Hello VVV,

Learning basic structural design and analysis of piping systems is not easy. This is a specialized area of engineering that is not taught in undergraduate school. You can help yourself by reading and asking questions. While you are learning, your work should be reviewed by a mentor.

Reading the Codes may not tell you everthing that you need to know - BUT you do need to read the Codes and become VERY familiar with them. There are two current books that you should seek, read and become one with:

Process Piping: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3. Second Edition. Charles Becht IV. ASME Press
http://members.asme.org/catalog/
http://www.asme.org/pubs/asmepress/

The Fourth edition of the CASTI Guidebook to ASME B31.3 - Process Piping will cover the new 2004 ASME B31.3 code book that was recently released in June 2005. The authors are Glynn Woods and Roy Baguley.

http://www.casti.ca/books_ebooks/B31_3.html

Be a good student.

Regards, John.