I have received a request to insert some uniform loads on pipes. My problem is that I have to insert forces but also moments(!) as this uniform forces (weight) are eccentric placed (some pipe shield).
I think is not possible at this time. I will have to think about but maybe someone has some idea.
Other question that I have is if I connect some plates on the pipes (in structural module) and I will apply wind load, would the wind act also on the plates? If not, the way that I see is to insert an insulation with adjusted weight and with increased shape factor as the shield is flat.

That is an interesting problem.

I would manually split my model up in regular intervals between supports, and run a second "line" which is a series of rigid elements in the direction of eccentricity, and apply a distributed load across that line of "rigids." Of course, M = (F/L)*L*L, since we're inserting a distributed load. So select an F/L that results in an L you like.

CAESAR's normal operation is already similar. CAESAR breaks up the model into chain of differently sized links of pipe and simulates this chain.

Smart application of the duplication command will facilitate this.

You should test wind effects on a single structural member to verify.

Hi Michael,

Sound fine, thank you. Actually I know the location of the shield supports on pipe so I can build this properly. it will be painful as I have a lot of elements and I have to add this to an existing model. But it is interesting, yes.

My main difficulty will be to present this to people that actually are not stress people and there will be lot of explanations.

As I told before we can do a lot of complex things with Caesar but is difficult.

Regards,