TRIFLEX Manual

Restraints

PipingSolutions, Inc.
The Restraints Chapter covers restraint dialogs
in TRIFLEX pipe stress software.

PipingSolutions, Inc.
6219 Brittmoore Rd.
Houston, TX 77041
713-849-3366
713-849-3654

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Restraints

1.1 What is a Restraint? ..............................................................................................3

2.1 Restraint Tab Dialog .............................................................................................4
3.1 Types of Restraints ................................................................................................5
3.1.1 One and Two Direction Restraints ............................................................................5
3.1.2 Other Restraints .......................................................................................................8
3.1.2.1 Limit Stops............................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.2.2 Damper .................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2.3 Ultimate Force Gap .................................................................................................................. 13
3.1.2.4 Friction Slip Gap ...................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.2.5 Stiff /Move/ Load..................................................................................................................... 18

4.1 Modeling a Restraint on a skewed pipe ................................................................ 19

5.1 Spring Supports .................................................................................................. 23
5.1.1 Size a Spring Support ............................................................................................. 23
5.1.2 Existing Spring Support ......................................................................................... 27
5.1.3 Example of Existing Spring Support ....................................................................... 28

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1.1 What is a Restraint?

In general, a restraint is a mechanical device that prevents, resists or limits the free
movement of a piping system. In TRIFLEX a Restraint can be attached to all piping
components and Structural elements with exception to an Anchor and Expansion Joint.
In general TRIFLEX defines restrains according to the type of action, Translational or
Rotational, and on one-direction or two-directions.
1. Translation Action:
Loads [lb]
Movement [in]

Stiffness [

2. Rotational action
Moments [ft-lbs]
Rotation [degrees]

Stiffness [

Restraints can be defined in the:

1. Standard X, Y, Z Coordinate System, which enables a User to enter
restraints.
2. A, B, C Coordinate System, which enables a User to enter restraints along
an axis system that may be skewed in relationship to the X, Y, Z axis
system, as well as the L, N, G axis system.
3. L, N, G axis system which enables a User to enter restraints along the axis
of the pipe and normal to the axis of the pipe element.
Note. For simplicity, only the Standard X, Y, Z Coordinate System will be used to
explain the applications of restraints.
In general a restraint may be of translational or rotational Action and on one-direction or
two-directions.

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2.1 Restraint Tab Dialog

The input for restraints is found either in the Restraint Tab window, which can be found on all
components except in the case of and Anchor and an Expansion Joint. See Figure 2.1-1 below.

Figure 2.1-1 The Restraint Tab

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3.1 Types of Restraints

Figure 3.11Restraint Type Options

3.1.1 One and Two Direction Restraints

A (+) sign means a one-directional restraint acting in the positive direction in any of the
X, Y, Z axis. For example, a rigid pipe support acting in the +Y axis. See Model and the
Restraint Tab below.

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Figure 3.1.1-1 +Y Restraint

A (0) means two-directional restraints at opposite directions that allow zero translation in
the axis normal to them.

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Figure 3.1.1-2 Three-way Restraint

A (-) sign means a one directional restraint. For example, a restraint acting in the
negative direction in any of X, Y, Z axis.

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3.1.2 Other Restraints

Stiffness Fields and Upper and Lower Limits
The following restraints require the use of Stiffness values for the Upper, In-between and
Lower Stiffness as well as the displacement and/or rotation limits. See picture below for
the Limit Stops case.

Limit Stops
Damper
Ultimate Force Gap
Friction Slip Gap
Stiff / Move / Load

The graph below is intended to help the user visualize the concept of Stiffness in
TRIFLEX when modeling a device that requires the use of stiffness.

Figure 3.1.2-1 Stiffness (Force displacement) graph

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The previous Stiffness plot is also a graphical representation of the input that may be
entered in the Lower, In between and Upper Stiffness fields. The broken line shows
the behavior of a device attached to a piping system in which part of the
motioninvolves stiffness. As the internal parts of the device move from O to A no
Stiffness is encountered therefore the In-between Stiffness is FREE. From point A and
beyond the device encounters Stiffness which is represented by the slope or Stiffness.

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3.1.2.1 Limit Stops

A Limit Stop is a device that allows movement within a range (gap) previously
defined. It will prevent further movement of a pipe beyond this gap.
Example of Limit Stops

MOVEMENT IN THE X DIRECTION

SH0E
WELDED
STOP
XUPPER Limit

A
In-between

Support Beam

Figure 3.1.2.1-1 Limit Stop X-Direction

Figure 3.1.2.1-2 Limit Stop Data Input

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In the previous example for the Limit Stop the X upper is defined as 0.125 in, and the X
lower are zero inches. In other words the pipe is allowed to move on the +X direction from
0 to B 0.125 in. The In-between Stiffness is entered as FREE ( no Stiffness). The Upper
limit it is selected as RIGID, This means that there is no displacement beyond point B.
However, the user may enter numerical values of STIFFNESS rather than FREE or
RIGID. This depends of course on the design of the piping device. Figure below shows
the graphical representation of the limit stop.

Limit Stop graphics

Figure 3.1.2.1-3 Limit Stop Graphical

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3.1.2.2 Damper
In general, a damper is a mechanical device which can reduce or control vibrations. In
TRIFLEX is defined as a two directional restraint totally rigid when an occasional
loading case is being processed and totally free when an operating case is being
processed. In other words, all movement along the corresponding axis will be allowed by
the damper in the operating case but will be prevented in the occasional load case.

Figure 3.1.2.2-1 Damper Data Input

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Damper

Figure 3.1.2.2-1 Graphic representation of a Damper

In TRIFLEX dampers are simulated using spring constants (stiffness) instead of
damping coefficients. TRIFLEX uses an overall damping coefficient of 0.05 for the
whole piping system. For example, if a vibrating force is imposed on a piping system by
rotating equipment, then this force can be represented using Time History Analysis.
Earthquake loading can be input by using Response Spectrum or Static Equivalent
Seismic loads. As a default, TRIFLEX defines the Static stiffness as Free (no
stiffness) when the piping is not subject to a vibrating force and uses Rigid stiffness in
the Dynamic mode.
3.1.2.3 Ultimate Force Gap

The Ultimate Force Gap concept can be applied for example, to a connecting mechanical
device attached to a piping system. This device is designed to operate under a limit force
(Translational action) or moment (Rotational action) given by the manufacturer. In
TRIFLEX this force is called the Ultimate Force or a breaking away force. Examples of
these forces are a thermal force, a pressure thrust or their combination. As this force
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increases to reach the limit (the brake away force) a gap is travelled. This gap is
represented by the X upper and the X lower limits. The User is to decide whether a
Lower or Upper Stiffness is representative of the particular device under study. The
default for the Lower and Upper Stiffness is Rigid. The user has a choice to enter a
FREE stiffness or a numerical value in all the Stiffness fields.

Figure 3.1.2.3-1 Data Input of an Ultimate Force Gap

3.1.2.4 Friction Slip Gap

The Friction slip gap is a type of Restraint in TRIFLEX than can be applied to model a
SLIP JOINT. The following is an example on how to model a Slip Joint. The Slip Joint
Packing friction force for this example is 6,000 lb. (by manufacturer). For this example
Xuppr = 0.78 in.
In a SLIP JOINT the Sliding Slip slides in or out of the Traverse Chamber depending
whether, for example the pipe is expanding or contracting due to changes in temperature.
The packing is made of Graphite. Please see Figure below.

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Figure 3.1.2.5-1 Slip Joint

Forces acting on the slip joint

Pressure Thrust

Slip Joint Packing friction force

Pipe Support friction force

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Stiffness (Force-Displacement graph)

Figure 3.1.2.5-2 Shows how stiffness develops in a Slip Joint

Sequence of events depending on the presence of stiffness
1. From O to A a Force has built up to overcome the friction between packing and
metal in the Slip Joint. Point A is the point at which the Breaking Force occurs.
The Slip Joint Packing friction force for this example is 6,000 lb. (by
manufacturer).
2. The In-between Stiffness is from A-B, this is the gap the Sliding Slip travels
inside the Traverse Chamber after the Breaking Force. At this point the Slip Joint
begins to be move against the pipe support friction and the Pressure Thrust.
3. The gap the Slip joint travels is represented by X upper. For this example X upper
= 0.78 in. This value has been calculated prior to selecting the Slip Joint.
4. The word FREE can be entered in this box. It is assumed that TRIFLEX converts
the support friction force into the STIFFNESS required to develop a resistive
force equal to the specified break.
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Modeling the Slip Joint

The Slip Joint is modeled as a two parts unit. The Restraint with Friction Slip Gap and
the Expansion Joint.
Restraint with Friction Slip Gap

Figure 3.1.2.5-3 Friction Break Point Slip Joint

Expansion Joint
A. The purpose of modeling an Expansion Joint is to include the Pressure thrust.
B. The Expansion Joint should be placed immediately after the Friction Slip Gap
Restraint.
C. The Expansion Joint should be modeled with axial movement only. The
Translational Stiffness in the X should be FREE, (no tie rods). There is no
Rotational Stiffness in this case.

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Figure 3.1.2.5-4 Expansion Joint used in conjunction with a Slip Gap to model a Slip
Joint

3.1.2.5 Stiff /Move/ Load

Stiff /Move/ Load - This type of restraint has three options:

Stiff - This field is open to enter selected values of Stiffness.
Movement - In this field, the User may define a Movement that the User wishes to
impose on the pipe at the restraint location. If the Movement is to be applied to the pipe
in the negative a direction, then the User must enter the numerical value preceded by a
negative sign. When the User enters a movement in this field, TRIFLEX will impose
this Movement on the piping system and will hold the piping system at that position in
the analysis. The default for the Stiffness is Rigid for both the Lower and Upper. This
field is open to enter a selected value of Stiffness.
Load- In this field, the User may define a Load that the User wishes to impose on the
pipe at the restraint location. If the Load is to be applied to the pipe in the negative a
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direction, then the User must enter the numerical value preceded by a negative sign. If
the Load is to be applied to the pipe in the positive a direction, then the User should not
enter any sign. When the User enters a numerical value for the Load in this field,
TRIFLEX will impose this Load on the piping system and will continue to apply this
Load, no matter where the piping system moves.

4.1 Modeling a Restraint on a skewed pipe

There are instances in which the User may need to attach a Restraint or Force normal to a
skew Pipe element like in the example below. For example a 0 Movement Restraint (pipe
guide) is attached to both node 34 and 35 in the model below.

Figure 4.1-1 Skewed pipe with 0 movement

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Steps to Model:
1. Open the Pipe Data Dialog.

2. Click on the Restraint tab at the top of the menu

3. Select a 0 Movement (pipe guide) on the Z direction at node 34.

4. Click OK at the bottom of the Pipe Data dialog.

The result is two 0 Movement Restraints not normal to the skew pipe segment 34-35 see
model below.

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Notice how 0
Movement restraints
are normal to the pipe

Notice how 0 Movement

restraints are not normal to the
skew pipe. TRIFLEX can fix it.

Figure 4.1-2 Skewed pipe with 0 movement

Steps to make the 0 Movement restraints normal to pipe on segment 34-35
1. Click on the Directions Detail box at the upper corner of the Pipe Element
dialog tab. The Direction Axis tab will appear. See below.

2. In The Direction Axes dialog, click on the A, B, C Coordinates button under the
Coordinate System.

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3. Now click on the Set Axes to LNG box on the lower left corner of the
Direction Axes Dialog. The Longitudinal Direction Calculator will appear.

4. Click OK at the Longitudinal Direction Calculator

5. Click OK at Direction Axes dialog
6. Notice the A, B, C Coordinates are in place now

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7. Finally Click OK at the Pipe Data dialog

8. The 0 Movement restraints are now normal to pipe segment 34-35. See model
below

Figure 4.1-3 Skewed restraints

5.1 Spring Supports

5.1.1 Size a Spring Support
By placing a check mark in the Size a Spring Support check box, the User may instruct
TRIFLEX to either size a variable spring as a hanger or as a spring support (can) for
a particular node location. When sizing a spring support the Axis of motion is a vertical
axis. If the piping model has as the vertical axis the Y axis in the in the X,Y,Z
coordinate system the selection for both, the Translational and Rotational action fields in
the Y should be None.
Please note that the User cannot check simultaneously the Existing Spring Hanger and
the Size a Spring Hanger check boxes. Checking one cancels the other.
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To select a Spring Support both The Translational

and Rotational action fields in the Y direction
must be None .

Spring Hanger

Spring Support (can)

Figure 5.1.1-1 Spring Can support and Spring Hanger

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Allowed Load Variation The Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and
Fittings Industry (MSS) suggests that the maximum pipe travel should result in a
Variability factor of no more than 25 %. TRIFLEX uses this value as a default.
However, the User can enter any other desired numerical value in this field.

No. of Spring Hangers - The default value that appears in this field is 1 which means
that TRIFLEX will default to sizing one spring hanger at this location. The User can
enter another desired numerical value in this field to indicate the number of spring
hangers that the User wants TRIFLEX to size at this location. If a number of two or
more is entered by the User, TRIFLEX will divide the total load carried at this node
location by the number of desired spring hangers and will size the hangers based upon the
resulting loads.
Example of Sizing a Spring,
1. Click on the restraint tab to access the Spring dialog
2. Place a check mark in the Size a Spring Support check box
3. Select hanger

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4. Run TRIFLEX
5. Click on the output and select Restraint Forces and Moments for the
THERM+PRESS+WT calculation.
The Spring Hanger is listed in the Restraints Forces Moments output
Spring operating load

TRIFLEX generates a Report for the Spring Hanger Support as shown below

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5.1.2 Existing Spring Support

There are instances for example, in which a piping system to be analyzed is already
operating in a plant facility, and it is desired to verify the performance of the existing
spring supports. This Option may help this purpose. The user simply places a check mark
in the Existing Spring Support box, enters the Installed Load ( Cold Load) and the
Spring Rate. No Support Y movement is entered at this time TRIFLEX will calculate the
Support Y Movement of the spring from the cold conditions to operating conditions.
Note on the Spring Rate The User should enter the spring rate for the spring hanger
only when the existing installed load is known.

Figure 5.1.2-1 Default of the Existing Spring Support feature before entering data

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5.1.3 Example of Existing Spring Support

Assume the following data from a Spring Support specification.

Installed load = 1259 lb

Spring rate(stiffness) = 170 lb/in
Y movement (deflection) = 0 in. to be calculated
by TRIFLEX

The Spring Report below shows that TRIFLEX calculated the Deflection(Y movement)
and the Operating Load with the above data.

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When the Installed Load is unknown

If the Installed load is unknown, TRIFLEX can help to calculate it as follows:

Enter the Operating load in the Installed Load box

Enter the Spring Stiffness as 1 in the Spring Rate box
Enter zero in the Support Y Movement box

By using the above method the load on the spring remains constant. This allows
TRIFLEX to calculate the spring movement. From this movement the Installed load can
be calculated easily. This method can also be applied used to re-size the spring hanger, if
the User desires.
Note-When the X, Y, Z coordinate system is selected, the spring hanger will be
considered to act along the Y-axis. When the L, N, G coordinate system is selected by
the User, the spring hanger will be considered to act along the N axis. When the A, B, C
coordinate system is selected by the User, the spring hanger will be considered to act
along the B axis.
Example of unknown Installed Load
Assume that from the plant facility the only load known is the Operating Load and the
Spring Rate (Spring Stiffness).

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Operating load = 1671 lb

Use Spring rate(stiffness) = 1 lb/in
The actual Spring rate is 170 lb/in
Y movement (deflection) = 0 in.
to be calculated by TRIFLEX

Notice from the Spring Report that both the Operating and Installation loads are basically
the same. In other words, the loading is constant. Using a Spring Stiffness of 1 makes
TRIFLEX calculate the actual deflection of the spring support.

The Installation Load can be calculated as follows

Installation Load = Operating Load Spring Rate x deflection
=1671lb 170 lb/in (2.419 in)
= 1260 lb

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