Using Edit menu>Add from SAP2000 model, CSiPlant can import detailed SAP2000 structural models including load assignments, releases, and mass model definitions, and auto-connect with the piping model using 2-point pipe supports for combined nonlinear pipe/structure analysis to obtain more realistic reactions and stresses. CSiPlant can import SAP2000 models from V21 to current version. User will be prompted to select the SAP2000 model which to import and auto-connect with the CSiPlant piping model. This will launch the SAP2000 model using the open application programming interface (OAPI).
Before the import is complete, 3 screens will appear. Depending on the version of the SAP2000 model, the first screen may displays an UNIFHT function "error" which can safely be ignored since the UNIFHT is a power spectral density loading function which is not available in CSiPlant. The second screen displays no errors but with warnings which can be ignored. CSiPlant does not yet have special rebar or tendon elements like SAP2000, and that triggers warning messages.
Selected pipe support reactions from the combined model can be automatically exported back into the SAP2000 structural model, thereby saving time, confusion and errors associated with marked-up isometrics, spreadsheets, and other manual methods of communicating pipe support reactions from piping stress to the structural team. See Define menu>Support reaction export request to view options to selectively export by Load case, pipe section, Pipeline label, design request, and by support. CSiPlant can export individual load cases as well as load cases that include a combination of loads.
Structural engineers typically model heavy equipment, cable trays and other objects with significant weight as gravity direction (-Z) load assignments using concentrated point loads and/or frame distributed loads. Those objects need to be considered not only as loads, but also as mass for static acceleration load calculations and for all dynamic analysis cases. CSiPlant offers the unique ability to selectively define “mass sources” which auto-converts selected gravity direction loads to mass in all 3 translational directions (X, Y, and Z).
It’s not uncommon for pipe rack structures to be designed for lateral drift of Height/100 or Height/200 (Height of pipe rack) under wind or seismic loading, lateral deflections which can cause significant imposed displacements at pipe support locations. If it’s important, for example, to consider local nozzle/vessel flexibilities with a 3/4” imposed displacement at an equipment connection, then it’s also important to consider support structure flexibility and imposed displacements at pipe supports from the structure, particularly support structure displacements from lateral loads. CSiPlant and SAP2000 make it easy to rigorously consider pipe-structure interaction.
CSiPlant model after importing the support structure from SAP2000 and auto-connecting piping to the support structure.
