4.1 This practice may not apply to products which shall be subject to failure at relatively low strains. For low ductility materials, the installed pipe/soil system shall be sufficiently rigid to prevent pipe deformations which could strain the piping material beyond its safe strain limit.

1.1 This practice governs procedures and references ASTM specifications for underground installation of thermoplastic pressure piping, 63 in. (1372 mm) nominal size and smaller. It is beyond the scope of this practice to describe these procedures in detail since it is recognized that significant differences exist in their implementation depending on kind and type of pipe material, pipe size and wall thickness, soil conditions, and the specific end use.

1.1.1 This practice assumes that over the range of anticipated operating conditions, including maximum external loading and minimum internal pressure, the soil/pipe system will offer sufficient structural stability to resist possible excessive diametrical deformation, or even collapse. In cases, particularly with large diameter thinner-walled pipe, for which the validity of this assumption may be in question, the selection of pipe and recommended installation conditions shall be determined by a qualified engineer.

1.1.2 Specific pipe characteristics and end-use requirements shall dictate addition to, or modification of the procedures stated or referenced herein.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 10 and 11.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.