ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.

5-18
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-10)

®
AWWA Standard

Polyethylene
Encasement for
Ductile-Iron Pipe
Systems

Effective date: December 1, 2018.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors in 1972.
This edition approved June 9, 2018.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Sep. 21, 2018.

SM

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification. AWWA standards
describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information normally
contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the
standard. Until each optional feature is specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication
of a standard does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or approve
any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. This standard does not supersede or take precedence
over or displace any applicable law, regulation, or codes of any governmental authority. AWWA standards are intended
to represent a consensus of the water industry that the product described will provide satisfactory service. When AWWA
revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of action will be placed in the Official Notice section of Journal AWWA.
The action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA publication of the official
notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An
American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The
existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved
the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not
conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to obtain
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conformity with particular American National Standards.

Caution Notice: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front cover of this standard indicates
completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI
procedures require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the
date of ANSI approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036; (212)
642-4900, or e-mailing [email protected].

If you are interested in using any part of this

publication for training, creating a derivative
work, or for any commercial use, written
permission from AWWA is required. Please
send your request to [email protected].

ISBN-13, print: 978-1-62576-320-4 eISBN-13, electronic: 978-1-61300-494-4

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12999/AWWA.c105.18

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including scanning, recording, or any information or retrieval system. Reproduction and
commercial use of this material is prohibited, except with written permission from the publisher.

Copyright © 2018 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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 Committee Personnel
Subcommittee 4, Coatings and Linings, which reviewed and developed this revision, had the
following personnel at the time:

L. Gregg Horn, Chair

General Interest Members

D.H. Kroon, Aegion, Houston, Tex.

J.R. Plattsmier, HDR Engineering Inc., Tampa, Fla.
S.M. Passarelli,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
P.A. Selig, Consultant, Vestavia, Ala.

Producer Members

J.H. Eddings, McWane Ductile, Phillipsburg, N.J.

M.D. Gaston, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala.
L.G. Horn, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, Hoover, Ala.
M. Horton, US Pipe & Foundry Company, Bessemer, Ala.
H. Kennedy Jr., Harold Kennedy & Associates, Fuquay Varina, N.C.
V. O’Dea, Tnemec Company, Kansas City, Mo.
J.A. Fancher,† American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala.

User Members

M.J. Britch, Tualatin Valley Water District, Beaverton, Ore.

W.C. Duke, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colo.
J.M. Kennedy, Tampa Bay Water, Clearwater, Fla.
R.L. Worden, COMCD, Norman, Okla.

* Liaison, nonvoting
†
Alternate

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Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

AWWA Standards Committee A21, Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings, which reviewed and
approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:

John R. Plattsmier, Chair

General Interest Members

M. Dunn, Crist Engineers, Inc., Little Rock, Ark.

J. Hebenstreit, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, Ill.
M.B. Horsley, Horsley Engineering LLC, Overland Park, Kan.
D.H. Kroon, Aegion, Houston, Tex.
C.R. Laucamp, AECOM, Chicago, Ill.
D.D. Lary,* Wright-Pierce, Topsham, Maine
P.J. Mourt, Mott MacDonald, Milburn, N.J.
J.R. Plattsmier, HDR Engineering Inc., Tampa, Fla.
S.M. Passarelli,† Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
S. Pool,* HDR Engineering Inc., Denver, Colo.
T.M. Stinson, Kleinfelder, Boston, Mass.
L.C. Yates, McGoodwin Williams & Yates, Fayetteville, Ark.

Producer Members

L.R. Dunn, US Pipe & Foundry Company, Birmingham, Ala.

J.H. Eddings, McWane Ductile, Phillipsburg, N.J.
J.A. Fancher,* ACIPC, Birmingham, Ala.
M.D. Gaston, American Ductile Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala.
L.G. Horn, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, Hoover, Ala.
J.C. Jones, RCT, Los Angeles, Calif.
M. Horton,* US Pipe & Foundry Company, Bessemer, Ala.
H. Kennedy Jr., Harold Kennedy & Associates, Fuquay Varina, N.C.
K.J. Kempf,* Kempf Holdings LLC, Foundry Services Co., Omaha Neb.
T.J. Muntz, National Association of Pipe Fabricators, Stillwater, Minn.

* Alternate
†
Liaison, nonvoting

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 User Members

M.J. Britch, Tualatin Valley Water District, Beaverton, Ore.

W.C. Duke, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colo.
J.M. Kennedy, Tampa Bay Water, Clearwater, Fla.
D.D. Montgomery, City of Independence, Independence, Mo.
C.R. Dugan,* Standards Council Liaison, Lansing-Meridian Water and Sewer Authority,
East Lansing, Mich.
G.M. Page, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, Marietta, Ga.
C.J. Patla, Connecticut Water Service Inc., Clinton, Conn.
J.M. Ross, Denver Water, Denver, Colo.
P.A. Shively, Kansas City, Mo.
R.L. Worden, COMCD, Norman, Okla.

* Liaison, nonvoting

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

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 Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this
format may be found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 4.4 Installation....................................... 5

I Introduction..................................... ix
5 Verification
I.A Background...................................... ix
5.1 Inspection and Affidavit of
I.B Research........................................... x Compliance................................ 12
I.C History............................................. x
6 Delivery........................................... 12
II Special Issues.................................... xi
II.A Useful Life of Polyethylene............... xi Appendix
II.B Type of Material............................... xii
A Notes on Procedures for Soil
II.C Exposure to Sunlight........................ xii Survey Tests and Observations
II.D Copper Service Connections............ xii and Their Interpretation
to Determine Whether
III Use of This Standard........................ xii Polyethylene Encasement
III.A Purchaser Options and Should Be Used.......................... 13
Alternatives................................ xii
III.B Modification to Standard................. xiii Figures

IV Major Revisions................................ xiii 1 Installation Method A...................... 6

V Comments....................................... xiii 2 Slack-reduction Procedure for
Installation Methods A and B..... 7
Standard 3 Modified Installation Method A....... 7
1 General 4 Modified Method A in Wet Trench
1.1 Scope............................................... 1 Conditions................................. 9
1.2 Purpose............................................ 1 5 Installation Method B...................... 9
1.3 Application....................................... 1 6 Installation Method C...................... 10
7 Preferred Method for Making Direct
2 References....................................... 2
Service Taps on Polyethylene-
3 Definitions...................................... 2 encased Iron Pipe....................... 10

4 Requirements Tables
4.1 Materials.......................................... 3 1 Polyethylene Tube and Sheet Sizes
4.2 Tube Size or Sheet Width................. 4 For Push-on Joint Pipe............... 5
4.3 Marking........................................... 4 A.1 Soil-test Evaluation........................... 16

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 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of ANSI*/AWWA C105/A21.5.

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. In 1926, the American Standards Association (ASA; now
American National Standards Institute [ANSI]) Committee A21, Cast-Iron Pipe and
Fittings, was organized under the sponsorship of the American Gas Association (AGA),
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Water Works
Association (AWWA), and the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA).
The current sponsor is AWWA, and the present scope of Committee A21 is to develop
standards and manuals for ductile-iron pressure pipe for water, wastewater, and
reclaimed water service and ductile-iron and gray-iron fittings for use with this pipe.
These standards and manuals include design, dimensions, materials, coatings, linings,
joints, accessories, and methods of inspection and testing.
In 1958, Committee A21 was reorganized. Standards were divided into groups
focusing on the topics listed above, and subcommittees were established to study each
group in accordance with the review and revision policy of ASA. In 1984, the committee
became AWWA Standards Committee A21 on Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings.
The present scope of A21 Subcommittee 4, Coatings and Linings, is to review
interior and exterior corrosion of ductile-iron pipe and fittings and to draft standards
for the interior and exterior protection of ductile-iron pipe and fittings. Accordingly,
Subcommittee 4 is responsible for the development of
1. Standards on polyethylene encasement materials and their installation to
provide corrosion protection, when required, for ductile-iron pipe and fittings.
2. Procedures for the investigation of soil to determine when polyethylene
protection is indicated.
I.A.1. History of polyethylene encasement. Loose polyethylene encasement was
first used experimentally in the United States in 1951 for protection of gray-iron pipe
in corrosive environments. The first field installation of polyethylene wrap on gray-
iron pipe in an operating water system was in 1958. The installation consisted of
approximately 600 ft (180 m) of 12-in. (300-mm) pipe installed in a waste-dump fill
area. Since 1958, polyethylene encasement has been used extensively in installations in
severely corrosive soils throughout the United States on pipe ranging in size from 3 in.

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.

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Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

to 64 in. (80 mm to 1,600 mm) in diameter. Polyethylene encasement has been used
as a soil-corrosion preventive in a number of other countries as well. An International
Standard for Polyethylene Sleeving (ISO-8180)* has been adopted since the procedure
was developed in the United States.
I.B. Research. The Cast Iron Pipe Research Association (CIPRA)† (now
known as the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association [DIPRA]) has researched several
severely corrosive test sites. The tests indicate that polyethylene encasement provides
a high degree of protection resulting in minimal and generally insignificant exterior
surface corrosion of ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe protected in this manner.
Investigations of many field installations in which loose polyethylene encasement
has been used as protection for ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe against soil corrosion
confirm DIPRA’s findings. These field installations also indicate that the dielectric
capability of polyethylene provides shielding for ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe from
stray direct current at most levels encountered in the field.
I.C. History. The first edition of this standard was published in 1972 as
American National Standard for Polyethylene Encasement for Gray and Ductile Cast-
Iron Piping for Water and Other Liquids.
In 1976, Subcommittee 4 reviewed the 1972 edition and submitted a
recommendation to Committee A21 that the standard be reaffirmed without change,
except for updating the foreword.
In the 1982 revision, ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-82, references to gray cast-iron
pipe were deleted from the title and throughout the standard because gray cast-iron
pipe was no longer produced in the United States. Also, metric conversions of all
dimensions were added to the standard.
The 1986 edition of the standard defined the thickness requirement for polyethylene
film; provided new figures showing installation methods; and extended the length of
connecting piping to be wrapped from 2 ft (0.6 m) to 3 ft (0.9 m). Additionally,
a requirement for wrapping service lines of dissimilar metals for a distance of 3 ft
(0.9 m) from the ductile-iron pipe was also incorporated.
In the 1993 revision of the standard, Sec. 4.1, Materials, was expanded to include
4-mil high-density cross-laminated (HDCL) polyethylene, and Class B (colors)
material was added to allow the purchase of colored polyethylene. Additionally,
Table 1 was modified to reflect reduced tube widths comparable with push-on

* International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet
8, CP 401 - 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.
†
CIPRA became the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) in 1979.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

joint pipe and fittings, and the size range was expanded to include 60- and 64-in.
(1,500- and 1,600-mm) pipe. A recommendation that circumferential wraps of tape
be placed at 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals along the barrel of the pipe for installation below
the water table or in areas subject to tidal actions was added to Sec. 4.3.1, and Sec.
4.3.6 was revised to indicate the preferred method of making direct service taps on
polyethylene-encased pipe. An illustration of this procedure was added.
In 1999, the format was changed to AWWA standard style; Sec. II.D, Copper
Service Connections, was added to the foreword of the standard; and definitions
of parties and types of polyethylene film were added to Sec. 3, Definitions, of the
standard. Additionally, changes to Sec. 4.1, Materials, included: (1) deletion of low-
density polyethylene film; (2) the addition of linear low-density polyethylene film and
appropriate material requirements and physical properties; (3) increasing the tensile
strength requirements for the high-density cross-laminated polyethylene film; (4) the
addition of impact- and tear-resistance requirements for both polyethylene materials;
(5) deletion of the minus tolerance on film thickness for both materials; and (6)
the addition of an ultraviolet inhibitor to any natural or colored film except black
film containing 2 percent or more of carbon black. Other changes to the standard
included the addition of Sec. 4.3, Marking, to facilitate traceability and to help ensure
compliance with the standard; the addition of an alternate method of using a 3-ft
(0.9-m) sheet of polyethylene rather than a 3-ft (0.9-m) length of polyethylene tube
for joint makeup to Sec. 4.4.2.2, Method; and the addition of Sec. 5.1, Inspection and
Certification by Manufacturer, to help ensure compliance with the standard. Also, in
appendix A, a new paragraph on stray current corrosion and a new section on uniquely
severe environments were added. Additionally, the resistivity ranges in Table A.1, Soil-
Test Evaluation, were increased to make the procedure more conservative.
Subsequent editions of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5 were approved by the AWWA
Board of Directors on June 12, 2005, and on June 20, 2010. This edition of ANSI/
AWWA C105/A21.5 was approved on June 9, 2018.
II. Special Issues.
II.A. Useful Life of Polyethylene. Tests of polyethylene used to protect ductile-
iron and gray-iron pipe have shown that after 40 years of exposure to severely
corrosive soils, strength loss and elongation reduction are insignificant. US Bureau
of Reclamation (BUREC) studies* of polyethylene film used underground illustrate

* Laboratory and Field Investigations of Plastic Films. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Reclamation, Rept. No. ChE-82 (September 1968).

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that tensile strength was nearly constant and that elongation was only slightly affected
during a seven-year test period. BUREC’s accelerated soil-burial testing (acceleration
estimated to be 5 to 10 times that of field conditions) shows polyethylene to be highly
resistant to bacteriological deterioration.
II.B. Type of Material. The materials described in this standard are a linear
low-density polyethylene film and a high-density cross-laminated film. A low-density
film was used in the initial research and testing of polyethylene encasement to protect
ductile-iron and gray-iron pipe from corrosion. The current materials provide the
same degree of protection as the low-density film and are stronger and more damage
resistant. Other types of polymeric material are also available that may provide equally
suitable protection.
II.C. Exposure to Sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will eventually
deteriorate polyethylene film. Although the film is required to contain not less than
2 percent carbon black or 2 percent of a hindered-amine ultraviolet inhibitor, exposure
of wrapped pipe should be kept to a minimum.
II.D. Copper Service Connections. The direct connection of copper services
to ductile- and gray-iron pipelines has historically been a common practice in the
waterworks industry. To minimize the possibility of bimetallic corrosion, service
lines of dissimilar metals and the attendant corporation stop should be wrapped with
polyethylene or a suitable dielectric tape for a minimum clear distance of 3 ft (0.9 m)
from the main (Sec. 4.4.7).
In addition, the grounding of household electrical services to the copper water
service line may also result in stray current corrosion of the copper service or the ductile-
iron or gray-iron main. AWWA policy opposes the grounding of electrical systems to
pipe systems conveying drinking water to a customer’s premises. AWWA further states
that interior piping systems may be connected to an electrical service neutral and to a
separate grounding electrode, provided these systems are electrically insulated from the
water utility’s pipe system. To minimize the possibility of stray-current corrosion on
the ductile-iron or gray-iron main, electrical insulating couplings should be installed
at the water main.
III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA
standard to determine that the products described in that standard are suitable for use
in the particular application being considered.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be
provided by the purchaser:

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 1. Standard used, that is, ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5, Polyethylene Encasement
for Ductile-Iron Pipe Systems, of latest revision.
2. Type of polyethylene material (Sec. 4.1.2 and Sec. 4.1.3).
3. Color of polyethylene material (Sec. 4.1.4).
4. Installation Method—A, B, or C (Sec. 4.4)—if there is a preference.
5. Requirement for delivery of an Affidavit of Compliance (Sec. 5.1.2).
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification to the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided by the purchaser.
IV. Major Revisions. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition
include the following:
1. Addition of footnote to Table 1 regarding minimum and maximum tube
sizes for each size of pipe.
2. Addition of Alternative Method A for installation of polyethylene
encasement.
3. Addition of Modified Method A in wet trench conditions.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call AWWA Engineering and Technical Services at 303.794.7711, FAX at
303.795.7603, write to the department at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO
80235-3098, or e-mail at [email protected].

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 ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-18
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5-10)

® AWWA Standard

Polyethylene Encasement for

Ductile-Iron Pipe Systems

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Sec. 1.1 Scope

This standard describes materials and installation procedures for polyethylene
encasement to be applied to underground installations of ductile-iron pipe. This
standard also may be used for polyethylene encasement of fittings, valves, and other
appurtenances to ductile-iron pipe systems.

Sec. 1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for
polyethylene sheet and tubes to be used for external corrosion protection of buried
ductile-iron pipe, fittings, and appurtenances.

Sec. 1.3 Application

This standard or sections of this standard can be referenced in documents
for the purchasing and installation of polyethylene sheet or tubes for corrosion
protection of buried ductile-iron pipe, fittings, and appurtenances.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

2 AWWA C105-18

SECTION 2: REFERENCES

This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions,

they form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any
case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSI*/AWWA C600—Installation of Ductile-Iron Mains and Their
Appurtenances.
ASTM† D149—Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power
Frequencies.
ASTM D882—Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting.
ASTM D1709—Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film
by the Free-Falling Dart Method.
ASTM D1922—Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of
Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method.
ASTM D4976—Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding
and Extrusion Materials.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply in this standard:

1. High-density cross-laminated polyethylene (HDCLPE) film: Film
extruded from virgin high-density polyethylene raw material, which is molecularly
oriented by stretching. The final product and final thickness is then formed by two
single-ply layers of the film that are then laminated together with their orientations
at 90° to one another using molten, high-density, virgin resin.
2. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film: Film extruded from
virgin, linear, low-density, polyethylene raw material.
3. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
4. Polyethylene encasement: The encasement of piping with polyethylene
film in tube or sheet form.

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
†
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 3

5. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any

materials or work to be performed.
6. Supplier: The party that supplies materials or services. A supplier may
or may not be the manufacturer.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 4.1 Materials

4.1.1 General. All films shall be manufactured of virgin polyethylene
material, as non-virgin polyethylene materials may be susceptible to accelerated
environmental degradation.
4.1.1.1 Requirements. The sections that follow list the material
requirements for linear low-density and high-density, cross-laminated polyethylene
films. In each category, the film shall meet all of the listed requirements.
4.1.2 Linear low-density polyethylene film. Linear low-density polyethylene
film shall be manufactured from virgin polyethylene material conforming to the
following:
4.1.2.1 Raw material requirements, per ASTM D4976
Group: 2 (Linear)
Density: 0.910 to 0.935 g/cm3
Dielectric strength: Volume resistivity, 1015 ohm-cm, minimum
4.1.2.2 Physical properties of finished film.
Tensile strength: 3,600 psi (24.8 MPa) for an 8-mil (200-μm) minimum
thickness, or 28.8 lbf/in. width (50.4 N/cm width), minimum in machine and
transverse direction (ASTM D882)
Elongation: 700 percent, minimum in machine and transverse direction
(ASTM D882)
Dielectric strength: 800 V/mil (31.8 V/μm) thickness, minimum (ASTM
D149)
Impact resistance: 600 g, minimum (ASTM D1709 Method B)
Propagation tear resistance: 2,550 gf (grams force), minimum in machine and
transverse direction (ASTM D1922)
4.1.2.3 Thickness. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film shall
have a minimum thickness of 0.008 in. (8 mil or 200 μm).

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

4 AWWA C105-18

4.1.3 High-density, cross-laminated polyethylene film. High-density cross-

laminated polyethylene film shall be manufactured from virgin polyethylene
material conforming to the following:
4.1.3.1 Raw material requirements per ASTM D4976
Group: 2 (Linear)
High-density: 0.940 to 0.960 g/cm3
Dielectric strength: Volume resistivity, 1015 ohm-cm, minimum
4.1.3.2 Physical properties of finished film.
Tensile strength: 6,300 psi (43.4 MPa) for a 4-mil (100-µm) minimum
thickness, or 25.2 lbf/in. width (44.1 N/cm width), minimum in machine and
transverse direction (ASTM D882)
Elongation: 100 percent, minimum in machine and transverse direction
(ASTM D882)
Dielectric strength: 800 V/mil (31.8 V/μm) thickness, minimum (ASTM
D149)
Impact resistance: 800 g, minimum (ASTM D1709 Method B)
Propagation tear resistance: 250 gf, minimum in machine and transverse
direction (ASTM D1922)
4.1.3.3 Thickness. High-density cross-laminated polyethylene (HDCLPE)
film shall have a final minimum thickness of 0.004 in. (4 mil or 100 μm).
4.1.4 Color. Polyethylene film may be supplied in its natural color, white,
black, or weather-resistant black containing not less than 2 percent carbon black
with a particle diameter of 90 nm or less. A minimum 2 percent of a hindered-
amine ultraviolet inhibitor is required for all films other than the weather-resistant
black film with carbon black. Where other colors are specified for purposes of
identification, the pigmentation shall not contain any regulated substances.

Sec. 4.2 Tube Size or Sheet Width

Tube size or sheet width for each pipe diameter shall be as listed in Table 1.

Sec. 4.3 Marking

4.3.1 Marking requirements. Polyethylene film shall be clearly marked at
a minimum of every 2 ft (0.6 m) along its length with print that does not contain
hazardous material. Marking shall contain the following information:
a. Manufacturer’s name or trademark.
b. Year of manufacture.
c. ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5.
d. Minimum film thickness and material type (LLDPE or HDCLPE).

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 5

Table 1 Polyethylene tube and sheet sizes for push-on joint pipe§
Nominal Pipe Diameter Minimum Polyethylene Width—in. (cm)
in. (mm)* Flat Tube Sheet
3 (80) 14 (36) 28 (71)
4 (100) 14 (36) 28 (71)
6 (150) 16 (41) 32 (81)
8 (200) 20 (51) 40 (102)
10 (250) 24 (61) 48 (122)
12 (300) 27 (69) 54 (137)
14 (350) 30 (76) 60 (152)
16 (400) 34 (86) 68 (173)
18 (450) 37 (94) 74 (188)
20 (500) 41 (104) 82 (208)
24 (600) 54 (137) 108 (274)
30 (750) 67 (170) 134 (340)
36 (900) 81 (206) 162 (411)
42 (1,050) 81 (206) 162 (411)
48 (1,200) 95 (241) 190 (483)
54 (1,400) 108 (274) 216 (549)
60 (1,500) 108 (274) 216 (549)
64 (1,600) 121 (307) 242 (615)
* Metric identifiers in this standard are nominal sizes and are not those specified in International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) standards.
§
Lay flat tube widths are minimums for each size of pipe. Tube widths used may be as much as two sizes wider than shown. These
wrap sizes should work with most push-on joint pipe and fitting bell sizes. Where bell circumferences are larger than the sheet sizes
shown, the bell areas should be carefully wrapped with cut film sections, effectively lapping and securing cut edges as necessary,
or, alternatively, sufficiently large tube or sheet film to effectively cover these joints should be ordered.

e. Applicable range of nominal pipe diameter size(s).

f. Warning—Corrosion Protection—Repair Any Damage.
4.3.2 Marking height. Letters and numerals used for marking items a
through e in Sec. 4.3.1 shall not be less than 1 in. (25 mm) in height. Item f in
Sec. 4.3.1 shall be not less than 1 ½ in. (38 mm) in height.

Sec. 4.4 Installation

4.4.1 General. The polyethylene encasement shall prevent contact
between the pipe and the surrounding backfill and bedding material, but for
installations above the water table, it is not intended to be a completely airtight
or watertight enclosure. Lumps of clay, mud, cinders, etc., on the pipe surface
shall be removed prior to installation of the polyethylene encasement. During
installation, soil or embedment material shall not be trapped between the pipe and
the polyethylene.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

6 AWWA C105-18

The polyethylene film shall be fitted to the contour of the pipe creating a
snug, but not tight, encasement with minimum space between the polyethylene
and the pipe. Sufficient slack shall be provided in contouring to prevent stretching
the polyethylene where it bridges irregular surfaces, such as bell-spigot interfaces,
bolted joints, or fittings, and to prevent damage to the polyethylene caused by
backfilling operations. Overlaps and ends shall be held in place with adhesive tape
or plastic tie straps.
For installations below the water table or in areas subject to tidal actions,
tube-form polyethylene should be used with both ends thoroughly sealed with
adhesive tape or plastic tie straps at the joint overlap. In addition, circumferential
wraps of tape should be placed at 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals along the barrel of the pipe
to minimize the space between the polyethylene and the pipe.
4.4.2 Polyethylene installers. The polyethylene encasement shall be
installed by personnel trained or experienced in the proper application of the
encasement as described in this standard. At all times during construction of the
pipeline, precautions shall be taken to prevent damage to the encasement film.
4.4.3 Methods of installation. This standard includes three methods of
installation of polyethylene encasement on pipe. Methods A and B are for use with
polyethylene tubes, and Method C is for use with polyethylene sheets.
4.4.3.1 Method A (Refer to Figure 1). Cut polyethylene tube to a length
approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) longer than the pipe section. Slip the tube around the
pipe, centering it to provide a 12-in. (300-mm) overlap on each adjacent pipe
section and bunching it accordion-fashion lengthwise until it clears the pipe ends.
Lower the pipe into the trench and make up the pipe joint with the preceding
section of pipe. A shallow bell hole must be made at the joints to facilitate
installation of the polyethylene tube.

12-in. (300-mm) Minimum

Encasement
ncas
sementt Tape
T Pipe

Figure 1 1Installation
Figure Method
Installation Method A A

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 7

Take up the slack in the tube to make a snug but not tight fit. Fold the excess back over the top of the pipe,
securing the fold at the quarter points along the length of the pipe.

Figure 2 Slack-reduction procedure for installation Methods A and B

After assembling the pipe joint, make the overlap of the polyethylene tube.
Pull the bunched polyethylene from the preceding length of pipe, slip it over the
end of the new length of pipe, and secure it in place. Slip the end of the polyethylene
from the new pipe section over the end of the first wrap until it overlaps the joint
at the end of the preceding length of pipe. Secure the overlap in place. Take up
the slack width at the top of the pipe as shown in Figure 2 to make a snug but not
tight fit along the barrel of the pipe, securing the fold at quarter points. This step
is extremely important to prevent sagging of the film at the bottom of the pipe.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired
as described in Sec. 4.4.6. Proceed with the installation of the next section of pipe
in the same manner.
4.4.3.2 Modified Method A (Refer to Figure 3). This is a modification
of Method A, which uses one length of polyethylene tube for each length of pipe.
In this modified method, one end of the tube is secured with circumferential tape
to the spigot prior to making the joint. The 12-in. (300-mm) overlap is achieved
when bringing the remaining film over the joint from the previous length of pipe.

12-in. (300-
((300-mm) Minimum 12-in. ((300-m
(300-mm) Minimum

Encasement
sementt Tape
T Pipe

Figure 3 3Modified
Figure installation
Modi ed Method A Method A

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

8 AWWA C105-18

Cut a section of polyethylene tube approximately 1 ft. (300 mm) longer than
the pipe section. Remove all lumps of clay, mud, cinders, or other material that
might have accumulated on the pipe surface during storage. Slip the polyethylene
tube around the pipe, starting at the spigot end. Bunch the tube accordion-
fashion on the end of the pipe. Pull back the overhanging end of the tube and
circumferentially tape it to the barrel of the pipe behind the insertion line. After
assembly of the joint, the tape should be as close to the face of the bell as possible
but not so close to the spigot end that it interferes with the gasket.
Take up the slack in the tube along the barrel of the pipe to make a snug,
but not tight, fit. Fold excess polyethylene back over the top of the pipe and use
pieces of tape across the fold to securely hold it. This step is extremely important
to prevent sagging of the film at the bottom of the pipe.
Dig a shallow bell hole in the trench bottom at the joint location to facilitate
installation of the polyethylene tube. Lower the pipe into the trench and make up
the pipe joint with the preceding section of pipe.
Move the sling (i.e., no chains or metal, use non-abrasive sling material) to the
bell end of the pipe and lift the pipe slightly to provide enough clearance to easily
slide the tube over the remaining barrel of the pipe. Snugly fold over the excess
wrap using tape to hold it in place. Note: Make sure that no dirt or other bedding
material becomes trapped between the wrap and the pipe.
Secure the polyethylene in place behind the preceding bell using a
circumferential wrap of tape. Make the overlap of the polyethylene tube by pulling
back the bunched polyethylene from the preceding length of pipe and ensure there
is at least a 12-in. overlap.
Place another circumferential wrap of tape on the overlapping polyethylene,
securing it to the spigot side of the joint.
Carefully backfill the trench according to the procedures in Standard AWWA
C600. To prevent damage during backfilling, allow adequate slack in the tube at
the joint. Backfill should be free of cinders, rocks, boulders, nails, sticks, or other
materials that might damage the polyethylene. Avoid damaging the polyethylene
when using tamping devices.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired
as described in Sec. 4.4.6. Proceed with the installation of the next section of pipe
in the same manner.
4.4.3.3 Modified Method A in wet trench conditions. In installations
where the water table may intrude into the pipe zone, either constantly or

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 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 9

Figure 4 Modified Method A in wet trench conditions

intermittently, it is important to take steps to impede the intrusion of the ground

water under the film. While it is not required that the environment between the
film and the pipe be water-free, it is important that any initial moisture be allowed
to become stagnant. Therefore, when the water table may intrude into the pipe
zone, circumferential wraps of tape shall be applied at 2-ft (600-mm) intervals
along the barrel of the pipe, as shown in Figure 4. Also, tape, rather than tie straps,
shall be used to secure the ends of the film.
4.4.3.4 Method B (Refer to Figure 5). Cut polyethylene tube to a length
approximately 12 in. (300 mm) shorter than that of the pipe section. Slip the tube
around the pipe, centering it to provide 6 in. (150 mm) of bare pipe at each end.
Take up the slack width at the top of the pipe as shown in Figure 2 to make a snug
but not tight fit along the barrel of the pipe, securing the fold at quarter points.
Secure the ends as described in Sec. 4.4.1.
Before making up a joint, slip a 3-ft (0.9-m) length of polyethylene tube over
the end of the preceding pipe section, bunching it accordion-fashion lengthwise.
Alternatively, place a 3-ft (0.9-m) length of polyethylene sheet in the trench under
the joint to be made. After completing the joint, pull the 3-ft (0.9-m) length of
polyethylene over or around the joint, overlapping the polyethylene previously
installed on each adjacent section of pipe by at least 12 in. (300 mm). Make each

12-in. (300-mm) Minimum

Encasement
ncas
sementt Tape
T Pipe

Figure 5 Installation Method B

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

10 AWWA C105-18

12-in. (300-mm) Minimum

Figure 6 Installation Method C

end snug and secure as described in Sec. 4.4.1. A shallow bell hole is necessary and
shall be made at joints to facilitate the installation of the polyethylene tube or sheet.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired
as described in Sec. 4.4.6. Proceed with installation of the next section of pipe in
the same manner.
4.4.3.5 Method C (Refer to Figure 6). Cut polyethylene sheet to a
length approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) longer than that of the pipe section. Center the
cut length to provide a 12-in. (300-mm) overlap on each adjacent pipe section,
bunching it until it clears the pipe ends. Wrap the polyethylene around the pipe so
that it circumferentially overlaps the top quadrant of the pipe. Secure the cut edge
of polyethylene sheet at intervals of approximately 3 ft (0.9 m).
Lower the wrapped pipe into the trench and make up the pipe joint with the
preceding section of pipe. A shallow bell hole is necessary and shall be made at the
joints to facilitate installation of the polyethylene. After completing the joint, make
the overlap and secure the ends as described in Sec. 4.4.1.
Cuts, tears, punctures, or other damage to the polyethylene shall be repaired
as described in Sec. 4.4.6. Proceed with installation of the next section of pipe in
the same manner.
4.4.4 Pipe-shaped appurtenances. Bends, reducers, offsets, and other pipe-
shaped appurtenances shall be covered with polyethylene in the same manner as
the pipe.
4.4.5 Odd-shaped appurtenances. When it is not practical to wrap valves,
tees, crosses, and other odd-shaped pieces in a tube, wrap with a flat sheet or split
length of polyethylene tube by passing the sheet under the appurtenance and
bringing the sheet around the body. Make seams by bringing the edges of the
polyethylene sheet together, folding them over twice, and taping them. Handle
width and overlaps at joints as described in Sec. 4.4.3.1. Tape the polyethylene
securely in place at the valve stem and other penetrations.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 POLYETHYLENE ENCASEMENT FOR DUCTILE-IRON PIPE SYSTEMS 11

4.4.6 Repairs. Repair cuts, tears, punctures, or damage to polyethylene

with adhesive tape or with a short length of polyethylene sheet, or with a tube cut
open, wrapped around the pipe to cover the damaged area, and secured in place.
4.4.7 Openings in encasement. Provide openings for branches, blowoffs,
air valves, and similar appurtenances by cutting an ‘X’ in the polyethylene and
temporarily folding back the film. After the appurtenance is installed, tape the
slack securely to the appurtenance, and repair the cut and any other damaged areas
in the polyethylene with tape.
Direct service taps should be made through the polyethylene, with any
resulting damaged areas being repaired as described previously. To make direct
service taps, apply two or three wraps of adhesive tape completely around the
polyethylene-encased pipe to cover the area where the tapping machine and chain
will be mounted. This method minimizes possible damage to the polyethylene
during the direct-tapping procedure. After the tapping machine is mounted, the
corporation stop is installed directly through the tape and polyethylene as shown in
Figure 7. This method is very effective in eliminating damage to the polyethylene
encasement caused by the tapping machine and chain during the tapping operation.
After the direct tap is completed, the entire circumferential area shall be closely
inspected for damage and repaired if needed.
4.4.8 Junctions between wrapped and unwrapped pipe. Where
polyeth­ylene-wrapped pipe joins an adjacent pipe that is not wrapped, extend the
­polyethylene wrap to cover the adjacent pipe for a distance of at least 3 ft (0.9 m).
Secure the end with circumferential turns of adhesive tape.

Figure 7 Preferred method for making direct service taps on polyethylene-encased iron pipe

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

12 AWWA C105-18

Service lines of dissimilar metals shall be wrapped with polyethylene or a

suitable dielectric tape for a minimum clear distance of 3 ft (0.9 m) away from the
ductile-iron pipe.
4.4.9 Backfill for polyethylene-wrapped pipe. Use the same backfill material
as that specified for pipe without polyethylene wrap, exercising care to prevent
damage to the polyethylene wrapping when placing backfill. Backfill material
shall be free of cinders, refuse, boulders, rocks, stones, or other material that could
damage the polyethylene. In general, backfilling practice should be in accordance
with ANSI/AWWA C600.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION

Sec. 5.1 Inspection and Affidavit of Compliance

5.1.1 Quality control and inspection. The manufacturer of polyethylene
film for corrosion protection encasement of ductile-iron pipe systems shall have
a documented Quality Control System or a current compliance certificate from
an accredited Quality Auditing organization to ensure that it complies with all
requirements of this standard. The film manufacturer and/or the film distributor
shall maintain accessible quality records for a minimum period of one year from
the date of manufacture. In lieu of the above records, the manufacturer may elect
to test a customer-selected film sample provided that proof of manufacturer and
the date of manufacture (DOM) are verifiable to the sample.
5.1.2 Affidavit of compliance. The purchaser may require a signed
affidavit by an officer representing the polyethylene film manufacturer that the
film meets the inspection and all applicable material requirements of Sec. 4.1.
The manufacturer’s statement of compliance with this standard and use of similar
statements on packaging or promotional material must be verifiable as required
under Sec. 5.1.1. Statements from suppliers shall not be accepted in lieu of a
statement from the original manufacturer of the polyethylene film.
5.1.3 Freedom from defects. Polyethylene film to be manufactured and
used in accordance with this standard shall not be made from recycled materials
and shall be clean, sound, and without defects.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY

This standard has no applicable information for this section.

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 APPENDIX A
Notes on Procedures for Soil Survey Tests and Observations
and Their Interpretation to Determine Whether Polyethylene
Encasement Should Be Used
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5.

In the appraisal of soil and other conditions that affect the corrosion
rate of ductile-iron pipe,* many factors must always be considered.
They are outlined here. A method of evaluating and interpreting each
factor and a method of weighing each factor to determine whether
polyethylene encasement should be used are subsequently described.
These methods should be employed only by qualified personnel
who are experienced in soil analysis and evaluation of conditions
potentially corrosive to ductile-iron pipe. Factors such as moisture
content, soil temperature, location of soil sample with respect to pipe,
time between removal of soil sample and testing, and other factors
can significantly affect the soil-test evaluation. For example, certain
soil environments are considered to be potentially corrosive to ductile-
iron pipe and, therefore, do not require evaluation to determine the
need for corrosion protection. These environments include, but are not
limited to, coal, cinders, muck, peat, mine wastes, and landfill areas
high in foreign materials. Existing installations and the potential for
stray direct-current corrosion should also be a part of the evaluation.

SECTION A.1: SOIL SURVEY TESTS AND

OBSERVATIONS

Factors to consider when determining the need for polyethylene

encasement of pipe are outlined below. A discussion of each point
follows the outline.
1. Earth resistivity.
a. Four-pin
b. Single-probe
c. Saturated-sample (soil-box)

* The information contained in Appendix A is also applicable to gray-iron pipe. Although gray-iron pipe
is no longer produced in the United States, many miles of this product remain in service.

13

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 2. pH.
3. Oxidation-reduction (redox) potential.
4. Sulfides.
a. Azide (qualitative)
5. Moisture content (relative).
a. Prevalence
6. Soil description.
a. Particle size
b. Uniformity
c. Type
d. Color
7. Potential stray direct current.
a. Nearby cathodic-protection-utilizing rectifiers
b. Railroads (electric)
c. Industrial equipment, including welding equipment
d. Mine transportation equipment
8. Experience with existing installations in the area.
A.1.1 Earth resistivity. There are three methods for
determining earth resistivity: four-pin, single-probe, and saturated-
sample (soil-box). In the field, a four-pin determination should be
made with pins spaced at approximate pipe depth. This method yields
an average of resistivity from the surface to a depth equal to pin spacing.
However, results are sometimes difficult to interpret where dry topsoil
is underlain with wetter soils and where soil types vary with depth.
The Wenner configuration is used with a soil-resistance meter, which is
available with varying ranges of resistance. For all-around use, a meter
with a capacity of up to 104 ohms is suggested because it permits both
field and laboratory testing of most soils.
Because of this difficulty in interpretation, the same meter may
be used with a single probe that yields resistivity at the point of the
probe. A boring is made into the subsoil, allowing the probe to be
pushed into the soil at the desired depth.
Because the soil may not typically be wet, a sample should
be removed for saturated resistivity determination. This may be
accomplished with a laboratory unit that permits the introduction of

14

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 water to saturation, therefore simulating saturated field conditions.
The unit is used in conjunction with a soil-resistance meter.
The interpretation of the results of resistivity measurements is
extremely important. A determination based on a four-pin reading with
dry topsoil averaged with wetter subsoil would probably be inaccurate.
Only by determining the resistivity in soil at pipe depth can an accurate
interpretation be made. Also, the local situation should be determined
concerning groundwater table, the presence of shallow groundwater,
and the approximate percentage of time the soil is likely to be water
saturated.
With ductile-iron pipe, corrosion protection provided by
products of corrosion is enhanced if there are dry periods during each
year. Dry periods seem to permit hardening, or toughening, of the
corrosion scale or products, which become impervious and serve as
better insulators.
Temperature is important in making field determinations of
resistivity. The resistivity increases as the temperature decreases. As
the water in the soil approaches freezing, resistivity increases greatly
and therefore is not reliable. Field determinations under frozen soil
conditions should be avoided. Reliable results under these conditions
can be obtained only by the collection of suitable subsoil samples for
analysis in laboratory conditions at a proper temperature.
Interpretation of resistivity data. Because of the wide variance in
results obtained using the methods described, it is difficult to interpret
any single reading without knowing which method was used to obtain
the reading. The interpretation should be based on the lowest reading
obtained, with consideration to other conditions, such as typical
moisture content of the soil. Because of the lack of exact correlation
between experiences and resistivity, it is necessary to assign ranges of
resistivity rather than specific numbers. Table A.1 shows the points
assigned to various ranges of resistivity. These points, when considered
along with points assigned to other soil characteristics (also shown in
Table A.1), are significant.
A.1.2. pH. In the pH range of 0.0 to 4.0, soils indicate acid
conditions that are often associated with high rates of corrosion. In
the pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, soil conditions are optimal for sulfate

15

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Table A.1 Soil-test evaluation
Soil Characteristics Based on Samples Taken Down to Pipe Depth
Resistivity—ohm-cm (based on water-saturated soil box): Points*
<1,500 10
≥1,500–1,800 8
>1,800–2,100 5
>2,100–2,500 2
>2,500–3,000 1
>3,000 0
pH:
0–2 5
2–4 3
4–6.5 0
6.5–7.5 0†
7.5–8.5 0
>8.5 3
Redox potential:
> +100 mV 0
≥50 to +100 mV 3.5
0 to +50 mV 4
Negative 5
Sulfides:
Positive 3.5
Trace 2
Negative 0
Moisture:
Poor drainage, continuously wet 2
Fair drainage, generally moist 1
Good drainage, generally dry 0
* Ten points or greater indicates that soil is corrosive to ductile-iron pipe; protection is needed. Refer to paragraph A.3
for a description of Uniquely Severe Environments and additional considerations.
†
If sulfides are present and low (<100 mv) or negative redox-potential results are obtained, add three points for this
range.

reduction. In the pH range of 8.5 to 14.0, soils are generally high in

dissolved salts, yielding a low soil resistivity.
In testing pH, a combination pH electrode is pushed into the soil
sample, and a direct reading is made, following suitable temperature
setting on the instrument. Normal procedures are followed for
standardization.

16

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 A.1.3. Oxidation-reduction (redox) potential. The redox
potential of a soil is significant because the most common sulfate-
reducing bacteria can live only in anaerobic conditions. A redox
potential greater than +100 mV demonstrates that the soil is sufficiently
aerated, preventing sulfate reducers from forming. Potentials of 0 to
+100 mV may or may not indicate anaerobic conditions; however, a
negative redox potential definitely indicates the anaerobic conditions
in which sulfate reducers thrive. The redox test is performed using a
pH/mV meter with a combination oxidation-reduction potential
(ORP) electrode inserted into the soil sample. It should be noted that
soil samples removed from a boring or excavation can undergo a change
in redox potential when exposed to air. These samples should be tested
immediately after the excavation. Heavy clays, muck, and organic soils
often are anaerobic. For this reason, these soils should be regarded as
potentially corrosive.
A.1.4. Sulfides. A positive sulfide reaction reveals a potential
problem caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria. The sodium azide–iodine
qualitative test is used to identify sulfides. In this determination,
a solution of 3 percent sodium azide in a 0.1N iodine solution is
introduced into a test tube containing a sample of the soil. Sulfides
catalyze the reaction between sodium azide and iodine, resulting in
nitrogen. If strong bubbling or foaming results, sulfides are present, as
are sulfate-reducing bacteria. If very slight bubbling is noted, sulfides
are probably present in small concentration, and the result is noted as
a trace.
A.1.5. Moisture content. Because prevailing moisture content
is extremely important to soil corrosion, this condition must be
determined. It is not necessary that the specific moisture content of a soil
sample be determined, because the content probably varies throughout
the year. However, local authorities should observe the soil moisture
conditions many times during the year. (Although mentioned in item
1, Earth resistivity, this variability factor is reiterated to emphasize the
importance of notation.)
A.1.6. Soil description. In each investigation, soil types should
be completely described. The description should include color and
physical characteristics, such as particle size, plasticity, friability, and

17

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

uniformity. Observation and testing will reveal whether the soil is high
in organic content; this should be noted. In a given area, corrosivity may
often be reflected in certain types and colors of soil. This information is
valuable for future investigations or for determining suspect soils.
Soil uniformity is important because of the possible development
of local corrosion cells caused by the difference in potential, such as
different soil types contacting the pipe. The same is true for uniformity
of aeration. If one segment of soil contains more oxygen than a
neighboring segment, a corrosion cell can develop from the difference
in potential. This cell is known as a differential aeration cell.
There are several basic types of soils that should be noted in the
soil description: sand, loam, silt, clay, and muck. In addition, unusual
soils, such as peat or soils high in foreign material, should be noted.
A.1.7. Potential stray direct current. Soil surveys should
consider the possibility of stray direct current that might interfere with
the ductile-iron pipe installation. The widespread use of rectifiers and
ground beds for cathodic protection of underground structures has
increased the potential of stray direct current. The proximity of these
cathodic protection systems should be noted. Among other potential
sources of stray direct current are electric railways, industrial equipment
(including welding equipment), and mine-transportation equipment.
Normally, the amount of stray current influence from cathodic
protection systems on an electrically discontinuous ductile-iron
pipeline will be negligible. It is not detrimental to the expected life of
the system, unless the pipeline comes close to an impressed-current,
cathodic-protection anode bed where the current density is high.
When ductile-iron pipelines are exposed to high-density stray current
environments, the pipeline should be rerouted or the anode bed
relocated. If neither of these options is feasible, the ductile-iron pipe
in this area should be electrically bonded together, electrically isolated
from adjacent pipe, and polyethylene encased, and appropriate test
leads and “current drain” installed.
A.1.8. Experience with existing installations. The best
information on soil corrosivity with respect to ductile-iron pipe results
from experience with this material in the area under investigation.

18

Copyright © 2018 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

 Every effort should be made to acquire this data by questioning local
officials and, if possible, by observing existing installations.

SECTION A.2: SOIL-TEST EVALUATION

When the soil-test procedures described in this standard are

employed, the following tests are used in evaluating corrosivity of the
soil: resistivity, pH, redox potential, sulfides, and moisture. For each
of these tests, results are categorized according to their contribution to
corrosivity. Point values are assigned based on experience with ductile-
iron pipe (see Table A.1). When results of these five tests/observations
are available, the assigned points are totaled. If the sum is equal to 10 or
more, the soil is corrosive to ductile-iron pipe, and protection against
exterior corrosion should be provided. This system of evaluation is
limited to soil corrosion and does not include consideration of stray
direct current.
A.2.1 General. These notes address only ductile-iron pipe,
the soil environment in which the pipe will serve, and the methods of
determining a need for polyethylene encasement.

SECTION A.3: U
 NIQUELY SEVERE
ENVIRONMENTS

Research has shown that polyethylene encasement alone is a

viable corrosion protection system for ductile- and gray-iron pipe in
most environments. However, other options should be considered
for environments where the following characteristics co-exist: (1) soil
resistivity ≥500 ohm-cm; (2) anaerobic conditions in which sulfate-
reducing bacteria thrive (neutral pH [6.5 to 7.5], low or negative redox
potential [negative to +100 mV], and the presence of sulfides [positive
or trace]); and (3) salt/brackish water tidal area where the water table is
intermittently or continually above the invert of the pipe.

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