Users can model inclined/skewed piping using Insert or Draw commands. The Insert commands offer a unique ability to insert piping and supports/components using an “Along length” Insert type which follows the local axis of the piping.

Draw a joint and select it, then type I and G on your keyboard to Insert a guide with piping. In this example we choose our pipe property set and Insert type as offset, then specify 20 ft. in the X direction and -2 ft. in the Z vertical direction which inserts a skewed direction piping with guide as shown in the elevation view.

Next, we will use the “Along Length” Insert type to add 2 more runs of pipe with guide supports using the local axis of the piping.

By default, guide supports and anchors follow the local axis of the piping which they are supporting. We will next draw an anchor at the first point and run the analysis. Click 'Show tables' icon and select 'Support Combined Results-Local' report table as shown. Next, click the Modify/Show button.

Click GR load case to limit output to this weight load case. Keep default Result Sets ‘All Except Base’. Click Ok button twice to generate the table with local pipe support reactions.

After minimizing the width of some of the columns in the report table, we see local pipe support reactions under F1, F2, and F3. The anchor also has bending moment reactions, but those are not visible here. With a horizontal pipe, F2 would be vertical reactions and F1 axial direction reactions. Support reactions are reported in the opposite direction of the applied force.

Use 'Set display options' icon to select Pipe local axes and change to line view. Red arrow points to Local 1, green arrow local 2 and blue arrow local 3. Although guides, anchors, distributed supports, and line stops align with the piping local axes, other support types have different local axes which can be displayed using the 'Set display options' icon.

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