SASO 2221

TEST METHOD FOR FIBERGLASS

REINFORCED RESIN PIPES
 TEST METHOD FOR FIBERGLASS
REINFORCED RESIN PIPES

ICS:

Date of SASO Board of Directors’ Approval :

Date of Publication in the Official Gazette :
Date of Enforcement of this Standard :
SAUDI ARABIAN STANDARD SASO 2221/2004

TEST METHOD FOR FIBERGLASS

REINFORCED RESIN PIPES

1. SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION

This standard is concerned test methods for Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Pipes.

2. COMPLEMENTARY REFERENCES
2.1 SASO 1578/1999 “Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Buried Pressure Pipes”.
2.2 SASO 1577/1999 “Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Buried Sewer Pipes”.

3. STIFFNESS TEST
3.1 The purpose of this test is to determine ring stiffness and its properties under
the effect of deflection
3.2. Apparatus
3.2.1 Parallel-plate loading stiffness tester with load and deflection digital indicator
(see Figure 1).
3.2.2 Micrometer suitable for measuring the dimensions within ± 0.01 mm.
3.2.3 Sliding rod suitable for measuring the inside diameter within ± 0.1 mm.
3.2.4 Miracle Point.
3.3 Test specimens
3.3.1 Test specimen shall be cut from the pipe to be tested.
3.3.2 The test specimen length shall be one pipe diameter or 300 mm, whichever is
less.
3.4 Test Procedure
3.4.1 Measure the average specimen length to the nearest "1" mm at four different
places.
3.4.2 Measure the thickness of the specimen at a minimum of four places equally
spaced around the circumference at each edge. Record the average thickness
of both edges to the nearest 0.01 mm.
3.4.3 Mark the specimen at 0o, +35o +70o and at 180o from each angle using the
Miracle point.
3.4.4 Using the sliding rod, measuring the inside diameter when the specimen in the
horizontal position at the three angles (0o, +35o and +70o) and record the
average ID.
3.4.5 Measure the inside diameter in the vertical position at 0o. marks.
3.4.6 Switch on power supply.

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Fig. 1 – Stiffness test apparatus

A - Structural steel Column D - Movable Table

B - Load cell E - FRP Ring (Test specimen)
C - Load cell F - Fixed table
G - Driving Motor

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3.4.7 Select low or high range and place corresponding load cell.
3.4.8 Place pipe-sample on the table. Align the specimen on centre at zero degree.
3.4.9 Select pressure menu, and move table downwards until the pressure shows
slightly above zero.
3.4.10 Select the deflection menu, and reset the travel distance to zero by pushing the
reset-button.
3.4.11 Move the table further downwards until the display shows the desired
deflection (5%).
3.4.12 Select the pressure menu and record the load readings.
3.4.13 Repeat step (3.4.5) to (3.4.12) at 35o. and 70o angles.
3.5 Calculation
3.5.1 Calculate the self-weight deflection from the formula below:-
∆yo = IDHor. – IDVer
Where
∆yo = Initial self-weight deflection (mm)
IDHor = Ring specimen inside diameter in the horizontal position (mm).
IDVer = Ring specimen inside diameter in the vertical position (mm).
3.5.2 Calculate specimen stiffness at 5% deflection from the formula below:-
P
Stiffness = x 1000
∆y x L
Where
Stiffness = Specimen stiffness at 5 % ID Hor. deflection (KPa).
P = Load at 5% deflection, (N)
∆y = 5% of inside diameter in the horizontal position (y) minus initial
self weight, deflection (∆yo), (mm)
L = Average specimen length, (mm)
3.5.3 Calculate Standard or Specific Tangential Initial Stiffness (STIS) in (Pa) from
the formula below:-
STIS = stiffness x 1000 x 0.02
3.5.4 If required calculate total laminate hoop flexural modulus from the formula
below:-
EHF = STIS x (IDHor. + t )3 x 12
t3x 109
Where:
EHF = Hoop flexural modulus, (GPa).
t = Average specimen thickness, (mm).

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3.6 Test report

3.6.1 The test report shall include the following:-
3.6.1.1 Complete identification of the tested product.
3.6.1.2 Specimen dimensions.
3.6.1.3 Calculated initial and required deflections
3.6.1.4 Load at the required deflection.
3.6.1.5 STIS and total laminate hoop flexural modulus.

4. LOSS ON IGNITION TEST

4.1 The purpose of this test is to determine the percentage by weight of each
material in Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Pipe including different types of glass
fiber or any other material by Loss on Ignition method.
4.2 Apparatus
4.2.1 Porcelain cup (Dia. 75 mm)
4.2.2 Electronic balance with ± 0.01 g accuracy.
4.2.3 Electric Muffle Furnace
4.2.4 Sieve - Mesh 30 (optional)
4.2.5 Micrometer suitable for measuring the dimensions within ± 0.01 mm.
4.2.6 Pair of tweezers
4.3. Test Specimens
Specimens dimension are optional. 20 x 40 to 40 x 40 mm samples cut in the
axial direction is recommended.
4.3.2 A minimum of two specimens shall be tested.
4.4. Test Procedure
4.4.1 Weigh each specimen separately in a porcelain cup. Note also the weight of
empty cup.
4.4.2 Ignite the specimens as follows:-
4.4.2.1 Muffle furnace temperature: (610 ± 20)oC.
4.4.2.2 Place the samples in the furnace and leave it there for around one to four hours
depending on laminate thickness.
4.4.2.3 Remove the samples from furnace after insuring complete burning and leave
them at room temperature for cooling.
4.4.2.4 Weigh each cup with residue.
4.4.2.5 Separate different types of glass fibers by using a pair of tweezers.
4.4.2.6 Weigh each material separately.
4.5. Calculation

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4.5.1 Use suitable calculation format to record the results.

4.5.2 Calculate glass content of each type of glass as follows:
Glass content = % by weight x average thickness (t)
4.6. Test Report
The test report shall include the following:-
4.6.1.1 Complete identification of sample from which specimens are taken.
4.6.1.2 Average weight percentage of each type of material.
4.6.1.3 Average thickness of test specimens.
4.6.1.4 Specification composition and minimum design thickness.
4.6.1.5 Lower control limit, LCL (lower limit of glass content and its equal to the
specification percentage by weight times pipe design thickness), lower reject
limit (LRL) for each glass type and the actual glass content (Note that
LRL=90% LCL).

5. TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

5.1 The purpose of this test is to determine the tensile strength of Fiberglass
Reinforced Resin Pipe along its axis.
5.2 Apparatus
5.2.1 Schenck – Trebel Universal Testing Machine (UTM) or equivalent.
5.2.2 Micrometer suitable for measuring dimensions with ( 0.01 mm).
5.2.3 Extensometer and plotter for plotting load – Extension Curve (optional).
5.3 Test Specimens
5.3.1 Cut specimens from pipe or tank shell ring of 300 mm length along the axis of
the ring (see the following figure).

T= Specimen Thickness
b= Reduced Section Width
W= Specimen Width
L= Specimen Length

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5.3.2 The specimens shall be 25 mm as standard width. The width may be reduced if
the tensile force required to break the standard specimen exceeds the machine
range.
5.3.3 The minimum number of test specimen is three.
5.4 Test Procedure
5.4.1 Make semi-circular notches as shown in the above figure.
5.4.2 Measure the average width and thickness of each specimen to the nearest 0.01
mm.
5.4.3 Select the appropriate range and plotting scale on the test equipment.
5.4.4 Set the UTM on tensile loading setting.
5.4.5 Fix the specimen on the machine and align the specimen between machine
grips.
5.4.6 Attach the extensiometer to the specimen center.
5.4.7 Start loading using the appropriate cross-head movement speed.
5.4.8 Remove extensiometer just before reaching peak load to prevent damage when
specimen fails.
5.4.9 Record peak load.
5.5 Calculations
5.5.1 Calculate the full tensile strength from the formula below:

σAT = F
bxt
Where:
σAT = Axial tensile strength in N/mm2 (MPa)
F = Peak load at rupture (N).
b = Specimen width at notch, (mm)
t = specimen thickness at notch, (mm)

5.5.2 Calculate the average tensil strength of all tested specimens.

5.6 Test Report
5.6.1 The test report shell include the following:
5.6.1.1 Complete identification of the tested product.
5.6.1.2 Specimen dimensions and peak loads.
5.6.1.3 Calculated tensile strength and the average of all the specimens.

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6. HOOP TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

6.1 The purpose of this test is to determine strength of Fiberglass Reinforced
Plastic Resin in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis.
6.2 Apparatus
6.2.1 Split disk hydraulic test machine capable of testing pipe specimen from 80 to
3000 mm diameter rings with maximum hydraulic force of 460 KN (47 ton)
see figure 2.
6.2.2 Micrometer suitable for measuring the dimensions with ± 0.01mm.
6.2.3 Suitable tools for making half circle grooves in the specimen.
6.3 Test Specimens
6.3.1 The ring specimen to be tested shall have the dimensions shown in figure 3.
The width of the ring should be 25 ± 2 mm with a reduction to 12 ± 1 mm at
one place. The width of the specimen may be reduced if the laminate is so
thick that the tensile force is out of the range of the test machine.
6.3.2 The number of test specimen should be at least three.
6.3.3 The specimens should be cut directly from the pipe using production machine
automatic saw in order to get square ends and uniform width.
6.4 Test Procedure
6.4.1 Measure the thickness and width of the test specimen at the location of the
reduced cross-section.
6.4.2 Place the ring on the disc with the reduced section just beside the split between
the two discs. Lubricate the inside of the ring if necessary to avoid friction
between the test ring and fixture.
6.4.3 Select the appropriate testing speed and start loading the specimen.
6.4.4 Record the ultimate load carried by the specimen as indicated on the machine
gauge.
6.5 Calculation
6.5.1 Calculate the ultimate hoop tensil strength from this formula:

σHT = F
2xtxw
Where:
σHT = The ultimate hoop tensile strength in N/mm2 (MPa)
F = Ultimate Load in N.
t = Ring thickness in mm.
w = Width in mm.
Thickness and width are to be measured at the reduced cross-section. Note that
the calculated hoop strength is for the entire laminate. If structural hoop
strength is to be found, the linear thickness has to be subtracted from the total

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thickness.
6.5.2 Calculate the arithmetic mean of ultimate hoop tensile strength for all the
tested samples.

Fig. 2 – Hydraulic test machine

1. Disk Assembly
2. Frame
3. Parallel Arm
4. Hyd. System
5. Axles

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Fig. 3 – Test specimen

R. North Radius
t. Sample Thickness
W Reduced sample width
L Ring length
ID Pipe inside diameter
OD Pipe outside diameter

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6.6 Test Report

6.6.1 The Test report shall include the following:
6.6.1.1 Complete identification of sample from which specimens are taken.
6.6.1.2 Reduced section thickness and width.
6.6.1.3 Hoop tensile strength of each specimen and the average hope tensile strength
of all specimens.

7. BARCOL HARDNESS TEST

7.1 The purpose of this test is to determine the Barcol Hardness of Reinforced
Resin Pipe using Barcol Impresser.
7.2 Apparatus
7.2.1 Barcol Impresser.
7.3 Test Specimens
7.3.1 The specimen dimensions shall be large enough to ensure a minimum of 5 mm
in any direction from the impresser point to the edge of the specimen.
7.4 Test Procedure
7.4.1 Insure the impresser is calibrated. If not, use the manufacturer supplied alloy
discs for calibration.
7.4.2 Set the pint sleeve on the surface to be tested.
7.4.3 Grasp the instrument firmly between the legs and pint sleeve.
7.4.4 Apply quickly by hand, increasing force in the case until the dial reaches the
maximum value.
7.4.5 Take at least 5-reading spaced at least 5 mm apart.
7.5 Calculation
7.5.1 Calculate the average of the values obtained.
7.6 Test Report
7.6.1 The report shall include the average barcol impresser value for the tested pipe.

8. DIMENSIONS TESTS
8.1 The purpose of these tests is to determine the outside diameter, inside diameter,
total wall thickness and length dimension of Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Pipe
and Fittings.
8.2 Total Wall Thickness of Pipe and Fittings
8.2.1 Apparatus
8.2.1.1 Micrometer suitable for measuring the dimensions within ± 0.01mm.
8.2.1.2 Ultrasonic thickness meters with 0.1 mm graduation and thickness accuracy of

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within 5%.
8.2.2 Procedure
8.2.2.1 Make a series of at least four readings at random selected locations,
approximately equally spaced around the circumference.
8.2.2.2 Calculate the average total wall thickness.
8.3 Average Outside Diameter Measurements
8.3.1 Apparatus
8.3.1.1 A circumferential wrap tape (PI Tape) within ± 0.1 mm.
8.3.2 Procedure
8.3.2.1 Make at least two outside diameter measurement readings by placing the PI
tape around the pipe making sure it is at right angles to the pipe axis.
8.3.2.2 Calculate the average diameter of the readings.
8.4 Inside Diameter Calculations
8.4.1 Calculate the inside diameter as ID=OD-2t
Where:
ID = Average diameter.
OD = Average outside diameter as determined in section (8.3)
t = Average total wall thickness as determined in section (8.2)
Note: Using sliding rods to measure the ID is an alternative to section (8.4.1). The procedure
involves marking two points 180 degree apart and taking the maximum reading obtained using
the sliding rod. Care must be taken to ensure the two points are at the exact distance from the
edge.
8.5 Pipe Length Measurement
8.5.1 Apparatus
8.5.1.1 Steel tape with 1 mm gradation.
8.5.2 Procedure
8.5.2.1 Lay pipe specimen on a flat surface and in a straight line. Observe the length
within the nearest 1 mm.
8.6 Laying Length Measurement
8.6.1 Note because of the wide variety fittings, specific procedures to cover every
possible case cannot be written. As a result the following general techniques
can be used:
8.6.1.1 To measure elbow laying length, mark the elbow centerline at the exterior for
each laying length exactly at vertical position while the elbow is laying on the
horizontal position. Measure the leg length from edge up to intersection point.
Use straight steel/aluminum bar to locate centerline intersection points.
8.6.1.2 Use suitable protractor size to measure the angle of elbow.

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8.6.1.3 To measure branch laying length, mark the centerline of the header and the
branch on the pipe exterior. Make the branch plan make 90 deg. with
horizontal surface. Measure branch length (use steel/aluminum straight bar
fixed at branch cut edge if necessary for alignment). Using steel tape measure
the branch length starting from branch edge to the branch header centerline
cross-section point.
8.6.1.4 Use suitable protractor to measure the angle.

9. LONG-TERM STRAIN CORROSION TEST

9.1 The purpose of this test is to determine the chemical resistance properties of
Fiberglass Reinforced Resin Pipe in a deflected condition (under effect of
strain).
9.2 Apparatus
9.2.1 Use parallel plate apparatus suitable to maintain a constant deflection on the
pipe (see the figure 4).
9.2.2 Optionally strain gauges can be used to measure the strain level. Strain gauges
should be suitable to measure strain level upto 1.5%.
9.3 Test Specimen
9.3.1 Each specimen is a ring section taken from a sample of pipe selected at random
from a normal production run. The specimen length shall be one nominal
diameter or 300 mm whichever is less.
9.4 Test Procedure
9.4.1 Measure inside diameter and wall thickness at the bottom of the pipe specimen
on a line parallel with the pipe axis.
9.4.2 Place the pipe specimen in the test apparatus with the measured wall thickness
at the bottom and apply force to the apparatus to deflect the specimen. Use the
nuts to do this and keep the two plates as near parallel as possible.
9.4.3 Measure the vertical inside diameter of the deflected pipe specimen.
9.4.4 Determine the initial strain level induced in the pipe by calculation or by strain
gauges. Use the following equation to calculate strain level.
εsc = 428 x t x ∆ x 100
((ID + t) + ∆2)2
Where:
εsc = Initial Strain (%)
t = Average wall thickness at the bottom (mm)
∆ = Average deflection (mm)
ID = Average inside diameter (mm)

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A - Threaded Rod F - Test specimen

B - Steel channel G - Flexible dam
C - 1/4” Rubber pad H - Steel Rod
D - Resin bond and seal I - 1/4 Rubber Pad
E - Test solution

Fig. 4 – Strain corrosion test apparatus

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9.4.5 Alternatively, fix two strain gauges on the inside bottom surface in the
circumferential direction.
Zero-in the gauges while the pipe is circular in shape. Place the specimen
inside the test apparatus and deflect specimen until the required strain level is
reached.
9.4.6 Close the sides of the specimens using flat plates and flexible sealant.
9.4.7 Add 5% by weight sulfuric acid solution to the specimen.
9.4.8 Start recording the time from the addition of the solution.
9.4.9 Periodically check and maintain the test solution to the same concentration and
level for the duration of the test.
9.4.10 Record the time to first crack and the time of failure of the specimen.
9.4.11 To determine the regression line a minimum of 18 samples is required. The
distribution of data points should contain the minimum failure points as per the
following table:

Hours Minimum failure points

10 to 1000 4
1000 to 6000 3
After 6000 3
After 10000 1

9.4.12 Performance inspection of the test samples as follows:

Hours Inspect at least

1 to 20 Every hour
20 to 40 Every 2 hour
40 to 60 Every 4 hour
60 to 100 Every 8 hour
100 to 600 Every 24 hour
600 to 6000 Every 48 hour
After 6000 Every week

9.4.13 Analyze the test result by using the logarithm of the strain in percentage and
the logarithm of the time-to-failure in hours.
Calculate the strain at 100,000 hours and at 50-years.
Use the least squares method to analyze the test data.

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10. LONG-TERM HYDRAULIC DESIGN BASIS TEST

10.1 The purpose of this test is to establish the static procedure for obtaining a
Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) for Fiberglass Pipes, by evaluating strength
regression data.
10.2 Apparatus
10.2.1 Use free end enclosure at the pipe ends which does not exert tensile stresses
due to internal pressure. End closure shall have openings for water filling, air
vent and pressure gauge connection.
10.2.2 Strain gauges to be used to measure pipe circumferential strain in case HDB is
strain based.
10.3 Test Specimens
10.3.1 Each specimens is a short length of pipe sample randomly selected from
normal pipes. The sample length is greater than twice pipe diameter.
10.4 Procedure
10.4.1 Determine the average outside diameter and thickness for each specimen.
10.4.2 Using the end closure and strain gauges, apply different internal pressure to the
specimens.
10.4.3 Measure time to failure for each sample and record the applied pressure or
strain in case HDB is strain based for each specimen.
10.4.4 Pressurize the specimen to obtain failure times as follows:

Hours of failures Minimum failure points

1 to 1000 At least 4
1000 to 6000 At least 3
After 6000 At least 3
After 10 000 At least 1
Total At least 18

10.4.5 Maintain the internal pressure in each specimen to ± one bar. Measure the
time
to failure to within ± 3% or 48 hours whichever is smaller.
10.4.6 Analyze the results by using, for each failure point, the logarithm of the %
strain or stress and the logarithm of the time-to-failure in hours. Use the least
squares method to analyze the test data. Calculate the 50-year HDB.
10.4.7 Specimens within one diameter of end closure may be included in the test
results if repaired and the test is resumed, or discarded.
10.4.8 Specimens that have not failed after 10,000 hours may be included as failures
in establishing the regression line.

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SAUDI ARABIAN STANDARD SASO 2221/2004

The preliminary draft of this standard has been developed by the work team composed of:

Name Agency

1. Eng. Ahamed S. A. Hadi Amiantit

2. Dr. Hussain A. Al-Awagi King Saud University Collage of

Engineering
3. Eng. Abdullah A. Al-Madi Amiantit
4. Eng. Hamed S. Al-Salem R.W.S.A

The draft standard was studied and the comments received thereon from concerned bodies
discussed. It has been adopted, in its present form by the following members of Technical
Committee No. (5) Pipes.

Name Agency

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

KR-00849

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