ISO 13953-2001 PDF

Full title and description

Polyethylene (PE) pipes and fittings — Determination of the tensile strength and failure mode of test pieces from a butt‑fused joint. This International Standard specifies a tensile test method for machined specimens taken through butt‑fusion joints in PE pipe assemblies to determine tensile strength and classify the failure mode of the joint.

Abstract

ISO 13953:2001 defines specimen preparation, conditioning, test procedure and reporting required to measure the tensile strength and to characterise the tensile failure mode of test pieces removed from butt‑fused joints in polyethylene pipes. The method is intended for butt‑fused joints of pipes with nominal outside diameter ≥ 90 mm and is used as part of joint quality evaluation and acceptance testing programs.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed in periodic reviews, latest confirmation recorded in 2023).
• Publication date: 2001 (Edition 1, published September 2001 / Oct 2001 listings in catalogues).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 23.040.60 (Flanges, couplings and joints — plastics piping systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2001); amended by ISO 13953:2001/Amd 1:2020.
• Number of pages: 5 pages (main document).

Scope

Applies to butt‑fused joints between polyethylene (PE) pipes with nominal outside diameters not less than 90 mm. The standard establishes how to prepare, condition and test machined tensile specimens taken through the fusion zone and how to report tensile strength and the failure mode for joint quality assessment.

Key topics and requirements

• Test objective: determine maximum tensile force and calculate tensile strength (force divided by specimen cross‑section) for specimens taken through the butt‑fusion joint.
• Specimen preparation: templates for Type A and Type B specimens depending on wall thickness; machining to a reduced section through the joint; removal or treatment of excess fusion bead where specified.
• Sampling: number of specimens and sampling positions are prescribed based on pipe nominal diameter (different sample counts for diameter ranges and inclusion of a specimen at maximum misalignment).
• Conditioning and timing: conditioning at (23 ± 2) °C for a minimum period prior to testing; tests shall not be carried out less than 24 hours after fusion (see standard for exact conditioning times and requirements).
• Test procedure and apparatus: tensile testing machine with controlled crosshead speed (typical crosshead speed specified), appropriate grips/clamping, dimensional measurements for cross‑sectional area and recording of maximum load and failure behaviour (ductile or brittle).
• Reporting: identification of pipe/fusion details, specimen type, test temperature, measured dimensions, maximum force, calculated tensile strength per specimen, detailed description of failure mode and any relevant observations.

Typical use and users

Used by pipe manufacturers, fusion equipment suppliers, test laboratories, utilities, contractors and inspection/certification bodies for quality control of butt‑fusion welding of PE pipelines (water, gas, sewerage and other pressure applications) and for acceptance testing after production or field fusion operations.

Related standards

Related documents include other parts of the ISO/TC 138 series on plastics piping systems and test methods, and regional standards that reference or use ISO 13953 results (for example, EN/ISO piping standards and product standards for polyethylene piping such as those covering system design and jointing methods). ISO 13953 is referenced in various piping product and installation standards concerned with butt fusion testing and joint qualification.

Keywords

polyethylene, PE pipes, butt fusion, tensile test, tensile strength, failure mode, fusion joint, pipe testing, sample preparation, conditioning

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13953:2001 is an International Standard that specifies a tensile test method for machined specimens removed from butt‑fused joints in polyethylene (PE) pipes to determine tensile strength and classify the failure mode of the joint.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen types and preparation, sampling, conditioning, tensile test procedure (including test speed and measurement requirements), calculation of tensile strength and reporting of results for butt‑fused PE pipe joints (applicable to nominal outside diameters ≥ 90 mm).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pipe manufacturers, testing laboratories, utilities, fusion operators, contractors and certification/inspection bodies involved in the production, installation and acceptance testing of polyethylene piping systems using butt fusion.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2001 edition is the published edition and has been subject to periodic review; it has an amendment (ISO 13953:2001/Amd 1:2020) and the record shows confirmation during ISO maintenance reviews (most recently confirmed in 2023), so the edition remains current with amendment status noted. Consult the national or ISO catalogue for the authoritative lifecycle status before procurement or citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ISO/TC 138 work on plastics piping systems and test methods; related standards cover other test methods, product specifications and parts of polyethylene piping standards and regional product codes that reference ISO test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polyethylene, butt fusion, tensile strength, failure mode, pipe testing, specimen preparation, conditioning.