Pipe Stress Analysis using SAP2000

[supratikbose1989]

Hi All,

I am new to pipe stress analysis and currently reading the textbook on Pipe Stress Engineering by Dr. Peng to develop the understanding. Eventually I plan to perform the analysis in a computer program preferably SAP2000 as that is available to me. Regarding that, I am looking for resources that can guide me through the process of developing a SAP2000 model to perform pipe stress analysis. Please let me know if anyone here has any experience in that, will be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[1503-44]

If you want to gain experience applicable to pipe stress analysis employment, you will be better off finding a real pipe stress program.

Will SAP model pipe joint stiffness factors etc?

 

[supratikbose1989]

What pipe stress program are you referring to?
I guess the stiffness factors, etc. for pipe joints won't be included in SAP2000, but I have to apply them manually. So I was asking if anyone has done that using SAP2000.

 

[XL83NL]

Do you have a URL for this pipe stress program called SAP2000?

Huub
- You never get what you expect, you only get what you inspect.

 

[supratikbose1989]

Here is the url:

https://www.csiamerica.com/products/sap2000

The SAP2000 program is not a pipe stress program, but a structural analysis program, whose applicability can be potentially expanded to pipe stress analysis.

 

[RVAmeche]

Unless you're doing a one off thing, I wouldn't recommend using that program. Just because they may both be based on beam theory doesn't make them equivalent.

Legitimate pipe stress software, like Caesar II, includes SIFs, has valve/flange databases, ASME B31.3 material properties, expansion joints, and other custom/niche items.

While the evaluation of a straight piece of pipe experiencing thermal expansion may be similar, I doubt it's accuracy once you include bends, valves, or any other fittings. Does it allow you to build load cases the way ASME B31.3 (or your code) requires? Does it have all the proper restraint types?

To me they're inherently different programs. A pipe stress wizard may be able to make it work if they based on the same theory, but for someone learning pipe stress software you're shooting yourself in the foot.

 

[LittleInch]

Just because it's available to you doesn't mean that it is the correct tool to use.

A bit like saying I'm going to create a spreadsheet using WOrd because that's all I have.

You need to use the correct tool for the job.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[KevinNZ]

I have been in the game long enough to have used a structural programme on a main frame before we when with Autopipe. There was a lot of manual input and post processing. You do need to know the piping code very well and if know the code that well then you will have access to the pipe stress programme anyway.

 

[1503-44]

What's that old saying...


WHEN ALL YOU GOT IS A HAMMER, EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE A NAIL.

I presume the reverse corollary is similar.

 

[supratikbose1989]

Thank you, everyone for the suggestions. Are there any open source program available to perform pipe stress analysis?

 

[XL83NL]

As far as I know, no.

Huub
- You never get what you expect, you only get what you inspect.

 

[RVAmeche]

Pipe stress is too niche of a program to be open sourced & validated.

 

[1503-44]

Some interesting history
Some public domain source code lurking around somewhere???

https://sites.google.com/site/fareastpiperreference/analysis/piping-stress-analysis