Considerations for ASTM D2321 standard practice for underground installation of thermoplastic pipe vs. cast iron for sewers and other gravity-flow applications.
by Francesca Dunbar and Laura Loziuk
Often, when something is out of sight, it’s out of mind. This can be related to things like piping systems behind the walls and floors of a building or buried in the ground, and proper installation practices are required to ensure health and safety. All buildings require buried piping systems for waste or water distribution, and the process can be either simple or complicated depending on the pipe material.
ASTM D2321: Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and other Gravity-Flow Applications, as the title suggests, is the standard used for underground burial of thermoplastics for DWV systems, and the process to comply with the standard’s provisions can be confusing. Here is an overview to help demystify the compliance process by product choice.
Proper underground installation of piping is one of the most misunderstood applications. Piping that is buried needs to not only support the earth load, but also the live load above, so careful steps are required to ensure performance of the piping system. All underground thermoplastic piping must be installed in accordance with the standard and any regulations, ordinances, and codes in the respective jurisdiction.
Buried piping also will be installed in a variety of subsoils. Therefore, special attention is required for thermoplastic pipe-laying techniques in accordance with the standard. On the other hand, because of its material characteristics, cast iron soil pipe does not have to comply with a specific standard for use underground; it can simply be installed in a trench wide and deep enough to allow for proper slope and burial (see Figure 1).
With any piping, an initial inspection is required to ensure that the product is free from any damage. When determining trench widths for thermoplastic piping, two options are prescribed by ASTM D2321. Option 1 is to use the pipe outside diameter (OD) plus 16 inches. Option 2 is to use the pipe OD times 1.25 + 12 inches (OD × 1.25) +12. Note that the trench depth is determined by the intended service and local conditions.
In all cases, thermoplastic pipe should be installed at least below the frost level. Refer to the ASTM D2321 standard for specific instructions.
Special attention is then required for backfilling for thermoplastic piping. Again, ASTM D2321 outlines the backfilling requirements and prescribes the necessary steps to ensure that backfilling provides the necessary support for thermoplastic piping so the load does not deform the pipe and the pipe is supported on all sides. Improperly backfilled and supported thermoplastic piping is prone to failure as the piping is not rigid enough to be self-supporting (see Figure 2).
On the other hand, when excavating for cast iron soil pipe, you only need to meet the required depth and width to accommodate the pipe size and any recesses for hubs if using hub and spigot. Since it is a rigid, heavy-duty product, no additional steps for bedding or even hand compaction are necessary, making it a simple, more durable choice for an underground installation.
As you can see, proper installation of plastic pipe can increase the initial installed cost of the product when installed according to the ASTM D 2321 standard. Cast iron soil piping, defined as a rigid material that is 10 times stronger than thermoplastic material, allows it to handle the loads with no risk of deflection.
Sometimes the path of least resistance is the right choice. Consider the total installation cost, simplicity, and ease of a direct burial cast iron system the next time you are designing your underground plumbing project.
About the Authors
Francesca Dunbar is Vice President of Group Marketing for the McWane Plumbing Group and is a board member for the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI). Francesca is actively involved with ASPE, codes and standards, public policy/advocacy, and legislative strategy in the plumbing and waterworks industries.
Laura L. Loziuk is a Technical Service Manager for McWane Plumbing Technical Services. She has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Florida Atlantic University. Laura is a member of the ASPE Philadelphia Chapter’s Board of Directors and is also an active member of IAPMO, ICC, and ASTM. She has been active in the construction industry for 11 years.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and not the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
