INTRODUCTION

AutoPIPE is a stand-alone computer aided engineering (CAE) program for

calculation of piping stresses, flange analysis, pipe support design, and
equipment nozzle loading analysis under static and dynamic loading conditions.
In addition to 22 piping codes, AutoPIPE incorporates ASME, European, British
Standard, API, NEMA, ANSI, ASCE, AISC, UBC, and WRC guidelines and
design limits to provide a comprehensive analysis of the entire system. Version
9.0 is available for Windows 2000/XP can be licensed across networks.
There are two versions of AutoPIPE: Plus and Standard. The Plus version offers
several advanced analysis capabilities not available in the standard version which
are detailed later in this chapter. A KHK2 add-on option is also available for the
Plus version that allows use of the Japanese KHK Level 2 piping code in
addition to all the features of the Plus version. AutoPIPE is a proven, wellestablished
program that has been commercially available since 1986.
AutoPIPE’s rigorous quality assurance practices have withstood numerous onsite
audits, making AutoPIPE one of the few PC based piping programs
approved for use in nuclear safety applications.
OVERVIEW 1-2
FEATURE SUMMARY 1-2
NEW FEATURES IN AUTOPIPE XM EDITION 1-5
AUTOPIPE VS. AUTOPIPE PLUS 1-8
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 1-9
RELEASE NOTES 1-9
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND SERVICES 1-10
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS 1-13

1 Developed to meet the needs of companies involved in industrial piping system design, AutoPIPE
utilizes Windows-standard commands, object oriented graphics technology, and CAD interfaces to
enable users to create, modify, and review piping and structural models and their results quickly and
easily.
A graphical representation of the model is displayed as it is being developed, providing instant visual
feedback. AutoPIPE performs extensive error checking as the data is being entered and alerts the user
if the model does not comply with the regulatory standards of piping design.
Using AutoPIPE’s object oriented graphical select options, users can insert, delete, or modify pipe
properties, supports, or offsets across an entire range of points with one command. Graphical selection
of ranges is also used for cut, copy, & paste operations.
FEATURE SUMMARY
The following is a partial list of the features and capabilities of AutoPIPE. Refer to the on-line help for
a complete reference of features and functionality.
PROPERTIES AND COMPONENT LIBRARIES
AutoPIPE contains a comprehensive and extensible library of material properties and piping &
structural components including pipes, reducers, tees, valves, flanges, beams, flexible connectors and
other items. Supports include: anchors, spring and constant force hangers, one-way restraints, limit
stops, guides, snubbers and tie-rods.
The material library includes temperature dependent properties and code dependent allowables.
AutoPIPE provides component libraries for ASME/ANSI, JIS, DIN, and Nordic standards.
HANGER DESIGN
AutoPIPE performs spring hanger design for one or more operating conditions. The program selects
hangers from a customizable manufacturer's library, which includes: Grinnell, Bergen-Patterson,
Lisega, NPS, and others.
STRUCTURAL MODELING IN AUTOPIPE
AutoPIPE provides built-in structural analysis with frame elements to enable users to consider the
mass and flexibility of structural supports as part of their piping analysis. AutoPIPE provides
structural modeling options for user specified beta angles to orient beam local cross-section axes with
global axes, rigid end lengths to account for the connectivity of end points to other members in the
structural system, and end releases to model pinned connections. AutoPIPE’s unique two point support
elements allow the user to define the connection between pipe and structural steel using gaps and
friction at the same point if required.

The AISC structural library with cross sectional properties and a database of properties of commonly
used structural steel materials is included within AutoPIPE. Users can easily define their own frame
elements and steel materials to model frame elements not included in the AutoPIPE’s database.
Frame structures are created and modified in interactive mode using AutoPIPE’s graphical interface.
In this manner, users can graphically copy, paste, or modify structures with one operation using
AutoPIPE’s graphical select options or by clicking on a particular frame element.
NON-LINEAR ANALYSIS OPTIONS
AutoPIPE provides directional supports, gaps, friction, bilinear spring supports and nonlinear buried
pipeline analysis. Users can specify both gaps and friction at a support point to simulate real world
boundary conditions. AutoPIPE provides 2-point restraint functionality to define tie rods with gaps,
pipe/structure interaction, and other connectivity between any 2 points in the system.
AutoPIPE provides unique capabilities for nonlinear load sequencing. Users can, for example, specify
that wind, seismic, or other occasional loads are analyzed in sequence immediately after the gravity
load or specify that the occasional loads are analyzed after thermal. In this manner, users can
accurately calculate loads and stresses for occasional loads acting on the operating position of the
piping or the ambient position of the piping. Load sequencing options also allow the user to calculate
gravity and thermal loads using nonlinear analysis and seismic loads using linear analysis (as
recommended by UBC and other design standards) in the same run.
LOCAL STRESS CALCULATIONS
AutoPIPE provides a link to WinNOZL for calculations of local shell stresses per British Standard
5500, Welding Research Council bulletin 107, 297, and 368, using stress allowables and load
combinations as specified by ASME Sec. VIII, Div. 1 and 2. Various piping load combinations on
tanks can be examined in accordance with the API 650 code.
Further, AutoPIPE provides unique options for hillside nozzles and reinforcing pad calculations.
These are available for cylinders, spheres, cones, semi-ellipses, and torispheres. The automatic
importing of AutoPIPE piping loads saves time and minimizes user errors.
FINITE ELEMENT THEORY
AutoPIPE is a finite element program used to analyze piping and structural systems subjected to static
and dynamic loads. Use of intelligent defaults allows the user to analyze complex systems without indepth
knowledge of finite element theory.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
Dynamic analysis capabilities include mode shapes and natural frequencies, response spectra, phased
harmonic load analysis, time history dynamic analysis and force spectra analysis. For modal analysis,

AutoPIPE can automatically insert mass points along elements. Missing mass and zero period
acceleration may be applied in dynamic analysis. AutoPIPE satisfies NUREG/CR-1677 benchmark
problems and provides built-in NRC spectra, seismic anchor movements, and code case N411
capability.
AutoPIPE provides built-in fluid transient synthesizers for calculation of waterhammer, steamhammer,
and relief valve forces, which are integrated with time history dynamic analysis. Utilizing the Bentley
PULS program, users can calculate flow induced vibrations, or pulsations associated with
reciprocating equipment, and automatically transfer those harmonic loads directly into AutoPIPE to
calculate dynamic piping responses.
POST PROCESSING
After analyzing a system, users can click on the graphics model to instantly view stresses, loads,
deflections, or mode shapes at any point. Color coded stresses, animated vibrations, and pop-up
windows enable the engineer to more quickly identify and investigate critical areas without having to
review a voluminous amount of batch output data.
Output report options allow users to pick and choose which reports to generate, with or without filters,
for on-screen review or printing. Code stress combinations are performed automatically. Unique filter
options allow the user to generate custom output reports based on user-defined stress, deflection, or
load criteria. AutoPIPE enables users to analyze multiple thermal, wind, seismic, wave, and dynamic
loads all in one analysis with Min/Max load summaries.
Using AutoPIPE’s graphical select options, users can graphically select points to be included in the
output report. As an example, a user could generate an output report for only 2 points in a 1,000 point
model.
PIPING CODE COMPLIANCE
AutoPIPE checks and generates code compliance reports for the following piping codes:
􀂃ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8
􀂃ASME Section III Class 2 & 3
􀂃European EN13480
􀂃Canadian CAN/CSA – Z662
􀂃B31.4 Offshore
􀂃B31.8 Offshore
􀂃CSA-Z662 Offshore
􀂃British Standards BS 806 and BS 7159 (GRP Piping Code)
Swedish Piping Code (SPC), Method 2
􀂃Norwegian Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and TBK 5-6
􀂃Dutch Stoomwezen D1101
􀂃Japanese MITI 501, Class 3 piping, Japanese General Fire Protection code and Japanese
KHK
􀂃French RCC-M and SNCT
CAD INTERFACES
AutoPIPE 9.0 can import CAD piping models from Bentley AutoPLANT, Bentley PlantSpace and
Intergraph PDS plant design systems.
AutoPIPE can export models back into AutoPLANT or export models in DXF format into AutoCAD
or MicroStation. Import and export of piping models between CAD and AutoPIPE can save manhours
in the creation and checking of piping and structural models and prevent errors associated with
manual entry of piping models.
ADVANCED CAPABILITIES FOR VARIED PIPING ENVIRONMENTS
AutoPIPE provides unique capabilities for underground and subsea pipeline analysis, dynamic
loading, nonlinear restraints, and orthotropic piping analysis. Following is a summary of advanced
AutoPIPE capabilities:
Built-in wave loading, buried pipeline analysis, pipe/structure interaction, calculation of local stresses,
thermal bowing analysis, time history dynamic analysis, fluid transient synthesizers, gaps & friction,
relief valve load calculator, FRP/GRP pipe analysis, jacketed piping, 29 piping codes.
NEW FEATURES IN AUTOPIPE XM EDITION
Major features and enhancements implemented in this version include:
ANALYSIS
􀂃Add thermal bowing effect on piping
􀂃Add option to activate dampers in the wind cases
􀂃Increase allowable number of internal data points in AutoPIPE