Problem:

How do i model the boundary or contour conditions at the endpoints of the scope of the project, when the line continues outside of our scope?

Another words, the piping inside of an AutoPIPE model continues beyond what has been model. How to account for extra piping with out actually modeling it? 

Answer:

Due to liability law suits, Bentley cannot be expect to dictate what percentage of a large piping system is needed in an AutoPIPE model to validate the analysis. The individual assumes that responsibility.  As a suggestion, the best place to start and stop modeling a piping system is at an anchor location or what can be considered an anchor. Also, another good starting and stopping point is at equipment connections. One last suggestion, a virtual anchor location (i.e. point of zero relative pipe-soil strain). 

However, if your scope of work / modeling is only concerned about a small fraction of piping in a large system that contains no anchor or equipment nearby then refer to any project documentation or company standards. Some company's have a standard of modeling beyond the "Scope of work" piping by 3 additional supports and a minimum of 2-3 pipe directional changes. Another words, model extra system piping that extends past the "Scope of work" are by 3 piping supports and the piping must change directions 2-3 or more times before the modeling can be terminated or assume to be insignificant to the "Scope of work" piping.

While other companies may end the piping directly at the end of the "Scope of work" section, insert an flexible anchor with known Stiffness / Rotation values and Thermal Anchor Movement applied to account for the forces, moments, and movement of the piping beyond the "Scope of work" point.

See Also

Bentley AutoPIPE

External Links

Bentley Technical Support KnowledgeBase

Bentley LEARN Server

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