The resistance of elastomeric seal pipe joints to tree root penetration

It has generally been accepted that the ability of elastomeric seal pipe joints to resist

tree root penetration is largely due to the interface or contact pressure exerted by the

seal on the pipe. That is, if the contact pressure is high enough then the roots cannot

get past the seal and into the pipe. For this reason, product standards such as those for

unplasticised PVC (PVC-U)1 and vitrified clay (VC)2 have specified minimum

interface pressures. In the case of PVC-U the Standard has specified a requirement for

interface pressure for almost 30 years.

In recent years an extensive investigation has been undertaken by the CSIRO and

Iplex Pipelines to determine what other factors might influence the ability of a pipe

joint to resist tree roots and to re-establish what might be the minimum interface

pressure necessary to create joints of high integrity. Part of this work was initiatedby a need for a common Australian/New Zealand standard for PVC pipes

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