Test requirements for elastomeric sealing pipe joints

It has been known for some time that inadequate jointing performance of pipe joints can lead to problems such as root intrusion, and infiltration and exfiltration through pipe joints, and that rectification of these problems absorbs a significant part of water authorities’ maintenance budgets. This paper reports on a literature search of previous and current research on the performance and evaluation of elastomeric joints. The existing test requirements for elastomeric pipe joints given in Australian and overseas standards are reviewed and the inconsistencies across the different pipe material types are discussed. Initial results of an ongoing test on root penetration are also presented. Finally, the performance requirements for elastomeric pipe joints for pressure and non-pressure pipeline system components are proposed.