ASTM F3181-16(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for The Un-notched, Constant Ligament Stress Crack Test (UCLS) for HDPE Materials Containing Post- Consumer Recycled HDPE
Standard Test Method for The Un-notched, Constant Ligament Stress Crack Test (UCLS) for HDPE Materials Containing Post- Consumer Recycled HDPE
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is a way to evaluate the effects of contaminant particles found in HDPE products containing PCR-HDPE, primarily corrugated pipe. Particles of significant number, size and shape can reduce the slow crack growth resistance of the products. This test is performed in water without a controlled defect such as a notch. Since there is no notch, it is not necessary to use a surfactant in the water bath. It is a constant load test.
4.2 This test may be used to evaluate various blends of recycled and virgin materials. For example, a material with high stress crack resistance and few contaminants can be blended with materials that are less resistant to cracking to enhance the overall stress crack resistance of the blend.
4.3 The test can be conducted at various temperature and stress conditions. If at least three (3) different temperature/stress conditions are evaluated, an estimate of the service lifetime of the material can be predicted with the use of bi-directional shifting or the rate process method.
4.4 The test can also be performed under a single applied load and a single temperature to create a single point test useful for comparative purposes as well as for quality control.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an un-notched constant ligament stress (UCLS) test for use with HDPE materials that contain post-consumer recycled HDPE (PCR-HDPE). Contaminants in the PCR-HDPE can initiate stress cracks at elevated temperatures, and this test method evaluates the response of these materials to a constant applied stress.
1.2 The test method is focused on HDPE corrugated pipe containing PCR-HDPE, but can be used in other applications where PCR-HDPE is used.
1.3 The test utilizes the same devices used to perform the NCTL test (Test Method D5397) and the NCLS test (Test Method F2136), but the test is conducted with different specimens and with the use of water instead of a surfactant solution. The test specimen is larger than standard NCLS and NCTL specimens to increase the number of contaminant particles in the specimen that might grow cracks.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3181 − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
The Un-notched, Constant Ligament Stress Crack Test
(UCLS) for HDPE Materials Containing Post- Consumer
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Recycled HDPE
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3181; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers an un-notched constant liga-
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
ment stress (UCLS) test for use with HDPE materials that
tics
contain post-consumer recycled HDPE (PCR-HDPE). Con-
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis
taminants in the PCR-HDPE can initiate stress cracks at
for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis
elevated temperatures, and this test method evaluates the
for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
response of these materials to a constant applied stress.
D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic
1.2 The test method is focused on HDPE corrugated pipe
Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
containing PCR-HDPE, but can be used in other applications
D5397 Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resis-
where PCR-HDPE is used.
tance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Con-
stant Tensile Load Test
1.3 The test utilizes the same devices used to perform the
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
NCTL test (Test Method D5397) and the NCLS test (Test
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
Method F2136), but the test is conducted with different
F2136 Test Method for Notched, Constant Ligament-Stress
specimens and with the use of water instead of a surfactant
(NCLS) Test to Determine Slow-Crack-Growth Resis-
solution. The test specimen is larger than standard NCLS and
tance of HDPE Resins or HDPE Corrugated Pipe
NCTL specimens to increase the number of contaminant
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2.2 AASHTO Documents:
particles in the specimen that might grow cracks.
Report 696 National Cooperative Highway Research Pro-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
gram (NCHRP)
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions: Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
nology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.1 bi-directional shift constants, n—Constants used to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
shift elevated temperature and stress data to service conditions;
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
e.g. Popelar shift constants for HDPE.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.2 contaminant, n—inorganic particulate matter or other
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
non-HDPE material that creates inclusions or stress risers in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the crystalline structure of HDPE.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test the ASTM website.
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Methods. Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
2016 F3181-16. DOI: 10.1520/F3181–16R23 http://www.transportation.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F3181 − 16 (2023)
3.2.3 post-consumer recycled HDPE (PCR-HDPE), 5. Apparatus
n—HDPE materials from products that have served a pre
...
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