Innovative

Advances

in Plumbing

Engineering

Design

Through

Technological

Research

IntroductionIn 1976, facing a need for meaningful technical research on emerging technology, the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) established the ASPE Research Foundation. The Foundation is the only independent, impartial organization involved in plumbing engineering and design research. By sponsoring unbiased and impartial technical research, the Foundation upholds the best interests of the the public and plumbing industry.

The work of the ASPE Research Foundation is instrumental in promoting the entire plumbing industry. Information collected and disseminated helps support code revisions, provides a scientific basis for innovative engineering design materials, leads to more cost-effective plumbing design and measures the practical usefulness of plumbing fixtures and equipment.

This aids plumbing engineering professionals by improving their skills and expertise as they learn of innovative concepts, technical breakthroughs and the latest research available on topics directly affecting their work. Manufacturers apply the findings to the development of new products and systems. Contractors reap the rewards of improved products, streamlines systems and upgraded code standards.

The general public clearly benefits from these advances of technical knowledge derived from Foundation-funded research which enable plumbing engineers, manufacturers and contractors to design and install more effective and more efficient plumbing systems. In addition, many research topics directly affect personal health and societal concerns such as drinking water quality, energy efficiency, safety, quality of lakes and streams and other water conservation issues.

Benefits of Research

RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Research AchievementsNumerous studies have been accomplished through the Foundation, including:

> Investigation of water quality in domestic water systems-metallic piping

> Water demand and pipe sizing methodology

> Water-saving fixtures> Restroom fixture

requirements> Water reclamation and

recycling> Medical gas systems research

Completed studies are available upon request.

RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AdministrationThe ASPE Research Foundation is governed by a board of directors representing plumbing engineers, manufacturers, contractors and code experts. This board’s diverse expertise ensures that the full spectrum of the industry is considered as research opportunities are explored and ratified.

The board’s primary purpose is to articulate the overall goals of the research program, to review and recommend individual research projects and to monitor project progress and results. The directors serve the Foundation as volunteers donating their time and expertise.

Administration of the Foundation is handled by ASPE’s Executive Director and staff from the ASPE national headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

The ProposalsThe Foundation welcomes research proposals from all qualified acade-micians, engineers and scientists. On a regular basis, the Foundation receives and considers suggestions and proposals from ASPE members and others. At each board meet-ing, Foundation directors discuss and evaluate potential projects. In addition, a special planning session meets every two years to thoroughly explore potential studies.

Proposals are evaluated for their ability to complete the scope of work within the available budget. Once a contract is awarded, the Foundation administers it and regularly reviews the progress of the work. The Foun-dation’s nondiscrimination policy, in accordance with federal law, empowers the equal participation of all persons, regardless of race, color, age, sex, national origin or disability.

The Foundation is interested in

conducting studies to:

> Influence needed code changes

> Provide rational data on which legislation may be based

> Encourage innovative areas of design

> Provide needed technical data to plumbing engineers via technical publications

> Enhance and improve the public’s safety and the environment

> Help toward efforts to conserve the earth’s resources

RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Looking Toward the FutureIt takes money to conduct this independent research. The ASPE Research Foundation seeks financial support in order to continue the programs that are vital to the health of the industry and to initiate studies in the future. Independent research is an investment in the future. Foundation support comes from ASPE members, local ASPE Chapters, private and federal grants and corporate gifts. Recognized as a 501(C)3 non-profit corporation, ASPE Research Foundation donations are fully tax deductible.

The Foundation is a catalyst for knowledge. Investing in the knowledge advanced by the Foundation will lead to safer, more efficient, more effective and more environmentally sensitive plumbing designs and systems of the future.

Additional information including announcements of current research grant opportunities is available by contacting:

ASPE Research Foundation6400 Shafer Court, Suite 350

Rosemont, Illinois 60018847.296.0002 | f: 847.296.2963 | aspe.org