Designation: A674 – 10

Standard Practice for

Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile Iron Pipe for Water or
Other Liquids1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A674; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2.2 ANSI/AWWA Standards:3

1.1 This practice covers materials and installation proce- C 600 Installation of Ductile Iron Water Mains and Their
dures for polyethylene encasement to be applied to under- Appurtenances
ground installations of ductile iron pipe. It may also be used for C 105/A21.5 Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile-Iron
polyethylene encasement of fittings, valves, and other appur- Pipe Systems
tenances to ductile iron pipe systems. 3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1 Definitions:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.1.1 high-density, cross-laminated polyethylene film—Film
and are not considered standard. extruded from virgin high-density polyethylene raw material,
1.2.1 Important SI values are provided in brackets. Also, which is then molecularly oriented by stretching. The final
certain important SI values appear without brackets or paren- product is then formed by two single-ply layers of the film that
theses. are then laminated together with their orientations at 90° to one
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the another using molten, high-density, virgin resin.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 linear low-density polyethylene film—Film extruded
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- from virgin linear low-density polyethylene raw material.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.3 polyethylene encasement—polyethylene material, in
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. tube or sheet form, that is used to encase ductile iron pipe.
3.1.4 securing overlap—any one of various methods of
2. Referenced Documents holding polyethylene encasement in place at the point of
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 overlap until backfilling operations are completed. This may be
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and accomplished with adhesive tape or plastic tie straps.
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
4. Requirements
at Commercial Power Frequencies
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic 4.1 Materials:
Sheeting 4.1.1 General—All films shall be manufactured of virgin
D1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film polyethylene material as non-virgin polyethylene materials
by the Free-Falling Dart Method may be susceptible to accelerated environmental degradation.
D1922 Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of 4.1.1.1 Requirements—The sections that follow list the
Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method material requirements for linear low-density and high-density,
D4976 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and cross-laminated polyethylene film. In each category, the film
Extrusion Materials shall meet all of the listed requirements.
4.1.2 Linear low-density polyethylene film—Linear low-
1
density polyethylene film shall be manufactured of virgin
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.12 on Pipes and
polyethylene material conforming to the requirements of
Tubes. Specification D4976 shown in Table 1.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published November 2010. Originally 4.1.2.1 Thickness—Linear low-density polyethylene film
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as A674 - 05. DOI: shall have a minimum thickness of 0.008 in. [0.20 mm].
10.1520/A0674-10.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Water Works Association (AWWA), 1401 New York
the ASTM website. Ave., NW, Suite 640, Washington, DC 20005.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A674 – 10
TABLE 1 Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Characteristics TABLE 3 Polyethylene Tube Sizes for Push-On Joint PipeA
Raw Material Used to Manufacture Polyethylene Encasement Material Nominal Pipe Diameter, in. Recommended Polyethylene
Flat Tube Width, in. [cm]B
Group, density, and dielectric strength in accordance with the latest revision of
Specification D4976 3 14 [36]
Group 2 (Linear) 4 14 [36]
Density 0.910 to 0.935 g/cm3 6 16 [41]
Dielectric strength, volume resistivity 1015 ohm-cm, min 8 20 [51]
10 24 [61]
12 27 [69]
Polyethylene Encasement Material 14 30 [76]
Tensile strength 3600 psi (24.83 MPa), for an 8 mil 16 34 [86]
(200µm) minimum thickness, or 28.8 18 37 [94]
lbf/in. width (50.4 N/cm width), 20 41 [104]
minimum in machine and transverse 24 54 [137]
direction (ASTM D882) 30 67 [170]
Elongation 700 %, min in the machine and 36 81 [206]
transverse direction (ASTM D882) 42 81 (206)
Dielectric strength 800 V/mil (31.5 V/µm) thickness, 48 95 [241]
min (ASTM D149) 54 108 [274]
Impact resistance 600 g, min (ASTM D1709 Method 60 108 [274]
B) 64 121 [307]
Propagation tear resistance 2550 gf, min in machine and A
These wrap sizes should work with most push-on joint pipe and fitting bell
transverse direction (ASTM D1922) sizes. Where bell circumferences are larger than the sheet sizes shown, the bell
areas should be carefully wrapped with cut film sections, effectively lapping and
securing cut edges as necessary; or, alternatively, sufficiently large tube or sheet
film to effectively cover these joints should be ordered.
B
For flat sheet polyethylene, see 5.3.3.

4.1.3 High-density cross-laminated polyethylene film—

High-density cross-laminated polyethylene film shall be manu-
factured of virgin polyethylene material conforming to the specified for purposes of identification, the pigmentation shall
requirements of Specification D4976 shown in Table 2. not contain any regulated substances.
4.1.3.1 Thickness—High-density cross-laminated polyeth- 4.4 Marking requirements—Polyethylene film shall be
ylene film shall have a minimum thickness of 0.004 in. [0.10 clearly marked at a minimum of every 2 ft [0.6 m] along its
mm]. length with print that does not contain hazardous material.
4.2 Tube Size—The tube size for each pipe diameter shall be Marking shall contain the following information:
as listed in Table 3. (a) Manufacturer’s name or registered trademark
4.3 Color—Polyethylene film may be supplied in its natural (b) Year of manufacture
color, white, black or weather resistant black containing not (c) ASTM A674
less than 2 % carbon black with a particle diameter of 90 nm (d) Minimum film thickness and material type (LLDPE or
or less. A minimum 2 % of a hindered-amine ultraviolet HDCLPE)
inhibitor is required for all films other than the weather- (e) Applicable range of nominal pipe diameter size(s)
resistant black film with carbon black. Where other colors are (f) Warning—Corrosion Protection—Repair Any Damage
4.4.1 Marking height—Letters and numerals used for mark-
ing items a through e in Section 4.4 shall not be less than 1 in.
TABLE 2 High-Density Cross-Laminated Polyethylene [25.4 mm] in height. Item f in Section 4.4 shall be not less than
Characteristics 11⁄2 in. [38.10 mm] in height.
Raw Material Used to Manufacture Polyethylene Encasement Material
Group, density, and dielectric strength in accordance with the latest revision 5. Installation
of Specification D4976
Group 2 (Linear)
5.1 General:
Density 0.940 to 0.960 g/cm3 5.1.1 The polyethylene encasement shall prevent contact
Dielectric strength, volume resistivity 1015 ohm-cm, min between the pipe and the surrounding backfill and bedding
material but is not intended to be a completely airtight or
High-Density Cross-Laminated Polyethylene Encasement Material watertight enclosure. All lumps of clay, mud, cinders, etc.
Tensile strength 6300 psi (43.47 MPa), for a 4 mil (100 which may be on the pipe surface shall be removed prior to
µm) minimum thickness, or 25.2 lbf/in. installation of the polyethylene encasement. During installa-
width (44.1 N/cm width), minimum in
machine and transverse direction tion, care shall be exercised to prevent soil or embedment
(ASTM D882) material from becoming entrapped between the pipe and the
Elongation 100 %, min in machine and transverse polyethylene.
direction (ASTM D882)
Dielectric strength 800 V/mil (31.5 V/µm) thickness, min 5.1.2 The polyethylene film shall be fitted to the contour of
(ASTM D149) the pipe to effect a snug, but not tight, encasement with
Impact resistance 800 g, min. (ASTM D1709 Method B) minimum space between the polyethylene and the pipe. Suffi-
Propagation tear resistance 250 gf, min. in machine and transverse
direction (ASTM D1922) cient slack shall be provided in contouring to prevent stretching
the polyethylene bridging irregular surfaces, such as bell-
spigot interfaces, bolted joints, or fittings, and to prevent

2
 A674 – 10
damage to the polyethylene due to backfilling operations. tube around the pipe, centering it to provide 6 in. [150 mm] of
Overlaps and ends shall be secured by the use of adhesive tape bare pipe at each end. Make the polyethylene snug, but not
or plastic tie straps. tight, as shown in Fig. 2; secure ends as described in 5.1.
5.1.3 For installations below the water table or in areas 5.3.2.2 Before making up a joint, slip a 3-ft [0.9-m] length
subject to tidal actions, or both, it is recommended that of polyethylene tube over the end of the preceding pipe section,
tube-form polyethylene be used with both ends sealed as bunching it accordion fashion lengthwise. Alternatively, place
thoroughly as possible with adhesive tape or plastic tie straps a 3-ft [0.9 m] length of polyethylene sheet in the trench under
at the joint overlap. It is also recommended that circumferential the joint to be made. After completing the joint, pull the 3-ft
wraps of tape or plastic tie straps be placed at 2 ft [0.6 m] length of polyethylene over or around the joint, overlapping the
intervals along the barrel of the pipe to help minimize the space previously installed on each adjacent section of pipe by at least
between the polyethylene and the pipe. 1 ft [0.3 m]; make snug and secure each end as described in
5.2 Polyethylene Installers—The polyethylene encasement 5.1. A shallow bell hole must be made at joints to facilitate
shall be installed by personnel trained or experienced in the installation of the polyethylene tube or sheet.
proper application of the encasement as described in this 5.3.2.3 Repair any rips, punctures, or other damage to the
standard. At all times during construction of the pipeline, polyethylene as described in 5.6. Proceed with installation of
precautions shall be taken to prevent damage to the encasement the next section of pipe in the same manner.
film. 5.3.3 Method C (see Fig. 4):
5.3 Methods of Installation—This practice includes three 5.3.3.1 Flat sheet polyethylene shall have a minimum width
different methods for the installation of polyethylene encase- twice the flat tube width shown in Table 3.
ment. Method A and B are for use with polyethylene tubes and
5.3.3.2 Cut the polyethylene sheet to a length approximately
Method C is for use with polyethylene sheets.
2 ft [0.6 m] longer than the length of pipe section. Center the
5.3.1 Method A (see Fig. 1):
cut length to provide a 1-ft [0.3-m] overlap on each adjacent
5.3.1.1 Cut the polyethylene tube to a length approximately
pipe section, bunching it until it clears the pipe ends. Wrap the
2 ft [0.6 m] longer than the length of the pipe section. Slip the
polyethylene around the pipe so that it overlaps circumferen-
tube around the pipe, centering it to provide a 1-ft [0.3-m]
tially over the top quadrant of the pipe. Secure the cut edge of
overlap on each adjacent pipe section, and bunching it accor-
polyethylene sheet at approximately 3-ft [0.9-m] intervals
dion fashion lengthwise until it clears the pipe ends.
along the pipe length.
5.3.1.2 Lower the pipe into the trench and make up the pipe
joint with the preceding section of pipe. A shallow bell hole 5.3.3.3 Lower the wrapped pipe into the trench and make up
must be made at joints to facilitate installation of the polyeth- the pipe joint with the preceding section of pipe. A shallow bell
ylene tube. hole must be made at joints to facilitate installation of the
5.3.1.3 After assembling the pipe joint, make the overlap of polyethylene. After completing the joint, make the overlap as
the polyethylene tube. Pull the bunched polyethylene from the described in 5.1.
preceding length of pipe, slip it over the end of the new length 5.3.3.4 Repair any rips, punctures, or other damage to the
of pipe, and secure in place. Then slip the end of the polyethylene as described in 5.6. Proceed with installation of
polyethylene from the new pipe section over the end of the first the next section of pipe in the same manner.
wrap until it overlaps the joint at the end of the preceding 5.4 Pipe-Shaped Appurtenances—Bends, reducers, offsets,
length of pipe. Secure the overlap in place. Take up the slack and other pipe-shaped appurtenances shall be covered with
width at the top of the pipe as shown in Fig. 2, to make a snug, polyethylene in the same manner as the pipe.
but not tight, fit along the barrel of the pipe, securing the fold 5.5 Odd-Shaped Appurtenances—Wrap valves, tees,
at quarter points. crosses, and other odd-shaped pieces which cannot practically
5.3.1.4 Repair any rips, punctures, or other damage to the be wrapped in a tube, with a flat sheet or split length of
polyethylene with adhesive tape or with a short length of polyethylene tube. Pass the sheet under the appurtenance and
polyethylene tube cut open, wrapped around the pipe, and bring up around the body. Make seams by bringing the edges
secured in place. Proceed with installation of the next section together, folding over twice, and taping down. Handle slack
of pipe in the same manner. width and overlaps at joints as described in 5.1. Tape polyeth-
5.3.2 Method B (see Fig. 3): ylene securely in place at valve stem and other penetrations.
5.3.2.1 Cut the polyethylene tube to a length approximately 5.6 Repairs—Repair any cuts, tears, punctures, or damage
1 ft [0.3 m] shorter than the length of the pipe section. Slip the to polyethylene with adhesive tape or with a short length of

FIG. 1 Method A

3
 A674 – 10

FIG. 2 Slack Reduction Procedure—Methods A and B

FIG. 3 Method B

FIG. 4 Method C

polyethylene tube cut open, wrapped around the pipe covering

the damaged area, and secured in place.
5.7 Openings in Encasement—Make openings for branches,
service taps, blow-offs, air valves, and similar appurtenances,
by making an X-shaped cut in the polyethylene and tempo-
rarily folding the film back. After the appurtenance is installed,
tape the slack securely to the appurtenance and repair the cut,
as well as any other damaged areas in the polyethylene, with
tape. Direct service taps may also be made through the
polyethylene, with any resulting damage areas being repaired
as described previously. The preferred method of making direct
service taps consists of applying two or three wraps of adhesive
tape completely around the polyethylene encased pipe to cover
the area where the tapping machine and chain will be mounted.
This method minimizes possible damage to the polyethylene FIG. 5 Preferred Method for Making Direct Service Taps on PE
during the direct tapping procedure. After the tapping machine Encased Iron Pipe
is mounted, the corporation stop is installed directly through
the tape and polyethylene as shown in Fig. 5. Experience has chain during the tapping operation. After the direct tap is
shown that this method is very effective in eliminating damage completed, the entire circumferential area should be closely
to the polyethylene encasement by the tapping machine and inspected for damage and repaired if needed.

4
 A674 – 10
5.8 Junctions Between Wrapped and Unwrapped Pipe— manufacturer, the film distributor, or both shall maintain
Where polyethylene wrapped pipe joins a pipe that is not accessible quality records for a minimum period of one year
wrapped, extend the polyethylene tube to cover the unwrapped from the date of manufacture. In lieu of the above records, the
pipe a distance of at least 3 ft [0.9 m]. Secure the end with manufacturer may elect to test a customer selected film sample
circumferential turns of adhesive tape. Service lines of dissimi- provided that proof of manufacturer and the date of manufac-
lar metals shall be wrapped with polyethylene or a suitable ture (DOM) are verifiable to the sample.
dielectric tape for a minimum clear distance of 3 ft [0.9 m] 6.2 Manufacturer’s statement—The purchaser may require
away from the ductile-iron pipe. a signed affidavit by an officer representing the polyethylene
5.9 Backfill for Polyethylene Wrapped Pipe—Backfill ma- film manufacturer that the film meets the inspection and all
terial shall be the same as specified for pipe without polyeth- applicable material requirements of 4.1. The manufacturer’s
ylene wrapping. Take special care to prevent damage to the statement of compliance with this standard and use of similar
polyethylene wrapping when placing backfill. Backfill material statements on packaging or promotional material must be
shall be free of cinders, refuse, boulders, rocks, stones, or other verifiable as required under 6.1. Statements from suppliers
material that could damage polyethylene. In general, backfill- shall not be accepted in lieu of a statement from the original
ing practice should be in accordance with the latest revision of manufacturer of the polyethylene film.
ANSI/AWWA C 600.
6.3 Freedom from defects—Polyethylene film to be manu-
6. Inspection and Certification by Manufacturer factured and used in accordance with this standard shall not be
made from recycled materials and shall be clean, sound, and
6.1 Quality control and inspection—The manufacturer of
without defects.
polyethylene film for corrosion protection encasement of
ductile iron pipe systems shall have a documented Quality
Control System or a current compliance certificate from an 7. Keywords
accredited Quality Auditing organization to assure that it 7.1 corrosion protection; ductile iron pipe; polyethylene
complies with all requirements of this standard. The film encasement; soil-test evaluation; stray direct current

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. PROCEDURES FOR SOIL SURVEY TESTS AND OBSERVATIONS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION TO DETERMINE
WHETHER DUCTILE IRON PIPE FOR WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS REQUIRES POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT

X1.1 Scope direct current corrosion should also be taken into consideration
X1.1.1 In the appraisal of soil and other conditions that as a part of the evaluation.
affect the corrosion rate of ductile iron pipe (see Note X1.1), a
X1.2 Applicable Document
minimum number of factors must be considered. They are
outlined in the following sections. A method of evaluating and X1.2.1 ANSI/AWWA Standard:
interpreting each factor and a method of weighting each factor C 105/A21.5, Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile-Iron
to determine whether polyethylene encasement should be used Pipe Systems
are subsequently described.
X1.3 Earth Resistivity
NOTE X1.1—The information contained in Appendix X1 is also appli- X1.3.1 There are three methods for determining earth resis-
cable to grey iron pipe. Although grey iron pressure pipe is no longer
produced in the United States, many miles of this product remain in
tivity: four-pin, single-probe, and soil-box. In the field, a
service. four-pin determination should be made with pins spaced at
approximate pipe depth. This method yields an average of
These methods should be employed only by qualified
resistivity from the surface to a depth equal to pin spacing.
personnel who are experienced in soil analysis and evaluation
However, results are sometimes difficult to interpret where dry
of conditions potentially corrosive to ductile-iron pipe. Factors
top soil is underlain with wetter soils and where soil types vary
such as moisture content, soil temperature, location of soil
with depth. The Wenner configuration is used in conjunction
sample with respect to pipe, time between removal of soil
with a resistance meter.4 For all-around use, a unit with a
sample and testing, and other factors can significantly affect the
capacity of up to 10 V is suggested because of its versatility in
soil-test evaluation. For example, certain soil environments are
permitting both field and laboratory testing in most soils.
generally accepted to be potentially corrosive to ductile-iron
X1.3.2 Because of the aforementioned difficulty in interpre-
pipe based on experience, and thus do not require evaluation to
tation, the same unit may be used with a single probe that
determine the need for corrosion protection. Such environ-
ments include, but are not limited to, coal, cinders, muck, peat,
mine wastes, and landfill areas high in foreign materials. 4
The Vibroground manufactured by Associated Research, Inc. has been found
Experience with existing installations and potential for stray satisfactory for earth resistivity testing.

5
 A674 – 10
yields resistivity at the point of the probe. A boring is made into TABLE X1.1 Soil-Test EvaluationA
the subsoil so that the probe may be pushed into the soil at the Soil Characteristics Points
desired depth. Resistivity, ohm-cm
X1.3.3 Inasmuch as the soil may not be typically wet, a (based on water-saturated soil-box):
<1500 10
sample should be removed for resistivity determination, which $1500 to 1800 8
may be accomplished with any one of several laboratory units >1800 to 2100 5
that permits the introduction of water to saturation, thus >2100 to 2500 2
>2500 to 3000 1
simulating saturated field conditions. Each of these units is >3000 0
used in conjunction with a soil resistance meter. pH:
X1.3.4 Interpretation of resistivity results is extremely im- 0–2 5
2–4 3
portant. To base an opinion on a four-pin reading with dry top 4–6.5 0
soil averaged with wetter subsoil would probably result in an 6.5–7.5 0B
inaccurate premise. Only by determining the resistivity in soil 7.5–8.5 0
>8.5 3
at pipe depth can an accurate interpretation be made. Also, Redox potential:
every effort should be made to determine the local situation > +100 mV 0
concerning ground-water table, presence of shallow ground +50 to +100 mV 3.5
0 to +50 mV 4
water, and approximate percentage of time the soil is likely to Negative 5
be water saturated. Sulfides:
X1.3.5 With ductile iron pipe, resistance to corrosion Positive 3.5
Trace 2
through products of corrosion is enhanced if there are dry Negative 0
periods during each year. Such periods seem to permit hard- Moisture:
ening or toughening of the corrosion scale or products, which Poor drainage, continuously wet 2
Fair drainage, generally moist 1
then become impervious and serve as better insulators. Good drainage, generally dry 0
X1.3.6 In making field determinations of resistivity, tem- A
Ten points = corrosive to or ductile iron pipe; protection is indicated.
perature is important. The result obtained increases as tempera- B
If sulfides are present and low (<100 mv) or negative redox potential results
ture decreases. As the water in the soil approaches freezing, are obtained, three points shall be given for this range.
resistivity increases greatly, and, therefore, is not reliable. Field
determinations under frozen soil conditions should be avoided.
Reliable results under such conditions can be obtained only by can live only under anaerobic conditions. A redox potential
collection of suitable subsoil samples for analysis under greater than +100 mV shows the soil to be sufficiently aerated
laboratory conditions at suitable temperature. so that it will not support sulfate reducers. Potentials of 0 to
X1.3.7 Interpretation of Resistivity—Because of the wide +100 mV may or may not indicate anaerobic conditions;
variance in results obtained under the methods described, it is however, a negative redox potential definitely indicates the
difficult specifically to interpret any single reading without anaerobic conditions in which sulfate reducers thrive. The
knowing which method was used. It is proposed that interpre- redox test is performed using a pH/mV meter with a combi-
tation be based on the lowest reading obtained with consider- nation ORP electrode inserted into the soil sample. It should be
ation being given to other conditions, such as normal moisture noted that soil samples removed from a boring or excavation
content of the soil in question. Because of the lack of exact can undergo a change in redox potential on exposure to air.
correlation between experiences and resistivity, it is necessary Such samples should be tested immediately on removal from
to assign ranges of resistivity rather than specific numbers. In the excavation. Experience has shown that heavy clays, muck,
Table X1.1, points are assigned to various ranges of resistivity. and organic soils are often anaerobic, and these soils should be
These points, when considered along with points assigned to regarded as potentially corrosive.
other soil characteristics, are meaningful.
X1.6 Sulfides
X1.4 pH X1.6.1 A positive sulfide reaction reveals a potential prob-
X1.4.1 In the pH range from 0.0 to 4.0, soils indicate acid lem due to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The sodium azide-iodine
conditions that are often associated with high rates of corro- qualitative test is used. In this determination, a solution of 3 %
sion. In the pH range from 6.5 to 7.5, soil conditions are sodium azide in a 0.1 N iodine solution is introduced into a test
optimum for sulfate reduction. In the pH range from 8.5 to tube containing a sample of the soil in question. Sulfides
14.0, soils are generally quite high in dissolved salts, yielding catalyze the reaction between sodium azide and iodine, with
a low soil resistivity. the resulting evolution of nitrogen. If strong bubbling or
X1.4.2 In testing pH, a combination pH electrode is pushed foaming results, sulfides are present, and the presence of
into the soil sample and a direct reading is made, following sulfate-reducing bacteria is indicated. If very slight bubbling is
suitable temperature setting on the instrument. Normal proce- noted, sulfides are probably present in small concentration and
dures are followed for standardization. the result is noted as a trace.

X1.5 Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Potential X1.7 Moisture Content

X1.5.1 The oxidation-reduction (redox) potential of a soil is X1.7.1 Since prevailing moisture content is extremely im-
significant because the most common sulfate-reducing bacteria portant to all soil corrosion, every effort must be made to

6
 A674 – 10
determine this condition. It is not proposed, however, to high. When ductile iron pipelines are exposed to high density
determine specific moisture content of a soil sample, because stray current environments, the pipeline should be rerouted or
of the probability that content varies throughout the year, but to the anode bed relocated. If neither of these options is feasible,
question local authorities who are able to observe the condi- the ductile iron pipe in this area should be electrically bonded
tions many times during the year. (Although mentioned in together, electrically isolated from adjacent pipe, polyethylene
X1.3, this variability factor is being reiterated to emphasize the encased, and appropriate test leads and “current drain” in-
importance of notation.) stalled.
X1.8 Soil Description X1.10 Experience with Existing Installations
X1.8.1 In each investigation, soil types should be com- X1.10.1 The best information on corrosivity of soil with
pletely described. The description should include color and respect to ductile iron pipe is the result of experience with this
physical characteristics, such as particle size, plasticity, friabil- material in the area in question. Every effort should be made to
ity, and uniformity. Observation and testing will reveal whether acquire such data by questioning local officials and, if possible,
the soil is high in organic content; this should be noted. by actual observation of existing installations.
Experience has shown that in a given area, corrosivity may X1.11 Soil-Test Evaluation
often be reflected in certain types and colors of soil. This
X1.11.1 Using the soil-test procedures described herein, the
information is valuable for future investigations or for deter-
following tests are considered in evaluating corrosivity of the
mining the most likely soils to suspect. Soil uniformity is
soil: resistivity, pH, redox potential, sulfides, and moisture. For
important because of the possible development of local corro-
each of these tests, results are categorized according to their
sion cells due to the difference in potential between unlike soil
contribution to corrosivity. Points are assigned based on
types, both of which are in contact with the pipe. The same is
experience with ductile iron pipe. When results of these five
true for uniformity of aeration. If one segment of soil contains
test observations are available, the assigned points are totaled.
more oxygen than a neighboring segment, a corrosion cell can
If the sum is equal to ten or more, the soil is corrosive to ductile
develop from the difference in potential. This cell is known as
iron pipe and protection against exterior corrosion should be
a differential aeration cell.
provided. This system is limited to soil corrosion and does not
X1.8.2 There are several basic types of soil that should be
include consideration of stray direct current. Table X1.1 lists
noted: sand, loam, silt, clay, muck. Unusual soils, such as peat
points assigned to the various test results.
or soils high in foreign material, should also be noted and
described. X1.12 General
X1.12.1 These notes deal only with ductile iron pipe, the
X1.9 Potential Stray Direct Current
soil environment in which they will serve, and methods of
X1.9.1 Any soil survey should include consideration of determining the need for polyethylene encasement.
possible stray direct current with which the gray or ductile cast
iron pipe installation might interfere. The widespread use of X1.13 Uniquely Severe Environments
rectifiers and ground beds for cathodic protection of under- X1.13.1 Research and experience has shown that polyeth-
ground structures has increased the potential of stray direct ylene encasement alone is a viable corrosion protection system
current. Proximity of such cathodic protection systems should for ductile and gray iron pipe in most environments. However,
be noted. Among other potential sources of stray direct current other options should be considered for environments where all
are electric railways, industrial equipment, including welding, the following characteristics co-exist: (1) soil resistivity #500
and mine transportation equipment. Normally, the amount of ohm-cm; (2) anaerobic conditions in which sulfate reducing
stray current influence from cathodic protection systems on an bacteria thrive {neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5), low or negative
electrically discontinuous ductile iron pipeline will be negli- redox-potential (negative to +100 mV), and the presence of
gible. It is not detrimental to the expected life of the system, sulfides (positive or trace)}; and (3) salt/brackish water tidal
unless the pipeline comes close to an impressed current area where the water table is intermittently or continually
cathodic protection anode bed where the current density is above the invert of the pipe.

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