How to model piping systems not aligned with the global axis using AutoPIPE?
example,
a. Entire model or apart of the piping system is aligned to the plant's axis direction which does not agree with AutoPIPE's global axis direction (Off Global Axis)
One approach is to model the entire or parts of the piping system on AutoPIPE's Global Axis and then use copy / paste / move / rotate commands as needed to correctly align the piping to the plant's orientation before analyzing and generating output requirements.
Second approach is to again model the entire piping system on AutoPIPE's Global Axis and then ignore the plant orientation because this is stress analysis not construction drawings. Stress analyst only relays details of gaps, and loads to the structural department that then uses that information to size and detail restraints. Typically the stress model does not really need to be on the same axis orientation as the plant / project.
A new feature has been logged to add the ability for the user to establish a local coordinate system. If you like to see this feature added sooner, please go to the Ideas page and vote for this feature or log a Bentley Service request mentioning this WIKI page.
Modeling approaches
Bentley AutoPIPE