This was a problem in the UK ...

This was a problem in the UK in the early 1970s and solved through research at WRc. Though calculations were carried out I recall them only being part of the solution as the problem was identified based on case histories and the solutions based on eliminating the risk factors. The main area of concern was where pumps shut down too quickly combined with using the lower grade of PVC which is not able to withstand negative pressure. Pipe failures tended to occur at points of stress in the pipeline especially where there were large solids in the trench backfill. As mentioned earlier, the main measure to reduce surge pressure is to ensure that pumps do not shut down suddenly and the installation of surge vessels. Since the advent of PE, which absorbs shock loading better than PVC it has become the preferred material for smaller diameters.