ASME B31.3 2014 Edition, including:
Addressed the code standard requirement to consider sustained (and occasional) stress in all support conditions. New static load cases, called alternate sustained or alternate occasional cases, depend upon the support configuration of a converged operating condition. This condition addresses systems where non-linear supports are active in some operating conditions and inactive in others. The alternate support condition is indicated using the new Alternate SUS/OCC check box in the Static Analysis – Load Case Editor.
Added two new load case templates (.tpl files) for use when recommending load cases, which include support for the alternate SUS/OCC load cases. The template files include: TPL – the updated default load case template, which recommends alternate sustained load casee for jobs including the B31.3 code and LOAD_EXP.TPL – includes all expansion load cases between different operating conditions. (This was the default template in CAESAR II 2014.)
Updated materials to support the latest code edition. Updated B31.3 materials, including changes to expansion coefficients (Ec), weld reduction factors (W), and elastic modulus (EM) values. Updated allowable stress values for material 341 (A789 S32750) and 342 (A790 S32750). Corrected low temperature allowable values to match the code standard.
Moved the B31.3 Implement Appendix P configuration setting to SIFs and Stresses >Legacy Settings as the B31.3 code standard no longer refers to Appendix P.
Added appropriate warnings and notes to the error checking module and the output reports to account for the code updates.
ASME B31.1, 2014 Edition.
ASME B31.9, 2014 Edition.
ASME B31.8, 2014 Edition, including a small revision to the biaxial state of stress formula (Sc), according to code Paragraph 833.4. You can find this formula in the CAESAR II Quick Reference Guide.

Wind and Seismic Codes:

— National Building Code of Canada (NBC) Seismic and Wind Codes, 2010 Edition.
— ASCE 7 2010 Edition and IBC 2012 Edition wind code standards, including a change in the wind load reduction factor.

Equipment Codes:

API 661, 7th Edition.
API 560, 4th Edition.
API 610, 11th Edition.
API 617, 8th Edition.

— Streamlined Load Case Editing/Creation:

— Removed the Load Case Options tab and merged all options to one List view. Redesigned the Static Analysis – Load Case Editor to improve the user’s experience and add more robust functionality when creating and revising load cases for analysis. Includes the following improvements:
— Group Edit view – select and change values on multiple load cases all at once.
— Enhanced List view – Easier scrolling and viewing options, as well as filtering on columns, drag-and-drop capabilities, and easier manipulation of load cases
— Updated user documentation.

Load Case Editor of Caesar II 2016

xpedited Access to Finite Element Analysis Tools:

Added easier access to third-party tools for better modeling and evaluation from the CAESAR II main menu, to generate more accurate SIFs and K factors. Compare multiple file results, assess the sensitivity of your model elements, and evaluate nozzle/branch connections with NozzlePRO.

Enhanced Piping Input Usability:

— Improved the Classic Piping Input to display a Pressure 3 value on the interface. This allows you to input three sets of temperature and pressure values without having to open a separate dialog box.
— New single and multiple element-level right-click graphics menus containing many frequently-used element commands and block (group) operations.

Enhanced Usability of Caesar II-2016

Improved distance measurement capability of caesar II-8.0

Added Filter/View Capabilities on 3D Models

How to Avoid Conflict Between Pipe Stress and Vibration Analysis:

When machinery is involved in the piping system, the same consultants performing the dynamic mechanical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) should also complete the Pipe Stress Analysis. This will avoid conflicts between stiffness assumptions and requirements for supports, and also expedite a solution. Typically dynamic mechanical analysis will specify high stiffness supports, while piping flexibility analysis will require flexible supports. It is important to simultaneously consider both static and dynamic requirements.

Controlling vibration, and vibratory stress typically involves restraining the pipe. It also requires closer spacing of pipe supports (between clamps) to raise the mechanical natural frequency of the pipe to avoid resonance. Vibration control standards also require that pipe supports have enough stiffness to stop vibration at the support and caution against the use of hangers and guides.

Pipe Stress Analysis mitigates static deflections and stresses and typically involves selectively providing flexibility with a mixture of rest supports, guides, line stops, hangers, spring supports, and hold downs.

Recommendations for the pipe stress analysis can be directly opposite to the vibration design requirements. This conflict can, and does, result in significant confusion and problems during construction and operations.

To avoid this conflict, the standard industry approach is to have the same consultant perform both the vibration analysis and the piping stress analysis. This ensures the vibration control and piping design are adequately addressed, including realistic pipe support stiffness assumptions, and use of vibratory clamps/restraints that have enough flexibility for thermal growth.

axial Expansion Joint

Lateral Expansion Joint