Long-term behavior of welded joints in large-diameter polyethylene pipes
The development of large-diameter polyethylene pipes and their butt-welding technology requires new testing approaches. With adapted testing methods, creep rupture tests can now be performed on wall thicknesses up to 120 mm, using fewer samples and accounting for the typical fracture behavior of PE welds.
The fracture behavior observed in polyethylene welded joints with smaller wall thicknesses has also been confirmed for larger wall thicknesses. Testing facilities for wall thicknesses of up to 120 mm will be available starting in autumn 2011.
3R international (50) Issue 4/5, 2011, pages 314-317
