Span Length of Suspended Pipe

Incorporating Traffic Vibration of Bridge

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this paper is to find the safe span length of suspended pipelines incorporating vibration
of traffic on bridge. ASME and other references has suggested standard for support span, but it’s based
on bending stresses and internal fluid pressure. Equation for maximum span using bending stress are
analyzed and verified that whether its safe for maximum possible vibration or not. Real time vibration
result of suspended gas pipelines installed on Highway and local transport bridges are collected and
then replicate vibration scenario with maximum factor of safety in lab experiment.

INTRODUCTION:
Pipelines have been widely used for the transportation of different sources of energy such petroleum,
sale gas, crude oil and gasoline fuels for decades and are still the leading source of transportation for so
many fuels. Pipelines serve as a backbone for accommodating energy sources to our industrial and
house hold activities. Not only its use is in domestic field, but it is widely used for the transportation of
fuel to Power plants for the purpose of generating electric power. If special care is not given to pipelines
it may leads to potential pipelines failure. Pipeline failure is defined as uncontrolled release of hazardous
product from the pipeline into the environment. There are unlimited cases of pipelines failure one them
One of them is incident happened in New Mexico, bridge on Pecos River Aug 2000 12 people, total lost
was $998,000). Commented [WU1]: Refe

Talking about the configuration of pipelines in which they can made operational, there are two possible
ways in pipelines can be made operational. Some of the pipelines are located inside the ground. They
are regarded as the buried gas pipelines. While nowadays, in this dynamic world, Majority of their
pipelines are located well above the ground i.e. they are passed along the bridges or any support
systems. Those types of pipelines are known as suspended gas pipelines. The network of suspended gas
pipelines is widely spread throughout the country ranging from small diameter pipes to large diameter
pipes each having its own set functions and advantages.

Factors effecting suspended gas pipelines temperature, chemical exposure, mechanical impact. One of
the potential problems is proper support distance of suspended pipe which come under category of
mechanical impact. There are many researches available on finding the safe span length also ASME Commented [WU2]: refe
provide standard for span length but that didn’t count vibration factor of traffic. Research are also
enlightening the behavior of vibration on buried pipelines but incorporating vibration of traffic are rare. Commented [WU3]: ref
The focus of research is finding the safe span length of suspended pipelines.
Support study of pipelines reveals Supports for piping must be spaced with respect to three
considerations:

a) Ability to place a support at some desired location.

b) Keeping sag in the line within limits that will permit drainage.

c) Avoiding excessive bending stresses from the uniform and concentrated loads between

supports. Commented [WU4]: Reference of paper

Need of Pipe Support

The layout and design supporting elements shall be directed toward preventing the following:

(a) Piping stresses.

(b) Leakage at joints.

c) Excessive thrusts and moments on connected equipment (such as pumps and turbines).

(d) Excessive stresses in the supporting (or restraining) elements.

(e) Resonance with imposed or fluid-induced vibrations.

(f) Excessive interference with thermal expansion and contraction in piping which is otherwise
adequately flexible.

(g) Unintentional disengagement of piping from its supports.

(h) Excessive piping sag in piping requiring drainage slope. Commented [WU5]: reference

2.2] PROCEDURE FOR CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM SPAN WITHOUT INCORPORATING VIBRATION OF

TRAFFIC:

Design formulas for calculating bending stress and deflection between supports are derived from the
usual beam formulas, which depend upon the method of support and the type of loading.

2.3 Maximum Bending stress Commented [WU6]: paper reference

Where, w = uniformly distributed weight of pipeline in N/m
w c = concentrated weight on pipeline in N
L = Span length in m
D = Outside diameter of pipe in m
d = Inside diameter of pipe in m
E = Modulus of elasticity of pipe in N/m2
I = Moment of Inertia of pipe in m4
Note : Maximum bending stress of the pipe can be taken as 30% of
allowable stress.

2.5 Calculation of total weight

Total weight = weight of pipe (wp) + weight of fluid (wf)

weight of pipe can be calculated as,
𝜋
(D2 - d2) x density of pipe material
4
Calculation of weight of fluid
𝜋
Weight of fluid = d2 x density of fluid in N/m
4
SAMPLE CALCULATION & RESULTS: (Taking Fluid as Natural gas)

Allowable stress From API Table (Psi)= 3000

Allowable stress From API Table(N/m2)= 20684280
Sb(Pa)= 6.21E+06
Outside Dia D(inch)=
Outside Dia D(m)= 6.03E-02
Inside Dia d (1nch)=
Inside Dia d (m)= 0.05375
E = Modulus of elasticity of pipe in N/m2 2.00E+11
I = Moment of Inertia of pipe in m4 2.4023E-07

Note : Maximum bending stress of the pipe can be taken as 30% of

allowable stress.
Density of Gas(kg/m3)= 0.9
Density of Pipe(kg/m3)= 7850
weight of pipe(Kg/m)= 4.479373
w1 = weight of gas in N/m= 0.370155825
w2= uniformly distributed weight of pipeline in 43.94264913
N/m=
Total Weight(N/m)= 44.31280496
Maximum Deflection(m)= 9.59E-04
L = Span length in m 2.989433316
Commented [WU7]: references

Determining the limits of piping vibration: Commented [WU8]: reference paper

The research paper presents a method for determining the acceptable limits of piping vibration and
its natural frequency. The general formula combining the parameters of displacement y (mm) the
diameter of pipe D (mm), span length L(m) and S representing the stresses (Pa) are as follow:

Where K=0.986

The maximum allowable amplitude of the vibration of the pipeline on the basis of the following formula
is given:

Experimental Work:
EQUIPMENTS AND TOOLS
➢ Accelerometer
➢ Arduino
➢ Analogue to digital converter
➢ spring balance
1. Accelerometer (ADXL335):
This electronic chip is used for measuring acceleration, in this experiment it is used to determine
the acceleration in the form of vibrations produced in the pipe.
ADXL335 (specification From Datasheet):
• Input range=+-3g;
• Sensitivity=300mv/g(typical)
• Zero g Bias value Xout, Yout & Zout=1.5v;
• Temp= -40 to 85
• Vs=3.6v; current= 350microA
Fig.
Calibration of accelerometer:
Accelerometer is calibration before use, for calibration purpose 2g-test is used. It is standard
procedure for the calibration of accelerometer ADXL335.
2-g Test:
There are three axis of AD XL335 accelerometer. i.e. x-axis, y-axis and z-axis. Here we
would introduce or explain the way or standard procedure for only one axis because the method
is same for all the three axes.
 1) Keep x-axis in +ive direction:
At the very start of the calibration, we keep the x-axis in the positive direction
as shown in the figure below. We then notice the value in the positive x-axis
under the effect of gravitational pull g.

2) Keep x-axis in -ive direction:

Then after getting the value of the x-axis in the positive
direction, we then flip the accelerometer upside down as
shown in the figure below i.e. in the negative x-axis and notice
the value in the laptop from the x-axis of the serial plotter.

3) Take difference of both the readings:

Now that we have value of both positive x-axis and negative x-
axis under the effect of gravitational pull. What we do next is
take difference of both the values so that we get value for 2g as
shown in the figure. Then simply divide this value by 2 to get
the value for single pull of g i.e. 1g.

2. Accelerometer Mounting: The accelerometer ADXL-335 was mounted on the clamp of the
pipe by two small screws as the holes are specified for this configuration. Are specified for this
configuration. These screws were used because these screws do not allow any relative motion
between the pipe and accelerometer which may leads to loss of vibrations and can cause an error
in the readings of experimental data.

3. Arduino:
It is an electronic circuit which is programmed in Arduino language (in accordance
with the quantity being measured), and is used for controlling and measuring
output value. it has different modules, on this experiment UNO module is used and
its specifications are as below.
• 14 digital input/output pins
• 6 analog inputs
• 16 MHz crystal oscillator
• 8-bit microcontroller
• 10- bit ADC
Fig.

4. Analogue to digital converter:

ADC is basically an electronic circuit used to convert an analogue signal to digital,

as machine cannot understand analogue signals.
In this experiment using available Arduino UNO-module the sampling frequency is
very low i.e. 8-bit ADC in UNO to get more precise reading an ADC (ADS1115 I2C 16BIT ADC
MODULE) is used to increase its sampling rate up to 16-bit. other specifications are as
below,

• WIDE SUPPLY RANGE: 2.0V to 5.5V

• LOW CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Continuous Mode:
Only 150μA Single-Shot Mode: Auto Shut-Down
• PROGRAMMABLE DATA RATE: 8SPS to 860SPS
• INTERNAL LOW-DRIFT VOLTAGE REFERENCE
• INTERNAL OSCILLATOR
• INTERNAL PGA
• I2C™ INTERFACE: Pin-Selectable Addresses
• FOUR SINGLE-ENDED OR TWO DIFFERENTIAL INPUTS
• PROGRAMMABLE COMPARATOR

5. SPRING BALANCE:

Spring balance is basically used for measurement of weight, here it is being used
for applying force of known magnitude on the pipe in a specific direction to create
a disturbance in the form of vibration.
In this experiment a spring balance of 50-kg is used with 0.2-kg of uncertainty.
 6. PIPES:
Pipes are the most important component of the material section because the overall analysis
circulates around these pipes. Pipes used in this experiment are according to the standard of gas
pipelines, there are many standards of pipes they use. For this specific experiment one specific
standard, APL x70 pipeline (APL =American pipeline limited) is selected. Standard pipe used all over
the pipe for Gas transportation. Experiment is performed on two pipes 1inch and 2inch.

Specification for 2’’ Pipe:

• Outside dia=2. 375’’=0.060325m
• Inside diameter=2.25’’=0.05715m
• Thickness=0.125’’=0.003175m
• Weight per unit length=3.01(lb./ft.) =4.47kg/m
• Maximum Test Pressure=3000psi=20684280N/m2

7. Clamps

These clamping elements used to connect pipes with the supporting blocks.
These metallic elements are made up of cast iron. For each pipe four clamps are used.
These clamps are fixed by nut and bolts.
To fix an accelerometer on the pipe a ring type clip is used, which fix the pipe and accelerometer by using
screws, in accordance with respective pipe diameter.

8. SUPPORTS:
Pipes are fixed with clamps and are supported by metallic elements which are further supported
by concrete blocks which are buried in the ground. This is done as the supports are assumed to
be rigid. Metallic elements are of cast iron and basement blocks are of concrete with steel rods.
Each block weighs 25-kg.

9. Snap Back Test For inducing Acceleration to pipe:

• This is standard method for inducing vibration in any structure (Use by civil engineer to
induce vibration in building)
• Inducing vibration in pipe by knotting a thread to pipe and providing spring balance to
thread to measure tension in thread
• Creating tension in thread by pulling it and measuring the tension
• To specific value of tension release the thread by cutting it through scissor
• The tension from thread will transfer to pipe and vibration will be induced in pipe
 10. Arduino Complete Circuit:
This accelerometer is connected to Arduino (Uno-module) and the overall circuit is made as shown in
the figure.

Experimental work
First, actual data is collected from bridges where gas pipelines are in operated condition. The
maximum possible acceleration induced on pipes installed on highway bridges was 0.4g and 0.2g
in vertical and horizontal direction respectively. The acceleration provided in experiment to
suspended pipe with maximum factor of safety 4………………………..

Experimental Procedure: (For both 1’’ and 2’’ pipes)

1. Digging for support blocks.

2. Installing pipe at Support blocks.

3. Installing Accelerometer on pattern.

4. Providing acceleration through snap-back Test in horizontal direction.

5. Recording the reading from accelerometer.

6. Reduce or increase the span length…. Provide the same amount of force to pipe again

7. Repeat the process up to standard span length for static condition

8. Analyze the result and provide the safe span length for maximum vibration

1. For producing vertical vibrations:

For this case one end of the rope was connected to a fixed support and then passed the
rope below the pipe at the middle of the span length, the other end of the rope was
stretched in such away to the required range of 15kg that the angles of rope on both the
ends of the pipe were 450 with the horizontal, in this way the pipe was raised to a
height and then fixed the free end of the at that position to another fixed support and
finally the rope was cut at a fixed position and thus required vibration was produced in
vertical direction.

2. For producing horizontal vibration:

In this case one end of the rope was attached to the pipe at the middle of the span length and then
stretch to the required 15kg horizontally and fixed the other end in the position to a fixed support, and
finally to produce vibration the rope was cut at a position and thus required vibration was obtained.

Result and Discussion:

GENERAL PROCEDURE:

a. First finding acceleration from the experimental data

b. Finding frequency of vibration by dividing the first four cycle of acceleration time

by the time taken

c. Finding displacement from the formula of hormonic acceleration

i. a=w2x

d. Compare the displacement value with the one taken at chart (actual displacement

of pipe) and find the experimental error

e. Finding the allowable displacement from the formula given in research paper
 f. Compare the allowable displacement with induce displacement and finding

whether the span length is safe or not

➢ Result Analysis for 2’’ pipe Vertical Vibration:

PARAMETERS FOR EXPERIMENT:
for 16feet 6inch feet span length with tension of 137N
Factor of safety 4.4
Standard Span Length (w/o vibration) =2.98m=10feet (from research
paper)

1.1.1 RESULT ANALYSIS FOR 2’’ PIPE

Snap shot of excel sheet data collected for 16feet 8 inch feet span length with tension of 137N

STEP1: FIRST FINDING ACCELERATION

Reading of accelerometer data
normal 15790 max
amp 4761
max 20435
1g= 2670
min 11029
a(g) 1.783146
max-
nor 4645 a(m/s^2) 17.49266
nor-min 4761

STEP2: FINDING FREQUENCY OF VIBRATION

25000
Accelerometer Reading

20000

15000

10000 acc
Linear (acc)
5000

0
6000 6500 7000 7500 8000
Time

for freq
no.of cyc 7
t1 6197
t2 7293
t2-t1 1096
t(s) 1.096
frq(Hz) 6.386861
w(2*pi*f) 40.10949

STEP3: FINDING DISPLACEMENT FROM THE FORMULA OF HORMONIC

ACCELERATION
a=w2x
a(m/s^2) 17.49266
w^2 1608.771
disp(X) 0.010873
x(mm) 10.87331

STEP4: FINDING THE ALLOWABLE DISPLACEMENT FROM THE FORMULA GIVEN

IN RESEARCH PAPER

Where value of K=0.986

Hence

X allowable(mm) = 5.418115

STEP5: COMPARE THE ALLOWABLE DISPLACEMENT WITH INDUCE

DISPLACEMENT

span length(ft) X all(mm) X experiment(mm)

16.6 5.418114908 10.8733 unsafe

………..EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AT DIFFERENT SPAN LENGTH FOR 2’’ PIPE …………

span length(ft) X all(mm) X experiment(mm)

6 0.691086085

7 0.940644949

8 1.228597485 0.6968 Safe

9 1.554943692

10 1.91968357 1.1478 Safe

12 2.764344341 1.3808 Safe

14’4’’ 3.980655851 3.8077 Safe

16’8’’ 5.418114908 10.8733 Unsafe

1. COMPARISON CHART FOR ABOVE TABLE DATA:

Comparision Chart
12

10

0
6 7 8 9 10 12 14.4 16.8

xall(mm) xmm(exp)
Discussion:
The standard span length for 2’’ suspended pipe without incorporating vibration is 10feet from research
paper formula.

By providing the maximum possible vibration to pipelines the pipelines are still safe up to 14 feet span
length so its concluded that static span length formulae are also applicable for those pipelines which is
installed on bridges which is tuned to vibration.

RESULT ANALYSIS FOR 1’’ PIPE:

span
length(ft) (meter) S/Y xall(m) Xall(mm) xm(exp) Xexp(mm)

3.75 1.143 19.16983 0.00054 0.539911 0.000245 0.244808 SAFE

5 1.524 10.78303 0.00096 0.959842 0.00057 0.570379 SAFE

6 1.8288 7.488213 0.001382 1.382172 0.002083 2.083334 UNSAFE

8 2.4384 4.21212 0.002457 2.457195 0.002574 2.574378 UNSAFE

9 2.7432 3.328095 0.00311 3.109887 0.004335 4.334966 UNSAFE

10 3.048 2.695757 0.003839 3.839367 0.006849 6.848828 UNSAFE

12 3.6576 1.872053 0.005529 5.528689 0.007253 7.253044 UNSAFE

14.33 4.367784 1.312769 0.007884 7.884098 0.027907 27.90717 UNSAFE

16.75 5.1054 0.96084 0.010772 10.77182 0.058517 58.51733 UNSAFE

 1. COMPARISON CHART:

Comparision Chart
70
60

50
40
30

20
10

0
3.75 5 6 8 9 10 12 14.33 16.75

Xall(mm) Xexp(mm)

Discussion:
The standard span length for suspended pipe of 1’’ pipe without incorporating vibration is 3.54=4feet
from research paper formula.

By providing the maximum possible vibration to pipelines the pipelines are still safe up to 5 feet span
length and beyond that value it’s unsafe so its concluded that static span length formulae are also
applicable for those pipelines which is installed on bridges which is tuned to vibration.

➢ HORIZONTAL VIBRATION RESULT AND ITS ANALYSIS:

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AT DIFFERENT SPAN LENGTH FOR 2’’ PIPE …………

span length(ft) xall(mm) Xexp Conclusion

6 0.691086 0.159883 Safe

7 0.940645 0.163049 Safe

8 1.228597 0.190194 Safe

9 1.554944 0.262712 Safe

10 1.919684 0.632867 Safe

12 2.764344 0.641691 Safe

14 3.76258 1.18066 Safe

COMPARISON CHART FOR ABOVE TABLE DATA:

Comparision chart for allowable

displacement and experimental
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
6 7 8 9 10 12 14

xall(mm) Xexp Conclusion

Discussion:

The standard span length for 2’’ suspended pipe without incorporating vibration is 10feet from research
paper formula.

By providing the maximum possible vibration to pipelines in vertical direction the pipelines are still safe
up to 14 feet span length so its concluded that static span length formulae are also applicable for those
pipelines which is installed on bridges which is tuned to vibration.
Conclusion:
The standard span length for 2’’ suspended pipe without incorporating vibration is 10feet from Bending
stresses formulae. By providing the maximum possible vibration to pipelines with maximum factor of
safety pipe are still safe up to 14 feet span length so its concluded that static span length formulae are
also applicable for those pipelines which is installed on bridges which are tuned to vibration. Similarly,
the analysis was verified for 1’’ pipe.