Hi there
I recently went through the exercise of completing manual calcs as per B31.1 and B31.3 and then compared these results with the stress analysis packages, we use two packages, CAESAR II and another.
Build yourself a simple model in CAESAR II - my basic model was described in my previous posting and consisted of a header, and a branch with a force applied at the top of the branch. My model was simple - I had no thermal or pressure loads in my model, hence was looking at purly the calculation of Sl due to sustained loads.
If you complete a similar manual calc you will answer most of your own questions. Also look at the CAESAR II quick reference guide - in here all the code formulae are listed in one place.
Other than that I would say if you get the chance, it is well worth going on the coade training course, it really is excellant.
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Miss Itchy