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IS 13916:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for installation of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (grp) piping system. This standard outlines the code of practice for the installation of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) piping systems. It covers essential procedures for handling, storage, jointing methods, and installation techniques for both above-ground and buried applications. The code also specifies requirements for inspection, pressure testing, and commissioning of the completed pipeline.
Code of practice for installation of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) piping system
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Surface preparation (grinding, cleaning, and drying) is the most critical step for ensuring the strength and leak-proof nature of laminated or adhesive joints.
! GRP has a significantly higher coefficient of thermal expansion than steel; thermal analysis and provision of expansion loops or joints are crucial for above-ground lines subject to temperature variations.
! Consult the manufacturer's specific data for cure times of resins/adhesives, as they are highly dependent on ambient temperature and humidity.
AWWA M45, 4th Ed.American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA
HighCurrent
Fiberglass Pipe Design Manual
Comprehensive manual covering design, handling, and detailed installation of GRP/fiberglass pipes.
ASTM D3839 / D3839M - 14(2021)American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), USA
HighCurrent
Standard Guide for Underground Installation of 'Fiberglass' (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe
Focuses specifically on underground installation procedures, including trenching and backfilling.
ISO/TS 10465-1:2007International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
HighCurrent
Underground installation of glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping systems — Part 1: General
A technical specification providing general requirements for underground GRP pipe installation.
EN 1610:2015European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Construction and testing of drains and sewers
Covers installation for all pipe materials, providing relevant principles for trenching and backfilling.
Key Differences
≠The IS code is a concise code of practice from 1994, while modern standards like AWWA M45 are extensive design manuals with detailed calculation methods and cover a wider range of scenarios (e.g., trenchless installations, detailed thermal analysis).
≠International standards (ASTM D3839, AWWA M45) reference modern soil classification systems (e.g., USCS) for selecting and compacting backfill, whereas IS 13916 uses more general descriptive categories for soil types.
≠IS 13916 provides a prescriptive value for hydrostatic test pressure (lower of 1.5 x design P or design P + 5 kg/cm²), while international standards often provide a range (e.g., 1.25 to 1.5 x working pressure) and more detailed procedures for duration and allowable leakage.
≠While IS 13916 provides guidelines for above-ground installation, AWWA M45 offers much more detailed engineering guidance, including specific formulas for support spacing, anchor design, and managing thermal expansion/contraction.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally emphasize the critical importance of proper pipe bedding, haunch support, and controlled backfill compaction to support the flexible pipe structure and control deflection.
≈The guidelines for handling and storage are fundamentally similar, stressing the need to avoid impact, use wide fabric slings for lifting, and store pipes on level ground away from sharp objects.
≈All codes recognize the necessity of providing thrust restraint (e.g., thrust blocks or restrained joints) at changes in direction, size, or at terminations to counteract hydraulic forces.
≈The core principles for jointing are consistent, including ensuring cleanliness of sealing surfaces, correct alignment of pipes, and using only the manufacturer-specified lubricant for elastomeric seals.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Maximum allowable long-term deflection
Should generally not exceed 5% of pipe diameter
Typically 3-5%; 5% is a common limit for gravity systems, but it's an engineering decision
AWWA M45
Hydrostatic field test pressure
Lower of 1.5 x Design Pressure or (Design Pressure + 0.5 MPa)
Typically 1.25 to 1.5 x Operating Pressure, not to exceed 1.5 x thrust restraint rating
AWWA M45
Minimum bedding thickness under pipe
100 mm (for DN≤600) to 150 mm (for DN>600)
100 mm to 150 mm (4 to 6 inches) is recommended
ASTM D3839
Minimum cover (no traffic)
1.0 m (general); can be reduced based on design
0.6 m (2 ft), but must be sufficient to prevent flotation and surface loads
ASTM D3839
Backfill compaction lift thickness
In layers not exceeding 150 mm
150 mm to 300 mm (6 to 12 in) depending on compaction equipment and soil type
AWWA M45
Initial backfill material placement
Up to 60-75% of the pipe outside diameter
Up to the springline (mid-height) of the pipe before compacting the haunches
ASTM D3839
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Hydrostatic test pressure1.5 times design pressure (Clause 9.2)
Minimum burial depth1.0 m below ground level (Clause 8.2)
Maximum allowable long-term deflection (buried)5% of the nominal pipe diameter (Clause 8.4)
Minimum width of laminated overlay for butt joint150 mm (Clause 6.3.3)
Maximum support spacing (typical)Refer to manufacturer's span charts, dependent on diameter and temperature
Key Formulas
ΔL = α * L * ΔT — Thermal Expansion or Contraction of Pipe
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Support Spans for Above-Ground GRP Pipes