Overview
ISO 13266:2022 specifies a laboratory and field test method to determine the resistance of the upper assemblies of thermoplastic inspection chambers and manholes (shafts, risers, cones, telescopic adapters and near-surface components) to surface and traffic loading. It applies to thermoplastics piping systems used in non‑pressure underground drainage and sewerage and focuses on the structural behaviour of the upper assembly under applied loads - not on the cover and frame, which are covered by EN 124-1 or other material-specific standards.
Key topics and requirements
- Test scope: At least the first 1 m of the chamber or manhole assembly (from the top element) is buried in a soil box or under field conditions and subjected to a centrally applied load.
- Apparatus: soil box (300 mm clearance around assembly), loading device with EN 124-1 compliant loading plate, thermocouple for granular surround temperature measurement.
- Procedure:
- Install assembly with specified granular surround and bury ≥300 mm of granular material around the top.
- Measure vertical distances from a fixed datum to the cover top at specified points.
- Apply load within 1–5 minutes and maintain the maximum load for a minimum of 15 minutes while recording displacements.
- Visually inspect for cracks/defects after load removal.
- Environmental and conditioning limits: Test at ambient 5 °C to 25 °C; granular surround must be ≥3 °C; test pieces must be at least 24 h old.
- Classification and test parameters (Table 1): classes A–E with maximum loads of 5, 50, 75, 100, and 150 kN, respectively, and specified soil group and compaction levels (linked to CEN/TS 1046 for soil classification).
- Reporting: Test report must reference ISO 13266:2022, identify tested components, installation details, soil temperature, maximum load, measured displacements, test duration, observed defects and any deviations.
Applications
- Verifying mechanical resistance of thermoplastic shafts and risers used in underground drainage and sewerage systems.
- Product type testing and factory process control for thermoplastic inspection chamber/manhole components.
- Specifying performance requirements in procurement, civil engineering contracts and infrastructure design.
- Supporting compliance documentation for utilities, municipalities and infrastructure installers.
Who should use this standard
- Manufacturers of thermoplastic inspection chambers, shafts and risers
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Civil and geotechnical engineers specifying manhole products
- Contractors and utilities responsible for sewer and drainage installations
- Regulatory agencies and conformity assessors
Related standards
- ISO 13260 (temperature cycling and external loading test)
- EN 124-1 (gully and manhole tops - covers and frames)
- CEN/TS 1046 (soil classification and trench installation)
Keywords: ISO 13266:2022, thermoplastics piping systems, inspection chambers, manholes, shafts, risers, traffic loading test, non-pressure drainage, test method, EN 124-1.
Open preview (PDF)Thermoplastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Thermoplastics shafts or risers for inspection chambers and manholes — Determination of resistance against surface and traffic loading
