Section 3

AMERICAN
Ductile Iron Pipe
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
Centrifugally Cast in Metal Molds or Sand-Lined Molds
For Water or Other Liquids.
What is AMERICAN Ductile Iron? the amazing properties of this new metal.
The ideal of cast iron with ductility, Following this experimental work, the first
long sought by metallurgists, was real- shipment of AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe
ized with the introduction of ductile iron in was made in 1955. Production of ductile
1948. Acclaimed to be one of the most sig- iron pipe has grown steadily and it is now a
nificant metallurgical developments in this predominant piping material for conveying
century, ductile iron has had an increasing water and other liquids.
impact in many industries. Ductile iron has Ductile iron is produced by treating
ductility—as the name implies—and in ad- molten low-sulfur base iron with magne-
dition, it has strength and impact resistance sium under closely controlled conditions.
far greater than that of gray iron; yet it The startling change in the metal is charac-
retains the proven corrosion resistance of terized by the free graphite in ductile iron
gray iron, thus making it an ideal piping being deposited in spheroidal or nodular
material. form instead of flake form as in gray iron.
American Cast Iron Pipe Company With the free graphite in nodular form, the
pioneered in the development of ductile continuity of the metal matrix is at a maxi-
iron pipe and produced experimental casts mum, accounting for the formation of a far
of ductile pipe and fittings as early as 1948. stronger, tougher ductile material greatly
In 1949 Mr. C.K. Donoho, AMERICAN’s exceeding gray iron in strength, in ductility,
chief metallurgist, authored a paper on and in impact characteristics.

Photomicrograph showing graphite Photomicrograph showing graphite

form in gray iron. form in ductile iron.

AMERICAN Ductile Iron-Grade 60-42-10

Minimum Physical Properties
AWWA C151
These properties are verified by tensile Tensile Strength........................60,000 psi
samples taken from the wall of the pipe. Yield Strength...........................42,000 psi
Elongation................................10 percent
Fig. 3-1

3-1


AMERICAN Ductile Iron Conservation of Energy and Lower

pipe provides... Pumping Costs
Head losses in piping are directly re-
High Impact Resistance lated to inside diameters, and energy con-
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe has the sumption and accompanying pumping
high impact strength and toughness to costs are directly related to head losses.
withstand shocks usually encountered in Therefore, the use of ductile iron piping
transportation, handling and installation. having inside diameters greater than nomi-
These characteristics also provide added nal can result in significant energy savings
security against stresses induced by water over the years. In addition to helping to
hammer, highway traffic and unexpected keep operating costs and utility rates rea-
adverse forces. Excellent impact resistance sonable, this conservation of energy is also
is confirmed by tests made at regular in- helpful to the environment.
tervals in accordance with ANSI/AWWA
C151/A21.51 Standard. Assured, Proven Long Life
Historical records document the prov-
Superior Strength en service for centuries of gray cast iron
AMERICAN utilizes the ideal combi- pipe. Extensive laboratory and field tests
nation of chemical analysis and heat treat- conducted by many authorities under vari-
ment to produce a pipe with the most ous installation conditions prove the soil
desirable combination of high strength corrosion resistance of ductile iron is at
and excellent ductility...a pipe that will least as good as, if not better than, that of
withstand high internal pressure and deep gray cast iron. The outstanding resistance
cover...a pipe providing added reliability of ductile iron pipe to soil corrosion has
and additional factors of safety for normal been verified by more than four decades of
and for unusual conditions such as ex- service.
pansive soils and earth movement due to
freezing and thawing.

After receiving the full force

of a 4,500 pound weight dropped from
a height of 30 feet, this 30” AMERICAN Ductile
Iron pipe was severely deformed but did not fail.

Design of
AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
The principal standards covering ductile iron pipe are ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50 and ANSI/AWWA
C151/A21.51. These and other standards are referenced throughout this Section either by the full
ANSI/AWWA designation or by only the AWWA numbering, such as AWWA C150.

AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is tensile strength, ductility and impact re-
designed for combinations of internal sistance, the design of ductile iron pipe is
pressure, water hammer, earth load and conservative in all respects and embodies
truck load. Thicknesses are determined high factors of safety. For qualification of
in accordance with ANSI/AWWA C150/ pipe these properties are confirmed dur-
A21.50, employing design methods ap- ing production by frequent tensile and
plicable to flexible pipe. Utilizing the impact tests of specimens from the wall
principal mechanical properties of high of pipe.

3-2
Physical Properties Truck load is based on an AASHTO
The ductile iron in AMERICAN pipe is H-20 truck with 16,000-lb wheel load and
grade 60-42-10, an annealed grade with 1.5 impact factor considered at all depths
the following specified minimum prop- for all sizes of pipe.
erties: tensile strength, 60,000 psi; yield The ring bending stress used in design
strength, 42,000 psi; elongation, 10 per- is 48,000 psi. The maximum pipe deflec-
cent. tion used in the design of cement-lined
A typical stress-strain curve obtained pipe is 3%.
on a tensile specimen from the wall of duc- The design values for the five types of
tile iron pipe shows that the pipe metal is standard laying conditions in AWWA C150
an elastic material; that is, its stress-strain and C151 (see Fig. 3-2, page 3-12) are as
relation is linear over a substantial portion follows:
of the ultimate strength range. The aver- Type 1:
age modulus of elasticity is 24,000,000 psi, E’= 150 Bedding Angle = 30°
the value used in the design equations. Be- Type 2:
yond the yield point the metal continues to E’= 300 Bedding Angle = 45°
exhibit substantial ductility before ultimate Type 3:
failure. E’= 400 Bedding Angle = 60°
The high tensile strength of ductile Type 4:
iron allows the use of diameter-to-thick- E’= 500 Bedding Angle = 90°
ness ratios in which the deflection of the Type 5:
pipe, under trench loads, is of sufficient E’= 700 Bedding Angle = 150°
magnitude that the principles of flexible
pipe design are applicable. 3. The larger net thickness is selected
from the internal pressure design thickness
Design Steps and the bending stress design thickness.
1. Pipe is designed for internal pres- To this thickness is added a service allow-
sure including working pressure and surge ance of 0.08”. The minimum thickness for
pressure as follows: deflection is then calculated and compared
Working pressure is the specified to that thickness. The larger of the two is
design working pressure. selected. A casting tolerance is then add-
Surge pressure is 100 psi unless a ed, giving the total design thickness of the
different surge pressure is specified by pipe. Casting tolerances are listed in Table
the buyer or his engineer. No. 3-1.
The design internal pressure in 4. The pressure class thickness is de-
psi is the safety factor 2.0 multiplied termined by the selection of a standard
by the sum of the working pressure pressure class thickness from Table No. 3-8.
and the surge pressure (100 psi). The If the calculated thickness is between two
metal design strength is the minimum standard pressure class thicknesses, the
yield strength in tension of 42,000 psi. larger of the two is selected.
2. Pipe is designed for external loads Later in this Section, tables show
including both earth load and truck load as thicknesses of ductile pipe for a number of
follows: different pressures and depths of cover. For
Earth load is based on the prism load conditions not covered in tables, all formu-
concept and normally conservative las and data for designing ductile iron pipe
weight of backfill soil of 120 lb/cu.ft. are given in AWWA C150.

3-3


Manufacture of AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe

AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is cast ladles where it is desulfurized. From here
centrifugally in nominal 20-foot laying the iron is transferred into a 1300-ton
lengths by the deLavaud process. holder which provides a reservoir of iron
After the careful proportioning of se- of uniform chemistry. The molten iron is
lect high-quality raw materials, the melting then transferred from the holder to coreless
of iron for the manufacture of AMERICAN electric induction furnaces where chemistry
Ductile Iron pipe takes place in one of the and temperature are adjusted to the pre-
world’s largest iron melting facilities under cise requirements of each production unit.
continually controlled conditions. The iron is then ready for treatment with
AMERICAN also owns and operates magnesium, the most important step in the
one of the most impressive and modern production of ductile iron, requiring close
scrap recycling facilities in the world. This control of both the mechanics of the op-
facility ensures a dependable supply of eration and the final chemistry of the iron.
high-quality shredded ferrous scrap for the After treatment, each ladle is checked for
production of high-quality piping products, exact content of magnesium and other ele-
conserving valuable natural resources in ments, and the metal is sent to the produc-
the process. This means, unlike many other tion area for pouring.
types of pipe materials, AMERICAN Ductile The molten iron is introduced into a
Iron pipe is manufactured using predomi- horizontal rotating mold with the quantity
nantly recycled iron and steel, not virgin of the metal poured controlling the pipe
materials. thickness. The centrifugal force generated
The melting process utilizes a control by rotation holds the metal against the
computer in the operation of the highly mold wall and forces lighter, non-metallic
sophisticated electronic and mechanical impurities to the inside of the pipe to be
components of the system. Rigid clean air removed in the cleaning process. After the
requirements are satisfied through modern iron has solidified, the casting machine is
emission control equipment. stopped and the pipe is stripped from the
Molten iron flows from a Contiarc mold.
furnace and/or cupola, and in the melt- All AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is
ing facility is collected in 60-ton capacity annealed in modern heat treating ovens

View of modern plant where the large-diameter sizes of pipe are centrifugally cast in
nominal 20-foot lengths by the deLavaud process.

3-4
with precisely controlled time and tem- instructions for the assembly of push-on
perature cycles to produce optimum physi- and mechanical joint pipe. See Section 2 of
cal properties. The pipe is then moved to this Pipe Manual for detailed assembly in-
processing stations where it is cleaned, structions for Fastite and Mechanical Joint
machined, hydrostatically tested, lined and pipe.
coated, and given final inspection. The nominal laying length of the pipe
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe in sizes is as shown in tables in this Section. A max-
4” through 64” is manufactured in ac- imum of 20 percent of the total number of
cordance with and meets or exceeds all pipes of each size specified in an order may
applicable requirements of AWWA C151 be furnished as much as 24” shorter than
Standard for “Ductile Iron Pipe, Centrifu- the nominal laying length, and an addition-
gally Cast, for Water or Other Liquids.” al 10 percent may be furnished as much as
The quality of AMERICAN’s products and 6” shorter than nominal laying length.
conformance to appropriate specifica-
tions is assured by the British Standards Dimensions
Institute’s certification that AMERICAN’s The plain end, the socket of the pipe,
quality system complies with the ISO 9001 and the accessories are gauged at suffi-
Quality Management System Standard. ciently frequent intervals to ensure that the
dimensions comply with the requirements
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS of AWWA C151.
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe, with
Fastite or mechanical joints, complies with Thickness
AWWA C151 and the joints meet require- Minus thickness tolerances of pipe are
ments of AWWA C111. The outside diam- shown below:
eters of 4”-48” are the same as for gray Table No. 3-1
iron pipe that was formerly manufactured Size Minus Tolerance
per AWWA C106 or C108, making ductile in. in.
iron pipe completely interchangeable with 4”–8” 0.05
gray iron pipe made to those standards
10”–12” 0.06
with respect to joining diameters, accesso-
ries and fittings. 14”–42” 0.07
The installation of ductile iron pipe is 48” 0.08
covered in AWWA C600, including general 54”–64” 0.09

During production, each ladle of ductile iron is checked for exact content of magne-
sium and other elements with this computer-controlled optical emission spectrometer.

3-5
 An additional minus tolerance of 0.02” is For more detailed information on coatings
permitted along the barrel of the pipe for a dis- and linings see Section 11.
tance not to exceed 12”.
TESTING
Weight To ensure that the properties of the fin-
The weight tolerance of pipe is minus 6 ished pipe meet or exceed the requirements of
percent for pipe 12” and smaller in diameter, AWWA C151 and those of AMERICAN’s qual-
and minus 5 percent for pipe larger than 12” in ity control program, continuous inspection and
diameter. testing are performed.
Spectral Analysis
COATINGS AND LININGS Following magnesium treatment of the
Outside Coating molten metal, a sample is poured from each
The outside coating for use under normal ladle for spectral analysis. Within minutes, the
conditions is an asphaltic coating approximate- amount of magnesium and other elements in
ly 1 mil thick as specified in AWWA C151. The the iron is determined. This early verification of
coating is applied to the outside of all pipe, un- the metal composition is a vital factor in the
less otherwise specified. See Section 11. control of pipe quality.
Inside Lining Tensile Test
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe for water The physical characteristics of the pipe
service is normally furnished with standard ce- are continually checked by tensile tests made
ment lining on the inside as specified in AWWA at a frequency of at least one such test during
C104. each casting period of approximately 3 hours.
For other types of service, pipe can be The tensile test specimens are cut from the pipe
furnished uncoated inside or with cement lin- wall, and are machined from the midsection for
ing, asphaltic lining or with other linings as may testing. The acceptance values for test speci-
be required to meet service conditions and as mens are as follows:
agreed upon at time of purchase.

Each 30” and larger diameter AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is hydrostatically tested
to 75% of yield strength which results in higher test pressures than those required by
AWWA C151, varying to over 900 psi, depending on size and thickness of the pipe.

3-6
 Grade of Iron: 60-42-10 strength of the metal, based on the nominal
Minimum tensile strength.................60,000 psi thickness of the pipe. As an example of the
Minimum yield strength...................42,000 psi higher test pressures this dictates, each length
Minimum elongation.......................10 percent of 30” diameter ductile iron pipe, Class 150
(the lightest class produced), 0.34” nominal
Impact Test wall, is tested to 669 psi. See Table No. 3-2
Impact tests are made on at least one for a listing of AMERICAN’s hydrostatic tests
sample machined from the pipe wall dur- on 30” and larger pressure class pipe. Contact
ing each operating hour to ensure the de- AMERICAN if higher test pressures are desired.
sired toughness in the finished pipe. Notched
Charpy impact tests are performed in accor- Hardness Test
dance with ASTM E23, except that specimen Hardness tests of pipe samples are rou-
size is 0.500” by full thickness of the pipe wall. tinely made to further ensure the quality of the
The corrected acceptance value for this test is a final product.
minimum of 7 ft-lb for tests conducted at 70°F
± 10°. Low-temperature impact tests are made MARKING PIPE
from at least 10% of the test pipe to ensure The weight, class or nominal thickness,
compliance with a minimum corrected value of and casting period are shown on each pipe.
3 ft-lb for tests conducted at -40°F ± 2°F. AMERICAN’s identifying mark, the year in
which the pipe is produced, and the letters
Hydrostatic Test “DI” or “DUCTILE” are cast or stamped on
As specified by AWWA C151, each pipe is the pipe. When specified on the purchase or-
subjected to a hydrostatic test of not less than der, initials not exceeding four in number are
500 psi with the pipe under the full test pres- stamped on the pipe. All marks are on or near
sure for at least 10 seconds. Suitable controls the bell.
and recording devices are provided so that the
test pressure and duration are positively con- WEIGHING PIPE
trolled. Any pipe that leaks or does not with- Each pipe is weighed before the applica-
stand the test pressure is rejected. tion of any lining or coating other than the as-
For even greater assurance of pipe quality, phaltic coating. The weight is painted on the
each 30” and larger AMERICAN Ductile Iron outside of the bell end.
pipe is hydrostatically tested to 75% of yield

AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe

Hydrostatic Proof Test Pressures
30”-64” Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-2

Pressure Class
Size Outside 150 200 250 300 350
in. Diameter Wall Test Wall Test Wall Test Wall Test Wall Test
in. Thickness Pressure Thickness Pressure Thickness Pressure Thickness Pressure Thickness Pressure
in. psi in. psi in. psi in. psi in. psi

30 32.00 0.34 669 0.38 748 0.42 827 0.45 886 0.49 965
36 38.30 0.38 625 0.42 691 0.47 773 0.51 839 0.56 921
42 44.50 0.41 580 0.47 665 0.52 736 0.57 807 0.63 892
48 50.80 0.46 570 0.52 645 0.58 719 0.64 794 0.70 868
54 57.56 0.51 558 0.58 635 0.65 711 0.72 788 0.79 865
60 61.61 0.54 552 0.61 624 0.68 695 0.76 777 0.83 849
64 65.67 0.56 537 0.64 614 0.72 691 0.80 767 0.87 835

These pressures produce a 31,500 psi stress in the pipe wall (which is equal to 75% of the 42,000 psi minimum yield
strength for ductile iron pipe) based on outside diameter and total standard thickness. Test pressure = 2 x T x 31,500 / O.D.

3-7
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Standard Dimensions

Table No. 3-3

Dimensions in Inches
Size Nominal
in. Laying Length A D F*
ft. Outside Diameter Depth of Socket Bell O.D.

4 20 4.80 3.31 16.40

6 20 6.90 3.38 18.60
8 20 9.05 3.75 10.96
10 20 11.10 3.75 13.12
12 20 13.20 3.75 15.22
14 20 15.30 5.23 17.61
16 20 17.40 5.23 19.74
18 20 19.50 5.50 22.16
20 20 21.60 5.50 24.28
24 20 25.80 5.50 28.50
30 20 32.00 6.50 34.95
36 20 38.30 6.50 41.37
42 20 44.50 7.50 48.27
48 20 50.80 8.00 54.71
54 20 57.56 8.50 61.65
60 20 61.61 8.75 65.80
64 20 65.67 9.00 70.04
*Dimensions subject to change at our option. Check AMERICAN if exact dimensions required.
For Fastite assembly instructions see Section 2.

The liberal allowable deflection in the Fastite Joint facilitates pipeline installation
with sweeping horizontal or vertical curves without the use of fittings.

3-8
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint Pipe
Allowable Joint Deflection

Table No. 3-4

Maximum Recommended Deflection
Size Nominal Laying
in. Length X
Y
ft. Offset per Nominal Length (in.)
Deflection Angle
(degrees)

14 20 21 5°
16 20 21 5°
18 20 21 5°
10 20 21 5°
12 20 21 5°
14 20 21 5°
16 20 21 5°
18 20 21 5°
20 20 21 5°
24 20 21 5°
30 20 21 5°
36 20 17 4°
42 20 12 3°
48 20 12 3°
54 20 12 3°
60 20 12 3°
64 20 12 3°
For optimum assembly, the joints should be assembled with the pipe in reasonably straight alignment. After joint
assembly, the pipe may be deflected up to the maximum shown above. Offset distances are based on nominal lengths
shown.
See Section 2 Table 2–4 for maximum allowable internal separation of 24” and larger Fastite joints.

Special Fastite Deflection Bells

Special Fastite bells are available
which allow greater maximum joint
deflection as follows:

Table No. 3-5

X Y
Size Offset per Deflection
in. Length Angle
in.
36 21 5°
42 21 5°
48 17 4°
54 17 4°
60 17 4°
64 17 4°
Offset distances are for 36”–64” Special Deflection Bells based
on 20–foot lengths.

3-9
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Mechanical Joint Pipe*
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Standard Dimensions

Table No. 3-6

Nominal Dimensions in Inches Bolts
Size Laying
in. Length No. per Size
ft. A B J K1** K2 L† M Joint in.
4 20 4.80 2.5 7.50 9.06 9.12 .91 .75 4 3
⁄4 X 31⁄2
6 20 6.90 2.5 9.50 11.06 11.12 .94 .88 6 3
⁄4 X 31⁄2
8 20 9.05 2.5 11.75 13.31 13.37 .98 1.00 6 3
⁄4 X 4
10 20 11.10 2.5 14.00 15.62 15.62 .98 1.00 8 3
⁄4 X 4
12 20 13.20 2.5 16.25 17.88 17.88 .98 1.00 8 3
⁄4 X 4

*Mechanical Joint Pipe is available in Special Thickness Class 53 only.

**These dimensions for pipe only. Refer to Table No. 5–1 for fitting joint dimensions.
†The bell flanges may be furnished thicker than specified under “L” above as provided in AWWA C111.
Bolt holes are 1/8” larger than bolt diameters.
For Mechanical Joint assembly instructions and for additional dimensions see Section 2.
See Section 12 when retainer glands are being considered in lieu of regular glands.
When bell flanges tapped for studs are required, alloy steel stud bolts with the required stud length equal to the length of
the Tee head bolt it replaces should normally be specified.
Boltless Fastite, Fast–Grip, Flex–Ring, and Lok–Ring push–on joint pipe and fittings are normally less labor–intensive and
labor–reliant than mechanical joints pictured and are often preferred for many applications. See appropriate sections of the
Pipe Manual for more information with regard to these joint configurations.

3-10
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Mechanical Joint Pipe
Allowable Joint Deflection

Table No. 3-7

Maximum Recommended Deflection
Size Nominal Laying
in. Length X
Y
ft. Offset per Nominal Length (in.)
Deflection Angle (degrees)

4 18 31 8°–18’
6 20 30 7°–07’
8 20 22 5°–21’
10 20 22 5°–21’
12 20 22 5°–21’

The joint should be assembled with the pipe in reasonably straight alignment. Joint deflection to the maximum shown
above may be made after assembly but before tightening bolts. Offset distances are based on nominal 18– or 20–foot
lengths as shown.

3-11


AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe

ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50
and
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Standard Laying Conditions

Laying Condition Description

Flat-bottom trench.† Loose backfill.

Flat-bottom trench.† Backfill lightly

consolidated to centerline of pipe.

Pipe bedded in 4” minimum loose

soil.†† Backfill lightly consolidated to
top of pipe.

Pipe bedded in sand, gravel or

crushed stone to depth of 1⁄8 pipe
diameter, 4” minimum. Backfill com-
pacted to top of pipe. (Approximately
80% Standard Proctor, AASHTO T-99.)

Pipe bedded to its centerline in

compacted granular§ material, 4”
minimum under pipe. Compacted
granular or select material†† to top of
pipe. (Approximately 90% Standard
Proctor, AASHTO T-99.)

*For 14” and larger pipe, consideration should be given to the use of laying conditions other than Type 1.
† “Flat-bottom” is defined as undisturbed earth.
†† “Loose soil” or “select material” is defined as native soil excavated from the trench, free of rocks, foreign material
and frozen earth.
§ Granular materials are defined per the AASHTO Soil Classification System (ASTM D3282) or the Unified Soil Classification
System (ASTM D2487), with the exception that gravel bedding/backfill adjacent to the pipe is limited to 2” maximum particle
size per ANSI/AWWA C600.
Fig. 3-2

3-12
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50
and
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Standard Pressure Classes – Wall Thickness and Nominal Wall Thickness

Table No. 3-8

Pressure Class
Size Outside 150 200 250 300 350
in. Diameter
in.
Nominal Thickness in Inches

4 4.80 – – – – 0.25
6 6.90 – – – – 0.25
8 9.05 – – – – 0.25
10 11.10 – – – – 0.26
12 13.20 – – – – 0.28
14 15.30 – – 0.28 0.30 0.31
16 17.40 – – 0.30 0.32 0.34
18 19.50 – – 0.31 0.34 0.36
20 21.60 – – 0.33 0.36 0.38
24 25.80 – 0.33 0.37 0.40 0.43
30 32.00 0.34 0.38 0.42 0.45 0.49
36 38.30 0.38 0.42 0.47 0.51 0.56
42 44.50 0.41 0.47 0.52 0.57 0.63
48 50.80 0.46 0.52 0.58 0.64 0.70
54 57.56 0.51 0.58 0.65 0.72 0.79
60 61.61 0.54 0.61 0.68 0.76 0.83
64 65.67 0.56 0.64 0.72 0.80 0.87
Pressure classes are defined as the rated water working pressure of the pipe in psi. The thicknesses shown are adequate for
the rated water working pressure plus a surge allowance of 100 psi. Calculations result in net thicknesses and
are based on a minimum yield strength in tension of 42,000 psi and 2.0 safety factor times the sum of working pressure
and 100 psi surge allowance.
Thickness can be calculated for rated water working pressure and surges other than the above by use of equation 1 in
ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50.
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is available for water working pressures greater than 350 psi. Check AMERICAN for details.
These are standard pressure classes as given in AWWA C150 and C151. AMERICAN can furnish any thickness in
between these standard thicknesses if deemed economical for major projects.
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is also available with thicknesses greater than Pressure Class 350. For special applications,
contact AMERICAN.

3-13


AMERICAN Ductile Iron

Fastite® Joint Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Weights for Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-9

Weight in Pounds
Wall Fastite Joint
Size Pressure Thickness Per Foot
in. Class in. Plain End Per Foot Per 20’ Nominal
inc. Bell Length

4 350 0.25 10.9 11.3 226

6 350 0.25 16.0 16.7 335
8 350 0.25 21.1 22.1 445
10 350 0.26 27.1 28.5 575
12 350 0.28 34.8 36.4 730
14 250 0.28 40.4 42.4 855
300 0.30 43.3 45.3 915
350 0.31 44.7 46.7 940
16 250 0.30 49.3 51.5 1035
300 0.32 52.5 54.8 1100
350 0.34 55.8 58.0 1165
18 250 0.31 57.2 60.8 1220
300 0.34 62.6 66.2 1325
350 0.36 66.2 69.8 1400
20 250 0.33 67.5 71.5 1430
300 0.36 73.5 77.5 1555
350 0.38 77.5 81.5 1635
24 200 0.33 80.8 85.6 1715
250 0.37 90.5 95.3 1910
300 0.40 97.7 102.5 2055
350 0.43 104.9 109.7 2200
30 150 0.34 103.5 111.7 2240
200 0.38 115.5 123.7 2480
250 0.42 127.5 135.7 2720
300 0.45 136.5 144.7 2900
350 0.49 148.4 156.6 3140
36 150 0.38 138.5 149.2 2990
200 0.42 152.9 163.6 3280
250 0.47 170.9 181.6 3640
300 0.51 185.3 196.0 3930
350 0.56 203.2 213.9 4285
42 150 0.41 173.8 189.6 3790
200 0.47 198.9 214.7 4295
250 0.52 219.9 235.6 4710
300 0.57 240.7 256.5 5130
350 0.63 265.7 281.4 5630
48 150 0.46 222.6 242.1 4840
200 0.52 251.3 270.8 5415
250 0.58 280.0 299.5 5990
300 0.64 308.6 328.1 6560
350 0.70 337.1 356.6 7130
Weights for all sizes are for 20–ft nominal lengths.
Dimensions, lengths, weights, etc., are subject to change at our option.

3-14
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron
Fastite Joint Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Weights for Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-9—Continued

Weight in Pounds
Wall Fastite Joint
Size Pressure Thickness Per Foot
in. Class in. Plain End Per Foot Per 20’
inc. Bell Nominal Length

54 150 0.51 279.7 305.5 6110

200 0.58 317.7 343.5 6870
250 0.65 355.6 381.4 7605
300 0.72 393.4 419.2 8360
350 0.79 431.1 456.9 9110
60 150 0.54 317.0 345.5 6910
200 0.61 357.7 386.2 7725
250 0.68 398.3 426.8 8535
300 0.76 444.6 473.0 9460
350 0.83 485.0 513.4 10270
64 150 0.56 350.5 384.4 7685
200 0.64 400.1 433.9 8680
250 0.72 449.6 483.4 9670
300 0.80 498.9 532.7 10655
350 0.87 542.0 575.8 11515

60” AMERICAN Fastite® Joint Ductile Iron pipe being installed as a water transmis-
sion main.

3-15
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Pressure Ratings and Depths of Cover
Minimum Pressure Classes

In Table No. 3-10 on the following page lated the corresponding nominal wall thick-
the relationships of Minimum Pressure Classes, ness, maximum rated working pressure, and
rated working pressure and maximum depths maximum depths of cover for the five types of
of cover are tabulated. Following in Table No. laying conditions.
3-11 this same information is tabulated for all For any specified standard Pressure Class
Pressure Classes. Information in these tables is the nominal wall thickness, the maximum rated
based on the same conservative design prin- working pressure, and the maximum depth of
ciples as is the information shown in Table cover for each standard laying condition can be
No. 14 of AWWA C150 and Table No. 51.3 determined.
of AWWA C151. The information included and For any water working pressure of 150,
the intended use of these tables are as follows: 200, 250, 300 or 350 psi, the corresponding
standard Pressure Class and nominal wall thick-
Table No. 3-10—Working Pressure/ ness can be determined. (Note: Although not
Maximum Depths of Cover for Minimum listed in the following table, ductile iron pipe
Pressure Classes for working pressures higher than 350 psi is
In Table No. 3-10 are tabulated the corre- available. Consult AMERICAN regarding spe-
sponding nominal wall thickness, maximum rated cific conditions involved.)
working pressure, and maximum depth of cover For any required depth of cover from 2.5’
for the five types of laying conditions, all for Mini- up to the maximums shown in this table the
mum Pressure Classes of ductile iron pipe. Pressure Class and the corresponding nominal
The information in this table is taken from wall thickness can be determined for laying
Table No. 3-11 and is offered as a convenience conditions Type 1 through Type 5.
for those wanting to quickly check the capabili-
ties of Minimum Pressure Classes of ductile iron
pipe under a given set of conditions. For the
majority of internal pressure and external load-
ing conditions, Minimum Pressure Classes are
more than adequate and possess substantial
true safety factors. For other conditions not covered in these ta-
bles see AWWA C150 or consult AMERICAN
Table No. 3-11—Working Pressure/ for design of pipe thickness. Special thickness
Maximum Depths of Cover classes shown in Table No. 3-12 may be ap-
In Table No. 3-11 are listed the standard propriate in such cases.
Pressure Classes and for each class are tabu-

3-16
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
for Water or Other Liquids
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
WORKING PRESSURES AND MAXIMUM DEPTHS OF COVER
for Minimum Pressure Classes of Ductile Iron Pipe
4” thru 64”

Table No. 3-10

LAYING CONDITIONS
Working Maximum Depth of Cover in Feet††
Size Pressure Thickness Pressure†
in. Class in. psi Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5

4 350 0.25 350 53.0 61.0 69.0 85.0 100.0‡

6 350 0.25 350 26.0 31.0 37.0 47.0 65.0
8 350 0.25 350 16.0 20.0 25.0 34.0 50.0
10 350 0.26 350 11.0** 15.0 19.0 28.0 45.0
12 350 0.28 350 10.0** 15.0 19.0 28.0 44.0
14 250 0.28 250 * 11.0** 15.0 23.0 36.0
16 250 0.30 250 * 11.0** 15.0 24.0 34.0
18 250 0.31 250 * 10.0** 14.0 22.0 31.0
20 250 0.33 250 * 10.0 14.0 22.0 30.0
24 200 0.33 200 * 8.0** 12.0 17.0 25.0
30 150 0.34 150 * – 9.0 14.0 22.0
36 150 0.38 150 * – 9.0 14.0 21.0
42 150 0.41 150 * – 9.0 13.0 20.0
48 150 0.46 150 * – 9.0 13.0 20.0
54 150 0.51 150 * – 9.0 13.0 20.0
60 150 0.54 150 * 5.0** 9.0 13.0 20.0
64 150 0.56 150 * 5.0** 9.0 13.0 20.0

†These pipes are adequate for the rated working pressure plus a surge allowance of 100 psi. Ductile iron pipe for
working pressures higher than 350 psi is available. Figures include 2.0 safety factor times the sum of working
pressure and 100 psi surge allowance.
††An allowance for single H–20 truck with 1.5 impact factor is included for all sizes and all depths of cover.
‡Calculated maximum depth of cover exceeds 100’.
*Laying condition Type 1 is limited to 12” and smaller pipe. For 14” and larger pipe, laying condition Type 1 should
not be used.
**Minimum allowable depth of cover is 3’.

3-17
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
for Water or Other Liquids
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
WORKING PRESSURES AND MAXIMUM DEPTHS OF COVER
for Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-11

Pressure† Nominal LAYING CONDITIONS
Size Class Thickness Maximum Depth of Cover in Feet††
in. psi in.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5

4 350 0.25 53 61 69 85 100*

6 350 0.25 23 31 37 47 65
8 350 0.25 16 20 25 34 50
10 350 0.26 11** 15 19 28 45
12 350 0.28 10** 15 19 28 44
14 250 0.28 †† 11** 15 23 36
300 0.30 †† 13 17 26 42
350 0.31 †† 14 19 27 44
16 250 0.31 †† 11** 15 24 34
300 0.32 †† 13 17 26 39
350 0.34 †† 15 20 28 44
18 250 0.31 †† 10** 14 22 31
300 0.34 †† 13 17 26 36
350 0.36 †† 15 19 28 41
20 250 0.33 †† 10 14 22 30
300 0.36 †† 13 17 26 35
350 0.38 †† 15 19 28 38
24 200 0.33 †† 8** 12 17 25
250 0.37 †† 11 15 20 29
300 0.40 †† 13 17 24 32
350 0.43 †† 15 19 28 37
See notes at end of table.

3-18
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
for Water or Other Liquids
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
WORKING PRESSURES AND MAXIMUM DEPTHS OF COVER
for Pressure Classes
Table No. 3-11—Continued
Pressure† Nominal LAYING CONDITIONS
Size Class Thickness Maximum Depth of Cover in Feet†
†
in. psi in.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5

30 150 0.34 †† – 9 14 22
200 0.38 †† 8* 12 16 24
250 0.42 †† 11 15 19 27
300 0.45 †† 12 16 21 29
350 0.49 †† 15 19 25 33
36 150 0.38 †† – 9 14 21
200 0.42 †† 8* 12 15 23
250 0.47 †† 10 14 18 25
300 0.51 †† 12 16 20 28
350 0.56 †† 15 19 24 32
42 150 0.41 †† – 9 13 20
200 0.47 †† 8 12 15 22
250 0.52 †† 10 14 17 25
300 0.57 †† 12 16 20 27
350 0.63 †† 15 19 23 32
48 150 0.46 †† – 9 13 20
200 0.52 †† 8 11 15 22
250 0.58 †† 10 13 17 24
300 0.64 †† 12 15 19 27
350 0.70 †† 15 18 22 30
54 150 0.51 †† – 9 13 20
200 0.58 †† 8 11 14 22
250 0.65 †† 10 13 16 24
300 0.72 †† 13 15 19 27
350 0.79 †† 15 18 22 30
60 150 0.54 †† 5** 9 13 20
200 0.61 †† 8 11 14 22
250 0.68 †† 10 13 16 24
300 0.76 †† 13 15 19 26
350 0.83 †† 15 18 22 30
64 150 0.56 †† 2** 9 13 20
200 0.64 †† 8 11 14 21
250 0.72 †† 10 13 16 24
300 0.80 †† 12 15 19 26
350 0.87 †† 15 17 21 29
*Calculated maximum depth of cover exceeds 100’.
†These pipes are adequate for the rated working pressure indicated for each nominal size plus a surge allowance of
100 psi. Calculations are based on a 2.0 safety factor times the sum of working pressure and 100 psi surge allowance.
Ductile iron pipe for working pressures higher than 350 psi is available.
‡An allowance for a single H–20 truck with 1.5 impact factor is included for all sizes and all depths of cover.
††Laying condition Type 1 is limited to 12” and smaller pipe. For 14” and larger pipe, laying condition Type 1 should
not be used.
**Minimum allowable depth of cover is 3’.

3-19
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50
and
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Nominal Wall Thicknesses for Special Thickness Classes

Table No. 3-12

Outside SPECIAL THICKNESS CLASSES—Wall Thickness in Inches*
Size Diameter
in. in.
50 51 52 53 54 55 56

4 4.80 – .26 .29 .32 .35 .38 .41

6 6.90 .25 .28 .31 .34 .37 .40 .43
8 9.05 .27 .30 .33 .36 .39 .42 .45
10 11.10 .29 .32 .35 .38 .41 .44 .47
12 13.20 .31 .34 .37 .40 .43 .46 .49
14 15.30 .33 .36 .39 .42 .45 .48 .51
16 17.40 .34 .37 .40 .43 .46 .49 .52
18 19.50 .35 .38 .41 .44 .47 .50 .53
20 21.60 .36 .39 .42 .45 .48 .51 .54
24 25.80 .38 .41 .44 .47 .50 .53 .56
30 32.00 .39 .43 .47 .51 .55 .59 .63
36 38.30 .43 .48 .53 .58 .63 .68 .73
42 44.50 .47 .53 .59 .65 .71 .77 .83
48 50.80 .51 .58 .65 .72 .79 .86 .93
54 57.56 .57 .65 .73 .81 .89 .97 1.05
*These are Special Thickness Classes as shown in AWWA C150 and C151. They were previously designated stan–
dard thickness classes. AMERICAN can furnish any thickness in between these Special Thicknesses if deemed economi–
cal for major projects.
Special classes are most appropriately used for some threaded, grooved, or ball and socket pipes or for
extraordinary design conditions, and they are generally less available than standard pressure class pipe.
For pressure rating and maximum depth of cover capabilities of Special Thickness Classes, check AMERICAN.
These capabilities can be estimated by comparing metal thickness and capabilities of those of Pressure Classes in Table
No. 3–11, or may be calculated by using the design formulas shown in AWWA C150.

3-20
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint and Mechanical Joint Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Wall Thickness and Weights for Special Thickness Classes
Table No. 3-13
Weight in Pounds
Wall Fastite Joint Mechanical Joint*
Size Thickness Thickness Per Foot
in. Class in. Plain End Per Foot Per 20’ Per Foot Per
inc. Bell Nominal** Length inc. Bell Nominal** Length

4 51 .26 11.3 11.7 234 – –

52 .29 12.6 12.9 259 – –
53 .32 13.8 14.1 283 14.5 290
54 .35 15.0 15.3 307 – –
55 .38 16.1 16.5 331 – –
56 .41 17.3 17.6 354 – –
6 50 .25 16.0 16.5 335 – –
51 .28 17.8 18.4 370 – –
52 .31 19.6 20.2 405 – –
53 .34 21.4 22.0 445 22.3 450
54 .37 23.2 23.8 480 – –
55 .40 25.0 25.5 515 – –
56 .43 26.7 27.3 550 – –
8 50 .27 22.8 23.7 475 – –
51 .30 25.2 26.1 525 – –
52 .33 27.7 28.6 575 – –
53 .36 30.1 31.0 625 31.3 630
54 .39 32.5 33.4 670 – –
55 .42 34.8 35.8 720 – –
56 .45 37.2 38.1 765 – –
10 50 .29 30.1 31.4 635 – –
51 .32 33.2 34.5 695 – –
52 .35 36.2 37.5 755 – –
53 .38 39.2 40.5 815 40.7 820
54 .41 42.1 43.5 875 – –
55 .44 45.1 46.5 935 – –
56 .47 48.0 49.3 995 – –
12 50 .31 38.4 40.0 800 – –
51 .34 42.0 43.6 875 – –
52 .37 45.6 47.2 950 – –
53 .40 49.2 50.8 1020 51.1 1030
54 .43 52.8 54.3 1090 – –
55 .46 56.3 57.9 1160 – –
56 .49 59.9 61.4 1235 – –
14 50 .33 47.5 49.5 990 – –
51 .36 51.7 53.7 1075 – –
52 .39 55.9 57.9 1160 – –
53 .42 60.1 62.1 1245 – –
54 .45 64.2 66.2 1325 – –
55 .48 68.4 70.4 1410 – –
56 .51 72.5 74.5 1495 – –
16 50 .34 55.8 58.0 1160 – –
51 .37 60.6 62.8 1260 – –
52 .40 65.4 67.6 1355 – –
53 .43 70.1 72.3 1450 – –
54 .46 74.9 77.1 1545 – –
55 .49 79.7 81.9 1640 – –
56 .52 84.4 86.6 1735 – –
18 50 .35 64.4 68.0 1365 – –
51 .38 69.8 73.4 1470 – –
52 .41 75.2 78.8 1580 – –
53 .44 80.6 84.2 1690 – –
54 .47 86.0 89.6 1795 – –
55 .50 91.3 95.0 1905 – –
56 .53 96.7 100.3 2010 – –
* Mechanical Joint Pipe is available in 4”–12” diameters and Special Thickness Class 53 only.
** 4” mechanical joint pipes are furnished in 18–ft nominal lengths – weights for all other joints and sizes are for
20–ft nominal lengths.
Note: 60” and 64” sizes are not available in Special Classes.
Note: Dimensions, lengths, weights, etc., are subject to change at our option.

3-21
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint and Mechanical Joint Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
Wall Thickness and Weights for Special Thickness Classes
Table No. 3-13—Continued
Weight in Pounds
Wall Fastite Joint Mechanical Joint*
Size Thickness Thickness Per Foot
in. Class in. Plain End Per Foot Per 20’ Per Foot Per
inc. Bell Nominal** Length inc. Bell Nominal** Length

20 50 .36 173.5 177.5 1555 – –

51 .39 179.5 183.5 1675 – –
52 .42 185.5 189.5 1795 – –
1 53 .45 191.5 195.5 1915 – –
54 .48 197.5 101.5 2035 – –
55 .51 103.4 107.5 2155 – –
56 .54 109.3 113.3 2270 – –
24 50 .38 192.9 197.7 1960 – –
51 .41 100.1 104.9 2100 – –
52 .44 107.3 112.1 2245 – –
53 .47 114.4 119.2 2390 – –
54 .50 121.6 126.4 2535 – –
55 .53 128.8 133.5 2675 – –
56 .56 135.9 140.7 2820 – –
30 50 .39 118.5 126.7 2540 – –
51 .43 130.5 138.7 2780 – –
52 .47 142.5 150.7 3020 – –
53 .51 154.4 162.6 3260 – –
54 .55 166.3 174.5 3495 – –
55 .59 178.2 186.4 3735 – –
56 .63 190.0 198.2 3970 – –
36 50 .43 156.5 167.0 3345 – –
51 .48 174.5 185.0 3705 – –
52 .53 192.4 202.9 4065 – –
53 .58 210.3 220.8 4425 – –
54 .63 228.1 238.6 4780 – –
55 .68 245.9 256.4 5140 – –
56 .73 263.7 274.2 5495 – –
42 50 .47 198.9 214.7 4295 – –
51 .53 224.0 239.8 4795 – –
52 .59 249.1 264.9 5295 – –
53 .65 274.0 289.8 5795 – –
54 .71 298.9 314.7 6295 – –
55 .77 323.7 339.5 6790 – –
56 .83 348.4 364.2 7285 – –
48 50 .51 246.6 266.1 5320 – –
51 .58 280.0 299.5 5990 – –
52 .65 313.4 332.9 6655 – –
53 .72 346.6 366.1 7320 – –
54 .79 379.8 399.3 7985 – –
55 .86 412.9 432.4 8645 – –
56 .93 445.9 465.4 9305 – –
54 50 .57 312.3 338.1 6760 – –
51 .65 355.6 381.4 7625 – –
52 .73 398.8 424.6 8490 – –
53 .81 441.9 467.7 9355 – –
54 .89 484.9 510.7 10215 – –
55 .97 527.7 553.5 11070 – –
56 1.05 570.4 596.2 11925 – –
* Mechanical Joint Pipe is available in 4”–12” diameters and Special Thickness Class 53 only.
** 4” mechanical joint pipes are furnished in 18–ft nominal lengths – weights for all other joints and sizes are for
20–ft nominal lengths.
Note: 60” and 64” sizes are not available in Special Classes.
Note: Dimensions, lengths, weights, etc., are subject to change at our option.

3-22
 Ductile Iron Pipe for Gravity Flow Service

Due to its high strength and stiffness dards C150 and C151. See Fig. 3-2. Pipe
with the resulting ability to support heavy thickness for other conditions can be calcu-
earth and other type external loads, ductile lated by using formulas and design criteria
iron pipe has found wide acceptance in in AWWA C150, except with modifications
gravity flow service such as sewer lines, out- as specified in A716.
falls and culvert pipe.
The problems of infiltration, root intru- Ductile Iron Gravity Sewer Pipe
sion, and leakage are eliminated in sewer ASTM A746
service with the use of the Fastite joint. The ASTM A746 is the standard for Ductile
resistance of ductile iron to impact, the con- Iron Gravity Sewer Pipe in sizes 4” through
venient pipe lengths, and the ease of assem- 64” with Fastite Joints.
bly represent additional advantages of using The design of AMERICAN Ductile Iron
ductile iron pipe in sewer service. In addi- Gravity Sewer Pipe in this standard is based
tion, ductile iron pipe has an inside diameter on the same formulas and design criteria
greater than nominal pipe size which results as pipe designed per ANSI/AWWA C150/
in greater flow capacity with potential cost A21.50, except that pipe with a flexible lin-
savings. Ductile iron pipe is available for ing is designed with maximum allowable
normal domestic sewage service with ce- deflection of 5% of the outside diameter of
ment lining. Other linings are available for the pipe instead of 3%. In the A746 Stan-
sewer and special services. See Section 11. dard are thickness tables for Cement-lined
pipe and for Flexible-lined pipe.
Ductile Iron Culvert Pipe The thicknesses for Cement-lined
ASTM A716 pipe will be the same as those in AWWA
ASTM A716 is the standard for Ductile C151 for the same depths of cover and lay-
Iron Culvert Pipe covering sizes 14” through ing conditions. See Table No. 3-11.
64” manufactured per ANSI/AWWA C151/ Table No. 3-14 shows depths of cover
A21.51. AMERICAN Ductile Iron Culvert for the different laying conditions for 4”
Pipe is furnished with Fastite or other suit- through 64” Pressure Classes of Flexible-
able joints and is coated inside and outside lined pipe. The shaded areas indicate the
with an asphaltic coating approximately 1 depths of cover which are different from
mil thick; or may be cement lined. Cement-lined pipe per A746 and from
Minimum pressure classes are shown AWWA C151 as shown in Table No. 3-11.
in this standard for sizes 14” through 64” These depths of cover are controlled by
for the range of cover from 2 to 41 feet, design deflection (instead of ring bend-
depending on size, based on Type 5 trench ing stress) and are greater than those for
condition. This is the same Type 5 laying Cement-lined pipe due to the 5% design
condition shown in current AWWA Stan- deflection.

3-23
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint
Gravity Sewer Pipe
ASTM A746
PIPE WITH FLEXIBLE LININGS
Depths of Cover
for Standard Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-14

LAYING CONDITIONS
Maximum Depth of Cover in Feet
Size Pressure Thickness
in. Class in.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5
14 350 0.25 53 61 69 85 109
16 350 0.25 26 31 37 47 65
18 350 0.25 16 20 25 34 50
10 350 0.26 11* 15 19 28 45
12 350 0.28 10* 15 19 28 44
14 250 0.28 – 11* 15 23 41
300 0.30 – 13 17 26 43
350 0.31 – 14 19 27 44
16 250 0.30 – 11* 15 24 41
300 0.32 – 13 17 26 43
350 0.34 – 15 20 28 45
18 250 0.31 – 10* 14 23 40
300 0.34 – 13 17 26 43
350 0.36 – 15 19 28 45
20 250 0.33 – 10* 14 23 40
300 0.36 – 13 17 26 43
350 0.38 – 15 19 28 44
24 200 0.33 – 18* 12 20 37
250 0.37 – 11 15 23 41
300 0.40 – 13 17 26 43
350 0.43 – 15 19 28 45
30 150 0.34 – – 19* 17 33
200 0.38 – 18* 12 20 37
250 0.42 – 11 15 23 40
300 0.45 – 12 16 25 42
350 0.49 – 15 19 28 44
36 150 0.38 – – 19 17 33
200 0.42 – 18* 12 20 37
250 0.47 – 10 14 23 40
300 0.51 – 12 17 25 42
350 0.56 – 15 19 28 45
See notes at end of Table.

3-24
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Fastite® Joint
Gravity Sewer Pipe
ASTM A746
PIPE WITH FLEXIBLE LININGS
Depths of Cover
for Standard Pressure Classes

Table No. 3-14—Continued

LAYING CONDITIONS
Size Pressure Thickness Maximum Depth of Cover in Feet
in. Class in.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5

42 150 0.41 – – 19 16 32
200 0.47 – 18 12 20 37
250 0.52 – 10 14 23 40
300 0.57 – 12 17 25 42
350 0.63 – 15 19 28 45
48 150 0.46 – – 19 17 33
200 0.52 – 18 12 20 37
250 0.58 – 10 14 23 40
300 0.64 – 12 17 25 42
350 0.70 – 15 19 28 44
54 150 0.51 – – 19 17 33
200 0.58 – 18 12 20 37
250 0.65 – 10 14 23 40
300 0.72 – 13 17 25 43
350 0.79 – 15 19 28 45
60 150 0.54 – 15* 19 17 33
200 0.61 – 18 12 20 37
250 0.68 – 10 14 23 40
300 0.76 – 13 17 25 43
350 0.83 – 15 19 28 45
64 150 0.56 – 15* 19 17 33
200 0.64 – 18 12 20 36
250 0.72 – 10 15 23 40
300 0.80 – 13 17 25 43
350 0.87 – 15 19 28 45
*Minimum allowable depth of cover is 3’.
The shaded areas denote the depths of cover resulting from the pipe thickness being governed by deflection in the
design; these covers are greater due to the design deflection of 5% for flexible–lined pipe instead of 3% for cement–lined
pipe.

3-25


AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe

Tapping and Cutting
TAPPING* DUCTILE IRON PIPE is commercially available with gasoline en-
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is readily gines as well as pneumatic motors. Cutting
tapped either dry or under pressure by using time is usually no more than one minute per
conventional tapping equipment utilized by inch of pipe diameter with most commonly
most contractors and water utilities. used thicknesses.
Taps made directly into the pipe result
in clean, sharp, strong threads, making tap-
ping saddles unnecessary for small diameter
taps.
Teflon tape or a commercial thread
compound which is suitable to the service is
recommended to be used on threads.

Cutting ductile iron pipe with abrasive

wheel.

Torch Cutting
Ductile iron pipe can be cut in the field
or shop by using an oxyacetylene torch.
Best results are obtained by using a No.
8 or No. 10 tip with approximately 75 psi
oxygen and 10 to 15 psi acetylene. For
cement-lined ductile pipe, the best results
are normally obtained when the torch head
is inclined approximately 60 degrees to the
direction of cutting. See Fig. 3-3.

Above is shown a 6” AMERICAN Ductile

Iron pipe that has been tapped for a 1”
corporation stop, showing the excellent
threading properties of ductile iron pipe.
Cutting ductile iron pipe with torch.
CUTTING* DUCTILE IRON PIPE
AMERICAN Ductile Iron pipe is easily Metallurgical studies have shown that the
cut in the field by several methods, the most heat-affected zone in pipe cut by this
common being as follows: method exists within only 1/4-inch from
the cut face. The hardening of the metal
Abrasive Wheel in the 1/4-inch affected heat zone causes
A rotary-type abrasive wheel saw is some difficulty in threading or machiniing in
probably one of the most popular tools used the particular portion of the pipe, but such
for cutting ductile iron pipe. This equipment

*Caution should be employed when cutting or tapping pipe when any potentially hazardous condition might exist.

3-26
hardening does not interfere with push- Caution: Hydraulic squeeze cutters
on or mechanical joint assembly or per- are not suitable for cutting ductile iron pipe.
formance. Cutting speed for pipe cut by
oxyacetylene methods is approximately Field Gauging/Rounding
one minute per inch of diamerter for AWWA C151 requires the factory-
gauging of the spigot ends of ductile iron
pipe. Accordingly, pipe selected for cutting
in the field should be fieldgauged.
A circumferential “π” tape can be used for
this. Also, a mechanical joint gland inserted
over the barrel of the pipe might serve as
a convenient indicator for field cutting.
Some pipe, especially in the largest diam-
eters, may be out-of-round to the degree
that they will need to be rounded by jack-
ing or other methods to facilitate making
the joint. This is a normal occurrence and
Torch cutting ductile iron pipe does not in any way affect the serviceabil-
Fig. 3-3 ity of ductile iron pipe. Instructions for the
rounding operation can be obtained from
cement-lined pipe and even less for un- AMERICAN if desired.
lined pipe.
Preparation of Field-Cut Joints
Milling Cutter Field cuts that will be assembled with
Several types of milling pipe cutters are mechanical joints will require little or no
available which operate hydraulically, preparation other than cleaning. When a
pneumatically or electrically, or are self- torch cut is made, the last few inches of the
powered by a gasoline engine. plain end need to be cleaned of any oxides,
The milling-type cutter will normally slag or other protrusions.
cut pipe from 6”- 64” diameter. This type When the cut end is to be assembled in
of cutter is usually supplied with an air a Fastite® bell, an adequately smooth (with-
motor which also makes submarine cuts out sharp edges) bevel should be ground or
possible. The set-up time for this cutter is filed on the cut edge to prevent damage to
usually less than ten minutes; it requires a or dislodgement of the gasket during as-
minimum clearance of 12” and has a cut- sembly. See Fig. 3-4. If desired, a thin field
ting speed of approximately one minute “Assembly Line” can be drawn in marker or
per inch of pipe diameter. with paint, with the line located from the
spigot end the same distance as the far edge
of factory applied assembly stripe.
Note: Generous bevels are advanta-
geous in the assembly of field-prepared
ends. To confirm the effectiveness of pipe
end preparation and the subsequent assem-
bly of a field-prepared end, a thin “automo-
tive” or other feeler gauge can be effec-
tively used to check (probe) for proper and
uniform gasket positioning all around the
assembled joints.
(Min.)

Cutting ductile iron pipe with milling cutter. Grind or file

edges smooth

Other Cutting Methods

Portable guillotine saws are available
for cutting pipe from 3”- 18” diameter.
Fig. 3-4
Bevel for Fastite® Joint
*Caution should be employed when cutting or tapping pipe when any potentially hazardous condition might exist.

3-27
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
Outlets

Welded-on outlets for flanged, mechani-

cal joint, Fastite and restrained joint
connections are furnished for optimum
design, installation and economy. See
Section 7.

Outlet/Tapping Saddles provide an

effective, field adaptable, and economi-
cal means of making connection to a
pipeline, either during construction or
while under pressure. Saddles are avail-
able with flanged or mechanical joint
outlet for use on pipe sizes 16” through
54”. See Section 7.

3-28
 AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
Stacking
It is recommended that pipe to be Pipe on succeeding tiers should be
stored for any extended period of time alternated — bell-plain end, plain end-
should not be stacked higher than indi- bell, etc. Timbers 4” X 4” size should
cated in the table below. To prevent dirt be placed between each tier and chocks
and debris from entering the pipe, bot- nailed at each end to prevent movement
tom tiers should be kept off the ground of the pipe. For safety and convenience,
on timbers, rails, or concrete supports. each size should be stacked separately.

Suggested Maximum Allowable Stacking Heights

Table No. 3-15

Pipe Size Number of Pipe Size Number of

in. Tiers in. Tiers

14 *16 24 5
16 *13 30 4
18 *11 36 4
10 *10 42 3
12 *9 48 3
14 *8 54 3
16 7 60 2
18 6 64 2
20 6 – –

*Stacking heights are limited by practical consideration to a height

of approximately 12 feet for purposes of safety and handling ease.

Loading
Ductile iron pipe is normally shipped Quantities can vary due to chang-
in truckload or carload lots for freight es in joints, classes, ICC tariff, linings,
economies. Tabulated below are practical weights, dunnage, other material or sizes
loading quantities for minimum classes, included in loads, etc. Therefore, this ta-
Fastite Joint ductile iron cement-lined ble should be used as a guide only. Check
pipe. Truckload quantities are based on AMERICAN if more exact information is
standard 40,000-lb loading. required.
Approximate Loading Quantities
Minimum Pressure Classes of
Fastite Joint Ductile Iron Pipe
Table No. 3-15
No. of Nominal Lengths No. of Nominal Lengths
Pipe Size Pipe Size
in. Truckload Carload in. Truckload Carload

14 153 459 24 18 27
16 108 288 30 12 27
18 181 216 36 18 12
10 163 126 42 18 12
12 148 108 48 14 12
14 140 175 54 14 12
16 135 160 60 12 12
18 132 148 64 12 12
20 126 148 – – –

3-29


Other AMERICAN Joints

AMERICAN Fastite® Joint with Fast-Grip® Gasket, 4”-30”

The AMERICAN Fast-Grip Gasket furnished in sizes 4”-30” provides flexible, field-
adaptable joint restraint in a standard AMERICAN Fastite (or Flex-Ring) Bell.
See Sections 4 and 9.

AMERICAN Flex-Ring® Joint, 4”-12”

The AMERICAN Flex-Ring Joint provides flexible joint restraint against thrust due
to internal water working pressure or external forces. It is also used in horizontal
directional drilling (HDD) and pipe bursting applications.
See Sections 4 and 9.

AMERICAN Flex-Ring® Joint, 14”-48”

The AMERICAN Flex-Ring Joint provides flexible joint restraint against thrust due
to internal water working pressure or external forces.
See Section 9.

3-30
 AMERICAN Joints for
Pipe and Fittings
AMERICAN Field Flex-Ring®, 14”-36”

The AMERICAN Field Flex-Ring provides dependable field-adaptable restraint

against thrust due to external forces or internal water working pressure up to 350 psi
for 14”-24” sizes and up to 250 psi for the 30”-36” sizes in the standard Flex-Ring
Joint.
See Section 9.

AMERICAN Lok-Ring® Joint, 54”-64”

The AMERICAN Lok-Ring Joint is furnished in sizes 54” through 64” and provides
flexible joint restraint against thrust due to internal water working pressure up to 250 psi.
See Section 9.

AMERICAN MJ Coupled Joint, 4”-48”

The AMERICAN MJ Coupled Joint is furnished in sizes 4” through 48” and is an

adaptation of the standard Mechanical Joint to provide joint restraint against thrust due
to internal pressure up to 350 psi through 12” and 250 psi for 14”-48” sizes.
See Section 9.

3-31


AMERICAN Joints for Pipe and Fittings

AMERICAN Flex-Lok® Joint, 4”-24”

The AMERICAN Flex-Lok Joint, furnished in sizes 4” through 24”, is a super-ser-

vice, boltless flexible joint. This joint is designed to provide up to 15° joint deflection for
subaqueous or other difficult installations potentially subject to substantial joint deflec-
tions or movements.
See Section 10.

AMERICAN Flex-Lok® Joint, 30”-60”*

The AMERICAN Flex-Lok Joint, furnished in sizes 30” through 60”*, is a superser-
vice, boltless flexible joint. This joint is designed to provide up to 15° joint deflection
for subaqueous or other difficult installations potentially subject to substantial joint
deflections or movements. *See page 10-2 and check AMERICAN 64” requirements.
See Section 10.

AMERICAN Flanged Joint, 4”-64”

The AMERICAN Flanged Joint, furnished in sizes 4” through 64”, is a rigid joint
widely used for exposed plant piping. In combination with other joints and AMERICAN’s
Toruseal® gasket, it is also commonly used for Long Span service.
See Sections 6, 7 and 8.

3-32
 AMERICAN Joints for Pipe and Fittings

AMERICAN Grooved and Shouldered Joint, 4”-64”

The AMERICAN Grooved Joint pictured above—and to a limited extent the

Shouldered Joint (not pictured)—are furnished in sizes 4”-64” for some plant piping
installations. See Section 2.

AMERICAN Fastite® Joint Push-Bar® Pipe, 4”-64”

AMERICAN Fastite Joint Push-Bar pipe, furnished in sizes 4”-64”, allows the
AMERICAN Fastite Joint to be used in trenchless installation using direct jacking or
pushing (including high load installations such as microtunneling and some pipe bursting
applications). See Section 7

3-33
 ®

AMERICAN DUCTILE IRON PIPE

AMERICAN reserves the right to modify or change designs, materials,

specifications, or dimensions shown herein without prior notice.

This is a preprint of a section from the 19th Edition of the AMERICAN Pipe Manual.
References may be made in this section to other sections of this manual.

APM3—REV—06-07