Overview
ISO 13260:2010 - Thermoplastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage - specifies laboratory test methods to assess the resistance of thermoplastic pipes, fittings and joints to deformation and leakage when exposed to sustained external loading combined with elevated water temperature. The standard defines two complementary test methods (temperature-cycling and hot-water-only) that reproduce field conditions where buried non‑pressure drainage systems carry warm effluent while subjected to soil/load stresses.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to thermoplastic piping systems for non‑pressure underground drainage and sewerage; evaluates deformation, cracking and leak performance under combined thermal and mechanical stress.
- Two methods:
- Method A - temperature cycling (alternating hot and cold water) for smaller diameters (applicable to mean outside diameter ≤ 190 mm).
- Method B - continuous hot water with intermittent measurements for larger diameters (applicable to mean outside diameter > 190 mm up to limits in the standard).
- Test assembly & conditioning:
- Test piece = pipe length or assembly of pipes and fittings (joints made per manufacturer instructions).
- Pipes/fittings must not be tested within 24 hours of production.
- Box-loading test apparatus:
- Gravel‑filled box with specified dimensions and 600 mm gravel cover above crown of pipe.
- Gravel gradation, particle shape and texture controlled; gravel compacted using specified tamping procedure.
- Loading plate and hydraulic/pneumatic compressive loading equipment to apply defined sustained loads.
- Thermal and measurement systems:
- Hot/cold water and (optionally) air delivery systems to simulate flow along the invert and spray cooling of the crown.
- Temperature sensors with continuous recording (accuracy ±1 °C).
- Measurements include vertical deflection, internal diametric compression (bore micrometer), bottom-radius check, hard‑ball penetration test and leak/crack inspection.
- Reference: normative reference to ISO 48 for rubber hardness measurement (used for tamping tool specification).
Practical applications
- Performance verification of thermoplastic drainage pipes, fittings and joints subject to warm effluent and soil/traffic loading.
- Product development and quality control for manufacturers of PVC, PE, PP drainage systems.
- Type testing and compliance evidence for procurement specifications, civil engineers, utilities and infrastructure contractors.
- Risk assessment for buried non‑pressure sewer installations exposed to thermal loads.
Who uses this standard
- Pipe and fitting manufacturers, independent test laboratories, product certifiers, civil/infrastructure engineers, utilities, specifiers and procurement teams responsible for underground drainage and sewerage systems.
Related standards
- ISO 48 (rubber hardness) - cited normatively in ISO 13260:2010.
- ISO/TC 138 work program (plastics pipes and fittings) - technical committee responsible for development.
Open preview (PDF)Thermoplastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Test method for resistance to combined temperature cycling and external loading
