John Brewin Vinidex Tubemakers Pty Limited. Co Author Peter Champman Vinidex Tubemakers Pty Limited. Since their initial manufacture early this century, plastic pipes have become enormously diverse in application to the point where they are presently found in all industry groups. In Australia the most commonly used material for plastic pipes is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE). These two pipe types account for approximately 90% of the total plastic pipe sales. PVC and PE pipes have become the material of choice for buried sewer systems and reticulated cold water supply systems (where pressures are appropriate), they are also making significant inroads into many other applications traditionally held by metalliferous pipes. The underlying technical reasons for the increased use of plastic pipes has been the constant research and development of polymers used and the improved understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of these polymers hence improved design techniques. To ensure that pipe line costs are minimised whilst life and performance is maximised, it is essential that designers understand the physical and mechanical properties of plastic pipes and apply the appropriate design procedures. Download the complete story as a Word Document BACK TO