Peter Verlaan
Papers # 2018 Las-Vegas
Ten years ago, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) has taken the initiative to prepare a draft 'Standard for Infiltration units' based on existing national specifications, at that time (in particular) available in France, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
This draft 'Standard for Infiltration units' was taken over by CEN TC155 (European Committee Standardization -Technical committee Plastics piping systems and ducting systems) as starting point and active work-item for CEN TC155 WG26 (Systems for storm water handling) after a positive enquiry. After nine years deliberation, the WG arrived at a compromise with a completely modified structure. Instead of 1 product standard, three standards were prepared, under which one product standard and two test standards, which go mid 2018 under Formal Vote.
The three prEN's are:
- FprEN 17152-1; Plastics piping systems for non‐pressure underground conveyance and storage of non‐potable water — Boxes used for infiltration, attenuation and storage systems — Part 1: Specifications for storm water boxes made of PP and PVC‐U;
- FprEN 17151; Plastics piping systems for non‐pressure underground conveyance and storage of non‐potable water — Test method for determination of long-term compression strength of boxes;
- FprEN 17150; Plastics piping systems for non‐pressure underground conveyance and storage of non‐potable water — Test method for determination of short-term compression strength of boxes.
Three standards, developed by TC155 WG26, are going for Formal Vote during the Plastic Pipes Conference XIX.
The combination of these three standards is representing the minimum requirements for boxes and a unified way of testing for boxes used in underground infiltration, attenuation and storage systems according to the most recent insights by experts all over Europe.
The 'short-term test standard' describes a test method where one infiltration unit will be pressed between two stiff plates till failure in about 10 minutes.
- This test assures a proper quality control with the advantage that the results between different series can be compared easily.
- Test institutes, laboratories and the industry can adopt these tests for unified process control.
The 'long-term test standard' describes a test method and calculation method to determine the maximum design load under which a unit will last for at least 50 years.
- The big advantages for designers and customers is that the value of the maximum load becomes comparable between different designs and materials.
- The method of testing is well defined.
- The test provides a sound statistical approach. Companies producing and selling these products get clear guidelines.
The 'product standard' defines and specifies the minimum requirements for these boxes.
- The materials which can be used (PP or PVC) are well defined, including non-virgin and mineral modified materials.
- The minimum requirements for materials are always set in relation to the properties of the materials used and tested for long term.
- The combination of requirements on the material, mechanical, and physical characteristics are thought to give reliable and durable products and decrease the risks of premature failures.
