3
pc = ⇔ t = d   (39)
(1 − µ c µ l )d 3 s
 2E c 

Note! To give sufficient resistance against an external

pressure of 1 bar, 0,75 is a well accepted factor. For pipes
used in marine environments, such as at bottoms of sea going
vessels a factor of 0,3 is used to resist 3 bar or 30 m water
column with a sufficient safety.

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 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

The effective circumferential moduli of elasticity for external

pressure loading, have been determined by a combination of
theoretical and empirical data.

Temperature Cº T 21 66 93 121
2
ElasticityMN/m Ec 25200 22100
Modulus
2400 based pipe
2
ElasticityMN/m Ec 25300 22000
Modulus
3400 based pipe

7. PIPE - RING STIFFNESS

Stiffness data are used in calculations of earth- and wheel-

loads on buried pipe [8].

STIS and STES according NEN 7037.

2
Specific Tangential Initial Stiffness, STIS [9], in [N/m ]:
3
EI E  t 
STIS = c w3 = c   (40)
Dm 12  D m 
2
Specific Tangential End Stiffness, STES, in [N/m ]:
STIS = αβ STES (41)

Pipe Stiffness (acc. ASTM-D2412 test [10]), PS, in [psi]:

Fpr
PS = (42)
∆y
2
Stiffness Factor (acc.ASTM-D2412 [10]), SF, in [inch .lb/inch]:
3
t
SF = 0,149rm 3 PS ⇔ E c I w = E c (43)
12
2
Relation between STIS [N/m ] and SF [inch.lb]:
SF
SF = 8,848D m 3 STIS ⇔ STIS = 0,113 (44)
Dm3
2
Relation between STIS (N/m ) and PS [psi]:
PS = 475,14STIS ⇔ STIS = 0,002105PS (45)

8. WATERHAMMER AND SURGE

Changes in velocity of fluids cause changes in pressure.

Especially when these velocity changes are sudden they can
be harmful to the piping system.
Velocity changes may be caused by movement of valves,
starting and stopping of pumps, closure of check valves, or
even pipe rupture elsewhere in the system, and are calculated
using the Joukowski equation [11].

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 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

Pressure change in meter waterhead:

c
∆p = ∆v (46)
g

The pressure wave velocity in a closed pipe system depends

on fluid characteristics, pipe dimensions and the elasticity
modulus of the pipe wall. Calculating the pressure wave
velocity “c” can be done using the Talbot equation.

Velocity of pressure wave in a closed pipe conduit in [m/s]:

1
c= 0,5
(47)
 1 d 
 ρ f  +  
 K E t
  c s 

The pressure change ∆H, added to the highest occurring

working pressure in the system should not be higher than 1,5
times the maximum system design pressure.

If a valve is closed within the time of one wave cycle, i.e. from
the closed valve to the other end and back, then water hammer
should be calculated on the basis of instant valve closure.

Time of one pressure wave in [seconds]:

2Lw
tw = (48)
c
As can be seen, increase of tw will decrease c and decrease ∆p
subsequently.

So the longer the wave cycle, the smaller the pressure shock.

Delayed closure time:

The hammer pressure rise pv caused by taken into account a
valve closure of Tv seconds can be calculated as follows
Lw
p v = 2∆p (49)
Tv

p tot = p v + p (50)

9. HEADLOSS OR PRESSURE DROP FOR LIQUID FLOW

Head loss for liquid flow often can be obtained out of charts
and tables. However also there are rather simple ways to
calculate the head loss.
A very simple method to calculate the head loss was developed
by Hazen and Williams. This method may be used for water in
a temperature range of 0°C to 37°C (imperial: 31°F to 100°F).

Head loss for liquid flow in m of water column / 100 m pipe

length (imperial: ft of water/100 ft) using the HAZEN-WILLIAMS
equation with a Hazen Williams factor C = 150 for Bondstrand

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pipe:
For S.I. input: H l = 0,1007
Q1,852
and for Imperial input: H l = 0,0983
Q1,852 (51)
d 4,865 d 4,865

Another way of calculating this head loss is using the

Darcy-Weisbach equation. This method is more complicated
than the Hazen-Williams method, but has the advantage that it
can also be used for other temperatures and other liquids. The
Darcy Friction Factor is variable, subject to the Reynolds
Figure, this complicated the use of the method.

Head loss for liquid flow, in m of water column / 100 m pipe

length (imperial: ft of water/100 ft), using the
DARCY-WEISBACH equation:
Lv 2
Hl = f (52)
2dg

Darcy Friction Factor for laminar flow(Re<= 2000)

64
f= , and (53)
Re
Darcy Friction Factor for turbulent flow(Re=> 4000):
 1

  e 10 
6 3

f = 0,0055 1 +  20000 +  (54)
  d Re  
 
Reynold's number:
vd vdρf
Re = = , and (55)
ν η
Velocity of liquid flow:
Q Q
v = =
Ab 0 ,2 5π d 2

Temperature Cº/ºF T 0/32 4/39.1 10/50 20/68

3
Density kg/m r 999,87 1000 999,72 998,2
lb/ft 62,42 62,43 62,41 62,16
-6 2
Absolute 10 N s/m h 1794 1568 1310 1009
-6 2
Viscosity10 pdl s/ft 1205 1053 880 678
-9 2
Kinematic 10 m /s ν=η/ρf 1794 1568 1310
1011
-9 2
Viscosity10 ft /s 1931 1687 1410 1088

Temperature Cº/ºF T 30/86 40/104 60/140 100/212

3
Density kg/m r 995,7 992,2 983,2 958,4
lb/ft 62,16 61,94 61,38 59,83
-6 2
Absolute 10 N s/m h 800 653 470 284
-6 2
Viscosity10 pdl s/ft 538 439 316 191
-9 2
Kinematic 10 m /s ν=η/ρf 803 658 478
296
-9 2
Viscosity10 ft /s 865 709 514 319

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The head loss in joints and fittings can be calculated using the
same method as used for pipe after defining the equivalent
length.

The equivalent length LE can be obtained using the chart for

equivalent length of Bondstrand fittings. This chart was
developed for fittings with a resistance coefficient "K" of 1 and
water as fluid. Subject to the configuration of the fitting, the
resistance coefficient "K" varies and can be obtained from the
table "Resistance Coefficients for fittings". Multiplying Le by K
gives the real equivalent pipe length of the fitting.

Real equivalent pipe length of fitting with water as fluid in [m]:

L E = K r Le (57)

Real equivalent pipe length of fitting with other fluids in [m]:

Kr d
LE = (58)
f

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10. LITERATURE .

[1] ASME B31.3 / ANSI, an american national standard ASME

code for pressure piping, B31.

[2] ASTM-D-2992, Standard practice for obtaining hydrostatic

or pressure design basis for “fiberglass” (glass-fiber-reinforced
thermosetting-resin) pipe and fittings.

[3] Roark R.J., Formulas for Stress and Strain, Singapore,

1976

[4] Hoa S.V., Analysis for Design of Fiber Reinforced Plastic

Vessels and Pipings, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1991

[5] Heißler H., Verstärkte Kunststoffe in der Luft- und

Raumfarhttechniek. Eyerer von P., Kunststoffe und Elastomere
in der Praxis, Kohlhammer, Stuttgart, December 1996.

[6] Vinson J.R., Sierakowski R.L., the behaviour of structures

composed of composite materials, 1987.

[7] Mönch E, Einführungsvorlesung Technische Mechanik,

Wien, 1973.

[8] Algra E.A.H., Mechanische Aspekte bei drucklos

betriebenen, erdverlegten GFK-Rohren, Delft.

[9] NEN 7037, Glass reinforced thermosetting plastics pipes

for drain and sewer- requirements and test methods.

[10] ASTM-D-2412, Standard test method for determination of

external loading characteristics of plastic pipe by parallel-plate
loading, 1993.

[11] Tyler G. Hicks P.E., Hicks D.S., Standard handbook of

engineering calculations, United States, 1972

11. LEGENDA

α : creeping factor for pipe material

β : altering factor of pipe material
ε : strain rate
2 3
η : dynamic viscosity Ns/m = 10 centipoise
λ : coefficient of thermal expansion in axial direction in
m/m/ºK [in/in/ºF]
∆L : sum of the change in length due to temperature and
due to pressure
∆LT: change in length due to thermal expansion [m]
∆Lp : change in length due to pressure
∆p : pressure change
µ c : poisson's ratio (contraction in longitudinal direction
due to strain in hoop direction)

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µl : poisson's ratio for (contraction in hoop direction due

to strain in longitudinal direction)
2 6
ν : kinematic viscosity m /s = 10 centistoke
3 3
ρf : density of fluid material in kg/m [lb/inch ]
3 3
ρl : density of the liner material in kg/m [lb/inch ]
3 3
ρs : density of the structural pipe wall in kg/m [lb/inch ]
2
σ : hydrostatic design bases (H.D.B.) in N/m = Pa [psi]
2
σl : allowable axial tensile stress in N/m
2
σp : actual axial stress due to internal pressure in N/m
∆T : change in temperature in ºK or ºC; ( ºF)

2 2
A b : cross sectional area of pipe bore m [inch ]
2 2
Abl : cross sectional area of larger pipe bore in m [inch ]
2 2
Abs : cross sectional area of smaller pipe bore in m [inch ]
2 2
Al : cross sectional area of inner liner in m [inch ]
2 2
As : cross sectional area of minimal structural wall m [inch ]
Aw : cross sectional area of pipewall in m [inch]
2 2
Awl : cross sectional wall area of larger pipe in m [inch ]
2 2
Aws : cross sectional wall area of smaller pipe in m [inch ]

c : velocity of pressure wave in the pipe conduit in m/s [in/s]

D : minimum outside diameter of pipe in m

d : inside diameter of pipe in m
Da : average reinforced outside diameter in m
Dm : mean diameter of pipewall in m [inch]

e : absolute roughness of internal pipe wall in m; [ft or inch].

2
Eb : elastic beam modulus acc. ASTM D-2925 in N/m =Pa;
(psi)
2
Ec : circumferential modulus of elasticity in N/m = Pa [psi]
2
El : longitudinal modulus of elasticity in N/m = Pa [psi]
2
EI : stiffness factor per unit length of pipe wall in inch -lbs/inch

f : Darcy Friction Factor - dimensionless

fw : deflection of a tubular body
F : service (design) factor
Fe : resulting force due to thrust from two pipelines meeting at
an elbow or turn in the pipeline in [N]
Fp : thrust due to pressure
3
Fpr : load applied pipe ring inch.(lbf/m )
Fr : force at a reduction in a straight run by the larger diameter
in [N]
FT : thrust due to temperature
FTp : thrust due to temperature and pressure
Fw : thrust or tension in pipewall in a restrained blocked or
anchored pipeline due to temperature change and
pressure
2 2
g : acceleration by gravity in m/s [in/s ]

Hl : head loss
4 4
Il : linear moment of inertia of pipe in m ; [inch ]

Technical Bulletin 3 15
July 1997
 Calculation Manual for Bondstrand® GRE Pipe Systems

4 4
Ilin : linear moment of inertia of the inner liner in m ; [inch ]
4 4
Is : linear moment of inertia of the structural wall in m ; [inch ]
3
Iw : inertia moment of pipe wall in inch

k : thrust stiffness relation factor - dimensionless

2
K : bulk modulus of fluid compressibility in N/m
Kr : resistance coefficient of fitting - dimensionless

L : initial length of pipeline in m [inch]

Lc : distance between supports for continuous run
Le : equivalent pipe length, obtained from chart in m [ft]
LE : real equivalent pipe length of fitting
Lg : distance between guides in m; [inch]
Lp : distance between supports for partial run in m; [inch]
Lw : length of the closed section of the pipe conduit in m;
Ls : distance between supports for single run

M : bending moments in the pipe due to deflection or buckling

using [4] in [Nm]

p : internal design gage pressure

pc : minimum ultimate collapse pressure
Pbf : bulkhead force
Ptot : total pressure
Pv : hammer pressure caused by valve closure
Pw :λ ∆TA in meters (inch)
3 3
Q : rate of flow or debit in m /s; [ft /s]

RB : minimum allowable bending radius in [m]

Re : Reynolds number

s : design stress

t : total wall thickness in m [inch]

ta : allowance for ring stiffness, external pressure
tl : thickness of internal liner in m [inch]
ts : minimum reinforced wallthicknes in m
tw : time of one pressure wave
T : temperature
Tv : valve closing time [sec.]

v : fluid velocity in m/s; (ft/s)

∆v : change in fluid velocity in m/s

w : total uniformly distributed load in N/m; [lb/in]

2
wp : weight of pipe per unit length in [kg/m ]

y : vertical deflection
∆y : deflection of inside diameter in inch

Technical Bulletin 3 16
July 1997