ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE

1. INTRODUCTION

Cement pipe containing asbestos was first used in the United States and Canada in 1931, primarily
in western states. This kind of concrete pipe was made from a mixture of Portland cement and
asbestos fiber; the addition of asbestos made the pipes very durable and resistant to corrosion
(cement that contains asbestos fiber is also known as transite). By 1953, the American Water
Works Association had put standards into place governing the use of asbestos cement pipe in
municipal water systems throughout the country.

A. Composition

AC pipes are made from an intimate and homogeneous mixture of asbestos fibers, hydraulic
cement and water, with or without the addition of silica, excluding any material that can cause a
deterioration in the quality of the product.

The proportion of cement to fiber varies over a range of approximately 10 to 75 per cent, by
weight; it depends upon the physical characteristics desired in the finished product. Percentage of
asbestos also can depend upon the type of manufacturing process to be used and cost of the
finished product. When compared to cement, the cost of asbestos is considered high.

The strong asbestos fibers behave similarly to the steel bars used in reinforcing concrete. With
the use of asbestos fiber in cement, approximately 70 to 80 per cent of the weight of nonreinforced
concrete is eliminated when roofing, siding, pipe and other similar products are manufactured.

B. Uses

Asbestos cement is a very suitable material for the manufacture of pipes, both sanitation and
supply, with or without pressure, whose hydraulic characteristics and mechanical behavior, in
general, improve with the passage of time, requiring minimal efforts in their conservation.

The most widespread use, although not exclusive, of the concrete pipe is the transport of water,
both clean (rainwater collectors, irrigation) and dirty (sanitation).

Nowadays the use of asbestos-cement pipes is prohibited in its entirety, especially for potable
water distribution systems where in most countries it has been requested that these pipes be
replaced by others that are not a risk to human health. Currently the only existing AC pipe systems
are the following:

i) Sewage Systems by Gravity.

A sewage system is a system of structures and pipes used for the collection and transport of
wastewater and rainwater from a population from the place where they are generated to the place
where they are discharged into the natural environment or treated. In gravity systems, water flows
along the networks because of the slopes of the pipes.
 ii) Drainage System.

The main function of a drainage system is to allow the withdrawal of waters that accumulate in
topographic depressions of the land, causing inconveniences either to agriculture or in urbanized
areas.

2. CHARACTERISTICS

Asbestos is a fibrous material that is obtained from various minerals, is very high chemical,
mechanical and electrical resistance and was used in the past in large quantities, both pure and
mixed with binders such as cements. Asbestos-Cement is a mixture of Portland cement with 10%
to 20% asbestos fibers. Due to its mechanical resistance, its fireproofing, its ease of installation
and its relative low price, it was used massively in the field of pipeline construction.
The pipe has a very smooth surface inside, which allows to use lower roughness coefficients and
consequently greater transport capacity. The asbestos-cement pipeline is a more fragile pipe than
the other pipes, so its use is limited only when it is feasible to place it buried. On the other hand,
it is an inert material to corrosion, which is advantageous with respect to the other types of pipes
mentioned.

3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPES

A. Advantages: AC Pipes have some intrinsic physical advantages over their

competitors, those are de following

 Asbestos is stronger than steel and thermal coefficient matches with cement.
It provides a homogenous, microscopic, three-dimensional reinforcement in
AC. Can thus withstand more than 15 times the water pressure than a concrete
pipe of similar thickness.
 It is immune to metal oxidation, but has a stiffening, in aggressive areas, that
is, with a high content of sulphates (acid soils).
 Presents good behavior before the water hammer
 Presents good behavior in cases of seismic movements
 It is immune to erratic electric currents. Because it is not a driver, it is immune
to perforation of the walls of the tube due to this cause. Its management and
installation require care for being a fragile pipe to bumps or falls.
 Durability: The mineral fibers of asbestos mixed into cement add longevity
to the product. For example, asbestos cement roof shingles last on average 50
to 60 years. Other construction materials, such as wood and plastic, are not
expected to last nearly as long. When adding asbestos to cement, the fibers
are technically a type of stone.
 Lower initial costs and longer life means cost / year is 1/4th to 1/10th of its
alternatives.
 Capable to withstand the transverse stress arising out of internal pressure,
including water hammer (pressure surge).
 It has high flexural stress high crushing strength. Hence it can be safely
used under heavy external loads and the heavy traffic. It can withstand
backpressures even when the pipe is under vacuum.
 Its low coefficient of expansion, helps to counter the expansion and
contraction arising out of the variations in temperature of water it carries;
also, the unbalanced pressure produced due to bends, and closures including
gates.
 It is corrosion free - both chemically and electrolytically.
 Friction loss is low and high carrying capacity is permanently maintained,
as the pipes are not subject to encrustation or tuberculation. C value = 150.
Hence considerable savings in power and cost of pumping, when compared
to most other pipes.
 It has low thermal conductivity / excellent Insulation as a result of which
water conveyed by these pipes remains cool even when the ambient
temperature is high.
 These pipes are comparatively light and are easy to handle and transport.
  Jointing is easy & the joints have flexibility (up to 10 degrees in AC
Couplings) to obtain a satisfactory joint (unlike most alternatives).
 Easy & inexpensive to cut and tap and to use & maintain. (Often known as
permanent & maintenance free pipes)
 AC is Heat & Fire resistance
 Can withstand chlorine treated drinking water and no tuberculation / erosion
occurs
 Excellent for Intermittent Water supply where corrosion, tuberculation &
erosion problems are acute

B. Disadvantages:

 High Repair Costs: While the durability is good, eventually even asbestos
cement must be repaired or replaced. While not impossible, great care and
special equipment is needed to work on asbestos-containing materials to
prevent the fibers from releasing. For example, asbestos materials should
remain wet or removed intact. Workers should use masks or other breathing
filters while working. Therefore, the savings on asbestos cement at
construction could easily become negated down the road from repair and
replacement costs.
 Health Concerns: While asbestos cement should not allow asbestos fibers to
become airborne, it can occur with careless construction methods and without
proper maintenance. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to
causing lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, so
someone may not even be aware the fibers are in the air. Any asbestos cement
showing signs of wear needs immediate attention.

4. SPECIFICATIONS

A. Pipe’s Classification

Hydrostatic Preassure Color of the

Clase
Mpa kg/cm2 Pipe
5 0.5 5.0 White
10 1.0 10.0 Yellow
15 1.5 15.0 Red
20 2.0 20.0 None
25 2.5 25.0 Green
30 3.0 30.0 Blue
35 3.5 35.0 Black
Table : Classification of the tubes according to the hydrostatic test pressure
 Table : Classification of the tubes according to the work pressure

B. Pipe's diameters, length, and its thickness.

The diameters of the pipes in millimeters are: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,
600, 700, 800, 900, y 1000 mm

The nominal length of the pipes shall not be less than 2 m, for pipes with nominal diameter of
up to 50 mm inclusive and 4 m, for pipes with nominal diameter equal to or greater than 75 mm.

5. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

ASTM STANDARS

Specification Number Subject

ASTM C296 Pressure Pipe
ASTM C428 Non-pressure Sewer Pipe
ASTM C458 Organic Fiber Content
ASTM C500 Test Methods for AC Pipe
ASTM C663 Storm Drain Pipe
ASTM C668 Transmission Pipe
ASTM C966 Installing AC Non-Pressure Pipe
ASTM D1869 Rubber Rings for AC Pipe

ISO STANDARS

Specification Number Subject

ISO 160 Pipes and joints of asbestos-cement subjected to pressure
ISO 390 Asbestos-cement products - sampling and inspection.
ISO 391 Asbestos-cement pipes for construction and sanitary
applications.
ISO 392 Accessories for asbestos-cement pipes intended for
sanitary applications and construction purposes.
ISO 2785 Guide for the selection of Asbestos cement pipes
subjected to external loads with or without internal
pressure
ISO 4482 Asbestos and cement pipes - Guide for placement.

6. ECUADORIAN STANDARS

INEN STANDARS
 Specification Number Subject
Asbestos-cement pipes and unions for the conduction pressure
NTE INEN 485:1992
water. Specifications
Pipes and unions of asbestos-cement for the conduction of water
NTE INEN 664:1982
under pressure. Sampling, inspection and reception
Tubes and unions of asbestos-cement. Determination of hydrostatic
NTE INEN 665:1982
pressure resistance
Asbestos-cement pipes. Determination of longitudinal flexural
NTE INEN 666:1982
strength
Tubes and unions of asbestos-cement. Determination of resistance
NTE INEN 667:1982
to transverse punching
NTE INEN 668:1982 Asbestos-cement pipes. Determination of geometric characteristics
Tubes and unions of asbestos-cement. Determination of non-
NTE INEN 669:1982
combined calcium hydroxide
7. QUALITY CONTROL

In Ecuador, the diverse companies dedicated to the elaboration of pipes of any material carry out
diverse tests according to the stipulated in the INEN Standards, considering also the international
Standards like ASTM or ISO to realize the quality control of the pipe. The tests that are commonly
performed are the following:

i) Three-Point Flexural Test

The tube is placed on two parallel supports that are understood along the tube and the load
is applied through a third support or beam placed in the upper part of the tube parallel to
the lower supports of equal length.

Realizando el ensayo de Resistencia a la flexión

ii) Permeability test
A tube with the spigot down on a sheet of rubber or its equivalent is placed and filled with water
up to the level of the base of the bell, the initial inspection is made after 15 minutes of having
filled it, it should not exist in the outer surface moisture at the time of 24 hours.
 Ensayo de Permeabilidad
iii) Absorption Test.
For this test a sample or core extracted from the pipe is taken, which is subjected to a drying
process, then to immersion to determine the absorption of water. Two alternative procedures A
and B are also presented, to conduct the tests in boiling method A shall not exceed 9% and method
B shall not exceed 8.5%.

iv) Resistance to Hydrostatic Pressure Test.

In this test, the load applicator (which can be mechanical or manual that registers up to a maximum
value of 100 KPa at intervals not exceeding 5 KPa) and plug plugs (which does not allow leaks)
are used.

The procedure consists of sealing the ends of the tube and filling it slowly with water, eliminating
the air inside. Then the pressure inside the tube is gradually raised to 70 Kpa in one minute and
this pressure is maintained for 10 minutes. Again, the pressure is evenly raised to the specified
value. Finally it is observed if there are leaks through the walls of the tube.

If the surface appears wet or with moisture stains, the test should be extended for 24 hours. At the
end of this period of time, if the humidity has disappeared, the test is considered to be completed
in compliance with the standard.