Caesar II Version 13 is Releasing! Take a Look at the Extended Capabilities it will Provide

Most of you are aware that the new version of the most popular stress analysis software Caesar II version 13 is releasing on 08/11/2022 as they mentioned in their dashboard on the Latest CAESAR II Version Information. As we all know there will be some major changes in caesar II version 13 due to the addition of ASME B31.3-2020 edition. Due to the deletion of Appendix D ASME B31.3-2020, the use of B31J/FEA will be mandatory for SIF values. All of these will be incorporated in the latest Caesar II Version 13 release along with many other updates. Let’s learn some of the new updates that we will be getting in Caesar II Version 13.

Similar to all new caesar ii software versions, the latest Caesar II, version 13 will also deliver new and extended capabilities to meet the current market requirements following the latest codes. Some updates are also performed based on the feedback received from the Caesar II software user community.

Changes with respect to SIF calculation / Use of ASME B31J

To calculate the stress intensification factors (i-Factors) and flexibility factors (k-Factors) as per the 2020 editions of the ASME B31.1, B31.3, and B31.9 piping codes, support for ASME B31J – 2017 is added. Now, these factors will be calculated following the philosophy and equations mentioned in the ASME B31J-2017 code.

The ASME B31J SIFs and flexibilities are integrated into the software. The integration is made into static analysis, miscellaneous reports, and a configuration editor. The option to include the default values used in calculations when input values are outside of allowed B3J ranges is also provided. Additionally, the supports for the optional use of B31J with other metallic piping codes are also added.

The outdated calculation modules which were present in earlier versions of Caesar II for the calculation of SIFs at Intersections and Bends are removed and now replaced by the new B31J integration. To help the users regarding some technical aspects of ASME B31J, B31J methods are also added in the technical discussion of the caesar ii help.

Updates with respect to Codes and Standards

Most of the old piping codes are updated to the latest code editions. Some of the code/standard editions that the Caesar II version 13 will support are:

• ASME B31.1 (power piping) – 2020 edition.
• ASME B31.3 and B31.3 Chapter IX (process piping) – 2020 edition.
• ASME B31.8 and B31.8 Chapter VIII (gas transmission & distribution) – 2020 edition.
• ASME B31.9 (building services) – 2017 and 2020 editions.
• ASME B31.5 (refrigeration piping & heat transfer) – 2019 edition.
• National Building Code of Canada-2015 edition – Wind and Seismic.
• International Building Code (IBC)-2018 edition – Wind and Seismic.
• API 610 (Centrifugal Pumps) to the 12th edition, January 2021.

Additionally, Caesar II version 13 will support multiple piping code editions. This means the latest software will support both the CAESAR II version 12 code editions and the new editions added to version 13. A detailed dialog will display explaining the code edition changes that occur when one opens and saves a job file created in an earlier software version.

Caesar II Version 13 updates with respect to Material and Content

The material database has been updated with the

• materials required for the ASME B31.3 2020 edition.
• materials required for the ASME B31.9 2017 edition.
• materials required for ASME Section VIII 2021 edition.

Moreover, the new Caesar II software will have spring sizes 000, 00, 23, and 24 for the VSS, VSM, and VSL springs to the Unison hanger tables. Also added the new extended working range VST and VSQ springs.
Pipe Support Systems GmbH International (PSSI) spring hangers catalog is updated to the 2010 edition

Support for the UK 1996 structural database, including British square hollow sections (SHS) and updated T shapes (TUB and TUC) has been included.
The complete flange database for EN 1092 has been implemented.

Caesar II, Ver 13 changes with respect to the Main Window

The monthly checks of software updates and the outdated version warning dialogs have been removed as the latest version will be visible on the news channel of the Main Window itself.

The link to Smart Support has been updated.

Required clarification notes while selecting materials from the Material Database Editor based on multiple code editions are added.

New Caesar II Version 13 changes with respect to Piping Input

To simplify the modeling of spring cans, the spring Can modeling with Friction Builder is added. It has two options; a simple design or a comprehensive design. This gives the user control over the level of design details.

The materials that are not supported by the selected code will now display with an asterisk to the materials.

Other updates in Version 13 of caesar II software

Some other notable changes are

• To adjust the fluid density for each load case (when required), a Fluid Density Multiplier (FDM) is added to the Static Load Case Editor. A Help related to the use of FDM is included in the technical discussion.
• The ASME B31.3 minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) stress type is also added to the Static Load Case Editor.
• Clarified the definition of Load Cycles, cyclic stress range reduction factors, and associated properties.

I hope the above points will give you a general idea of the major updates/changes that we will see in the latest version of Caesar II, Version 13.

References

• https://docs.hexagonppm.com/r/en-US/CAESAR-II-Quick-Reference/Version-13/360525