BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

639:1995
Incorporating
Corrigendum No. 1

Common requirements
for concrete pressure
pipes including joints
and fittings

The European Standard EN 639:1994 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 23.040.50

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 639:1995

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/505, Water supply, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Unvented Supply Systems
Equipment (MODUSSE)
British Bathroom Council
British Foundry Association
British Non-Ferrous Metals Federation
British Plastics Federation
British Plumbing Fittings Manufacturers Association
Department of the Environment
Department of the Environment (Drinking Water Inspectorate)
Fibre Cement Manufacturers Association Limited
Institute of Plumbing
Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Local Authority Organizations
Scottish Association of Directors of Water and Sewerage Services
Water Companies Association
Water Research Centre
Water Services Association of England and Wales

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Association of Metropolitan Authorities

British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
Concrete Pipe Association
Concrete Society
Department of Transport
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Highways and Transportation
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board
for Building and Civil
Engineering, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes Amendments issued since publication
into effect on 15 May 1995
Amd. No. Date Comments
BSI 7 December 2004
15452 7 December 2004 National foreword amended
Corrigendum No. 1
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
British Standard:
Committee reference B/505
Draft for comment 92/12536 DC

ISBN 0 580 23997 7

 BS EN 639:1995

Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 639 4

BSI 7 December 2004 i

BS EN 639:1995

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee B/504 and is
the English language version of EN 639:1994 Common requirements for concrete
pressure pipes including joints and fittings, published by the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN). Together with BS EN 642 it supersedes
BS 4625, which is withdrawn.
EN 639 was published as a result of international discussion in which the UK
took an active part.

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 29001:1987 BS EN ISO 9001:1994 Quality systems Model for
quality assurance in design, development, production,
installation and servicing
(Identical)
EN 29002:1987 BS EN ISO 9002:1994 Quality systems Model for
quality assurance in production, installation and serv-
icing
(Identical)
EN 29003:1987 BS EN ISO 9003:1994 Quality systems Model for
quality assurance in final inspection and test
(Identical)

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 20, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

ii BSI 7 December 2004

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 639
NORME EUROPENNE
EUROPISCHE NORM October 1994

ICS 23.040.30; 23.040.50

Descriptors: Water pipelines, pressure pipes, potable water, water pipes, concrete tubes, specifications, materials, definitions,
computation, dimensions, tests, quality, implementation, marking

English version

Common requirements for concrete pressure pipes

including joints and fittings

Prescriptions communes pour tuyaux pression Allgemeine Anforderungen fr Druckrohre aus

en bton y compris joints et pices spciales Beton einschlielich Rohrverbindungen und
Formstcken

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1994-10-26. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comit Europen de Normalisation
Europisches Komitee fr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

1994 Copyright reserved to CEN members
Ref. No. EN 639:1994 E
EN 639:1994

Foreword Page
5.6 Steel for joint rings 8
This European Standard for concrete pipes is a
standard which was prepared by WG 5, Concrete 5.7 Reinforcing steel 9
pipes, of the Technical Committee CEN/TC 164, 5.8 Sealing rings 9
Water supply, the Secretariat of which is held by 5.9 Chloride content 9
AFNOR.
6 Common requirements for products 9
During preparation of this standard the provisional
results already available of CEN/TC 164/WG 1, 6.1 Geometry and dimensions 9
General requirements for external systems and 6.1.1 Nominal sizes 9
components, and of CEN/TC 164/165/JWG 1, 6.1.2 Internal diameters 9
Structural design, were considered.
6.1.3 Lengths 10
This European Standard shall be given the status of 6.1.4 Straightness and surface evenness 10
a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by 6.1.5 Squareness 10
April 1995, and conflicting national standards shall 6.1.6 Wall thickness 10
be withdrawn at the latest by April 1995. 6.1.7 Joints 10
In accordance with the CEN/CENELEC Internal 6.1.8 Structure of steel joint with an
Regulations, the following countries are bound to elastomeric sealing ring 10
implement this European Standard: Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, 6.1.9 Structure of a site welded joint 11
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, 6.1.10 Elastomeric sealing rings 12
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, 6.1.11 Steel cylinder 12
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
6.2 Curing 12
6.3 Rework during manufacturing
Contents process (repairs) 12
Page 6.4 Test methods 12
Foreword 2 6.4.1 Internal diameter 12
Introduction 4 6.4.2 Internal barrel length 12
1 Scope 4 6.4.3 Straightness and surface evenness 12
2 Normative references 4 6.4.4 Squareness 13
3 Definitions 4 6.4.5 Wall thickness 13
4 General 6 6.4.6 Steel joint rings 13
4.1 Concrete pipe behaviour 6 6.4.7 Hydrostatic testing of steel cylinder
4.2 Plans and data to be supplied by for pipe 13
purchaser 7 6.4.8 Liquid penetrant test 13
4.2.1 Design data 7 6.4.9 Sealing rings (elastomeric gaskets) 13
4.2.2 Specifications and drawings 7 6.4.10 Concrete strength 14
4.2.3 Design responsibility 7 6.4.11 Concrete crack 14
4.3 Data to be submitted by the 6.4.12 Deflection and shear test 14
manufacturer 8
6.5 Fittings and specials 14
4.3.1 Parameters for surge calculation 8
6.5.1 General 14
4.3.2 Detail drawings and schedules 8
6.5.2 Materials 14
4.3.3 Tabulated layout schedule 8
6.5.3 Fabrication 14
4.4 Design requirements 8
6.5.4 Design of fittings and specials 14
5 Materials 8
7 Quality control 16
5.1 Cement 8
7.1 General 16
5.2 Aggregates 8
7.2 Receiving inspection 16
5.3 Mixing water 8
7.3 Testing rates 16
5.4 Admixtures and additives 8
7.4 Records 16
5.5 Steel for cylinders, fittings and specials 8

2 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

Page
7.5 Access to manufacturers facilities 16
7.6 Responsibility 16
7.7 Product construction directive 17
8 Marking 17
9 Interconnection for products 17
10 Installation and testing 17
10.1 Installation 17
10.2 Preparation for testing 17
10.3 Site test 17
Annex A (informative) Notation of
main parameters 18
Annex B (informative) Span pipe calculations 19
Figure 1 Lengths 5
Figure 2 Gauge for evaluating deviation
from straightness 15
Figure 3 Dimensions of feeler gauge for
inspecting cracks 16
Figure B.1 Support loading diagram 19
Figure B.2 Longitudinal loading diagram 20
Table 1 Typical nominal sizes: DN/ID 9
Table 2 Tolerances on design internal
diameter 9
Table 3 Allowable angular deflections 11
Table 4 Tolerances on circumference,
in mm 11
Table 5 Tolerances for out-of-roundness,
in mm 11

BSI 7 December 2004 3

EN 639:1994

Introduction
The product1) in permanent or temporary contact with water, intended for human consumption, shall not
adversely affect the quality of the drinking water and shall not contravene the CE Directives and EFTA
Regulations on the quality of drinking water.
This standard is not intended to be used alone. It shall be used as a combined document with one of the
following as appropriate:
EN 640, Reinforced concrete pressure pipes and distributed reinforcement concrete pressure pipes (non
cylinder type) including joints and fittings.
EN 641, Reinforced concrete pressure pipe, cylinder type, including joints and fittings.
EN 642, Prestressed concrete pressure pipes, non cylinder and cylinder type, including joints, fittings and
specific requirements for prestressing steel for pipes.
or any future additional product standard referring to this standard.
When the relevant EN dealing with general requirements, such as General requirements for external
systems and components (CEN/TC 164/WG 1) Materials in contact with water (CEN/TC 164/WG 3) and
Structural design (CEN/TC 164/165/JWG 1) are adopted, the present standard shall be revised, where
appropriate, in order to ensure that these requirements comply with the relevant ENs.
To the present standard, are attached:
Annex A (informative): Notation of main parameters;
Annex B (informative): Span pipe calculations.

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies common requirements for the following components: concrete pressure
pipes, joints and fittings including jacking pipes. These components are intended to be used in water
systems which carry water for human consumption, industrial purposes, irrigation or waste water.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply
to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references,
the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 29001, Quality systems Model for quality assurance in design/development, production, installation
and servicing.
EN 29002, Quality systems Model for quality assurance in production and installation.
EN 29003, Quality systems Model for quality assurance in final inspection and test.

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.

adjustable joint
joint which permits significant angular deflection at the time of installation but not thereafter

contractor
the person, company or corporation executing the contract or agreement for installation and commissioning
of the pipeline

1) Shall be considered as such any product used for the conveyance and distribution of water intended for human consumption.

4 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

dead loads
the pipe weight, water weight, and all superimposed static loads applied to the outside of the pipe after
installation

design internal diameter

the internal diameter specified in the manufacturers documents and to which manufacturing tolerances
are applicable

design pressure
the maximum sustained internal hydrostatic pressure to which the pipe is to be subjected as specified by
the purchaser. Generally, the design pressure for each pipe, or portion of the pipeline, shall be the operating
pressure or the static head specified by the purchaser, whichever is the greater

DN/ID
numerical designation of size of component, which is a convenient integer approximately equal to the
specified internal diameter expressed in mm

effective length
internal barrel length plus joint gap (provided by the manufacturer) (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1 Lengths

external diameter
the mean external diameter of the pipe barrel at any cross section

factory test pressure

the hydrostatic pressure applied for a relatively short duration to a pipe to test its integrity, watertightness
and/or design

flexible joint
joint which permits significant angular deflection, both during and after installation and which can accept
a slight offset of the centre line

internal diameter
the mean internal diameter of the pipe barrel at any cross section

joint
the connection between the adjacent ends of two components including the means of sealing

BSI 7 December 2004 5

EN 639:1994

live loads
all superimposed external transient loads applied to the outside of the pipe during and after installation,
e.g. traffic loading

manufacturer
the person, company or corporation that actually manufactures the pipe

maximum design pressure

design pressure plus surge pressure

normal operating conditions

a combination of design pressure and dead loads

purchaser
a person, company, corporation or agency entering into a contract or agreement to purchase pipes and
fittings from the manufacturer

rigid joint
joint that does not permit significant angular deflection, either during or after installation

surge pressure
increases of short duration, to the operating pressure caused by changes in fluid velocity

system test pressure

the hydrostatic pressure applied for a relatively short duration to a newly laid pipeline in order to test its
integrity and tightness

transient conditions
conditions due to surge pressures or live loads that vary normal operating conditions and are of short
duration

4 General
4.1 Concrete pipe behaviour
4.1.1 Reinforced and prestressed concrete pipes are normally used in a buried situation. In a homogenous
environment, they perform satisfactorily. However where a heterogenous environment exists special
arrangements may be necessary and agreed between purchaser and manufacturer.
In some cases, the environment may require specific arrangements for example:
high sulfate content: if total soluble sulfate content greater than 3 000 mg/kg of soil or greater
than 600 mg/kg of ground water then sulfate resisting cement shall be used;
high chloride content: if total soluble chloride content greater than 500 mg/kg of soil or ground water
then appropriate precautions shall be taken, to be determined in consultation with the manufacturer;
sea-water: sea-water resisting cement shall be used (or sulfate-resisting cement). Note that in the case
of sea-water the above mentioned contents of sulfate and chloride shall not apply;
lime carbonic dissolving acid: if greater than 60 mg/l of ground water then appropriate precautions
shall be taken, to be determined in consultation with the manufacturer.

6 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

4.1.2 If concrete pipes are exposed to atmospheric environment, its effects shall be considered, for example:
carbonation;
thermal expansion;
freeze-thaw.
4.1.3 If the pipeline carries aggressive fluids (distilled water, some industrial waste, etc.) appropriate
precautions shall be taken to be determined in consultation with the manufacturer.
4.2 Plans and data to be supplied by purchaser
4.2.1 Design data
The purchaser shall specify the following design data applicable to each section of pipeline for which the
pipe shall be manufactured, for example:
design pressure;
maximum design pressure equal to design pressure plus surge (calculation of surge is recommended);
external loads and installation conditions, including bedding, backfilling and trench support;
fluid characteristics (type of fluid, chemical composition, temperature if over 50 C, etc.);
site investigation and soil data;
special conditions: for example, if longitudinal beam strength is a design condition, the purchaser shall
designate the load and support conditions for which the pipe is to be designed.
4.2.2 Specifications and drawings
The purchaser shall provide the manufacturer with plans, profiles and specifications, for example:
internal diameters;
alignment and grades;
location of all outlets, connections, valves and special fittings;
design and maximum design pressures for each section of the pipeline.
4.2.3 Design responsibility
The purchaser or the purchasers engineering representative is responsible for the overall concept and
design of the pipeline project, including supporting structures. The manufacturer is responsible for
supplying pipe in accordance with the criteria defined in 4.2.1 and any additional requirements specified
by the purchaser.
The purchaser shall be aware of the following different types of concrete pressure pipes covered by this
standard and may wish to state his options:

reinforced non-cylinder pipe

distributed reinforcement non-cylinder pipe EN 640


reinforced cylinder pipe EN 641

prestressed cylinder pipe
prestressed non-cylinder pipe EN 642

Should the purchaser wish to state his options, this shall be done at the time of invitation to tender.

BSI 7 December 2004 7

EN 639:1994

4.3 Data to be submitted by the manufacturer

4.3.1 Parameters for surge calculation
Calculation of surge shall be provided by the purchaser. All necessary data relative to the pipe for such
calculations shall be provided by the manufacturer, e.g. wave velocity.
4.3.2 Detail drawings and schedules
The manufacturer shall prepare drawings and schedules showing full details of reinforcement, concrete,
and joint dimensions for the pipe and fittings. These shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval when
required in the contract documents. All pipes and fittings shall be fabricated in accordance with the
approved drawings and schedules. Pipes may be supplied from stock unless the purchaser has indicated
otherwise.
4.3.3 Tabulated layout schedule
When specifically required, the data submitted by the manufacturer shall include a tabulated layout
schedule with reference to the stationing and grade line shown on the drawings supplied by the purchaser.
The schedule shall show pressure zones, each of which shall be designated by the design pressure
applicable therein. The point of change from one zone to the next shall be clearly indicated by station
number. The diameter of the pipe and the area of circumferential steel reinforcement (per unit length of
pipe wall) shall be listed for each portion of the pipeline.
4.4 Design requirements
Dead and live loads, coefficients for moments and thrust calculations and bedding angle shall be
determined in accordance with appropriate national standards, transposing EN as available, or in the
absence of such standards, with the appropriate regulations or recognized and accepted methods at the
place where the pipeline is installed.

5 Materials
5.1 Cement
Cement and cementitious materials shall comply with the national standards, transposing EN as
available.
Minimum 28 day compressive strength for cement and cementitious materials shall be 35 MPa.
5.2 Aggregates
Aggregates shall consist of materials complying with the national standards, transposing EN as available.
Gradings may be modified to suit the production process. Aggregates shall not contain harmful
constituents in such quantities as may be detrimental to the performance of the final product.
5.3 Mixing water
The mixing water shall comply with the national standard, transposing EN as available. The mixing water
shall not contain harmful constituents in such quantities as may be detrimental to the performance of the
final product (in general in Europe, drinking water from public supply is suitable for concrete).
5.4 Admixtures and additives
Admixtures and additives shall comply with the national standards, transposing EN as available. They
shall not be detrimental to the performance of the final product.
5.5 Steel for cylinders, fittings and specials
Steel for cylinders, fittings and specials shall comply with the national standards, transposing EN as
available.
5.6 Steel for joint rings
Steel for joint rings shall comply with the national standards, transposing EN as available.

8 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

5.7 Reinforcing steel

Reinforcing steel shall comply with the national standards, transposing EN as available.
5.7.1 Steel or wire for reinforced concrete may be plain, indented or deformed and it shall be of weldable
quality (where appropriate). Welded fabric shall be produced using these materials.
5.7.2 Prestressing steel shall be plain except for longitudinals where it may be indented or deformed and
may be combined in strands.
5.8 Sealing rings
Sealing rings shall be of elastomeric material complying with the national standards, transposing
EN 681-1 as available.
5.9 Chloride content
The maximum allowable calculated chloride content in the concrete or mortar shall be, in percentages of
weight of cement:
reinforced concrete pipes: 0,4 %;
prestressed concrete pipes: 0,2 %.

6 Common requirements for products

6.1 Geometry and dimensions
Internal diameter, wall thickness(es), internal barrel length and geometrical characteristics of the joint
shall be in accordance with the factory documents.
6.1.1 Nominal sizes
The list of typical nominal sizes (DN/ID) is given in Table 1.
Table 1 Typical nominal sizes: DN/ID
200 250 300 400 500 600
700 800 900 1 000 1 100 1 200
1 250 1 300 1 400 1 500 1 600 1 800
2 000 2 100 2 200 2 400 2 500 2 600
2 800 3 000 3 200 3 500 4 000
The above-mentioned nominal sizes (DN/ID) shall be normative from December 31st, 2000.
6.1.2 Internal diameters
After December 31st, 2000, the design internal diameter shall be equal to DN/ID expressed in mm. Until
then, it may be greater as shown in the manufacturers documents, but shall not be less than DN/ID
expressed in mm. The tolerances applicable to the design internal diameter are given in Table 2.
Table 2 Tolerances on design internal diameter
DN/ID Tolerance on mean Tolerance on individual value
mm mm
DN/ID k 400
40 DN/ID
20 DN/ID
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1 000 1 000
400 < DN/ID k 1 200 5 DN/ID DN/ID
6 + ------------------------ 12 + ------------------
1 000 100
DN/ID U 1 200 12 24

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EN 639:1994

6.1.3 Lengths
The design internal barrel length shall be declared by the manufacturer and subject to a tolerance
of 10 mm for straight elements and 20 mm for other elements.
The design effective length declared by the manufacturer is equal to the design internal barrel length plus
the joint gap between end of spigot and back of socket. The joint gap shall have a () tolerance specified by
the manufacturer for straight draw and where appropriate angular deflection.
The ratio of design effective length to DN/ID expressed in mm of a pipe shall not exceed the following:
21 for cylinder pipes;
14 for non-cylinder pipes.
6.1.4 Straightness and surface evenness
The inside surface of straight pipes shall not deviate from straightness by more than 0,5 % of the design
internal barrel length or 5 mm whichever is the greater the same tolerances shall apply to protrusions.
Surface voids which have a cross dimension greater than 15 mm and a depth greater than 6 mm shall be
repaired with materials as specified in 6.3.
6.1.5 Squareness
The tolerance of the squareness of the ends of the pipes shall be 0,02 DN/ID mm but not less than 10 mm
and not more than 20 mm.
6.1.6 Wall thickness
The wall thickness shall not be less than the design thickness by more than 5 % or 5 mm whichever is the
greater. The manufacturer shall declare the wall thickness for any given design.
6.1.7 Joints
The profile of a concrete or a steel joint shall comply with the dimensions and tolerances stated in the
manufacturers documents for its size and design.
The sealing rings (if any) shall be supplied by the pipe manufacturer and may be integral with the pipe or
supplied separately.
At the option of the manufacturer, the joints can be rigid, adjustable, semi-flexible or fully flexible and
restrained or non restrained.
The minimum values of the allowable angular deflection shall be as given in Table 3. The manufacturer
can declare higher values.
The manufacturer shall declare when a pipe has been designed with restrained joints.
The flexible joints shall be type tested by pressure and shear in accordance with 6.4.12. For each joint
design, one diameter from each of the four following diameter ranges shall be type tested:
DN/ID > 2 000;
1 000 < DN/ID k 2 000;
600 < DN/ID k 1 000;
DN/ID k 600.

The same type-test shall apply to adjustable joints that include elastomeric sealing rings.
6.1.8 Structure of steel joint with an elastomeric sealing ring
The steel socket and spigot joint rings shall be so designed and fabricated that when the pipe is laid and
jointed it will be self-centring. The rings shall be formed and finished accurately to obtain a close sliding
fit for the self-centred surfaces. Each ring shall be formed by one or more pieces of steel butt welded
together. Welds on gasket contact surfaces shall be smooth and flush with the adjacent surfaces. The parts
of the steel joint rings exposed during service shall be protected either by concrete or by a suitable coating
to prevent corrosion. Any coating shall be non-toxic and suitable for potable water where applicable.

10 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

The circumference of the inside socket-ring surface of a steel joint shall not exceed the greatest outer
circumference of the spigot-ring by more than:
5 mm for sealing rings less than 17 mm in diameter (or smaller side of the circumscribed rectangle);
6,5 mm for sealing rings equal to or greater than 17 mm in diameter (or smaller side of the
circumscribed rectangle).
Moreover the complete socket ring shall have a minimum thickness of:

4 mm for DN/ID k 600;

5 mm for 600 < DN/ID k 1 000;
6 mm for DN/ID > 1 000.

The joint shall be so designed that when the pipe is laid and the joint completed the sealing ring will be
enclosed on all four sides and confined under compression adequate to ensure watertightness under the
specific conditions of service. The design compression of the sealing ring is normally of the order of 30 %.
6.1.9 Structure of a site welded joint
The steel socket and spigot joint rings shall be so designed and fabricated that when the pipe is laid and
jointed it will be self-centring. The rings shall be formed and finished accurately to obtain a close sliding
fit for the self-centred surfaces.
Table 3 Allowable angular deflections
DN/ID Adjustable or semi-flexible joints Fully flexible joints
Radian Degree Radian Degree
< 300 0,03 143' 0,06 326'
300 k DN k 600 0,02 109' 0,04 218'
600 < DN k 1 000 0,01 034' 0,02 109'
DN/ID > 1 000 1 000- 1 000- 1 000- 1 000-
0,01 ----------------- 34 ----------------- 0,02 ----------------- ( 109 ) -----------------
DN/ID DN/ID DN/ID DN/ID
For DN/ID less than 800 the end rings will be site welded externally. For DN/ID between 800 and 1 400 the
end rings can be site welded either internally or externally. For DN/ID 1 400 and above the end rings are
normally site welded internally but may be welded externally provided the joint is designed appropriately.
The exposed sections of the end rings shall be protected, e.g. by placing mortar both inside and outside.
Welding of all steel shall be carried out in accordance with the appropriate national standards, transposing
ENs when available or in the absence of such standards with the appropriate regulation or recognized and
accepted methods at the place where the pipeline is installed.
The minimum thickness of both socket and spigot rings shall be 4 mm. The tolerances on the circumference
of the completed end rings shall be as stated in Table 4.
Table 4 Tolerances on circumference, in mm
All diameters Socket ring Spigot ring
+8,5, p1,5 +1,5, p8,5
The tolerances on the out-of-roundness of the internal surface of the socket and the outer surface of the
spigot are as stated in Table 5.
Table 5 Tolerances for out-of-roundness, in mm
DN/ID Socket ring Spigot ring
k1 500 +7, p3 +3, p7
>1 500 +10, p5 +5, p10

BSI 7 December 2004 11

EN 639:1994

6.1.10 Elastomeric sealing rings

The sealing ring shall be of sufficient volume so that when the pipe joint is assembled the ring will be
compressed to form a pressure tight seal. The volume of the sealing ring shall not deviate from the design
volume by more than 2 %.
Not more than two splices in each sealing ring shall be permitted.
All sealing rings shall be protected from the direct rays of the sun and stored in a dry place.
6.1.11 Steel cylinder
The steel cylinder shall be formed by shaping and welding together cut lengths or coils of specified material
and thickness. The cylinders shall be shaped accurately and to the size required. The joint rings shall be
welded to the ends before testing. The allowable deviation of the design circumference of the steel cylinder
shall not be more than 1,5 % of the design internal diameter of the pipe with a maximum limit of 12 mm.
Welding of all steel shall be carried out in accordance with the appropriate national standards, transposing
ENs when available or in the absence of such standards with the appropriate regulations or recognized and
accepted methods at the place where the pipe is manufactured.
Buttwelding, lap welding or offset lap welding shall be used for the longitudinal and circumferential or
helical seams. The sheets shall be closely fitted before welding and shall be firmly held during welding.
Before casting, the steel cylinder shall be cleaned of all foreign matter that would interfere with the
bonding of the concrete.
6.2 Curing
Accelerated curing shall be permitted and shall be in accordance with procedures fixed by the
manufacturer on the ground of experience in relation to the temperature and the time of curing and the
chamber humidity.
6.3 Rework during manufacturing process (repairs)
Defective concrete shall be removed to the extent of the defect. Concrete and mortar used for repairs shall
meet the same requirements as the one used for pipe manufacturing. Repairs shall be cured as specified
in 6.2 or by application of a sealing compound conforming to national standard, transposing EN as
available. Reworked pipe shall not be despatched until completion of curing or until a minimum period
of 12 h following application of sealing compound. Other materials and methods of repair may be proposed
by the manufacturer, all subject to the approval of the purchaser.
6.4 Test methods
6.4.1 Internal diameter
The diameter shall be measured at each end of the unit at approximately 50 mm from the ends of the barrel
or branch. Two measurements of the internal diameter shall be made at each end and carried out at 90 to
each other. At each end the internal diameter (mean) shall be calculated.
6.4.2 Internal barrel length
The length shall be measured on four longitudinals a 90 intervals.
6.4.3 Straightness and surface evenness
Any deviation from straightness of the bore of pipe shall be assessed by the use of a gauge as shown
in Figure 2. When edge Y is used and both ends are not in contact with the pipe bore, it shall be deemed
not to comply with this standard. When edge X is used and both ends of the gauge are in contact with the
pipe bore, it shall be deemed not to satisfy the requirements of this standard. A = 0,5 % of the design barrel
length (minimum 5 mm).
NOTE The studs should be detachable from the basic straight edge to facilitate checking and replacement.
Alternative methods are allowed e.g. measurement is made inside the pipe between the wall and either a
thin steel wire (less than 1 mm in diameter) stretched along or a straight edge placed along the internal
barrel length so as to be in contact with the concrete lining at at least one point.

12 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

6.4.4 Squareness
The squareness of pipe shall be assessed by considering the difference of the lengths of each pair of opposite
longitudinals measured as described in 6.4.2.
6.4.5 Wall thickness
The wall thickness shall be measured at approximately at 90 to each other, at 50 mm from each end of the
component but excluding the spigot and the socket.
6.4.6 Steel joint rings
The circumference of each joint ring shall be checked by measurement.
6.4.7 Hydrostatic testing of steel cylinder for pipe
Each completed steel cylinder, including end rings, shall be tested for watertightness by a hydrostatic test.
The test pressure Pt shall be established as follows:
Pt will be the pressure that stresses the steel sheet in the cylinder to 75 % of its minimum yield
strength provided that Pt does not exceed the limits given by equations (1) or (2) below:
for DN/ID k 1 200: Pt = 1/Di2 (1);
for DN/ID > 1 200: Pt = 3/Di2 (2);
where Di is the pipe DN/ID expressed in metres. Pt is given in MPa.
If stressing the steel to 75 % of its minimum yield strength gives a higher value for Pt than that given by
equations (1) or (2) then the test pressure may be limited to the Pt value given by
equations (1) or (2) provided that the cylinder is also tested by the liquid penetrant test (see 6.4.8) in
addition to the hydrostatic test.
When the cylinder is tested in the horizontal it shall be supported to minimize the effects of the selfweight
and waterweight.
For testing both in the horizontal and vertical the pressure Pt shall be measured at the centre of gravity.
While the cylinder is under the pressure test all welds shall be thoroughly inspected for leakage. All points
of leakage shall be paired and the cylinder subjected to a further hydrostatic test.
Only cylinders which are watertight under the hydrostatic test shall be used for the manufacture of pipe.
Any other alternative method proposed by the manufacturer shall require approval by the purchaser and
providing that the manufacturer has a quality management system certified in accordance with EN 29001.
6.4.8 Liquid penetrant test
On one side of the cylinder a whitewash is spread all along and over the weld.
On the other side, coloured paraffin or similar product is spread all along and over the weld.
The minimum penetration time shall be fixed in accordance with the penetrant liquid specification, and
shall not be less than 12 h.
After the prescribed period of time, no coloured spot shall appear on the whitewash. Should any coloured
spots appear before the prescribed time, the welds shall be repaired and retested.
6.4.9 Sealing rings (elastomeric gaskets)
Volume shall be either measured by displacement of water or checked by weight.
In case of splices, each splice shall be thoroughly visually checked by rotating 360. Splices showing visible
separation or cracks shall be rejected.
Each sealing ring shall be stretched three times the original length. In case of splices, each splice shall be
located on the testing device so as to be well apart from any support (minimum distance shall be ten times
the minimum dimension of the ring). Each stretched gasket shall be visually checked and if showing visible
separation or cracks shall be rejected.

BSI 7 December 2004 13

EN 639:1994

6.4.10 Concrete strength

The cylinders or cubes used to determine characteristic strength shall be manufactured and cured either
in a manner which reflects the pipe manufacturing process or in accordance with the national standards,
transposing EN as available, at the option of the manufacturer.
The compressive strength to be considered is the characteristic value based on a fractile of 95 % given by
tests made on cylinders. Other sizes of cylinders may be used provided that conversion factors are used to
relate to the 150 300 standard.
If cubes are used, conversion factors shall be used. If cubes 150 are used, the test results shall be divided
by a conversion factor of:
1,20 for test results less than 45 MPa;
1,10 for test results equal to or above 45 MPa.
If cubes 100 are used the test results shall be at first divided by 1,05 before applying the above-mentioned
conversion factors.
6.4.11 Concrete crack
Measurement of concrete crack shall be as follows:
use a feeler gauge as detailed in Figure 3.
the thickness of the gauge shall be the one prescribed for the crack width in the requirement.
Where a maximum crack width is a requirement, failure shall constitute penetration to a depth of at
least 2 mm at short intervals of no more than 50 mm over the prescribed minimum length.
6.4.12 Deflection and shear test
Flexible joints shall be tested whilst simultaneously deflected to the allowable angular deflection and
subjected to a transverse shear across the joint of twenty times DN/ID, expressed in newtons, or to a
greater shear load if determined by the manufacturer. The test pressure shall be declared by the
manufacturer equal to the maximum allowable system test pressure.
For joints whose tightness or gasket stability is influenced by the pressure, a second test shall be carried
out under the same conditions but with a test pressure of 80 kPa below atmospheric.
6.5 Fittings and specials
6.5.1 General
Fittings and specials shall include closures, adapters, flanged connections to valves, bends, tees, angle
branches, reducers, bifurcations (wyes), bevelled pipes, short pipes and more generally any kind of pipeline
component integrated in a given arrangement.
Fittings and specials may be manufactured in reinforced or prestressed concrete with or without a cylinder,
or in steel, or in iron or a combination of these materials.
All fittings and specials shall be capable of being jointed to the pipe with which they are used, by means of
appropriate joints.
6.5.2 Materials
The materials used for manufacturing the fittings and the specials shall comply with the relevant materials
standards.
6.5.3 Fabrication
Reinforcement for fittings and specials shall be similar to the reinforcement of the standard pipes and the
same cover requirements shall apply.
Unless the steel cylinder is hydrostatically tested to 75 % of the minimum yield of the steel, its
watertightness over the full length of all welds shall be established by the liquid penetrant test or other
approved methods.
6.5.4 Design of fittings and specials
The reinforcement of the fittings and specials shall be designed to take all forces and stresses resulting
from their specific shape.
For bends typical angles are: 1115', 2230', 30, 45 and 90 but any other angle can be manufactured if
required by the purchaser.

14 BSI 7 December 2004

 BSI 7 December 2004

Figure 2 Gauge for evaluating deviation from straightness

EN 639:1994
15
EN 639:1994

Figure 3 Dimensions of feeler gauge for inspecting cracks

7 Quality control
7.1 General
The manufacturer shall establish and maintain a documented quality management system (including
factory production control) in accordance with EN 29002 (or EN 29001 at the manufacturers discretion),
the requirements of this standard and of the relevant product standards2). Within 36 months from the
implementation of this standard or within 24 months from the implementation of a product standard2)
or 36 months from the start of production, whichever is the longest, the manufacturer shall have this
quality management system certified by a third party.
7.2 Receiving inspection
Until the manufacturer complies with EN 29002 in accordance with subclause 6.1 and within the time
limits given in that subclause, acceptance conditions shall be established between the purchaser and the
manufacturer based on this standard and the relevant product standard(s) and EN 29003 in order to define
for each batch a receiving inspection.
7.3 Testing rates
Where tests are stated but testing rates are not specified, then the manufacturer shall apply out testing
rates to prove compliance with a 95 % fractile.
7.4 Records
Records shall include, as appropriate: date of core manufacture; date and details of winding, date of coating;
dates and results of tests; date of despatch; and any other information on activities that could affect product
quality.
The manufacturer shall retain these records to ensure traceability of the product, for seven years from
despatch.
7.5 Access to manufacturers facilities
The purchaser or his representative, by arrangements with the manufacturer, shall at all reasonable times
have free access to the place where the pipes are manufactured and tested for the purpose of examining
quality management system including factory production control, procedures and records and witnessing
of the testing and marking of pipes.
7.6 Responsibility
Inspection by the purchaser, or failure of the purchaser to undertake inspection, shall not relieve the
manufacturer of the responsibility to supply materials and to perform work in accordance with this
standard.

In this Clause 7, product standard means any standard to be used as a combined document with this standard such as EN 640,
2)
EN 641 or EN 642.

16 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

7.7 Product construction directive

The manufacturer shall conform to the product construction directive (EEC 89/106) and to any relevant
subsequent documents arising from this directive including attestation of conformity.

8 Marking
Each component shall be marked indelibly and in a clearly visible manner giving at least the following
information (on the socket or spigot end):

EN product standard number such as EN 640, EN 641, EN 642;

pipes suitable for use with potable water shall be marked with P following the EN product
standard number;
identification of manufacturer and site of production;
identification of date of manufacture;
identification of third party certification, (if any);
identification of diameter and strength class, where applicable;
identification of special use, where applicable;
special marks of identification sufficient to show the proper location of the pipe or fitting in the
line by reference to layout drawings and schedules specified under subclause 4.2.2 shall be placed
on the pipe if specifically required in the contract documents;
all bevelled pipes shall be marked with the angle of the bevel and the short side shall be
identified;
if elliptical reinforcement is used, the minor axis of the reinforcement shall be identified;
the CE mark (when implemented).

When the dimensions of the component do not allow the marking in full, the identification of the component
shall be made in such a way that no doubt is possible.

9 Interconnection for products

Components that are not manufactured to be interconnected can be interconnected by means of adaptors.

10 Installation and testing

10.1 Installation
National standards, transposing EN as available shall be complied with, or in the absence of such
standards, any applicable regulation at the place of installation shall be followed.
10.2 Preparation for testing
Prior to testing, the pipeline shall be filled with water and pressurized during a period of time depending
on local conditions, varying generally from a few hours to 48 h. The quantity of water necessary to maintain
the pressure shall be recorded. This procedure shall be continued until this quantity of water per hour
being added has reduced to the prescribed maximum.
10.3 Site test
When the system test pressure has been applied, the additional quantity of water necessary to maintain
the site test pressure shall not exceed:

reinforced concrete non-cylinder pipes: 0,15 litre per hour per square metre internal surface area;
prestressed non-cylinder pipes: 0,025 litre per hour per square metre internal surface area;
cylinder pipes: 0,01 litre per hour per square metre internal surface area.

The duration of the test shall not be less than 3 h and not more than 24 h.

BSI 7 December 2004 17

EN 639:1994

Annex A (informative)
Notation of main parameters
This is a generic form of notation which can be qualified by the use of suitable suffixes.
Notation Description
A Cross-sectional area per unit length
D Pipe diameter
E Elastic modulus
f Stress or strength (force/unit area)
I Moment of inertia
k Coefficient
L Length
M Moment
N Force
n Modular ratio (Es/Ec)
P Pressure
Q Load or weight
r Radius
t Thickness
y Dimension with stressblock representation
Z Section modulus
Load factor or safety factor
Change in state
Shrinkage
Creep

18 BSI 7 December 2004

 EN 639:1994

Annex B (informative)
Span pipe calculations
B.1 Principle
When considering a span pipe resting on supports, the support reactions are taken into account through
the equivalent self-weight qe that would create the same circular bending moment.
The support reaction Qr being exerted through distributed shear forces, its effect can be compared to that
of the self weight:

Qr
- (rm = mean radius)
q e = ---------------------------
2 rm L2

Figure B.1 Support loading diagram

Since no discontinuity in deformation can occur on the support edge, ovalization gradually decreases along
both sides of support. Experience has shown that the concerned pipe length L2 extends over half a diameter
on both sides of support.
B.2 Moments and forces
B.2.1 Circular moments
The bending moment is calculated using the same formulae and coefficients as for self-weight, depending
on the assumed support conditions. This neglects normal forces.
B.2.2 Longitudinal forces and moments
In the case of an end-loaded pipeline, the normal axial force should be taken into account.
NOTE If other methods are used, all the assumptions of this method should be reconsidered.

BSI 7 December 2004 19

EN 639:1994

Figure B.2 Longitudinal loading diagram

20 BSI 7 December 2004

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BS EN
639:1995
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