Application and Advantages of Using Internally Restrained PVC Pipes for Installation by Horizontal Directional Drilling

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) has evolved steadily over the last 20 years and currently is the preferred method for municipal water installations due to its low impact on the surrounding areas. The Bulldog Restraint System (BRS) has added bell-and-spigot to PVC-U and PVC-M piping options for installation by HDD. In North America, BRS is designed for integration into diameters ranging from 3-in. (75-mm) to 16-in. (400-mm). This paper presents the methodology for testing the BRS joints under axial tension, and the corresponding results, for PVC pipes equipped with BRS. In order to compare the BRS capabilities to expected loads for an HDD installation, an Excel spreadsheet was developed to calculate the anticipated pull forces, using ASTM F1962-05 design procedures. In addition, to show the cost effectiveness of the HDD method as applied to the internally restrained PVC pipe, a cost comparison with the traditional open-cut installation is provided.