Hello,

I would like to ask a question regarding the impact of imposing SIFs in a pipe branch connection.

I'm currently evaluating a system where there is a 45 degree connection of a 4" branch to a 10" header with reinforcing pad.

Instead of using the calculated SIFs from CAESAR II, we are supposed to use some equations and impose the values for both the in-plane and the out-plane SIFs.

What I would like to ask is, whether in such a case where one imposes SIFs, one must keep the selection "1-Reinforced" in CAESAR's SIFs&Tees input or leave it blank.

My guess is that this input will affect only the calculation of the flexibility characteristic. Is that so?

Thank you in advance,

Alexandros

The current Codes state that the flexibility factor for tees is 1.0.

The reason you want to specify a tee (any type if you're manually defining the SIFs) is so that CAESAR II can determine in-plane versus out-of-plane.