Design Requests

CSiPlant offers a unique and powerful design request (DR) feature which can consider multiple different design parameters all in one run for side-by-side evaluation. Users could, for example, evaluate different tee/branch connection types for each different DR in the same run. To do this, users would first define 2 or more DRs (Design menu>Define Design requests), then select Tee/branch objects and Design menu>Assign Design properties>Tee object type to override tee type for that user specified DR. Each DR can have different design parameters, and design parameters extend to friction factor scale multipliers, flange loading check, and spring hanger sizing options.

Options to define 1 DR using Appendix D SIFs and flexibility factors, with another DR using B31J SIFs and flexibility factors for comparison. DRs enable design parameters to be applied to selected areas of the model using groups. For example, users could design part of their piping system to B31.1, another part of the piping network designed to B31.3, and another part designed to B31.8 with options in each DR to apply elbow pressure stiffening to selected areas of the model.

Since exact friction values are not always known, and may change over time, each DR has the option to apply a friction scale multiplier (default 1.0) to supports with friction applied. This enables users to analyze and design for multiple different friction coefficient scenarios all in the same run.

There is no limit to the number of design requests which can be defined and evaluated. Some design parameter selections alter the stiffness matrix for analysis, which is handled automatically by the design request using its stage construction analysis capability. 

It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with Design Preferences options. When you click on an individual field, an explanatory Help message appears below. 

The Design Checks tab enables users to control how each design category is analyzed. For example, below Displacement cases are analyzed using "Stiffness Temperature Dependence", which means they are analyzed using the operating temperature modulus of elasticity. This is made possible by our Design Preferences dialogue option to "Consider Temperature Scaling" which scales stress results by Ec/Eh per 319.2.2(b)(4).

Use Design menu>Assign Design properties to assign different tee/branch connection types to selected tees associated with a DR as shown below. Assign Design properties can also be used to assign elbow flanges for SIF and flexibility factor calculations, elbow thickness, cone angle for reducers, point type for SIFs such as Fillet/Socket weld, Lap joint, etc. and other design parameters.