GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.

01
Design Data

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS remains in strict alignment and is not subject to deflections during oper-
The Victaulic piping method may be used for joining a variety of piping ation. For this reason, these products require support techniques similar
systems for a wide variety of services. It may be utilized for varied pipe to those used in traditional flanged or welded systems.
sizes, pipe materials and wall thickness. Products are available to pro- Systems incorporating rigid couplings require the calculated thermal
vide rigid or flexible systems. For specific product information relating growth/contraction of the piping system to be fully compensated for
to use on varied pipe materials refer to the appropriate sections of this in the design of the piping system. This requires adequate use of flex-
catalog. ible components, (i.e. flexible couplings, expansion joints, expansion
As with any piping method, the nature of the method should be consid- loops using flexible couplings at the elbows, etc.) such that no bending
ered in designing the piping systems. This design data applies primarily moments can be developed and imparted at the pipe joints. Please
to grooved end pipe, however, much of the information applies to other refer to Victaulic publication 26.02 for further details.
Victaulic mechanical piping products used in conjunction with grooved FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS
components.
The following factors must be considered when designing or install-
The material presented is intended solely for piping design reference in ing flexible grooved end piping systems (including Styles 75, 77, W77
utilization of Victaulic products for their intended application. It is not [Advanced Groove System] and others).
intended as a replacement for competent, professional assistance which
is an obvious requisite to any specific application. Good piping practice PRESSURE THRUST
should always prevail. Specific pressures, temperatures, external or When a flexible grooved type mechanical coupling is sustaining forces
internal loads, performance standards and tolerances must never be trying to separate the pipe ends, the shoulder of the groove is pulled
exceeded. hard against the inside face of the coupling key. This is what prevents
While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the pipes from separating.
Victaulic Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, The allowable force which a joint can sustain varies for different types of
make no express or implied warranty of merchantability or couplings, pipe wall thickness, types of pipes and grooving. The product
fitness for a particular purpose respecting the information data under the column “Maximum Permissible End Load” shows the
contained in this catalog or the materials referred to therein. maximum allowable end force due to internal pressure and external
Illustrations shown within this catalog are not drawn to scale and loading that different couplings will sustain.
may have been exaggerated for clarity. Anyone making use of the
information or material contained herein does so at his own risk
and assumes any and all liability resulting from such use.
RIGID COUPLINGS
Rigid grooved end piping systems (including Styles 07, W07 (Advanced
Groove System), 307, HP-70, 005, and others) provide a mechanical PT D PT
and frictional interlock onto the pipe ends sufficient to result in a rigid
joint.
HP-70 rigid couplings grip the base of the groove providing a rigid joint.
Style 07 Zero-Flex® couplings have a unique, patented angle pad
design which constricts the housing keys into the groove around the full
circumference to grip the pipe rigidly. The housings slide on the angled
pads rather than mating squarely.
When this end force is due to a closed end or change in direction, the
PATENTED
pressure thrust transmitted by the joint can be computed from the
­formula:
PT = π 4 D P
2

Where:
PT = Pressure thrust or end load (lbs.)
D = Outside diameter of pipe (inches)
p = Internal pressure (psi)
Pipe will be moved to the full extent of the available pipe end gaps
ANGLED PAD STyLE COUPLINGS HP-70 COUPLING when allowed to float. Ensure resulting movement of randomly installed
Exaggerated for clarity
This sliding adjustment also forces the key sections into opposed systems is not harmful to joints at changes in directions or branch con-
contact on the inside and outside groove edges, pushing the joint to its nections or to parts of structure or other equipment. Note also that
maximum pipe end separation during assembly. thermal expansion of pipes will add to total movement in these cases.
These products can be considered to have system behavior character-
istics similar to those of welded or flanged systems, in that all piping

job owner ContraCtor enGineer

system no. __________________________ submitted By ________________________ spec sect ____________ para __________
location ____________________________ date ________________________________ approved ___________________________
date ________________________________

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rev_C 26.01_1
GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

JOINTS DEFLECTED
NO EXPANSION/CONTRACTION AVAILABLE

Pressure Zero
∆L

Line Pressurized For

Deflection
For
Expansion

Plan View The grooved piping method will not allow both maximum linear move-
(Zero Pressure) ment and maximum angular movement simultaneously at the same
joint. If both are expected simultaneously, systems should be designed
with sufficient joints to accommodate both, including allowance for
Plan View ­recommended tolerances.
(Pressurized)
Flexible couplings do not automatically provide for expansion or
Hanger contraction of piping. Always consider best setting for pipe end gaps. In
anchored systems, gaps must be set to handle combinations of expan-
sion and contraction. In free floating systems offsets of sufficient length
Lateral Gross effect of must be used to accommodate movement without overdeflecting joints.
Force inadequate lateral
restraint on suspended system. G
(illustration exaggerated for clarity)

FULLY APART
For anchored systems, where pressure thrusts do not act to hold the Expansion Only
joints in tension, or in systems where the joints have been intentionally
deflected (e.g., curves), provide lateral restraint to prevent movement
of the pipes due to pressure thrusts acting at deflections. Lightweight FULLY BUTTED
Contraction Only
hangers are not adequate in preventing sideways movement of pipes. It
should be anticipated that small deflections will occur in all straight lines
and side thrusts will be exerted on the joints. PARTIALLY GAPPED
Expansion and Contraction

Linear movement available at flexible grooved pipe joints is published

under performance data for each Victaulic coupling style. These values
Angular deflection at butted or fully spaced joints is not possible unless are MAXIMUMS. For design and installation purposes, these figures
the ends of the pipes are free to move as required. should be reduced by the following factors to allow for pipe groove
Unrestrained deflected joints will straighten up under the action of axial ­tolerances.
pressure thrusts or other forces acting to pull pipes apart. If joints are to
be maintained deflected, then lines must be anchored to restrain pres-
sure thrusts and end pull forces, otherwise sufficient lateral force must
be exerted to keep joint deflected.
F
Θ

Lateral forces (F) will always act on deflected joints due to internal
—pressure. A fully deflected joint will no longer be capable of providing LINEAR MOVEMENT TOLERANCE
the full linear movement normally available at the joint. 3/4 – 3 1/2"/20 – 90 mm – Reduce published figures by 50%
4"/100 mm and larger – Reduce published figures by 25%
Standard cut grooved pipe will provide double the expansion/contraction
or deflection capabilities of the same size standard roll groove pipe.
Lateral Misalignment

At least two flexible couplings are required to provide for lateral mis-
alignment of pipes. Angular deflection of each joint must not exceed
Maximum Deflection From Centerline published for each Victaulic
­coupling style.

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

OFFSETS AND BRANCH CONNECTIONS Θ = Maximum Deflection (Degrees) from Center Line as shown
∆L Movement Due under Performance Data (Published value to be reduced by Design
to Pressure Thrusts Tolerance.)
D = Pipe Outside Diameter (Inches)
L = Pipe Length (Inches)
Θ Offset Must be of
Sufficient Length
misalignment
Pipe misalignment can be accommodated with a Victaulic flexible
grooved piping system. Note that at least two flexible couplings must be
used for the combined lateral displacement and angular deflection (Y).
Ensure that branch connections and offsets are sufficiently long so that (Refer to 26.03 for details.)
the maximum angular deflection of coupling (shown in Performance L Y
Data for each coupling style) is never exceeded and can accommodate
anticipated total movement of pipes.
Otherwise, anchor system to direct movement away from these. Also G
ensure that adjacent pipes can move freely to provide anticipated
movements. (Refer to page 6 for more details.)
The movement available can be calculated from the flexible coupling
angular Performance Data.
Angular deflection available at flexible grooved pipe joints is published curve
under Performance Data for each Victaulic coupling style. These values
Curves may be installed with straight pipe lengths utilizing the angular
are MAXIMUMS. For design and installation purposes these figures
deflection (under performance data) available at each flexible coupling.
should be reduced by the following factors to allow for pipe grooving
Note that if the maximum angle of deflection at the couplings is used to
tolerances.
lay the curve, no allowance is left for expansion/contraction.
Θ = Maximum angular deflection between center lines as shown under
NOTE: Pressure thrusts will tend to straighten the curve. Consideration
Performance Data.
must be given to proper anchoring.

=NΘ
L

Θ
Θ R
R
ANGULAR MOVEMENT TOLERANCE Θ
3/4 – 3 1/2"/20 – 90 mm – Reduce published figures by 50% Θ
R

4"/100 mm and larger – Reduce published figures by 25%

Standard cut grooved pipe will provide double the expansion/contraction
or deflection capabilities of the same size standard roll groove pipe.
L Θ
The angular deflection available at a Victaulic flexible grooved pipe joint R = L = 2 R Sin N =
2 Sin Θ 2 Θ
is useful in simplifying and speeding installation. 2
NOTE: Joints which are fully deflected can no longer provide linear
movement. Partially deflected joints will provide some portion of linear Where:
movement. NOTE: Pressure thrusts will tend to straighten deflected
N = Number of Couplings
pipe.
R = Radius of Curve (Feet)
G
Y L = Pipe Length (Feet)
Θ Θ = Deflection from Centerline (°) of each Coupling (See Data Sheets –
D Published value to be reduced by Design Tolerance)
L
∆ = Combined Angular Deflection of all couplings
Y = L SIN Θ
For curves of less than 90° total deflection, the data shown on the
G previous page can be used to determine:
Θ = SIN -1
D 1. The radius of curvature that can be made using pipes of a given
Y= GxL length and utilizing either the full or partial angle of deflection available
D
from the couplings used. Alternatively, the maximum length of pipe that
Where: can be used to negotiate a curve of a certain radius using either the
maximum or partial angle of deflection available from the couplings.
Y = Misalignment (Inches)
2. The total number of flexible couplings required to negotiate a curve
G = Maximum Allowable Pipe End Movement (Inches) as shown
having a given deflection angle.
under Performance Data (Published value to be reduced by Design
Tolerance.)

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

PIPE SUPPORT – ANCHORAGE AND GUIDANCE Movement Due

to Pressure Thrust
FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS – RIGID COUPLINGS
When designing anchorage, support and guidance systems for piping
joined with flexible or rigid mechanical grooved type couplings, it is nec-
Offset
essary to give consideration to certain characteristics of these couplings.
These characteristics distinguish flexible grooved type couplings from
other types and methods of pipe joining. When this is understood, the
designer can utilize the many advantages that these coupling provide.
Coupling Key:
In the system illustrated, if the joints had all been installed butted or
= Rigid Coupling
only partially open when pressurized, the pipe ends would all move to
the maximum extent allowed by the coupling and this movement would
= Flexible Coupling all accumulate at the end of the system. The offset would have to be
capable of deflecting sufficiently, otherwise harmful bending moments
use would be induced in the joints of the offset. Note, if the pipes were to
The use of hangers and supports offering freedom of movement in one expand due to thermal changes, then further growth of the pipes would
or more directions has to be considered to allow pipes to move freely. also take place at the ends.
Spring hangers are good practice at change of direction to allow free-
anchorage
dom of pipe movement.

= Anchor = Lateral Resistance

Ensure anchorage and support is adequate. Use anchors to direct

movement away from or to protect critical changes in direction, branch
connections and structure. Spacing and types of supports should
consider anticipated pipe movements.
PUMP OCILLATION If rigid couplings are used, consideration must be given to use of expan-
sion joints if thermal movement is expected.
accommodating
Flexible grooved type couplings allow angular flexibility and rotational
movement to take place at joints. These features provide advantages in rules
installing and engineering piping systems, but must be considered when For long pipe runs incorporating flexible couplings, it is normal practice
determining hanger and support spacing. to anchor or block all changes in direction of piping to prevent pres-
sure thrusts from creating linear growth at the flexible joints. It may be
necessary to guide the pipe to prevent lateral movement of the pipe
between the anchors.
Intermediate anchors can be installed to control pipe movement in
Sag Due to
Flexibility selected areas and to reduce pipe end forces on joints.
When changes in direction are located in a structure (i.e. pump room)
a main anchor can be used at the change in direction to handle loads
created by pressure thrusts. The anchor would also prevent unwanted
Front Side movement of the piping at equipment connections.
Elevation View

As illustrated, it is obvious that this system would require further hang-

ers to eliminate the drooping of the pipes that would occur. Hanger
positions must therefore be considered in relation to the angular and
rotational movement that will occur at joints.
Good use can be made of rigid Zero-Flex Style 07 couplings in boiler
and machinery rooms. These will increase rigidity where needed.

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

pipe FLEXIBLE SySTEMS

For coupling Styles including 75, 77, W77, 770, and others. Standard
grooved-type couplings allow angular, linear and rotational movement
Piping joined with grooved type couplings, like all other piping systems, at each joint, to accommodate expansion, contraction, settling, vibra-
requires support to carry the weight of pipes, equipment and fluid. tion, noise and other piping system movement. These features provide
Like all other methods of joining pipes, the support or hanging method advantages in designing piping systems but must be considered when
must be such as to eliminate undue stresses on joints, piping and other determining hanger and support bracing and location.
components. Additionally, the method of support must be such as to
Maximum Hanger Spacing
allow movement of the pipes where required and to provide for other
special requirements such as drainage, etc. as may be required by the For straight runs without concentrated loads and where full linear move-
designer. The support system for flexible mechanical grooved type pipe ment is required.
couplings must consider some of the special requirements of these PIPE
couplings. SIZE Pipe Length in Feet/meters
7 10 12 15 20 22 25 30 35 40
The tables show suggested maximum span between pipe supports for Nominal 2.1 3.0 3.7 4.6 6.1 6.7 7.6 9.1 10.7 12.2
horizontal straight runs of standard weight steel pipe carrying water or Inches/
mm *Average Hangers per Pipe Length Evenly Spaced
similarly dense liquids. They are not intended to be used as specifica-
3/4 – 1
tions for all installations. These DO NOT apply where critical calculations 20 – 25
1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6
are made or where there are concentrated loads between supports. 1 1/4 – 2
1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5
Do not attach supports directly to the couplings. Support adjoining pipe 32 – 50
and equipment only. 2 1/2 – 4
1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4
65 – 100
rigid 5–8
1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
125 – 200
For Victaulic rigid coupling Styles 07, W07, 307, HP-70, 005, 009, and
others, the Maximum Hanger Spacing below may be used. 10 – 12
1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
250 – 300
Suggested Maximum Span Between Supports 14 – 16
1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
Size Feet/meters 350 – 400
Actual 18 – 24
Nominal Outside 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
Water Service Gas or Air Service 450 – 600
Size Dia.
In./mm In./mm * † ‡ * † ‡ 28 – 42
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3
1 1.315 7 9 12 9 9 12 700 – 1050
25 33.7 2.1 2.7 3.7 2.7 2.7 3.7 *No pipe length should be left unsupported between any two couplings.
1 1/4 1.660 7 11 12 9 11 12 NOTE: 14 – 16" maximum hanger spacing values apply to 377 mm and
32 42.4 2.1 3.4 3.7 2.7 3.4 3.7
426 mm Style 77 couplings
1 1/2 1.900 7 12 15 9 13 15
40 48.3 2.1 3.7 4.6 2.7 4.0 4.6 Maximum Hanger Spacing
2 2.375 10 13 15 13 15 15 For straight runs without concentrated loads and where full linear move-
50 60.3 3.1 4.0 4.6 4.0 4.6 4.6 ment is not required.
3 3.500 12 15 15 15 17 15
80 88.9 3.7 4.6 4.6 4.6 5.2 4.6 Suggested Maximum Span
PIPE SIZE RANGE Between Supports
4 4.500 14 17 15 17 21 15
100 114.3 4.3 5.2 4.6 5.2 6.4 4.6 Nominal
Inches/mm Feet/meters
6 6.625 17 20 15 21 25 15
150 168.3 5.2 6.1 4.6 6.4 7.6 4.6 3/4 - 1 8
20 - 25 2.4
8 8.625 19 21 15 24 28 15
200 219.1 5.8 6.4 4.6 7.3 8.5 4.6 11/4 - 2 10
32 - 50 3.0
10 10.750 19 21 15 24 31 15
250 273.0 5.8 6.4 4.6 7.3 9.5 4.6 21/2 - 4 12
65 - 100 3.7
12 12.750 23 21 15 30 33 15
300 323.9 7.0 6.4 4.6 9.1 10.1 4.6 5-8 14
125 - 200 4.3
14 14.000 23 21 15 30 33 15
350 355.6 7.0 6.4 4.6 9.1 10.1 4.6 10 - 12 16
250 - 300 4.9
16 16.000 27 21 15 35 33 15
400 406.4 8.2 6.4 4.6 10.7 10.1 4.6 14 - 16 18
350 - 400 5.5
18 18.000 27 21 15 35 33 15
450 457.0 8.2 6.4 4.6 10.7 10.1 4.6 18 - 24 20
450 - 600 6.1
20 20.000 30 21 15 39 33 15
500 508.0 9.1 6.4 4.6 11.9 10.1 4.6 28 - 42 21
700 - 1050 6.4
24 24.000 32 21 15 42 33 15
600 610.0 9.8 6.4 4.6 12.8 10.1 4.6 NOTE: 14 – 16" maximum hanger spacing values apply to 377 mm and
* Spacing corresponds to ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code. 426 mm Style 77 couplings
† Spacing corresponds to ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping Code.
‡ Spacing corresponds to NFPA 13 Fire Sprinkler Systems.

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rev_C 26.01_5
GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

Light-Wall, Stainless Steel Rigid System Hanger Spacing ANCHORS

Light-wall, stainless steel piping requires hangers to meet the following
FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS – RIGID COUPLINGS
spacing requirements. For flexible systems, refer to the preceding tables
under the “Flexible Sysems” section. For rigid systems, refer to the table Anchors can be used to prevent movement due to pressure thrust.
below for maximum hanger spacing. There are two types of anchors which are commonly used:
Suggested Maximum Span Between Supports A. Main anchors
P IPE SIZE Feet/meters B. Intermediate anchors
Nominal Size A
Inches (mm) Schedule 10S Schedule 5S
B
2 10 9
50 3.1 2.7 PT PT
3 12 10
80 3.7 3.1
4 12 11
A. Main Anchors
100 3.7 3.4 Main anchors are installed at or near terminations and changes of
6 14 13 direction of a pipe line. The forces acting on a main anchor will result
150 4.3 4.0 from internal pressure thrust. These forces can generate substantial
8 15 13 loads which may require structural analysis.
200 4.6 4.0
PT = Pressure Thrust (Pounds)
10 16 15 D = Outside Diameter of Pipe (Inches)
250 4.9 4.6 p = Internal Pressure (psi)
12 17 16 PT = π D2p
300 5.2 4.9 4
14* 21 A PTr
—
350 6.4 PT
16* 22
—
400 6.7 PT
PT
18* 22 Θ
—
450 6.7
20* 24
—
500 7.3
24* 25
600 7.6
— Θ PT
PTr = 2 PT sin
2
*Hanger spacing for these sizes applies to Style W89 and Style W489 AGS
Rigid Couplings B
PTr = Pressure Thrust Resultant

A PTr
Θ
PT
PT
PT

Θ
PTr = 2 PT sin
2 B

B. Intermediate Anchors
Intermediate anchors divide a long pipe run, with main anchors at each
end, into individual expanding sections. The pressure thrust on the
intermediate anchors cancel each other out.
B

PT PT

Where there is a change in pipe diameter, there will be a differential

pressure thrust acting on an intermediate anchor.
B

D1 D2
PTD
D1 > D2

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

The differential pressure thrust PTD is calculated by:

L1

( )
A
πD12 πD22
PTD = p ­— C1
4 4 D D D D
B
To keep pipe in alignment, guidance to prevent lateral movement or L2
deflection at flexible coupling joints may be required. An alternative
would be to use rigid couplings to keep joints from deflecting where not
desired. C2

applications L3

The following are shown to call attention to the mechanical advantages EXAMPLE 3
of the grooved piping method; how they can be utilized to the piping Example 3:
systems designer’s benefit. These are presented to stimulate thought To properly restrain this system, it would be necessary to provide a
and should not be considered as recommendations for a specific pressure thrust anchor at “A” to prevent the piping outside being forced
­system. inside by the pressure thrust acting at the elbow “B.” Inside, it would be
The Victaulic grooved piping method, when used in a piping system, necessary to provide a hanger at point C1, or a base support at point
should always be utilized in designs consistent with good piping prac- C2. Providing any expected pipe movements, no anchoring would be
tice. The design considerations for engineering and installing grooved required and the self-restraining feature of the joints would hold the
piping systems covered elsewhere in this manual should always be piping securely together. Outside, it would be necessary to ensure that
referred to. the maximum end load of the joints was not exceeded due to thermal
movement of the pipes. Intermediate anchors may be required. Pipe
THERMAL EXPANSION AND/OR CONTRACTION must be properly supported (“D”) and guided. Where flexible couplings
Movement in piping systems due to thermal changes can be accommo- are not required, rigid couplings can reduce supports and offsets
dated with the grooved piping method. Sufficient flexible joints must be (except where thermal movement is anticipated).
available to accommodate anticipated movement, including Movement A
Tolerance. If anticipated movement will be greater than provided by the
total number of joints in the system, additional expansion in the form
of a Victaulic Style 150 or 155 expansion joint (see separate literature) B B
must be provided. Rigid systems will necessitate use of expansion joints
or flexible couplings at offsets where system movement is required. EXAMPLE 4
Example 4:
Anchor at “A” to prevent pressure thrust from moving expansion unit.
Provide guides at points “B” to direct movement into expansion joint.
EXAMPLE 1 See page 5 for pipe support suggestions.
Example 1: B
400 foot/122 m long, straight piping system; 6"/150 mm; 20 foot/6.1 m
random lengths; installed at 60°F/15.5°C (also lowest operating tem-
perature); maximum operating temperature of 180°F/82.2°C. Standard
Θ
expansion tables show this system will give 3.7"/94 mm total anticipated
A
movement.
20 Joints between anchor points L ∆L
x 1/4"/6.4 mm Movement per cplg. (Style 77 on cut grooved pipe)
5"/128 mm Available movement
– 25% Movement tolerance (see Section 27.02)
EXAMPLE 5
3.75"/96 mm Adjusted available movement
Example 5:
Anchor “A” at one end of the long run. A sufficiently long pipe between
two flexible couplings, prior to a “fixed location” “B”, may be used to
accommodate the growth/contraction of the entire long run. Use rigid
EXAMPLE 2
couplings on the long run to eliminate movement due to pressure thrust.
Example 2:
Same as above. Installed at 20°F/–6.7°C and operating at 200°F/93°C.
Anticipated movement = 5.5"/139 mm.
A standard 6"/150 mm Victaulic Style 150 expansion joint will supply an
additional 3"/80 mm of movement required. Refer to separate product
literature for details.
In the above example, Style 07 rigid couplings could have been used
and the expansion and/or contraction requirement be made up with
additional flexible couplings and/or Style 150, 155 expansion joints as
needed.
See page 5 for pipe support suggestions.

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rev_C 26.01_7
GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

B anchorage
A number of methods of installing vertical piping systems may be
­
considered:

½ ∆L ½L ½L victaulic
Risers are commonly installed with anchors at the base and riser
A ½ ∆L
top with the piping in between guided at every other floor to prevent
“snaking” of the line. Pre-gapping of the pipe ends will allow for thermal
expansion up to the maximum published in our literature. Risers with
branch connections should have intermediate anchors or offsets to
B
prevent system movement at these locations which could cause shear-
EXAMPLE 6 ing of components or branches.
Example 6:
Anchor “A” in the center of the long run. 1/2 of the movement will victaulic
be directed towards each elbow. A sufficiently long pipe between Risers consisting entirely of rigid couplings can get treated similar to
two flexible couplings, prior to a “fixed location” “B”, may be used welded systems and, where thermal movement is required, expansion
to accommodate the growth/contraction of the long run. Use rigid joints or offsets will be necessary to prevent system movement and
couplings on the long run to eliminate movement due to pressure thrust. damage to components. These systems are obviously most advanta-
geous where rigidity is desired as in mechanical equipment rooms, at
pump connections, etc.
victaulic
By designing risers with the combination system, you can make use of
the rigidity of the Style 07 couplings to reduce guiding requirements,
and the flexibility of the Style 77 couplings with short nipples or the
Style 150 “Mover” expansion joint, to accommodate thermal movement
as required.
1. Risers With Supplementary Thermal Compensators – When
greater pipe movement is required, the movement at the joints can
be supplemented by the use of Victaulic expansion units consist-
ing of a series of short nipples and couplings or Style 155 or Style
150 Mover expansion joints. Refer to Victaulic publication 09.06
for installation details.

A typical system is illustrated. Adequate guidance must be provid-

ed. This system will require pressure thrust anchors at “A” and “B”
and also, dependent upon the length of the stack, intermediate
anchors such as at “C” to break up the pipe movement and carry
some of the total weight if necessary.
When using this method, it is necessary to consider that if pipes
are stacked (i.e., end butted) then couplings joining pipes cannot
accommodate expansion so that it may be necessary to consider
hanging pipes from points “C” and “B.” Also, consider movement
so that shear forces are not added at any branches.

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

2. Treatment of Risers With Branch Connections – Free mov-

ing risers can cause shear forces at branch connections due to
pressure thrusts and/or thermal movement. The pipe should be
anchored at or near the base with a major pressure thrust anchor
“A” capable of supporting the full pressure thrust and local weight C
of pipe and fluids. Any movement of horizontal pipe at the bottom
of the riser must be considered independently with adequate pro-
vision for movement.
When flexible couplings are used, the system can be anchored at
the top “B” with an anchor capable of withstanding full pressure
thrust at the top of the riser plus local weight of pipe. The use of
C
this upper anchor prevents any possibility of closed joints opening
under pressure and causing movement at the riser top.

C A

An alternative would be to use rigid couplings which would not

C allow “closed joints” to open. The system can be anchored at “A”
also, and intermediate anchors at “C” can be used to support local
pipe weight. Allowance for thermal movement should be consid-
ered depending on application.
C
3. Treatment of Risers Without Branch Connections for Flexible
Couplings – With this method, a major thrust anchor is again cre-
ated at the bottom of the stack “A” supports the total weight of
C pipe and fluids.
Guidance is necessary at suitable intervals to prevent buckling of
the riser.
S

This method is often used for fire standpipe or similar systems

where movement would cause shearing of intermediate compo-
nents or branches.
Piping between upper “B” and lower “A” anchors should be sup-
ported by intermediate anchor (“C”) capable of supporting local
pipe weight and preventing lateral movement. Intermediate clamps
should be placed a minimum of every other pipe length.
Proper gapping of pipe to allow adequate thermal movement
should be considered depending on nature of movement expected.
(Refer to Design Considerations.)

It is necessary that the pipe length “S” at the top of the stack
be long enough to accommodate the total vertical movement.
This movement is the result of the combined effect of pipe being
moved to full extent of the available pipe end gaps due to pressure
thrusts and thermal growth.

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GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

seismic
S
Please refer to Victaulic publication 26.12 for detailed information on
seismic design issues.
The Victaulic system provides many mechanical design features useful
in systems subject to earthquake conditions. The inherent flexibility of
flexible couplings such as the Style 75 and 77, act to reduce the trans-
mission of stresses throughout the pipe system and the resilient gasket
aids to further reduce the transmission of vibration. Where flexibility is
not desired, rigid couplings such as the Styles HP-70 and 07 Zero-Flex
can be used.
As a general practice, seismic bracing and piping supports are utilized
in piping systems to prevent excessive movement during a seismic
occurrence which would result in stressing the piping system by control-
ling and directing system movement. In a similar manner, piping sup-
ports for a Victaulic grooved piping system must limit pipe movements
such that they do not exceed the recommended allowable deflections
and end loads.
An excellent reference source, which covers these piping systems, is
A NFPA 13 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems). The standard requires
sprinkler systems to be protected to minimize or prevent pipe breakage
Rigid couplings also could be used to prevent opening of “closed where subject to earthquakes.
joints.” For offset “S” at the top of the stack to accommodate ther-
This is accomplished by using two techniques:
mal growth, it would be necessary to use the required number of
flexible couplings depending on the angular deflection. a) Making the piping flexible where necessary (Flexible Couplings)
4. Treatment of Risers To Eliminate Concentrated Anchor Loads b) Affixing the piping to the building structure for minimum relative
movement (Sway Bracing)
Flexibility is provided by using flexible couplings (e.g., 75, 77) join-
ing grooved end pipe, and swing joints. “Rigid-Type” (e.g., HP-70, 07)
mechanical couplings, which do not permit movement at the grooved
connection, are not considered flexible couplings. Rigid couplings are
used in horizontal piping for purposes other than the requirements of
h3 Anchor earthquake protection.
Branch lines also braced where movement could damage other
­equipment.
Where large pipe movements are anticipated, seismic swing joints are
made up using flexible grooved couplings, pipe nipples and grooved
h2 elbows, as shown on page 10.

h1 Anchor

When structural requirements dictate that base anchor load or

upper anchor loads must be minimized, then the use of a “looped”
system (as shown) should be considered. In the system illustrated,
each anchor carries the local weight of pipe.
This method is often considered in tall buildings where high
anchor loads would be generated.
The offsets must be long enough to accommodate movement in
the pipes due to flexible couplings opening up under pressure plus
any thermal or other movements of pipes or supports.
The use of rigid couplings could be considered to prevent joints
from opening up and where thermal movement is anticipated, it
should be accommodated with the use of flexible couplings or
expansion joints.

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26.01_10
26.01_4 REV
GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

Victaulic No. 10 90° Elbow

(6 Required)

Victaulic Flexible
Coupling
(10 Required) 10" Long Nipple
(2 Required)

Nipple Length
CL as Required

8" 8" CL CL

Normal Position Pipe Line Front Elevation Pipe Line

2 Ells

10" Long Nipple 10" Long Nipple

“C” “D”

Coupling
“B”
“A”
CL CL
4" 4"
Fire
8" 8" Sprinkler 4" 4"
Main
8" 8"
2 Ells Normal
Position Normal
2 Ells Position
& Nipple “E”
Longitudinal Movement

Vertical
Movement
Fire Sprinkler Coupling
Main Ell
Normal
Position
“A” “B”

Ell
“C”
4" 8"
4"
Ell Nipple “E”
2 Ell Lengths
8½" for 3" Pipe
7½" for 2½"
Ell Pipe

“D” Lateral Movement

The above illustration represents a typical configuration. Consult Victaulic publication 26.12 for specific design options.

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rev_C 26.01_11
GrooveD PiPinG SyStem – DeSiGn Data 26.01
Design Data

WCAS-67UH2J

For complete contact information, visit www.victaulic.com

26.01 1506 rev C UPDateD 4/2005
Victaulic is a registered trademark oF Victaulic company. © 2005 Victaulic company. all rights reserVed. printed in the usa.

26.01