8 02/18 core pipe from shifting within the casing pipe, do not stand a length on one end or raise it vertically. Under no condition should a pipe be dragged along the ground. Do not lift fittings or pipe by inserting a bar, pipe, etc., inside of the core. Damage to the pipe may result. If any pipe is damaged in unloading and handling, mark the damaged area and set it aside. Thermal Pipe Systems, Inc. Representative will determine whether damaged casing can be repaired in the field and will determine exact method for repair and instruct contractor in making repair. STORAGE: Store pipe on a flat surface to support the barrel evenly. Store random lengths separately where they will be readily available. Individual lengths of pipe should be stacked in piles no higher than 5 feet. LOADING TRANSFER TRUCKS: Use trucks with long bodies so that pipe lengths do not overhang. Make certain truck bed is smooth, without cross-strips, bolt heads, or other protrusions that could damage the pipe. Short body trucks may be used if fitted with racks that properly support the pipe in a horizontal position. The rack should support the pipe with supports spaced every 3 feet or less along the pipe lengths. Pad the contact areas to avoid damage to the pipe. DISTRIBUTING PIPE ALONG TRENCH: Pipe lengths may be strung along the line of the trench to minimize additional handling during installation. Do not remove protection materials from the pipe ends until the pipe is lowered into the trench and ready for assembly. EXCAVATION: Excavation should consider the need for the thrust blocks at all fittings which are direct buried in the ground. The trench bottom must give uniform support along the entire length of any pipelines. Where several pipelines are in a common trench, the trench must be wide enough to maintain the specified distances between adjacent lines, generally a minimum of 6" in pipe sizes up to 6" diameter, and 12" minimum in sizes 8" and up. The excavation should be in a straight line except where fittings are located. TRENCHING: Trenching shall follow the elevations provided by the Design Engineer. Keep excavations free of water during construction. If the Contractor determines it is necessary to remove unsuitable material to a depth greater than specified, refill excavations carried below the depths indicated or directed with specified bedding material and compact in 6 inch lifts to 95 percent of maximum density in accordance with ASTM D1557, Method D. Excavate and replace soil disturbed and weakened by the Contractor's operations or soils which have softened from exposure to weather, with bedding material and compact with a plate-type vibratory compactor.