Schedule 40 Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe for Army Theater of Operations Construction.
Abstract
This report presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate the potential of plastic pipe for use in Army Theater of Operations construction. The study compared the cost, weight, and labor requirements of the metallic and bituminous fiber piping systems specified in Technical Manual 5-303 with those of a plastic piping system. Schedule 40 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, which was found adequate for all cold water distribution and plumbing as well as drain-waste-vent and sewer systems, was selected for the comparison. It was determined that substitution of PVC for metallic piping would result in cost, weight, and labor reductions of approximately 43, 76, and 57 percent, respectively. Although PVC does not offer such advantages over the bituminous fiber piping, the latter had demonstrated poor performance and is no longer readily available. Compared to the total conventional AFCS piping system (metallic and bituminous fiber), the PVC system offers estimated weight savings of 33 percent and labor savings of 5 percent, with a cost increase of 15 percent. An additional advantage to the PVC system is that specification of a single type and wall thickness of pipe simplifies procurement and inventory procedures. It is recommended that TM 5-303 be revised to allow substitution of Schedule 40 PVC piping for metallic piping in cold water distribution and plumbing, drain-waste-vent, and sewer applications. If the unavailability of bituminous fiber pipe is verified, it is recommended that PVC be substituted as the specified material in TM 5-303. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA056300
Entities
People
- Alvin Smith
- David C. Morse
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory