Lifetime analysis of uPVC pressure pipes constrained by a tapping band

Finite element analysis and strain gauging have been conducted on a uPVC pipe installed with a tapping band to allow determination of the imposed stress levels in a pipe that had failed in the field. These stresses were used in a fracture mechanics approach to determine if the applied stresses were the critical factor controlling pipe failure. It is shown that finite element modelling can be used to effectively predict the operating stress levels in pipelines constrained by tapping bands and it can pinpoint stress concentration areas which are likely sites for crack initiation and propagation. Combined with a fracture mechanics approach, the lifetimes of plastic pipes constrained by tapping bands can be predicted.