The installation of HDPE pressurized water piping is precise work that requires guidelines to ensure the job is done correctly and to exact specifications. A document is now available for small- and large-diameter HDPE PE4710 pressure water piping systems using horizontal directional drilling.
“MAB Model Specification for the Installation of PE4710 Water Service, Distribution, and Transmission Pipes by Horizontal Directional Drilling (MAB-11-2024)” is available for free download at plasticpipe.org/mabpubs. It was developed by the municipal advisory board, and published with the help of the members of the Plastics Pipe Institute.
According to Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., F. ASCE, co-chair, MAB, and senior director of engineering for PPI’s Municipal & Industrial Division, Maxi-HDD and Mini-HDD operations are covered, with sections devoted to subsurface investigation, equipment and supporting systems, regulations, safety, environmental practices plus other steps required for the successful HDD installation of HDPE PE4710 pipe. It also contains verbiage that can be directly used in bid documents and includes guidance on submittals and closeout/payments.
“This model specification is intended as a guide,” says Rubeiz. “It is ideal for engineers, users, contractors and other interested parties to use in the design, construction and installation of HDPE pressure water piping systems. The local utility or engineer may want to modify this model specification to adapt the document to local conditions, operations and practices.”
The municipal advisory board task group was led by industry consultant, Dr. Larry Slavin, president, Outside Plant Consulting Services. The model specification was prepared by MAB members and associates as a service to the water industry. The MAB serves as an independent, noncommercial adviser to the Municipal & Industrial Division of the PPI, which is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry.
“We broke the document down into two parallel sections; one for large diameter and another for small diameter,” says Slavin. “Both Maxi-HDD and Mini-HDD columns address the same topics with information specific to each. This was for reading ease and quick reference. I was very pleased to see the immense number of contributions, along with the cooperation of our task group that included academics, contractors, installers and utility engineers. Only such a well-rounded group could have produced this very helpful document in fewer than seven months.”
Additional information including model specification (MAB-7) for midi-horizontal directional drilling can be found at the MAB publications website.
469-499-1044; www.plasticpipe.org
Continue reading for free
