Stress Classification in Pressure Vessels and Piping as

per ASME B31 and BPVC Codes

whatispiping.com/stress-classification-in-pressure-vessels-and-piping

Baskar Jeyalakshmi

In this article, We will learn the stress

classifications as per ASME B31 and ASME
BPVC codes in details.

Stress Classification in ASME B31

For performing stress Analysis while designing a system, the following three fundamental
details are required

Types of Load acting on the system

Modes of failure due to the applied loads, (Basis for Stress classification)
The allowable limit for the various modes of failure. (Basis for Allowable Stress)

Types of Loads in Piping

Various loads acting on the piping system can be broadly classified into two categories.

Primary Load
Secondary Load

The pipe will react differently for these loads. Hence, a different mode of failure and
different allowable limits.

Primary Load:
According to ASME primary stress is defined as “A normal or shear stress developed by
the imposed loading which is necessary to satisfy the laws of equilibrium of external and
internal forces and moments”.

This includes Fluid pressure, Pipe weight, Insulation weight, cladding weight, refractory
weight, externally applied forces like Slug, Surge, Reaction forces, and Fluid weight.

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When a primary load is acting on a piping system, stresses will be induced in the system
and these stresses are depending on the Geometric property of pipe (Diameter, and
Thickness). But, Displacement (Strain) is a function of Young’s modulus (E). Let us take
an example situation shown below.

Primary Load example

Fig. 1: Primary Load Example

A Bar of hallow circular cross-section with uniform thickness “t” is experiencing an axial
pull of load “P”. From the elemental mechanics,

Stress, σ = P/A
Strain, ɛ = σ/E
Where,
A = Cross-sectional area
E = Young’s modulus

Since the Primary load should satisfy the equations of equilibrium, the applied load will
be equal to loads at restraint in CAESAR II. i.e. Loads in the system = Sum of loads at
restraint. An example is given below.

Weight report of the system:

Fig. 2: Weight Report of the system

The below images show the sum of “Vertical Restraints” for the same system for the WNC
case which is equal to dead weight of the system shown above. (a slight error is due to
rounded up values)

Applying Equation of equilibrium,

∑ Fx = 0,
∑ Fy = 0,

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 ∑ Fz = Weight of the system,
X, Y – Horizontal direction, Z-Vertical direction

∑ Fz = Weight of the system,

Fig. 3: Total Vertical force on Supports

So total vertical force in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are almost equal.

The same is true for Fx and Fy forces as well which can be confirmed from Fig. 4.

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 Fig. 4: Satisfying Equilibrium Equation

Secondary load:
A hollow circular bar is fixed on one end and it is heated. Now, the Bar will expand and no
loads will be generated in the fixed end as shown in Fig. 5A.

Fig. 5: Secondary Stress

Now, the same bar is fixed on both ends (Fig. 5B) and the bar is heated. The bar will try to
expand and the fixed ends will restrict. Hence, stress will develop in the system. We will
see Stress and Strain for this heated situation.

Stress, σ = α ΔT E

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 Strain, ɛ = α ΔT
Load, P = Stress X Area = α ΔT E A
Where, α – Co-efficient of thermal expansion

From the above example, we can clearly differentiate Primary and Secondary loads.

As per ASME secondary loads are defined by “Loads that are developed by the constraint
of adjacent parts or by self-constraint of a structure”

Primary Stress – Stress-induced due to primary load is independent of young’s

modulus (i.e. type of material).
Secondary Stress – Stress-Induced due to secondary load depends on young’s
modulus (i.e. type of material).

Since, the loads generated in the system itself, the sum of all restraints will be zero in case
of a secondary load.

No external load = no net force on the system. The below image (Fig. 6) shows the net
forces due to expansion in a piping system.

Fig. 6: Summation of Secondary Forces from Caesar Output

Another main characteristic that differentiates Primary and secondary

load is “Self-Limiting” behavior, which is explained below.

Self-Limiting Behavior
Stress-Strain curve of a typical ductile material is shown below in Fig. 7.

Point A – Proportionality limit, till this limit only Hooke’s law is applicable. Hence, OA is
a straight line

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Point B – Elastic limit, till this point material will exhibit elastic property, AB is non-
linear. i.e. Young’s modulus depends on strain.

Point C & D – Upper Yield Point and Lower Yield point respectively. Most of the
material don’t exhibit upper yield point C. Point C is depending on loading and unloading
conditions. Hence, Point C can’t be taken as yield point. Point D is the yield point of the
material which is independent of loading and unloading conditions.

Fig. 7: Stress Strain Curve for a Ductile Material

Point E – Point E is the ultimate limit of the material. The increase in Stress after point
D is due to the phenomena “Strain Hardening”

Point F – F is the failure point of the material. After Point E, necking formation will
happen and material will break into to two halves.

All the codes of ASME and B31 approximate the material as “Elastic-Perfectly Plastic” by
neglecting Strain hardening and all other irregularities in the curve. The material model
used to derive the allowable limit for ASME and B31 code is shown below in Fig. 8.

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 Fig. 8: Elastic-Perfectly Plastic Curve

Point A – Proportionality and Yield limit (Point A, B, C, D, E in the real curve).

Point B – Failure Limit (Point F in the real curve)

Primary load behavior:

At the starting Stress and strain will be zero (neglecting residual stresses). When
we apply the external load “P”, stress will increase which depends on the geometric
property (A) and strain also. Now let us take the stress is reached point “A”. After point
“A”, an infinitesimal increase in load will create a gross deformation up to the failure
point “B”. This gross deformation should be avoided. Here, from Point “A” to “B”, no
intermediate strain is possible. After point “A”, point “B” will be reached instantaneously.
This behavior is called “load controlled” behavior. This gross deformation is the failure
mode due to primary loads.

Secondary Load behavior:

In the heated bar example, the stress will be generated by constraining the
expansion of the bar. When this stress exceeds Point “A” yielding will occur, but no gross
deformation will happen like primary. Because deformation or strain is depending on
external factor i.e. Temperature difference. Intermediate points between A and B is
possible in secondary loads. This behavior is called the “Strain or Displacement
controlled” condition. Since gross deformation is not happening in secondary there are
other modes of failure related to secondary loads.

With the understanding of Primary and Secondary load, we will try to answer the
following self-evaluation (We let the readers to discuss the answer in comments section)

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In Stress analysis using CII, I have wrongly entered E= 203200MPa instead of
E=126300MPa

1. What will be the effect on Primary Stress and Deflection?

Stress will increase and no deflection change
Deflection will increase and no stress change
Both deflection and stress change
Both deflection and Stress will not change
2. What will be the effect on Secondary Stress and Secondary Load?
Stress will increase and no Load change
The load will increase and no stress change
Both stress and load will increase
Both stress and load will decrease

Till now we have seen what is primary and secondary load and the difference between
them. Click here to learn the specific differences between primary and
secondary loads in a tabular format.

Now we will explain the failure modes due to primary and secondary loads in a Pressure
Vessel and Piping system.

Failure Modes and Allowable Stresses

Burst due to Pressure (Primary Load)
Collapse due to weight (Primary Load)
Elastic Shakedown (Secondary Load)
Ratcheting (Secondary load)
Fatigue

Burst Due to Pressure:

When a system is subjected to pressure, stresses developed in the system are

Longitudinal stress
Hoop Stress
Radial Stress

In these, radial stress is neglected in thin wall vessels like piping and pressure vessels.

Longitudinal and hoop stresses are acting in each and every part of the system as shown
below in Fig. 9.

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 Fig. 10: Longitudinal and Hoof Stresses in Piping

When pressure exceeds allowable limit burst or excessive straining of the component
occurs. Excessive straining implies an unacceptable distortion of the part. Hence,
allowable stress for pressure load = Sy

The stress distribution is uniform across the cross-section. Hence, all fibers will yield at
once.

Collapse due to weight:

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Failures where weight type loads are excessive causing collapse or excessive straining of
the component. Since weight load will induce local stresses in the piping system allowable
for weight induced stress can be 1.5 Sy. The stress distribution is varying across the cross-
section and maximum at the outer fiber.

Elastic Shakedown:

Fig. 11: Elastic Shakedown

Since elastic shakedown failure is related to secondary loads (displacement loads), there
won’t be any gross structural deformation. The below example will explain the allowable
stress for Shakedown.

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At the starting of the system, the material has no thermal stress and strain (Point 0) and
now the material gets heated. Expansion is constrained by supports and the system will
get stressed. Even if the system stressed beyond yield, the thermal load is displacement
controlled, so there won’t be any gross structural deformation like pressure or weight
loads.

Now the material reaches the “Point b” which is in the plastic state. After the sometime
system is cooled down and the stresses are reduced. When stress came to zero “Point c”,
some residual strain will be there. Because of the plastic deformation and when the
system comes to its original position i.e. zero strain (point d), stresses in the system will
get reversed. Now the system again heated and stresses. This time there won’t be any
plastic deformation. The system will operate in the line “bcd”. The system brought back to
elastic condition after some initial plastic deformation. This behavior is called “Elastic
shakedown” or “Shakedown to elastic behavior”. If we notice the diagram clearly, all these
shakedown will happen only if

Repeated secondary stress = Syc + Syh = 1.5Sc + 1.5Sh (as per B31 allowable
criteria)

Where, Syc = Cold yield stress and Syh = Hot yield stress

If the allowable stress exceeds these values, plastic hinges will form and gross structural
deformation will take place

Ratcheting:

The typical ratcheting model involves axial, non-repeating stress (WNC stress), with a
superimposed repeating bending stress (Expansion stress). The combination of a repeated
bending stress and non-repeated axial stress produces a plastic deformation in the outer
fibers that increases with each application of the bending load. Ratcheting type failure was
studied by Bree in a beam subjected to constant axial force and repeated secondary
bending moment. The Bree diagram is shown below in Fig. 12.

Horizontal axis = Constant primary stress

Vertical axis = Variable secondary bending stress

ASME B31 codes have an allowable of 2/3 of Sy for primary stress. For 2/3Sy primary
stress, from the bree diagram maximum allowable variable secondary bending stress =
1.33*Sy; i.e. Sum of Primary and secondary stress = 2Sy.

Allowable for ratcheting Sa = Syc + Syh = 1.5Sc + 1.5 Sh = 1.25Sc + 1.25Sh (Taking FOS)

Allowable stress for primary stress (SL)= Sh

Allowable for ratcheting Sa = 1.25Sc + 1.25Sh – Sh = 1.25Sc + 0.25Sh

If SL < Sh , Sa = 1.25Sc + 0.25Sh + (Sh – SL) (Liberal Stress)

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The simple ratcheting requirement gives
us exactly the same limitations on
repeated bending stresses as the
shakedown requirement, and the same
limitations on the constant axial load as
the collapse requirement.

The Ratcheting limit is the average

of Syc and Syh
Shakedown limit is also the
average of Syc and Syh
The Shakedown limit only uses
secondary loadings. The ratcheting
limits include primary, (non-
cyclic) loadings combined with
secondary (cyclic) loadings.
Shakedown failure can
happen in a single cycle, but
ratcheting requires a number
of cycles to failure.

Fig. 12: Explaining Ratcheting

Fatigue:
Peak stresses are the main reason for fatigue failure. Peak Stresses are those
stresses that exist at notches, welds, and other very local stress Concentrations. Fatigue
failure is characterized by “peak stress” and “No. of cycle”

B31 allowable for against fatigue protection is

Sa = f (1.25Sc + 0.25Sh)

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f = fatigue strength reduction factor, which can be taken from curve given in B31 codes. As
per B31 codes up to 7000 cycles system will not fail by fatigue. Hence, f = 1, for cycle less
than 7000.

Stress Classification in ASME SEC VIII

B31 codes didn’t classify based on the area at which stresses are acting. BPVC has one
more stress classification which is based on the area at which stress is acting.

Classification by Area
Classification by type of load

Types of Stresses based on area:

Stresses in piping and vessels are divided into three types depends on the location at
which it is induced.

General
Local
Peak

Let us have a question:

Which one of the following is dangerous?

1. Piping system pressurized until the material reaches the yield

2. Piping system subjected to bending load until the material reaches a yield.

To answer the above questions with reason we will take an example as shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 13: Stress Distribution

The above diagram shows the loading and stress distribution of a bar subjected to a load
“P”. All fibers in the bar are experiencing the same stress “σ”. Now the load is increased
till the “σ” value reaches the yield point of the material. Load at which material reaches its
yield point noted as “Py1”. Then a significant deformation that can be seen with the naked
eye will take place. Finally, the material breaks. This type of stress is called “General
Membrane” stresses. i.e. all the fibers in the system will reach the yield point at the same
time e.g. Pressure.

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Now the same bar is fixed at one end and a Load “P” is applied on the other end as shown
in Fig. 14.

Fig. 14: One end Fixed and load applied at the Other

If the load “P” is increased until the outer fiber reaches yield point, then nearby fibers get
overstressed. Once all the fibers till neutral fiber gets yield, gross deformation will take
place. The load at which gross deformation takes place is “Py2”. This “Py2” is 1.5 Py1. This
type of stress is called “Local Stress”. These local stresses will act in areas in the order of
(RT)1/2.

Now we will put a small notch (Fig. 15) in the bar

subjected to axial load “P”

Fig. 15: Bar with a Notch

The stresses near the hole will reaches the yield point first. Because the stress acting
region is very small (in part of thickness), failure will not happen. Plastic deformation
around the hole occurs and the loads are distributed to the nearby fibers. Since the hole is

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in part of thickness these type of stresses will not cause any gross structural deformation.
But in fatigue loading, cracks will initiate at these locations first. These type of stress is
called “Peak Stress”

By understanding “General”, “Local”, “Peak” it is clear that not only the magnitude of
stress only defines the failure, but area at which stress is acting is also
important.

Note that if General stress is “σ” then, Local stress at structural discontinuity = σ +
stress rise due to discontinuity

Peak Stress at notch or weld = Local stress + Stress rise due to notch or weld = (Local
primary and secondary Stress) * SCF

Where, SCF = stress concentration factor (to be found based on experiments) ASME
BPVC stress classification and its allowable are given in Fig. 16.

Fig. 16: ASME BPVC stress classification and its allowable

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Difference between ASME B31 and BPVC stress classification and
allowable
There are five conditions in the BPVC Code. These five conditions are simplified into two
conditions in B31 codes.

B31 codes are simplified version of BPVC codes.

Failure due to primary Loads:

Condition 1: #1 provides protection against General Primary Stress like

mechanical loads, pressure loads.

Condition 2: #2 provides protection against Local Primary Stress like stresses

due to mechanical and pressure loads at nozzle-vessel junction, Plate attachments etc.,

Condition 3: #3 provides protection about Local Primary combined with

Bending. Since bending is local stress it is combined with other local stresses.

Since B31 codes never classified stress as General and Local, #1, #2, #3 are
replaced by a single condition; Stress due to primary Loads, SL = Sh

Failure due to Secondary Loads:

Condition 4: #4 provides protection against ratcheting in BPVC codes, which
can’t be compared with any of the B31 codes. Because B31 codes includes SCF (by the
application of SIF), while calculating Ratcheting stress.

Ratcheting Stress in BPVC = Local Primary + Bending + Secondary stresses

Ratcheting Stress in BPVC doesn’t include effect of notch, welds.

Condition 5: #5 provide protection against fatigue.

BPVC peak stress = Ratcheting stress * SCF

B31 Peak stress = General (Nominal) stress * SIF

B31 uses peak stress for both ratcheting and fatigue protection. But, BPVC uses different
stress for each kind. Click here to know about Types of Stresses in a Piping System

References and Further Studies:

1. Pipe Stress Engineering by L.C.Peng
2. ASME Sec VIII, Div.2, Chapter 5
3. ASME B31.3

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