Stress analysis

Process piping and power piping are typically checked by pipe stress engineers to
verify that the routing, nozzle loads, hangers, and supports are properly placed
and selected such that allowable pipe stress is not exceeded under different loads
such as sustained loads, operating loads, pressure testing loads, etc., as
stipulated by the ASME B31, EN 13480 or any other applicable codes and standards.
It is necessary to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the piping under regular
loads (internal pressure and thermal stresses) as well under occasional and
intermittent loading cases such as earthquake, high wind or special vibration, and
water hammer.[4][5] This evaluation is usually performed with the assistance of a
specialized (finite element) pipe stress analysis computer programs such as
CAEPIPE[6] and CAESAR.[7]

In cryogenic pipe supports, most steel become more brittle as the temperature
decreases from normal operating conditions, so it is necessary to know the
temperature distribution for cryogenic conditions. Steel structures will have areas
of high stress that may be caused by sharp corners in the design, or inclusions in
the material.[8]