Tuff-N-Nuff® is a rockshield comprised of small diameter (approximately 0.050”) strands of flexible PVC which form a porous, non-woven mat. These strands are bonded to each other in a controlled random pattern during production. Tuff-N-Nuff® protects pipeline coatings from direct impact during backfill operations. It also provides long-term protection by keeping hard objects in the backfill from coming into contact with the pipeline coating. Tuff-N-Nuff® also protects the pipeline coating from these abrasive objects as lateral and longitudinal movements occur once the pipeline is placed into service. In addition, Tuff-N-Nuff® does not shield cathodic protection being supplied to pipelines.

Advantages

■ Laboratory and field tested to protect FBE coated steel from rocky or harsh backfill material.
■ Outstanding impact resistance results in the modified ASTM G-13 rock drop testing.
■ Porous and random strand matrix design does not shield cathodic protection.
■ PVC product construction reduces the impact load transfer onto the pipe during backfilling.
■ Durable product which exhibits excellent physical and performance properties.
■ Flexible, lightweight material allows for a quick and inexpensive installation process, even in
extreme arctic temperatures.
■ Custom sizes are available for every pipeline diameter size (zero waste).
■ Product was designed and has been sold specifically as a rockshield for nearly 30 years.
■ Manufacturing capacity to support large scale pipeline projects.
■ Specified for use as a rockshield by some of largest pipeline owners in the world.
■ Safety yellow color helps to identify the pipeline during dig ups

Coverage

Tuff-N-Nuff® is available in two standard product thicknesses – 1/4” and 3/8” (6.35 mm and 9.52 mm). Rolls are provided for pipeline diameters up to and including 20”, with a width matching the pipeline circumference plus a nominal 4-inch overlap. Standard rolls are 30 feet long, but can be produced in any practical length that can be easily lifted on the jobsite, typically not exceeding 60 feet in length. Pads are provided for pipelines greater than 20” in diameter, with a width matching the pipeline circumference plus a nominal 4-inch overlap. Standard pad lengths are 72” (36” width available upon request).

Application

Tuff-N-Nuff® is installed in one of three ways, depending on pipeline diameter, available equipment, and contractor’s preference.

For pipelines measuring 20” in diameter or less, the “cigarette wrap” method is recommended. Unroll Tuff-N-Nuff® rolls along the top of the pipe allowing the free edges to hang down. The width of the Tuff-N-Nuff® roll is matched to the circumference of the pipe and includes a nominal overlap of 4”. Secure the free edges in place with monofilament tape or nonmetallic strapping overlapping the ends at the 6 o’clock position of the pipe for maximum protection.

For pipelines measuring 22” in diameter or more, 72” long Tuff-N-Nuff® pads are available from the factory cut to a width matching the circumference of the pipe. Pads are wrapped around the circumference of the pipe, with ends overlapped approximately 2” to 4” at the 6 o’clock position. Pads are secured in place with monofilament tape or nonmetallic strapping. Pads are placed in this manner along the length of the pipe with an edge overlap of 1” to 2”.

The third method of installing Tuff-N-Nuff® is spiral wrapping. Tuff-N-Nuff® can be purchased in roll form and spiral wrapped around the pipe by hand or with a spiral wrap tape machine.