Overview
EN ISO 13267:2023 (identical to ISO 13267:2022) specifies standardized test methods for buckling resistance of thermoplastics inspection chamber and manhole bases used in non‑pressure underground drainage and sewerage systems. The standard defines how to assess the resistance of chamber and manhole bases to external soil and ground‑water pressure after installation, using either internal negative pressure tests or external hydrostatic pressure testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle
- Tests simulate in‑service loads from external soil and groundwater acting on the base after installation.
- Two principal approaches: application of a constant internal negative pressure or exposure to a positive external hydrostatic pressure of equivalent magnitude.
- Test assembly and geometry
- Test assembly comprises the base plus sufficient riser to give at least 300 mm height above the main channel.
- Assembly placed free‑standing on a 100 mm sand/granular bed or buried in a test box and backfilled to a minimum of 300 mm above outlets/inlets.
- Apparatus and instrumentation
- Required equipment includes a test box or sealable water tank, end closures, pressure/vacuum source, pressure gauge (±2% accuracy), thermometer (±0.5 °C) and optional deflection measurement (±0.1 mm) when specified.
- Water temperature for submerged tests typically 20 ± 2 °C; ambient test temperature 15–25 °C.
- Conditioning and timing
- Test pieces are conditioned and tested no earlier than 21 days after manufacture, with at least 6 hours in air at 15–25 °C, unless product standards state otherwise.
- Evaluation and reporting
- Monitor deflection where required; inspect visually for cracking or defects at test end. Test report must record test conditions, apparatus, measured pressures/deflections and observations.
Applications and users
This standard is essential for:
- Manufacturers of thermoplastic inspection chambers and manhole bases for product design validation and quality control.
- Testing laboratories performing mechanical and structural type tests for compliance and certification.
- Product specifiers, civil engineers and contractors who need to verify that manhole components meet required buckling resistance under expected backfill and groundwater conditions.
- Authorities and certification bodies establishing product acceptance criteria for non‑pressure drainage systems.
Keywords: EN ISO 13267:2023, thermoplastics inspection chamber, manhole bases, buckling resistance, test methods, non‑pressure underground drainage, hydrostatic pressure, internal negative pressure.
Related standards
- ISO 13267:2022 (source international text)
- ISO 9967 (creep testing referenced)
- CEN/TS 1046 (trench installation and backfill guidance)
- Supersedes EN 14830 (previous European test methods)
