Vylon Technical Sheet
HDPE RSC to PVC Stiffness Conversion
‘The ring stiffness constant (RSC) is a term which is calculated using the modulus of elasticity, moment of
inertia and diameter for polyethylene pipe. The pipe properties required for the calculation are normally
given by the manufacturer. The equation for calculating RSC is:
ase= aa 2
=
RSC= Ring Stifiness, Ibfft of pipe
E= Modulus of Elasticity, Ib/in?
I= Moment of Inertia, in*in
D= Mean Pipe Diameter, in
The RSC term is not equivalent to pipe stifness per ASTM D 2412. RSC can be converted to pipe
stiffness for a comparison of pipe strength. The conversion from RSC to pipe stiffness is calculated using
the formula:
RSC)
D
PS= Pipe Stiffness, Ib/in?
C= Adjustment Factor
‘The C factor in the conversion equation is a term which will vary depending on the pipe material, size, and
configuration. An approximate value of 0.80 can be used to calculate the minimum pipe stifness. The
pipe manufacturer should be consulted for product specific values.
Minimum Pipe Stiffness for Specified RSC’s
Pipe RSC 40 RSC 63 RSC 100 RSC 160
Diameter (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi)
(in)
18 12.9 20.2 32.2 516
24 11.0 174 278 44.4
24 98 153 24.4 39.0
27 86 13,7 27 347
30 78 123 195 31.2
36 66 10.2 16.2 25.8
42 56 88 14.1 226
48 49 ww 12.3 19.7
54 43 69 11.0 177
60 39 62 98 158