Structural Performance of Fusion Weld Based on Weld Parameters and Strain Rate in High-Density Polyethylene

Use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material has increased considerably in the last few decades to form long installation lengths of buried infrastructure such as water mains, sewers, and gas pipelines. These pipes are available in standard length sections and joined together to get customized length using fusion-welding techniques. The strength of welds highly depends on welding parameters such as temperature, heat, and soaking time. The structural performance also varies with respect to strain rate. In this paper, the strength of fusion-welded HDPE material is analyzed under different welding parameters and variable strain rates of welded and unwelded samples. An additional important aspect of the present research is to study the structural performance of fusion welds made between extruded HDPE pipes and injection molded HDPE fittings, i.e., elbows, Tee joints and closed-end cap connections. The strain-rate sensitivity index is measured with variable strain rates during tensile testing. The findings of this research can help in understanding and improving the structural performance of HDPE fusion-welded joints in various applications.