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It may become necessary to analyze pipe cross‑sections as surface models in plant engineering in particular, but also when analyzing details of structural systems. For this purpose, RFEM offers the option to create pipe cross‑sections automatically by means of a line.
Model Used in
Pipe Cross-Section as Surface Model
| Number of Nodes | 12 |
| Number of Lines | 4 |
| Number of Surfaces | 1 |
| Number of Load Cases | 1 |
| Total Weight | 0.732 tons |
| Dimensions (Metric) | 3.282 x 2.178 x 1.546 m |
| Dimensions (Imperial) | 10.77 x 7.15 x 5.07 feet |
| Program Version | 5.25.01 |
You can download this structural model to use it for training purposes or for your projects. However, we do not assume any guarantee or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the model.
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It may become necessary to analyze pipe cross‑sections as surface models in plant engineering in particular, but also when analyzing details of structural systems. For this purpose, RFEM offers the option to create pipe cross‑sections automatically by means of a line.
Both the determination of natural vibrations and the response spectrum analysis are always performed on a linear system. If nonlinearities exist in the system, they are linearized and thus not taken into account. They are caused by, for example, tension members, nonlinear supports, or nonlinear hinges. This article shows how you can handle them in a dynamic analysis.
Not all structural elements of a real building are included in a structural model. As an example, we can look at a pipe that runs along a steel girder frame.
In the default setting, the cross-section class for each member and load case is determined automatically in the design modules. In the input window of the cross sections, however, the user can also specify the cross-section class manually; for example, if local buckling is excluded by the design.
After activating the RF‑PIPING add‑on module, a new toolbar is available in RFEM and the project navigator and tables are extended. The piping system is now modeled in the same way as the members. Pipe bends are defined simultaneously by tangents (straight pipe sections) and radius. Thus, it is easy to subsequently change bend parameters.
It is also possible to extend the piping subsequently by defining special components (expansion joints, valves, and others). The implemented libraries of structural components facilitate the definition.
Continuous pipe sections are defined as sets of piping systems.
For piping loads, member loads are assigned to the respective load cases. The combination of loads is included in piping load combinations and result combinations.
After the calculation, you can display deformations, member internal forces, and support forces graphically or in tables.
Pipe stress analysis according to standards can then be performed in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module. You only need to select the relevant sets of piping systems and load situations.
After modeling piping systems in RFEM using RF‑PIPING and defining loads as well as load and result combinations, you can carry out pipe stress analysis in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module.
You can select all or only some pipelines and loads, load or result combinations for piping design. The material library provides various materials according to EN 13480‑3, ASME B31.1‑2012, and ASME B31.3‑2012 standards.
After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged windows; for example, by cross‑section, by pipeline, or by members. You can also display the design ratio graphically on the entire model in RFEM. This way, you can quickly recognize critical or oversized areas of the cross-section.
In addition to the input and result data, including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. This way, comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
- Design according to EN 13480-3, ASME B31.1-2012, and ASME B31.3-2012
- Check of the minimum required wall thickness of the pipes, taking into account manufacturing allowances, corrosion, and welding factor
- Analysis of stresses due to sustained loads, sustained and occasional loads as well as due to thermal expansion
- Result documentation with tables and graphics in the RFEM printout report
- Graphical input of piping systems and piping components
- Illustrative visualization of piping systems and piping components in RFEM graphic window
- Comprehensive libraries for piping cross‑sections and materials
- Comprehensive libraries for flanges, reducers, tees, and expansion joints
- Consideration of piping structure (insulation, lining, tin‑plate)
- Automatic calculation of stress intensification factors and flexibility factors
- Specific piping action categories for load cases
- Optional automatic combinatorics of load cases
- Consideration of material properties (modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion) either during operating temperature (default setting) or during reference (assembly) temperature of material
- Consideration of strain and uplift due to pressure (Bourdon effect)
- Interaction between the supporting structure and the piping system
I have calculated a box girder. Which surface results or surface stresses can I use to evaluate the buckling behavior of the web plates?
Is it possible to consider the eccentricity of unsymmetrical line welds for the stress analysis in RFEM 6?
I design pipelines using the RF-PIPING Design add-on module. I have created a new prestress load case and loaded the piping with longitudinal displacement.
Is it possible to add this new load case to combinations that are generated automatically?
Is it possible to add this new load case to combinations that are generated automatically?
In the case of stairs with a complicated geometry, it is often difficult to design welds by using the analytical methods. How can I do this with RFEM?
I want to create a mapped mesh for a circular hole plate. Is it possible to generate such a mesh in RFEM?
How can I optimize the calculation time in CRANEWAY?
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