Bend and Adjacent Span Reduction Factors

Abstract

A semi-analytical and computer experimental procedure is described for developing the bend and adjacent span reduction factors for an alternate method of seismic restraint spacing, based on stress and frequency invariance considerations. The results, in terms of fundamental frequency, deflection, stress and support loads are shown to be in good agreement with, or more conservative than, those obtained from formal analysis of a quasi-system with bend using a piping structural analysis computer program. A simple curve is presented relating the bend and the adjacent span reduction factors obtained from the method.