Flex your infrastructure game with the only pipe in Ontario that improves your design, eases installation and increases the lifespan of your project – HDPE pipes.
We’re not saying that because Sandale Ontario sells HDPE pipes; we’re saying it because it’s true. HDPE pipe can be bent to a radius 20 to 25 times the diameter of the pipe, which is far better than pipes made from PVC, concrete, and steel.
Let’s dig in!
How Flexible are Sandale Ontario’s HDPE Pipes?
The short answer is that it depends on its use and the pipe size. The slightly longer answer is that polyethylene (HDPE) is flexible over long distances but not over small distances.
This reference chart shows the approximate bending ratios for various HDPE pipe sizes.
Pipe DR | Minimum Long-Term Bend Ratio (α) | Minimum Short-Term Bend Ratio (α) |
≤ 9 | 20 times pipe OD | 10 times pipe OD |
11 - 13.5 | 25 times pipe OD | 13 times pipe OD |
17 - 21 | 27 times pipe OD | 17 times pipe OD |
26 | 34 times pipe OD | - |
32.5 | 42 times pipe OD | - |
41 | 52 times pipe OD | - |
Fitting or flange present in bend | 100 times pipe OD | - |
DR = Dimension ratio (the pipe’s outer diameter and its wall thickness.)
OD (Outer Diameter) = This is the measurement of the external diameter of the HDPE pipe.
Bend Ratio (α) = This is the ratio used to determine the minimum allowable bend radius for the HDPE pipe.
What does this mean for contractors, engineers, designers and developers? Let’s illustrate the value it can bring your project if you’re using a 12” HDPE pipe vs. a PVC pipe.
Sandale’s HDPE pipe requires a much smaller radius for your project. As illustrated, HDPE requires a radius of only 28 feet, while PVC needs more than 200! Whatever your application, if a bend is required, HDPE provides superior flexibility.
Polyethylene Means Better Pipe Design
With polyethylene (HDPE), pipe system designs can now do things that could never be done before.
Your super-bendable HDPE pipes can be bent to solve spacial problems that simply can’t be solved any other way in a smaller footprint beneath ground-level infrastructure.
One of the reasons this is possible is because of polyethylene fusion, which creates joint-free connections. That results in fewer couplings, fewer joints and a leak-free design. This improves pipe flexibility, length and long-term durability.
Its flexibility, strength and durability are especially needed when seismic conditions are present. HDPE resists the external pressures by flexing and significantly reduces cracks.
Bend Radius for Victaulic Couplings
Victaulic couplings are used throughout the pipeline industry to create flexible and reliable connections. These couplings can work with HDPE pipes to allow for expansion in the pipeline.
To ensure the long-term viability of the pipe system, it’s crucial to understand the bend radius.
Style 905 – IPS Standard
Bend Radius: joints made with style 905 couplings can sustain a radius as recommended by the Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI) in the Handbook of PE Pipe (2nd ed, Chapter 7, Table 4).
IPS Size (Nominal Size inches) | DR 7 inches (mm) | DR 9 inches (mm) | DR 11 inches (mm) | DR 13.5 inches (mm) | DR 17 inches (mm) | DR 21 inches (mm) | DR 26 inches (mm) |
2 | 48 (1207) | 48 (1207) | 59 (1508) | 59 (1508) | 61 (1629) | 155 (3937) | - |
3 | 70 (1778) | 70 (1778) | 88 (2233) | 88 (2233) | 95 (2400) | 95 (2400) | - |
4 | 90 (2286) | 90 (2286) | 113 (2858) | 113 (2858) | 122 (3100) | 122 (3100) | - |
5 | 111 (2813) | 111 (2813) | 138 (3516) | 138 (3516) | 149 (3797) | 149 (3797) | - |
6 | 133 (3366) | 133 (3366) | 166 (4216) | 166 (4216) | 179 (4543) | 179 (4543) | 225 (5715) |
8 | 173 (4382) | 173 (4382) | 216 (5487) | 216 (5487) | 233 (5921) | 233 (5921) | 293 (7437) |
10 | 216 (5486) | 216 (5486) | 271 (6882) | 271 (6882) | 297 (7547) | 297 (7547) | 366 (9296) |
12 | 259 (6577) | 259 (6577) | 325 (8255) | 325 (8255) | 357 (9074) | 357 (9074) | 434 (11024) |
14 | 318 (7112) | 318 (7112) | 389 (9890) | 389 (9890) | 426 (10817) | 426 (10817) | 497 (12621) |
Pipe Flexibility Creates Construction Site Flexibility
HDPE’s flexibility means it is the most accommodating pipe for most projects. Whether digging through uneven site conditions or under vital infrastructure, our wide range of HDPE options makes your construction site better in every way.
Here’s how a more flexible construction site benefits you:
Transportation costs less and is easier with ultra-light pipes compared to concrete and iron pipes.
Handling is easier, with fewer pieces of heavy machinery onsite.
Installation options are endless, with the ability to use horizontal directional drilling (with diameters up to 6” DR 11 – 13.5”, produced in thousands of feet)
Site safety is improved with HDPE that is conveniently rolled on spools.
Important Note About Slip-lining/Relining at Your Construction Site
Slip-lining (or relining) has quickly become the preferred solution for replacing pipelines. It involves inserting a new HDPE pipe into the existing pipeline. (Often made of concrete or iron pipes.)
This relatively quick and easy process restores the functionality of your pipe system while minimizing the need for expensive and disruptive excavation work. This makes it an excellent option for many of Sandale Ontario’s clients, including municipalities, industries and utility companies.
Sandale’s Flexible HDPE Pipes Also Increase Your Pipe System’s Lifespan
In some areas, the soil composition is conducive to shifting. Due to the flexibility and durability of HDPE pipes, shifting soils is rarely a concern, as it will absorb stresses caused by the movement. Since HDPE is not brittle, it can bend over uneven terrain in continuous lengths without couplings. Even repetitive pressure surges aren’t an issue. And HDPE maintains its flow rate even after decades of use.
HDPE even resists the effects of freezing and allows bending without the need for an excessive number of fittings.
The rarity of leaks means that the cost of maintaining HDPE pipes over the long term is minimal. The life cycle cost of an HDPE pipe is far less than that of other pipe materials because the "allowable water leakage" is zero, compared to typical leakage rates of 10 to 20% for PVC and ductile iron.
Improve Everything About Your Pipe Project. It All Starts With an Email to Sandale Ontario
Our HDPE pipes are the quintessential fluid transportation system for businesses and municipalities. Whether you’re seeking a piping solution that’s more durable, easier to install, lighter to transport or more flexible, our HDPE pipes are custom-designed to improve your project every time.
Simply send us a quick email about your project, and our team will follow up with much more information on how we can work with you to build the best pipe system possible. We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you soon!