Expansion Joint Loads

Hi collegues,

I am analysing a flue gas line with an expansion joint modeled and I have to compute the loads (forces and moments) applied to the expansion joint.
Can you help me how to do it?

Thanks in advance,

Best regards,

IFPC

You could locate a CNode anchor each end of your EXJ element to quickly identify imposed loads, or read the Global Element Forces report.

If you’re modeling a flue gas joint then it’s probably a restrained expansion joint. If so, then the external loads you should put on your specification sheet to the vendors are the restraint loads at the hardware C-node. I hope this helps, if not let me know.
Dan Edgar

Thanks for your replies,

I have in fact C-Nodes before and after the EXJ element, but my question is what is the the value that I should consider ?

The maximum of the two C-Nodes ?

The difference ?

The sum ?



Another question: If I don´t put C-Nodes can I look for the Global Element Forces report ?

And once again should I consider the maximum, the sum or the difference ?


IFPC

There is no need to have C-nodes at both the To and From ends of an expansion joint. You can make one end a rigid attachment and handle all of the C-node connections at the other end. In this way you should only have one set of loads to work with.

Dan,

But if I put an anchor with no C-Node I will be changing the conditions of the pipe system.

What do you think of looking to the values of the Global Element Forces instead?


IFPC

IFPC,

Please send me your e-mail address and we will take this off line. My e-mail is:

pipesol@connectnet.com