Hi everybody!
Suppose I have a CAESAR model, consisting of pipe model and structural model (something like baseframe) combined via CNODes. What is the most correct way to get restraint loads from baseframe to foundation - do I need to assign alpha coefficients for structural members in structural input for every temperature case (in this case I take into account thermal expansion not only for pipes, but for the baseframe also) or not to assign? If I assign alphas (for example 0.333 mm/m for temperature range of 30 deg celsius) for structural members, I get very high restraint loads for baseframe anchors.

Thanks

That depends on the structure. Typically a supporting structure will be at "ambient", so you would not have to define the alphas. However, if this is not the case, then "yes" you do need to the alphas.

Thank you for help!