Optimization of Piping Supports and Supporting Structure

Abstract

Optimization of piping supports is a well-known problem. The paper considers the optimization of piping supports with respect to cost and the loads transmitted to the supporting structural elements, when the orientation of the supporting structure is to be determined. This is the case, when new structural elements need to be added to the existing building structure to support components and piping systems that come as a new addition to a nuclear plant. The analytical target cascading (ATC) method is used for the optimization, combining the support loads from different piping analyses in a hierarchical framework. It is shown that the ATC method can be used for an optimized location of structural elements simultaneously supporting complex piping systems and implemented in a structural analysis software.