Information on the most widely used ASTM standards within the materials testing industry
ASTM D4161: Standard Specification for “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe Joints Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals
ASTM D4161 specification covers axially unrestricted socket gasket joints, including joints required for mechanically fabricated 'fiberglass' (glass fiber reinforced thermoset resin) piping systems, ranging from 8 inches (200 mm) to 156 inches (4000 mm), using flexible elastomeric seals to ensure tightness. The piping systems can be pressure (typically up to 250 psi) or non-pressure systems, used for water, chemicals, or gases that are non-corrosive to the materials specified in this specification.
Joint type and structural characteristics:
This standard specification covers two types of axial unrestrained fittings, both of which achieve joint seal integrity through elastomer seal compression:
| Joint type | Sealing ring position | Compression method | Applicable scenarios |
| Socket fittings | Circumferential compression inside the socket | Radial compression | Standard pressure piping |
| Push-in fittings | The socket is stretched outward and peripherally | Radial compression | Quick installation occasions |
| Coupling connectors | Double socket socket | Bidirectional compression | Pipeline connection transition |
Laboratory performance testing requirements
All tests must be performed on components that provide minimal sealing compression, and hydrostatic pressure testing pressures are twice the rated pressure (pressure pipe) or 29 psi (200 kPa) (pressureless pipes).
| Test type | Test conditions | Eligibility criteria | Test time |
| Angular deflection test | The deflection angle is specified according to the pipe diameter.
| No leakage | 10 minutes |
| Lateral offset test | 100 lb/in diameter load | No leakage | 10 minutes |
| Vacuum/external pressure test | 11.6psi external pressure or vacuum | Pressure increase ≤ 0.1 psi | Seal for 10 minutes |
Angular deflection testing has specific requirements according to different pipe diameters: 20 inches and below pipes have a deflection angle of 3°, 20-33 inches is 2°, 33-60 inches is 1°, and more than 60 inches is 0.5°.

Related products and device
Related Standard
ASTM D1598 is a standard test method that determines the time-to-failure of thermoplastic and reinforced thermosetting/resin pipes under constant internal pressure at a controlled temperature, which is critical for establishing hydrostatic design basis and ensuring long-term pipeline reliability.
ASTM D1599 is titled "Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings." It is a fundamental short-term, destructive pressure test used to determine the ultimate failure pressure (often called the "burst pressure") of thermoplastic pipe, tubing, or fittings under rapidly applied internal pressure at a specified temperature. Typically completed within 60–70 seconds, mainly for quality control and short-term design validation.
ASTM D1598: Standard Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure.
ASTM D1598 test method covers the determination of the time-to-failure of both thermoplastic and reinforced thermosetting/resin pipe under constant internal pressure.This test method provides a method of characterizing plastics in the form of pipe under the conditions prescribed.
ASTM D1599: Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings.
ASTM D1599 test method establishes the short-time hydraulic failure pressure of thermoplastic or reinforced thermosetting resin pipe, tubing, or fittings. Data obtained by this test method are of use only in predicting the behavior of pipe, tubing, and fittings under conditions of temperature, time, method of loading, and hoop stress similar to those used in the actual test. They are generally not indicative of the long-term strength of thermoplastic or reinforced thermosetting resin pipe, tubing, and fittings
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