ASTM D1599 Resistance of Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings

This standard offers a standard test method to verify that plastic piping products have minimum burst requirements, or to describe failure of the specimen during short-term pressure. ASTM D1599’s primary purpose is to provide a short-term hydraulic failure pressure for the purposes of quality control and procurement in the laboratory. This test is performed for qualification of product, pressure rating validation, and quality assurance in industries.

The scope of ASTM D3354 includes

• Material type: Thermoplastic pipe, tubing and fittings; reinforced thermosetting resin pipe; reinforced thermoplastic pipe.
• Purpose: Any sample of the fluid that satisfies the test requirements.Test Method: Hydraulic burst pressure test.
• Property measured: The hydraulic pressure required to cause failure in a relatively short period of time – 60 to 70 seconds.
• Method: Fill and seal a specimen with water, then apply steadily increasing internal hydrostatic pressure using Procedure A (failure mode determination) or Procedure B (minimum burst compliance).
• Result: Burst pressure is reported, and the mode of failure (when using Procedure A) is observed.
• Limitations: Tests give information on short-term behavior only and cannot be relied upon for long-term strength under sustained pressure.
• Environmental conditions: The test can be conducted at ambient or elevated temperature – as required by material or applicable product standards.
• Applications: Water supply, drainage and irrigation piped systems, quality control pipe and fitting production, for example, pipe and fitting procurement specification compliance. 

What are the Uses of ASTM D1599 Testing?

ASTM D1599 testing ensures that plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings withstand the pressure they are rated for under controlled, short-term conditions. Also, the two-procedure structure allows laboratories the flexibility of performing a failure mode characterization or just compliance. This standard is used in plumbing, oil/gas, water treatment, and manufacturing industries to ensure high-pressure performance. This standard –

• Helps maintain the quality of plastic pipe and fitting manufacturing.
• Supports manufacturers in validating burst pressure to procurement specifications.
• Determines if a specimen has a minimum burst pressure (Procedure B).
• Assists in describing the mode of failure if necessary (Procedure A).
• Supplies documented pressure-rating qualification for plumbing, oil and gas, and water treatment. 

What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D1599? 

ASTM D1599 applies to thermoplastic pipe, tubing, and fittings, as well as reinforced thermosetting resin pipe and reinforced thermoplastic pipe. Thermoplastics like PVC, HDPE, PEX, and CPVC, and thermosetting composites like epoxy and polyester are among the materials typically tested for their ability to withstand sudden bursts of pressure in the lab. Reinforced thermoplastic pipe is especially designed with a three-layer structure: a helical reinforcement layer to support the hoop stress and a thermoplastic cover layer to protect the pipe. 

Why is ASTM D1599 Important? 

ASTM D1599 provides a method for manufacturers to ensure plastic piping products can resist short-term hydraulic pressure until installation. The test ensures products have burst resistance under controlled conditions to avoid costly field failures in water supply, drainage, irrigation, or industrial fluid systems. There are also related long-term performance tests such as ASTM D2837, which establishes the hydrostatic design basis of thermoplastic pipe materials, based on similar principles. ASTM D1599 testing contributes to product reliability and safety in critical applications by supporting failure-mode characterization, minimum-requirement validation, and industry regulatory compliance. 

ASTM D1599 Testing Process and Data Collection

The first step analysts take is to determine which procedure fits the failure mode or meets minimum requirements. Technicians then fill and seal a pipe, tubing, or fitting sample with water and place it in the test chamber. The calibrated gauge then records the rise in pressure as the pressure increases at a controlled and gradual rate through the pump, and the pressure is held for the set amount of time. Finally, technicians vent the pressure, check the specimen for any leaks or damage, and document the burst pressure, failure time, and failure mode, if applicable, in a detailed report. 

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

One common problem with ASTM D1599 testing is the inability to apply a consistent pressure, as varying pressurization rates will result in inaccurate burst-pressure readings. Leakage at fittings or end seals is also a challenge for technicians during testing, as well as being able to accurately identifying where leakage is occurring. Additionally, if there is pressure instability from trapped air within the specimen, this will result in inaccurate pressure readings. The answer is to carefully calibrate the equipment, seal connections tightly, and prepare specimens in the same manner to eliminate variables that can influence results. 

ASTM D1599 Analysis Results and Interpretation

The report summarizes the burst pressure, failure time, and failure mode of the tested specimen under short-term hydraulic pressure. The interpretation compares these measured values against specification requirements or performance benchmarks. Quality control professionals use these results to verify material compliance and ensure product performance.

• The laboratory reports the burst pressure that occurs at or just before the specimen bursts.
• Failure typically occurs in 60 to 70 seconds.
• The specimen withstands the predetermined minimum pressure and passes Procedure B.
• Results indicate short-term strength, as compared to long-term results per ASTM D2837.
• The laboratory documents testing conditions and specimen information.
• Consistent specimen preparation, proper calibration, and controlled pressurization help laboratories produce reliable results.

Link to ASTM D1599