ASTM F2928-18 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Specimens and Testing Conditions for Testing Polyethylene (PE) Pipe Butt Fusions Using Tensile and Hydrostatic Test Methods — a short practice that specifies how to prepare, condition, and test specimens taken from PE pipe butt fusion joints so that tensile and hydrostatic test results are comparable between laboratories and parties.

Abstract

This practice provides requirements for standardized preparation of sample butt fusions, extraction and preparation of tensile specimens, conditioning, and test conditions for tensile testing (per Test Method D638) and hydrostatic testing (per Test Methods D1598 and D1599). It is intended to improve the ability to reliably compare butt-fusion test data between multiple parties.

General information

• Status: Active / Published (reapproved 2023).
• Publication date: Reapproved 2023 (document listed with 2023 reapproval; storefront/tracker last updated Feb 8, 2023; catalog entry shows January 2023 publication).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 23.040.20 (Plastics pipes); 23.040.45 (Plastics fittings).
• Edition / version: Designation F2928-18 (reapproved 2023) — also shown as F2928-18R23 (current active version).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

This practice standardizes sample butt fusion preparation, conditioning, and testing conditions for tensile specimens prepared from butt-fusion joints (Test Method D638) and for hydrostatic testing of sample butt fusion joints (constant/sustained pressure D1598 and short-term pressure D1599). It is limited to polyethylene materials and to those specimen types and test methods called out in the standard; evaluation criteria and broader material types are outside its scope.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized preparation of sample butt fusions (alignment, fusion length, and sampling procedures).
• Extraction and machining of tensile specimens from fused joints to meet Test Method D638 Type I–V requirements.
• Conditioning procedures for specimens (reference to Practice D618 for conditioning at test temperature).
• Hydrostatic testing procedures for constant (D1598) and short-term pressure (D1599) tests on sample fusions.
• Limitation to polyethylene (PE) materials; other plastics are excluded from this practice.
• Use of inch-pound units as the normative units (SI conversions provided for information only).
• The practice standardizes test specimen preparation and test conditions only; it does not set pass/fail acceptance criteria or evaluate results.

Typical use and users

Used by materials and quality laboratories, polyethylene pipe manufacturers, fusion-equipment developers, construction and pipeline contractors, and research organizations that perform qualification or comparative testing of butt-fused PE pipe joints. Also referenced by committees and industry groups developing procedures and design guidance for PE piping.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside and referencing: ASTM D638 (tensile test of plastics), D1598 (time-to-failure under constant pressure), D1599 (short-term hydraulic pressure), D618 (conditioning plastics for testing), ASTM F2620 (heat fusion joining of PE pipe and fittings), and terminology standards such as F412. The practice also references industry technical reports (for example PPI TR-3/TR-33 procedures) for joint preparation context.

Keywords

butt fusion, polyethylene, PE pipe, tensile test, hydrostatic test, D638, D1598, D1599, specimen preparation, conditioning, fusion qualification, plastic piping.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: A short ASTM practice (F2928-18, reapproved 2023) that specifies how to prepare, condition, and test specimens taken from polyethylene pipe butt-fusion joints for tensile and hydrostatic testing.

Q: What does it cover?

A: Procedures for preparing sample butt fusions, extracting and machining tensile specimens (per D638), conditioning specimens, and conducting hydrostatic tests (per D1598 and D1599). It standardizes methods so results are comparable across labs; it does not set acceptance criteria.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Testing and materials laboratories, PE pipe and fittings manufacturers, fusion-equipment suppliers, contractors involved in fusion work, and researchers developing or validating fusion procedures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation is F2928-18 with a 2023 reapproval (listed active in ASTM’s catalog as F2928-18R23). Users should check ASTM’s catalog/tracker for the most recent status or later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is developed under ASTM Committee F17 (Plastic Piping Systems), Subcommittee F17.40 (Test Methods), and is complementary to other F17 standards (for example F2620 for fusion procedures and F412 for terminology).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: butt fusion, polyethylene, tensile specimen, hydrostatic test, D638, D1598, D1599, specimen conditioning, fusion qualification.