Add-on Modules - Piping Systems

Piping Analysis

RFEM provides the RF‑PIPING and RF‑PIPING Design add‑on modules for pipe modeling and design.

Analysis and design can be applied to all piping systems in addition to interaction with the supporting structure all in one program. This allows for quick adjustment of the elements considered as well as realistic structure to piping interaction.

RF-PIPING Add-on Module for RFEM

The RF‑PIPING module is used for modeling piping systems and defining loads conforming to standards.

It is possible to define specific piping components such as valves, fittings, flanges, tees, expansion joints, and others, and consider them together with the supporting structure.

RFEM Add-on Module RF-PIPING Design | Design of Pipings

RF-PIPING Design Add-on Module for RFEM

The RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module compares the existing pipe stresses with the allowable stresses according to EN 13480‑3, ASME B31.1, and ASME B31.3.

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Knowledge Base Articles

Pipes subjected to internal pressure

Piping systems are exposed to a variety of loads. One of the most decisive is the internal pressure. This article will therefore deal with the stresses and deformations resulting from a pure internal compression load in the pipe wall or for the pipe.

Load Combinations for Pipe Stresses due to Occasional Loads Automatic Load Combination Axial Expansion Joint

Screenshots | Piping Systems

Piping system in RFEM

Internal forces of piping design in RFEM

Editing reducer in RFEM

Graphical result display in RFEM

Design of pipelines supported by steel structure

Distribution of axial forces on pipeline for Pressure load case

Display of vertical pipeline including various pipping components

Product Features Articles

Graphical representation of pipelines with loads in RFEM

Working with RF-PIPING

After activating the RF‑PIPING add‑on module, a new toolbar is available in RFEM and the project navigator and tables are extended. Piping modeling is performed in a similar way as members. Pipe bends are defined by using tangents (straight pipe sections) and bend radius at the same time. Thus, it is easy to subsequently change bend parameters.

It is also possible to extend the piping subsequently by defining special components (expansion joints, valves, and others). The implemented libraries of structural components facilitate the definition.

Continuous pipe sections are defined as sets of piping systems. For piping loads, member loads are assigned to the respective load cases. The combination of loads is included in piping load combinations and result combinations. After the calculation, you can display deformations, member internal forces and support forces graphically or in tables.

Pipe stress analysis according to standards can then be performed in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module. You only need to select the relevant sets of piping systems and load situations.

Working with RF-PIPING Design