This test method is designed to impart tensile impact energy to a butt fused plastic pipe specimen, record the energy to fail the specimen and plot the load over time curve of the tensile test. Energy recorded at yield and rupture and the rupture mode (brittle or ductile) are used as criteria in the evaluation of the butt fusion joint. The evaluation of the force/time curve not only makes it possible to compare different butt fusion parameters but also to evaluate the rupture mode of the specimen to determine joint integrity. Each coupon's test results will usually be compared to test results for coupons machined from the base pipe material, un-fused.

These data are also useful for qualitative characterization and for research and development. For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method.

Tensile properties may vary with specimen preparation and with speed and environment of testing. Consequently, where precise comparative results are desired, these factors must be carefully controlled.

It is realized that a material cannot be tested without also testing the method of preparation of that material. Hence, when comparative tests of materials per se are desired, the greatest care must be exercised to ensure that all specimens are prepared in exactly the same way, unless the test is to include the effects of specimen preparation. While care must be taken to secure the maximum degree of uniformity in details of preparation, treatment, and handling, the exact dimensions of the test specimens are entered into the Data Acquisition System (DAS) before initiating the test.