Owners and engineers now have access to four online tools for designing and specifying ductile iron pipe. The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) recently introduced its online calculators to help determine thrust restraint design, hydraulic analysis, thickness design and design of ductile iron pipe on supports.
“These interactive design tools allow consulting engineers and owners to more quickly use standards from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and others to optimize the design and application of iron pipe,” said AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe Marketing Services Manager Maury Gaston, who is also a member of AWWA’s A21 Committee that oversees standards for all ductile iron pipe products. In addition, Gaston serves as chair of Subcommittee 1 that deals directly with the design and manufacturing standards for the pipe, C150 and C151.
“By using these online tools, owners and engineers can also quickly see the energy savings available with ductile iron pipe’s larger inside diameter, and realize many other benefits of ductile iron pipe – a superior and time-proven product,” Gaston said.
The online calculators provide the following benefits to owners and engineers:
– Thrust Restraint Design for Ductile Iron Pipe – Assists in calculating the length of pipe that would require restrained joints to control
thrust restraint for fittings.
– Hydraulic Analysis of Ductile Iron Pipe – Calculate the savings in pumping costs that result from ductile iron pipe’s larger inside diameter.
– Thickness Design of Ductile Iron Pipe – Recommends the class of ductile iron pipe to use based on internal pressure and external loads.
– Design of Ductile Iron Pipe on Supports – Helps specify the proper class of ductile iron pipe when placed on supports for both
aboveground and underground installations.
To use any of the calculators, visit www.dipra.org/publications/interactive-tools/.
Founded in 1915, DIPRA is committed to providing accurate, reliable and essential engineering information about ductile iron pipe to utilities and consulting engineers. Its mission is to help citizens, decision makers and professional engineers understand and appreciate the numerous advantages ductile iron pipe offers water and wastewater utilities and their customers.
AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe, a division of Birmingham-based AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, has been a member of DIPRA since its inception 100 years ago. AMERICAN manufactures ductile iron pipe, spiral-welded steel pipe, fire hydrants and valves for the waterworks industry and electric-resistance-welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries. AMERICAN’s diversified product line also includes static castings and high-performance fire pumps.
