Nov 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10

Problem:

Model Coated PIPE (ex. concrete encased steel pipe):

Solution:

There is no accurate way to simulate this analysis. In order to correctly account for the pipe & concrete stiffness, you would need outside program values for total pipe stiffness (pipe & coating),  

OR, suggest to calculate an equivalent steel thickness by calculating the equivalent moment of inertia.

Es*Ie = Es*Is + Ec*Ic 

Where Es, Ec stand for modulus of elasticity of steel and concrete respectively.

Ie, Is and Ic are the equivalent moment of inertia, steel pipe inertia and concrete pipe coating inertia. The inertia can be approximated by 

Pi * R^3 * t 

R is the mean radius of the pipe or coating. 

Assume equivalent radius is same as steel radius and solve for equivalent thickness. You can recompute equivalent radius and solve again for new thickness. 

Please note you may use 1/2 or so (cannot recall exact number as neutral axis will move) of the concrete inertia as it will crack in tension. AutoPipe will give you stress in the equivalent steel pipe. You may need to evaluate the stress at most stress point by splitting the moment between pipe and coating proportional to their E*I. 

For example Ms = M * EsIs/EsIe and Mc = M* EcIc/EsIe 

And calculate stress for pipe and concrete using their actual diameter, thickness, and material. 

So in conclusion, of modeling a concrete encased steel pipe, based on the information above:

1. Insert a pipe property

2. Combined Concrete / Steel Stiffness: 
      a. Set Pipe material = Ns (nonstandard)
      b. Calculate / insert the pipe properties for the combined Concrete / Steel Pipe

3. Account for weight and correct size: 
      a. Set insulation thickness = XXX inches
      b. Set Insulation material = Other
      c. Set Insulation density = XXX lbs/cuft ( for concrete only).
      d. Set Density = XXX lbs/cuft ( for steel only

Note: setting the correct insulation thickness, insulation density, and pipe density will accurately account for the weight and outside dia of the combined pipe/ concrete for the wind / wave / current loading.

4. Because the material is set to NS, update the data on the Press / Temp/ PipeID tab.

      a. Calculate and insert the expansion coeff, hot mod, and hot allowable based on the combined 
           concrete / steel pipe.

Notes:

1. Take care not to double up on insulation/lining density and pipe density

2.  Similar approach may be used here to come up with an equivalent modulus for the modeling pipe with Fins:

.

However, additional pipe properties must be changed to account for the fin weight and added area affected by the wind. Recommend using Insulation settings, but be careful with the correct equivalency calculation. 

3. When modeling assemblies such as seen here:

One can model all of the pipe as they are and then model any weld connections using beams or connected anchors. 

Again, take care to with the correct equivalency calculation mentioned above. 

See Also

Bentley AutoPIPE