OUTLINE OF GUIDELINES

FOR
PIPE SUPPORT ANALYSIS

Checked

Approved

ANUGUL

01

Prepared

Rev

21-Nov2016
Date

Issued for
Design
Descriptio
n

Table of Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.

Objective
References
Terminology
Scope
3
5. Procedural Outline
6. Guidelines for non-Structural teams
6.1Strategy
a) Stress Analysis
5
b) Pipe support Analysis- Level 1, Standard supports
5
c) Pipe support Analysis- Level 2, Special supports
7
6.2Documentation
7. Guidelines for Structural teams
7.1Strategy
7.2Documentation
8. Delivery

3
3
3
3

11
12
16
17

List of Figures:
Fig
Fig
7
Fig
8
Fig
8
Fig
Fig
Fig

1: Propped Cantilever-Type Pipe Support

4
2: Extract from NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002-SUPPORT DESIGN BASIS
3: Extract from NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002-SUPPORT DESIGN BASIS
4: Sample pipe support extracted from PDMS and loads mentioned

5 : Fixed-end, L shaped support

6: Grouping strategy for similar supports
7: Grouping strategy for dissimilar supports
11
Fig 8: Dummy element modeling in STAAD
13
Fig 9: Locating special supports in Navisworks
14
Fig 10: Support with small changes: (changes in Red)
15
Fig 11: Support with Major changes: (Rendered from STAAD)
15
List of Tables:

9
10

Table 1: Example of CEASER Stress analysis result

5
Table 2: Maximum load values and sections for pipe supports of type - Fixedend
L shaped support
9
Table 3: Sample tracker contents
11
Table 4: Load Combinations for Pipe support analysis
13
Appendices
Appendix 1: Standardization with HEB Sections
Appendix 2: Support Types
1 Objective
This document outlines and explains the life cycle of pipe supports - analysis,
design and documentation.
2 References
-

Standardizations for HEB Sections see Appendix 1

Stress Design Basis -Sample, NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0001
Support Design Basis -Sample, NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002

Please see additional references in respective sections.

3 Terminology
CEASER II Stress analysis software used by stress team
STAAD Pro structural analysis Software
PDMS Complete project with all systems rendered in 3-d that is modifiable,
extractable
Navisworks -3D model of project that is updated at day end as a PDMS output
of all updating
WRENCH - Document management and timesheet recording software
MTO - Material take-of
Standard/Primary supports Pipe supports that follow Outotec standards
Secondary supports - require additional framing or members to support
Special Supports Supports that fall outside of structural standardizations
4 Scope
The detailed scope and responsibilities of each department are to be clarified at
the outset of each project. e.g., Trimmer inclusion in the model by a specific
department.
5 Procedural outline

Pipelines are analyzed with CEASER II software by stress analysis team.

Diferent combinations are considered to arrive at maximum loads in 3dimensional coordinate system.

Once loads are given, piping team assigns a pipe support shape to support
the pipe, based on dimensions, other pipelines being supported nearby,
shoe size, loads, supporting beams.
For example, in presence of large horizontal loads, a brace is assigned.

Fig 1: Propped Cantilever-Type Pipe Support

Piping team extracts the pipe support view from PDMS. Loads are written
down and given to structural department.
There are two standardization criteria:
1. Given by Outotec. Piping team designs accordingly. Remaining
supports go through another set of standards, developed by
structural team.
2. Structural team

Pipe supports are standardized by the structural analysis team, based on:
- Shape
- Span
- Sections used
- Load
This is an optimization activity. It is elaborated in Section 7 and
Appendices.

For the pipe supports falling under the standardizations (see above), the
support is sent directly for further design. Those supports that fall outside the
geometry, load, pipe size criteria, are called special pipe supports and are
given for further individual analysis.

6 Guidelines for non-Structural teams

6.1 Strategy

a) Stress Analysis

Minimum requirements for piping flexibility and stress analysis are provided
in the stress design basis. Technical accuracy of the pipe support system
primarily rests with the stress team. They provide with loads, moments and
displacements, as necessary.

References and study, includes the following documents, but is not limited to:
- Stress Design basis for the project
- API codes for pumps, turbines, compressors specific to the petroleum,
chemical and Gas industries
- ASME codes for pipe flanges, fittings, large diameter steel flanges, power
and process piping, fluid transmission and distribution systems
- WRC publications
- ISO specifications for centrifugal pumps
- NEMA standards
- BS codes
- Any other local codes, as applicable or mentioned in general design basis

Presently loads are given at base of shoe for higher diameter pipelines. It is
to be clarified with the stress team as to how loads are to be read.

Earthquake loads must always be considered in downward direction, as they

yield maximum stress values and hence larger pipe loads. Friction must be
appropriately applied to account for diferent linings of pipes, types of fluid
that flow through. Safety factors at bends, branches are also to be accounted
for.

There might not be one combination to yield maximum loads in each

direction. Individual maximum loads in each direction are generally given for
analyzing the structural support required. In exceptional cases, the structural
support is individually analyzed for each combination in respective directions.
Table 1: Example of CEASER Stress analysis result
Node #

3902

Load
Comb #
1
2
3
Final

FX (kN)

FY (kN)

FZ(kN)

2
1
5
5

5
6
2
6

10
8
4
10

In Table 1, each load combination has a maximum load in one direction only.
The loads to be considered would be as shown in last row (Final) of table 1,
maximum of all three load combinations. In a few cases, all the three load
combinations might have to be individually tested to optimize design. This is
not practiced for all supports keeping optimization in view.
b) Pipe support Analysis- Level 1, Standard supports
5

Support Design Basis, e.g., NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002 is to be

diligently followed. This gives an idea of what type of shoe is to be
placed, how diferent types of pipes are to be supported, how to model
simple supports, span limitations, where to place diferent kinds of
supports-axial stops, hangers, etc.

Further references and study, includes the following documents, but is

not limited to:
- Standard pipe support Drawings
- Pipe stress specification
- Piping material specification
- Painting procedure specification
- ASME codes for power and process piping
- MSS standards for material design of pipe hangers and supports
- MSS standards for selection and application of pipe hangers and
supports

As shown in Fig 2., Outotec s support design basis contains details on

designing spans, guide spacing, support type to be selected, etc.
For example, for a 1 vertical pipe that falls under STD schedule, supports
need to be provided every 4.2 m, with a guide space of 6 m.

Fig 2: Extract from NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002-SUPPORT DESIGN

BASIS
c) Pipe support Analysis- Level 2, Special supports

Pipe supports falling out of the standard norm- by Outotec or structural

team, are to be classified as special supports. Fig 3 is an excerpt from
support design basis from Outotec-NCIC project, indicating the type of
supports that are to be sent for further structural analysis.

Fig 3: Extract from NCIC-FCS-1G000-ESS-SPC-0002-SUPPORT DESIGN

BASIS

Each special pipe support is extracted from PDMS consisting of four views.
Please see Fig 4.
- North (negative north / south could also be shown)
- East (negative east / west could also be shown)
- ISO (isometric) View
- Elevation/Top View

Fig 4: Sample pipe support extracted from PDMS and loads mentioned

Support data sheet also would contain project data, section cut-lengths
and weight.

Support number can be read from the bottom right box. For example, in Fig
4., SU10492 (in red, in Fig 4) is the pipe support number. The node number
is checked against the stress team list for loads. Loads are written down (in
blue, in fig 4).

Structural standards are explained as follows - In Fig 5, a fixed-end, L

shaped support is illustrated. In Table 2, the range for operable L, H for
maximum lateral and vertical loads is given. The tabulation can be done
for various parametric studies, but practically used spans are assumed and
load carrying capacity is estimated.

Fig 5 : Fixed-end, L shaped support

Table 2: Maximum load values and sections for pipe supports of
type - Fixed-end, L shaped support
Max
Pipe
Size
4"

Max
Vertical
Load, FV
(kN)
7.8

Max
Lateral
Load, FL
(kN)
1.1

8"

11

1.5

12"

37

5.5

16"

54

6.5

MEMBE
RA
UPN 80
UPN
100
HEB
100
HEB
120

MEMBE
RB
UPN 80

H
(mm)
1200

X
(mm)
1200

UPN 100

1200

1200

HEB 100

1500

1500

HEB 120

2000

2000

The first row in above table could be read as, for pipes up to and less than
4 inches, for a maximum dimensional constraint of vertical height, H of
9

1200mm and up to a horizontal length of 1200 mm with total Vertical load

capacity would be 7.8 kN and a total maximum lateral load of 1.1 kN using a UPN80 section would be optimal.
Examples:
a) If a 4 pipe was to be supported with a vertical load of 10 kN as
obtained from CEASER software, with H and L of 1000mm, then a
UPN100 should be selected to support this type of arrangement.
b) If an 8 pipe was to support a vertical load of 2 kN and a lateral load of
6 kN with spans of 1500mm both vertically and horizontally, then a HEB
120 section should be selected. Lateral load fits row 4 more than row 2
and row 3.
c) If three 2 pipes with a combined vertical load of 6 kN and combined
horizontal load of 1 kN, with spans (L and H) of 1100 mm, then row 1 is
a choice, with UPN 80 for member A and member B. No need to choose
UPN 100.

Piping team can assign secondary supports for most of the non-standard
supports. The ones that fall outside level 2, would be handed over to the
structural department with loads, for further analysis.

Group similar supports and send one support for further analysis. This
grouping can be done for loads, shoe type, support type and geometry
within 20% of each other.
Examples:
a) In Fig 6, geometrically and support condition-wise S#1, S#2 and S#3
are similar. Since with similar shoe, stop conditions and loads for S#1
and S#2 are similar, they can be grouped. S#3 is to be analyzed as a
separate support as it requires a stronger section.

Fig 6: Grouping strategy for similar supports

10

b) In Fig 7, all supports are geometrically same. But because of diferent

shoe, span and internal pipe stress condition, loads are diferent. All of
them cannot be grouped as we might end up over designing some
supports. S-5 has a small lateral load. So, S-1, S-2, S-5 can be grouped
together. S-4 has 50 % higher lateral load than S-3. If both can be
covered by standardizations, S-3, S-4 can be designed by piping. If S-4
is not covered in standardizations but S-3 is, then S-4 will be handed
over to structural department for separate analysis.

Fig 7: Grouping strategy for dissimilar supports

6.2 Documentation

For standard supports, maintain an excel file with support number. This is also
useful in extracting weight MTO.
Printout special supports, individually. Indicate loads for each pipe involved.
Upon completion, apply check print seal, fill in respective cells.
Maintain an excel file to track the special supports issued to the structural
department (see Table 3). This file must contain:
- Support number
- Date of issue to structural analysis team
- Date of analysis by structural team/date of return
- Date of implementation of changes suggested, if any
- Remarks
- Counter for total number of supports issued
- Counter for supports to be analyzed
- Counter for completed supports
Table 3: Sample tracker contents

11

After implementing any changes, use a backdraft check print seal to

document. Green marker over the changes implemented (initially suggested
in red or blue ink by structural team or inter departmental checker). Follow
the order for documenting copies of a support:
- Self-check
- check print
- back draft check print seal (if changes are suggested in check print or
support is reissued). These may be as many as required to reflect
changes.

7 Guidelines for Structural teams

7.1 Strategy

For analyzing pipe supports required input would be

- Materials
- list of sections usable
- bolt and plate sizes
- weld sizes
- support conditions
fixed if welded
fixed or pinned if bolted
- dummy modeling
if loads are given at base of shoe, no need to model a dummy element
if loads are given at center of pipe, then the distance between center of pipe to
center of supporting beam below shoe is to be modeled as a dummy element, that
doesnt contribute to the stifness of support structure during analysis but gives the
efect of loads being applied at an eccentricity. Please see Fig 8 describing a dummy
element, Fig 8 has the same support as seen in Navis.

12

Fig 8: Dummy element modeling in STAAD

-

load contingencies
5-10 % for self-weight, accounting for weld weight, bolt
weight, etc.
Special springs or hanger supports
Load combinations. Eight Load combinations are usually used. Please refer
Table 4 below.
Table 4: Load Combinations for Pipe support analysis
Load
Combination

X
DIRECTION

Y
DIRECTION

Z
DIRECTION

1
2

+
+
+
+
-

+
+
+
+
-

+
+
+
+
-

3
4
5
6
7
8

Code for design

Design parameters LX, LY
stress limits (OVR-overstress limits for extreme events that uses extreme
yield strength capacity for short duration of load)
acceptable UC ratios (actual stress to allowable stress ratio, which always
should be a max of 1, sometimes reduced to 0.9 based on accuracy of
load estimation)
allowable deflection limits

Following documents are to be referred:

- Support Design basis
13

Structural design basis

Standardization References - Appendix 1
Pipe support types -Appendix 2

In Navis, the supports are located with the help of support number. ISO view
corresponds to left-front view in Navis, as shown, in Fig 9.

Fig 9: Locating special supports in Navisworks

These supports are modelled in say STAAD.pro and recommendations (see Fig
10) are sent to design team. Sometimes, rendered views (see Fig 11) in
STAAD are attached for better understanding. It is elaborated in further
sections as to how to document modifications, suggestions.

14

Fig 10: Support with small changes: (changes in Red)

Fig 11: Support with Major changes: (Rendered from

STAAD)

Staad Modeling directives:

15

Axis orientation in CEASER and Navis, Z is up while in STAAD, Y is

upwards. Apply load accordingly to axes. Flip Y and Z loads for STAAD
usage or as necessary

Any special supports sharing beams or close by, are to be all modelled
together. Fig 11 is a good reference how multiple supports are modeled
together

Say, a support#1 is exceeding in deflection and connecting to support#2

reduces the deflection to acceptable limits, then the support#2 also needs
to be modeled along with said support

It is always an objective to achieve maximum utility of sections.

diferent orientations of member are also to be explored
smaller or lighter sections could be considered

Any solution must ponder any obstructions in Navis

Minimize providing additional secondary / trimmer beams
Provide stifeners on supporting members, where:
reactions are large at support points
local flange buckling is a possibility
heavy equipment is connected
there is no supporting beam on either sides and a load might cause
local torsion
high torsion is expected
smaller secondary beams with pipe supports of significant pipe
loads are connected to existing structure
pipe shoes transmit high loads to supporting members
web is perpendicular web and shared contact area of supporting
beam is less (need both front and back stifeners in this case)

If piping team doesnt provide hard copies of supports, then loads provided
by stress team per node would be read (compared against support number
and node list) and analyzed

7.2 Documentation
-

Mandatory changes are those, without which the pipe cannot be

structurally supported and or the supporting members are not deemed
structurally safe either by strength or serviceability limits of assigned code
provisions. Clearly indicate any mandatory changes in red ink, on the pipe
support sheet
Increase in section size
Change in section orientation
Addition of members-braces, tie beams
Stifeners location

16

 Base plates where pipe support member size is slightly larger than
supporting beam of main structure (supporting beam should be
structurally safe for the reaction though)
Bolt numbers, sizes, if required by scope of work
Weld thickness, if required by scope of work
Support reactions where required, say equipment clips, if required
by scope of work
Any other information vendor might require
-

In some cases, other departments need to conform to internal standards

(clearances, shoe sizes and hence the supporting members) and
implementing all suggestions is not possible.

Write notes in blue, when it is not mandatory to implement changes, but

implementing would:
Reduce Structural weight
Reduce fitting costs
Improve access
Resolve clashes
Reduce associated work of analysis or drafting

Update Issued by Structures column in Table 3, once the support

analysis is complete

Upon completion, apply check print seal, fill in respective cells. If supports
are reissued with diferent loads, then back draft check print seal would be
used instead of check print seal

Address any doubtful areas with client or vendor, like requirement for
connection details, change of sections to clip, support reactions, etc.

Any changes to design basis regarding deflection limits or variation in

changes must all be communicated with client and documented

Before delivery, scan the pipe supports and archive for convenience of
future reference

8 Delivery

Drawings are sent via WRENCH software

STAAD files are stored on server and can be referred as required. They
will be sent when required by client
MTO (Material take of) for all pipe supports would be also sent, by
section size. This must also include any joint design details like bolts,
etc., depending on design basis
Any changes from vendor or client will be duly reflected in analysis and
further revisions are sent after appropriately documenting
17

Timesheets must be booked as per project code

18

APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDIZATION FOR HEB

SECTIONS

H, L are in mm, FV and FL are in KN, NPS nominal pipe size

19

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22

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APPENDIX 2 - SUPPORT TYPES

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