Detailed Pipe Handling Procedures and Information for Fusible PVC™, including Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905®, and FPVC®
Introduction
Stock lengths of Fusible PVC™ products, including Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905®, and FPVC® are handled in the same manner as traditional bell and spigot PVC with consideration for the 40 foot shipping lengths. They need to be loaded, off-loaded, strapped, moved, pulled and otherwise handled in the exact manner that bell and spigot PVC piping is handled.
There are several unique aspects of these products that do need to be considered, however. These include the 40 foot lengths that Fusible PVC™ is shipped in, as well as how the nature of the fusion joint used affects the handling of the pipe itself. Actual installation methods and parameters are discussed in Underground Solutions® procedural document TP - 1 - 020 - Recommended Installation Procedures.
Underground Solutions® Fusible Pipe Handling and Storage Instructions are based on industry experience and the recommendations as described in AWWA M23 Manual of Supply Practices PVC Pipe-Design and Installation, Second Edition.
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Shipping and Receipt of Shipment
Inspection of each load of pipe, prior to unloading, is the first step when the shipment arrives. After the shipment has been verified, it can then be unloaded and prepped for installation or temporary storage.
2.1 Inspection of the Shipment
Each pipe shipment should be inspected prior to unloading for appropriate quantity, pipe size and pipe type. Each pipe shipment should also be checked to see if the load has shifted or otherwise been damaged during transit. The bill of lading will list quantities and sizes of pipe being delivered.
Each piece of pipe will be marked with the following information: pipe size; DR or wall thickness; "fusible" designation; UGSI or Underground Solutions, Inc. trade name; and the drinking water certification (if applicable). The pipe is color coded based upon intended application.
If there are discrepancies, quality issues beyond immaterial shipping and/or loading damage, or missing inventory, please contact Underground Solutions within 24 hours of receipt of the shipment. Any damage, missing material, etc., should be noted on the shipping bill of lading.
Please call the Underground Solutions, Inc. at (724) 353-3000 and ask for Crystal Huey.
2.2 Off-Loading of Pipe Shipment
Remove restraints from the top unit loads. Beware of boards that may have come loose during shipment creating a potential hazard.
Use a forklift with chisel forks. The fork chisel should be checked to be sure it is not thicker than the gap between the units of pipe strapped together for shipping and handling purposes. The spread of the forks should be set at the maximum distance apart. Extend forks to remove each top unit from the truck.
Do not run forks too far under the units, as fork ends striking adjacent units may cause damage. Insure that the forks are fully engaged. If left bundled in units, unloading can be done with a single forklift so long as it is of sufficient capacity to handle the load. If sag exceeds recommendation (see Table 2.3 for allowable sag), then each piece of pipe should be unloaded individually.
When unloading individual pieces of pipe, the pipe should be supported at approximately the 1/3 point measured from each end of the pipe.
If a forklift is not available, a spreader bar with fabric straps capable of handling the load should be used. Recommended lift points when using fabric slings are at the points approximately 1/3 of the length measured from each end of the unit.
Care shall be exercised when handling the pipe to not cut, gouge, scratch or otherwise abrade the piping in any way. Use of hooks, chains, wire rope or any other handling device which might damage the pipe is strictly prohibited.
During removal and handling, be sure that the pipe does not strike anything. Significant impact could cause damage (particularly during cold weather).
To unload lower units, repeat the above unloading process.
If appropriate unloading equipment is not available, pipe may be unloaded by removing individual pieces. Care should be taken to insure that pipe is not dropped or damaged. Pipe should be carefully lowered, not dropped, from trucks.
In preparation for pipe installation, placement of the unloaded pipe should be as close to the area where fusion will take place as practical.
2.3 Sag Check
Table 2.3 - Allowable Maximum Sag in Pipe Lengths During Unloading and Moving
Segment Height (Sag) Segment Height (Sag) Nom. Pipe Size 30' Length 40' Length Nom. Pipe Size 30' Length 40' Length (DIPS) (inches) (inches) (IPS) (inches) (inches) 4 13 23 1/2 3 18 32 1/2 6 9 16 1/2 4 14 25 1/2 8 7 12 1/2 6 9 1/2 17 10 5 1/2 10 8 7 1/2 13 12 4 1/2 8 1/2 10 6 10 1/2 14 4 7 1/2 12 5 9 16 3 1/2 6 1/2 14 4 1/2 8 18 3 5 1/2 16 4 7 20 2 1/2 5 18 3 1/2 6 24 2 1/2 4 20 3 5 1/2 30 2 3 1/2 24 2 1/2 4 1/2 36 1 1/2 3 30 2 3 1/2 42 1 2 1/2 36 1 1/2 3 48 1 2 42 1 1/2 2 1/2 48 1 2 Sag is the measurement of the pipe ends relative to the pipe center (see Figure 2.3). This can be accurately measured using string and a tape measure. With a pipe raised with the lifting device, stretch the string on the bottom of the pipe from one end to the other. Using the tape measure, measure the distance from the string to the bottom of the curved pipe section at the midpoint. This distance is the 'sag' of the pipe in its current configuration, and the distance should not be greater than what is listed in Table 2.3. A quick check is to take a 4 or 5 foot level and place it against the bottom of the pipe at the point of the most curvature. You should not be able to see a gap between the level and the pipe of more than about 1/64th of an inch. If a large gap exists, a full length measurement of sag, as described below, should be performed.
Figure 2.4 - Sag Illustration
*Diagram not to scale.If the sag is greater than the allowable sag, as indicated in Table 2.3, reconfigure your lifting mechanism with a wider spread, if it is a two point lifting device, or utilize a two point lifting device, if using a single point lifting device.
Storage Requirements
Pipe units should be stored and placed on level ground. Pipe should be stored at the job site in the unit packaging provided by the manufacturer, if possible. Caution should be exercised to avoid compression, damage, or deformation to the ends of the pipe. Use racks or dunnage to prevent damage to the bottom during storage and to support the pipe or pipe unit. Supports should be spaced to prevent pipe bending. The pipe shall be stored in stacks no higher than that given in the following Table 3.1:
Table 3.1 - Stacking Parameters for Fusible PVC™
Pipe Diameter (inches) Max. No. of Rows Stacked 8 or less 5 12 to 21 4 24 to 30 3 33 to 48 2 When exposure in excess of one year to direct sunlight is unavoidable, the pipe should be covered with an opaque material while permitting adequate air circulation above and around the pipe as required to prevent excess heat accumulation. The interior of the pipe, as well as all end surfaces, should be kept free from dirt and foreign matter until the pipe is ready to be fused.
Summary
The proper handling, moving, and storing of Fusible PVC™ will assure the integrity of the pipe and provide the foundation for a successful project.