Darmstadt abrasion test for storm sewer pipes: review of experimental conditions

Abstract

Abstract
The Darmstadt abrasion test has been used mainly to compare abrasion of different types of pipes. However, there is no clear evidence yet for relations between results obtained by using Darmstadt test and variables like service life of materials or composition of the transported water. Based on an experimental device similar to the Darmstadt test, concrete pipes without liner were tested by varying the experimental conditions. It was observed that the variable with the most influence on abrasion results is the hardness of abrasive material followed by the BOD5 concentration. Abrasion results obtained in laboratory were compared to abrasion assessments on in-service concrete pipes in order to observe a possible relation between Darmstadt test time and sewer pipes service life.