Restrained Joint Guidelines

In most pipelines the layout and design will often result in unbalanced forces of either
hydrostatic or hydrodynamic origin often called thrust that if left unrestrained may lead to
joint separation.
Often addressing these forces is undertaken with the use of bearing concrete thrust blocks. In
this instance resistance is provided by transferring the thrust forces to the soil through the
larger bearing area of the block. Considerations in the design of the thrust block will include
pipe diameter, design pressure, type of configuration i.e. angle of bend and the horizontal
bearing strength of the soil.
Where conditions are such that it makes the use of this solution difficult for example
marshland, unstable ground, restricted access or space limitations alternative solutions may
be provided by a number of Self Anchoring Flexible Joints that are available to restrain the
Ductile Iron pipeline.
The following Self Anchored Restrained Joint systems are supplied by Electrosteel;

Anchor Gasket Vi type

Restrained Flexible Weld Bead Joint Ve type
Electrolock

Considerations
Factors to consider when selecting the method of restraining include the following;

Design pressure
Working pressure
Ground conditions Pipe-Soil interaction
Space available
Accessibility
Cost

Design Pressure
The design pressure is the maximum pressure to which the pipeline will be subjected and in
most cases this will be the test pressure. It is at this time when the pipe-soil interaction will be
at its most vulnerable.
Pipe-Soil Interaction
The principal behind thrust restraint is to transfer the thrust force to the surrounding soil
structure. The objective of the design is to dissipate the thrust forces so that damage to the
pipe system does not occur through joint separation.
In light of the above the following information should be provided by or requested from the
customer to allow Electrosteel to provide advice and guidance on the restrained joint system
to be used:
What is the Pipeline Diameter?
What is the configuration of the pipeline and the nature of fittings being used within the line?
What is the pipeline test pressure and operating pressure?

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What are the soil characteristics in the intended route of the pipeline? What is the topography of the
route?
What is the proposed depth of over and proposed backfill material?

Electrosteel Self Anchored Restraining Systems

Anchor Gaskets Vi type
Providing a cost effective solution to restraint
considerations. The resistance to joint separation
is provided by stainless steel teeth moulded into
the rubber gasket. As the joint is pressurized the
teeth bite into the pipe spigot and resist
separation.

Tyton SIT PLUS

DN

80
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
600

Max
Operating
Pressure
(PFA)
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
10
10
10

Max Site
Test
Pressure
(PEA)
24.2
24.2
24.2
24.2
24.2
24.2
24.2
24.2
17
17
17

Max
Deflection

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2

For higher PFA requirements please contact the manufacturer

Please contact Electrosteel Technical Team directly in relation to calculating exact pipeline
anchorage length requirements.
NB.
Electrosteel cannot be held responsible for any issues arising with anchor gaskets sourced
via a third party.

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Restrained Flexible Weld Bead Joint ( RFWB) Ve type

This joint incorporates a restraining mechanism into the normal flexible PushFit joint. The joint
is restrained by:
A factory applied weld bead applied at the spigot end. Where pipes have been cut the
bead can also be applied at site (please ask for guidance).
A locking ring abuts the weld bead
A bolted gland is placed over the weld bead and locking ring and affixed to the socket
collar with the use of hooked nuts and bolts.
This assembly creates a restraining force against the weld bead and subsequently prevents axial
withdrawal under pressure.
This restraining system retains the inherent flexibility of the Push-Fit joint system and may be used
in the following circumstances:

Directional changes
Unstable ground conditions i.e. marshy ground, areas of subsidence, seismic zones
Hilly terrains
Where space is limited

Gland Bolts

Nom.
Dia
80
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
600
700
800
900
1000

PFA
Bar
64
55
44
39
37
32
30
27
25
16

Hole
size
25
25
25
25
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

No. of
holes
4
4
6
8
6
8
8
10
12
16
20
24
30
30
30

Tightening
Torque (Nm)
PRE
20
20
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10

Final
(Max)
100
80
60
60
70
60
20
20
20
30
20
10
90
30
10

Max
Angular*
Deflection

4.0

3.0

2.0

PFA = Allowable operating pressure

*For higher angular deflection please contact Electrosteel

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Comparison of alternative restraining systems:

Cost
Working Pressure
Suitability for unstable
ground
Time to install
Confined spaces
Procurement lead times

Anchor Gasket

RFWB

For further information contact the Electrosteel Sales & Technical team on +44 1246
264222 or by E Mail on sales@electrosteel.co.uk

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