Does anyone have advice on the SIF for a base ell/base support and dummy supports.I'm not sure what to use in this situation especially concerning putting an SIF on an ell. Also What about the case where a piece of wide flange is used for the base ell or dummy support?

Hi Joe,

First reach for the Caesar Manual and read about the nifty little trunion elbow sif module... I think its in the Tech Guide?

Secondly go to the WRC website and order a copy of bulletin 448 "Evaluation of welded attachments on pipe and elbows"

Or do what most people like to do... ignore the problem and hope it doesn't break! Although I like the applied science answer I sleep better!

Hello Joe;
I know of two FEA programs available you may be interested in looking at. They are inexpensive template-driven programs that let piping & vessel engineers input simple geometry and create/analyze an FE model of various such non-standard components.
Output includes SIFs, stresses, allowable stresses, allowable loads and flexibilities.
More information can be found at http://www.codecad.com/PRG.htm
Image attached fyi.