AS4139 – 2003, 'Fibre Reinforced Concrete Pipes and Fittings', specifies the derivation of the design assumptions for FRC™ pipes.

Design is quantified by type testing. The minimum allowable test load for a pipe is determined by predicting the load that the pipe will be capable of withstanding in a saturated condition.

A safety factor has been assumed for the purposes of design calculation. The required design life and class of the pipe would be determined using informed engineering judgment of the conditions of installation and operation of the pipe.

In line with the above design assumptions AS4139 – 2003 requires FRC™ pipes to be manufactured to meet a minimum failure test load:
Pm = 1.5CTc or 2Tc, whichever is the highest.

Where:
Pm = Minimum allowable test load at failure (kN/m)
1.5 = Factor of safety applied to the predicted load capacity
C = Dry/Wet Strength Factor
Tc = Long term design loads for pipe classes (kN/m)

Note: All dimensions are nominal.

Long Term Design Loads
For details about long term design loads please refer to the 'Product and Design Data Manual', see brochures below.