Wind Analysis – What Is Piping

Wind analysis is performed based on the Client/ITB requirement. Wind load is an occasional load which normally occurs less than 20% of plant operating time. There are two methods for wind analysis-Static and Dynamic. In this article, I will try to explain the static method of wind analysis using Caesar II of Hexagon PPM (COADE Inc) following the Pressure Vs Elevation Profile. Criteria for the selection of lines for Wind Analysis: Criteria should be mentioned in the ITB document. As a guideline, the following can be followed after verification from the client: Lines with outside diameter 10” and larger (including insulation) running on 10 m and above.Steam / Flare header on the pipe rack.Other lines considered important as per the stress engineer’s decision. However, if lines are covered by some shelter or other structures then wind analysis can be ignored for those lines. Data Required for Wind Analysis For wind analysis, you must have the following data from the client. Wind shape factor: Normally for pipe elements, the data varies from 0.6-0.8. Check-in ITB what value it says to use.Pressure Vs Elevation Profile: Sometimes the client provides this profile directly and sometimes provides equation and data to calculate the profile. A typical wind profile will be shown in the diagram while explaining the steps required while analyzing using Caesar II.Elevation of the line under analysis. If HPP (Highest Pavement Point) elevation is other than 0 you have to reduce HPP from line global elevation to get actual elevation. What to check in the Analysis As per code B 31.3, we have to check code compliance of the calculated stress (Sustained +Wind). The allowable stress for wind analysis is 1.33 times Sh values. However, sometimes the client requires checking the nozzle loading in Operating+ Wind cases (W+T+P+Win) for static equipment. Normally the client does not require wind load checking for rotating equipment. Steps for Static Analysis in Caesar II Most of the steps are mentioned in the attached images. All are self-explanatory. However, if you face any problem in understanding please reply in the comments section. Model the piping system under analysis from piping isometric drawings.Enter the elevation of the first node in global coordinates.Click on Wind/Wave checkbox on Caesar II Spreadsheet and mention wind shape factor as shown in Fig. 1 Fig.1: Caesar Spreadsheet for Wind Analysis Now run the analysis and go to the load case editor and select Pressure Vs Elevation as shown in Fig. 2 Fig. 2: Load Case Editor showing Wind Pressure Vs Elevation In the next step enter the pressure vs elevation profile in-consistent unit and enter wind direction cosines as shown in Fig. 3. Normally wind analysis is performed considering wind flow from North, South, East and West direction. Accordingly, Enter +1 or -1 in X or Z direction. Wind analysis is generally not considered in a vertical direction. Fig. 3: Load Case Editor showing input of pressure vs elevation profile Refer Fig. 4 and prepare the highlighted load cases additionally for wind analysis. Load cases for L17 to L20 are for code compliance checking and load cases from L5 to L8 for support and Nozzle load checking. Fig. 4: Load cases for Wind Analysis Refer to Fig 5 and make the combination method as scalar or absolute for the shown load cases. Fig. 5: Load case Editor showing load case combination method. In the final stage run the analysis and check results. If failing makes suitable adjustments to qualify the same. Few more resources for you… Static Seismic Analysis in Caesar II Stress Analysis Basics Stress Analysis using Caesar II Stress Analysis using Start-Prof Piping Design and Layout Basics Piping Materials Basics