Standard Practice for Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe During Pull-In Installation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The ATL value is used to set the break-away strength of a weak-link device, or to set other equipment used to limit pulling force during pull-in installation of polyethylene gas pipe, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the polyethylene gas pipe being installed.  
4.2 The ATL value is determined before gas pipe installation.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a means to determine an allowable tensile load (ATL) value for a polyethylene gas pipe that is to be installed underground using methods that pull the pipe into a trench (cut or plowed), bore hole, casing pipe, or the like. The ATL value takes into account pipe size, tensile yield strength, pipe temperature, and pulling load duration.  
1.2 The ATL is used to set the break-away strength for a “weak-link” device, or as a limit setting for other devices that control the maximum pulling force exerted by equipment used to pull polyethylene gas pipe into an underground location, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the gas pipe being installed. A weak-link device is installed where the pipe pulling equipment is connected to the polyethylene gas pipe. If pulling load exceeds the ATL limit, the device de-couples the pipe from the pulling equipment. Other measures or equipment that limit the pulling force on the pipe are also used. When the ATL value is compared to the pulling force developed by the pull-in installation equipment and equipment cannot exert pulling force greater than the ATL value, a weak-link or other device for limiting the pulling force is not necessary.  
1.3 This practice does not address weak-link device design or requirements, nor does it address the design or requirements for other equipment or procedures used to limit the pulling force applied to polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installation.  
1.4 This practice does not address installation methods or procedures employed for pull-in of polyethylene gas pipe. The appropriate design (safety) factor for calculation of the ATL) is indicated in “Note 3”.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Jun-2021
Technical Committee
F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
Drafting Committee
F17.60 - Gas

Relations

Effective Date
01-Apr-2020
Effective Date
01-Jan-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2018
Effective Date
01-Jan-2018
Effective Date
01-Aug-2017
Effective Date
01-Feb-2017
Effective Date
15-Dec-2016
Effective Date
01-Dec-2016
Effective Date
15-Nov-2016
Effective Date
01-Aug-2016
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015
Effective Date
25-Apr-2014
Effective Date
25-Apr-2014
Effective Date
01-Feb-2014
Effective Date
15-Apr-2013

Overview

ASTM F1804-21: Standard Practice for Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe During Pull-In Installation provides a practical methodology for calculating the allowable tensile load (ATL) for polyethylene gas pipes during underground installations. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures the safe and reliable installation of PE gas pipes when using pull-in methods such as trenching, plowing, or directional drilling.

The ATL value is crucial for governing the application of pulling forces and for protecting both the pipe and installation equipment. By considering factors like pipe dimensions, material properties, installation temperature, and load duration, this standard addresses the risks of overstressing PE gas pipe and promotes long-term pipeline integrity.

Key Topics

  • Purpose of ATL: The allowable tensile load (ATL) is defined as the maximum pulling force that can be applied to a PE gas pipe during installation without causing permanent elongation or damage.

  • Critical Parameters: The determination of ATL considers:

    • Pipe size and dimension ratio
    • Material tensile yield strength
    • Pipe temperature at installation
    • Duration of applied pulling load
  • Weak-Link Devices and Load-limiting Equipment: ATL is used to set the break-away strength for weak-link devices or to configure other limiting equipment in the pull-in process. Weak-link devices are installed at the connection point between the pulling equipment and the gas pipe and are designed to disconnect if the pulling force exceeds the ATL.

  • Assessment Process: The ATL must be calculated before pipe installation. Installers must ensure that pulling equipment does not exert forces greater than the ATL. If equipment cannot exceed the ATL, weak-link devices may not be needed.

  • Safety Considerations: The standard emphasizes the need to establish safety, health, and environmental practices in line with local regulations.

Applications

ASTM F1804-21 is widely used in the natural gas pipeline industry, especially for the underground installation of PE gas pipes. Key applications include:

  • Trench and Plow Installation: Determining the allowable pulling force when installing gas pipe using cut or plowed trenches.
  • Directional Boring and HDD: Calculating ATL for pull-in installations using bore holes or horizontal directional drilling.
  • Casing Installations: Ensuring safe load application when pipes are pulled into casing pipes underground.
  • Equipment Selection and Configuration: Specifying settings for pulling equipment, break-away links, or load-limiting devices to prevent over-stressing the pipe during installation.

This practice helps prevent irrecoverable pipe deformation, costly repairs, and pipeline failure, supporting safer, more reliable gas distribution infrastructure.

Related Standards

ASTM F1804-21 references and relates to several other important standards, including:

  • ASTM D638 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
  • ASTM D1600 - Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
  • ASTM D2513 - Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
  • ASTM F412 - Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
  • PPI TR-4 - Guidelines on design basis for thermoplastic piping materials

These related standards support accurate measurement, consistent terminology, and safe material selection for underground gas pipe installation projects.


By following ASTM F1804-21, industry professionals can ensure best practices for the safe installation of polyethylene gas pipes, minimize risk during construction, and uphold high standards in gas distribution system performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F1804-21 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe During Pull-In Installation". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The ATL value is used to set the break-away strength of a weak-link device, or to set other equipment used to limit pulling force during pull-in installation of polyethylene gas pipe, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the polyethylene gas pipe being installed. 4.2 The ATL value is determined before gas pipe installation. SCOPE 1.1 This practice provides a means to determine an allowable tensile load (ATL) value for a polyethylene gas pipe that is to be installed underground using methods that pull the pipe into a trench (cut or plowed), bore hole, casing pipe, or the like. The ATL value takes into account pipe size, tensile yield strength, pipe temperature, and pulling load duration. 1.2 The ATL is used to set the break-away strength for a “weak-link” device, or as a limit setting for other devices that control the maximum pulling force exerted by equipment used to pull polyethylene gas pipe into an underground location, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the gas pipe being installed. A weak-link device is installed where the pipe pulling equipment is connected to the polyethylene gas pipe. If pulling load exceeds the ATL limit, the device de-couples the pipe from the pulling equipment. Other measures or equipment that limit the pulling force on the pipe are also used. When the ATL value is compared to the pulling force developed by the pull-in installation equipment and equipment cannot exert pulling force greater than the ATL value, a weak-link or other device for limiting the pulling force is not necessary. 1.3 This practice does not address weak-link device design or requirements, nor does it address the design or requirements for other equipment or procedures used to limit the pulling force applied to polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installation. 1.4 This practice does not address installation methods or procedures employed for pull-in of polyethylene gas pipe. The appropriate design (safety) factor for calculation of the ATL) is indicated in “Note 3”. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The ATL value is used to set the break-away strength of a weak-link device, or to set other equipment used to limit pulling force during pull-in installation of polyethylene gas pipe, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the polyethylene gas pipe being installed. 4.2 The ATL value is determined before gas pipe installation. SCOPE 1.1 This practice provides a means to determine an allowable tensile load (ATL) value for a polyethylene gas pipe that is to be installed underground using methods that pull the pipe into a trench (cut or plowed), bore hole, casing pipe, or the like. The ATL value takes into account pipe size, tensile yield strength, pipe temperature, and pulling load duration. 1.2 The ATL is used to set the break-away strength for a “weak-link” device, or as a limit setting for other devices that control the maximum pulling force exerted by equipment used to pull polyethylene gas pipe into an underground location, or to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the gas pipe being installed. A weak-link device is installed where the pipe pulling equipment is connected to the polyethylene gas pipe. If pulling load exceeds the ATL limit, the device de-couples the pipe from the pulling equipment. Other measures or equipment that limit the pulling force on the pipe are also used. When the ATL value is compared to the pulling force developed by the pull-in installation equipment and equipment cannot exert pulling force greater than the ATL value, a weak-link or other device for limiting the pulling force is not necessary. 1.3 This practice does not address weak-link device design or requirements, nor does it address the design or requirements for other equipment or procedures used to limit the pulling force applied to polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installation. 1.4 This practice does not address installation methods or procedures employed for pull-in of polyethylene gas pipe. The appropriate design (safety) factor for calculation of the ATL) is indicated in “Note 3”. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F1804-21 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F1804-21 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F412-20, ASTM F412-19, ASTM D2513-18, ASTM D1600-18, ASTM F412-17a, ASTM F412-17, ASTM D2513-16a, ASTM D2513-16, ASTM F412-16a, ASTM F412-16, ASTM F412-15, ASTM D2513-14, ASTM D2513-14e1, ASTM D1600-14, ASTM D1600-13. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F1804-21 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1804 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE)
Gas Pipe During Pull-In Installation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1804; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice provides a means to determine an allow-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
able tensile load (ATL) value for a polyethylene gas pipe that
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
is to be installed underground using methods that pull the pipe
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
intoatrench(cutorplowed),borehole,casingpipe,orthelike.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
The ATL value takes into account pipe size, tensile yield
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
strength, pipe temperature, and pulling load duration.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 The ATL is used to set the break-away strength for a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
“weak-link” device, or as a limit setting for other devices that
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
control the maximum pulling force exerted by equipment used
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
to pull polyethylene gas pipe into an underground location, or
to determine if pulling equipment can exert pulling force
2. Referenced Documents
greater than the ATL value for the gas pipe being installed. A
2.1 ASTM Standards:
weak-link device is installed where the pipe pulling equipment
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
is connected to the polyethylene gas pipe. If pulling load
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
exceeds theATLlimit, the device de-couples the pipe from the
tics
pulling equipment. Other measures or equipment that limit the
D2513 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure
pulling force on the pipe are also used. When theATL value is
Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
compared to the pulling force developed by the pull-in instal-
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
lation equipment and equipment cannot exert pulling force
2.2 PPI Standards:
greater than the ATL value, a weak-link or other device for
TR-4 Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Hydrostatic Design
limiting the pulling force is not necessary.
Stress (HDS), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure
1.3 This practice does not address weak-link device design
Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum Required Strength
or requirements, nor does it address the design or requirements
(MRS) Ratings For Thermoplastic Piping Materials or
for other equipment or procedures used to limit the pulling
Pipe
force applied to polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installa-
tion.
3. Terminology
1.4 This practice does not address installation methods or
3.1 Unless otherwise indicated, abbreviations are in accor-
procedures employed for pull-in of polyethylene gas pipe. The
dance with Terminology D1600, and terms are in accordance
appropriate design (safety) factor for calculation of theATL) is
with Terminology F412.
indicated in “Note 3”.
3.2 allowable tensile load (ATL), n—The maximum tensile
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
load applied to a polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in instal-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
lation that does not result in an unrecoverable tensile elonga-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
tion of the pipe.
and are not considered standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of Committee F17 on Plastic Piping contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.60 on Gas. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2021. Published July 2021. Originally approved the ASTM website.
in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as F1804–08(2020). DOI: Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
10.1520/F1804-21. Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1804 − 21
NOTE 1—Polyethylene gas pipe materials are visco-elastic, that is, they
underground location such as in a casing, or a cut or plowed
exhibit properties associated with both elastic materials such as rubber,
trench, or a directionally bored hole.
and viscous materials such as wax or clay. When subjected to a tensile
5.2 Calculate
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1804 − 08 (Reapproved 2020) F1804 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE)
Gas Pipe During Pull-In Installation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1804; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This practice provides a means to determine an allowable tensile load (ATL) value for a polyethylene gas pipe that is to be
installed underground using methods that pull the pipe into a trench (cut or plowed), bore hole, casing pipe, or the like. The ATL
value takes into account pipe size, tensile yield strength, pipe temperature, and pulling load duration.
1.2 The ATL is used to set the break-away strength for a “weak-link” device, or as a limit setting for other devices that control
the maximum pulling force exerted by equipment used to pull polyethylene gas pipe into an underground location, or to determine
if pulling equipment can extertexert pulling force greater than the ATL value for the gas pipe being installed. A weak-link device
is installed where the pipe pulling equipment is connected to the polyethylene gas pipe. If pulling load exceeds the ATL limit, the
device de-couples the pipe from the pulling equipment. Other measures or equipment that limit the pulling force on the pipe are
also used. When the ATL value is compared to the pulling force developed by the pull-in installation equipment and equipment
cannot extertexert pulling force greater than the ATL value, a weak-link or other device for limiting the pulling force is not
necessary.
1.3 This practice does not address weak-link device design or requirements, nor does it address the design or requirements for
other equipment or procedures used to limit the pulling force applied to polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installation.
1.4 This practice does not address installation methods or procedures employed for pull-in of polyethylene gas pipe. The
appropriate design (safety) factor for calculation of the ATL) is indicated in “Note 3”.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.60 on Gas.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2020July 1, 2021. Published October 2020July 2021. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20162020 as
F1804–08(2016).F1804–08(2020). DOI: 10.1520/F1804-08R20.10.1520/F1804-21.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1804 − 21
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2513 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
2.2 PPI Standards:
TR-4 Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure Design Basis
(PDB) and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings For Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe
3. Terminology
3.1 Unless otherwise indicated, abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology D1600, and terms are in accordance with
Terminology F412.
3.2 allowable tensile load (ATL), n—The maximum tensile load applied to a polyethylene gas pipe during pull-in installation that
does not result in an unrecoverable tensile elongation of the pipe.
NOTE 1—Polyethylene gas pipe materials are visco-elastic, that is, they exhibit properties associated with both elastic materials such as rubber, and viscous
materials such as wax or clay. When subjected to a tensile load that is significant, but less than the yield strength, polyethylene will elongate or stretch.
If the load is then removed, polyethylene will, over time, recover all or part of the elongation, depending upon the magnitude of the load, and the length
of time the load was applied. For the purposes of this practice, elongation that is not completely recovered in about 24 h after the load is released, is
considered unrecoverable.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The ATL value is used to set the break-away strength of a weak-link device, or to set othe
...

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