Use of Tubular Joint Stress Concentration Factor Parametric Formulae in the Analysis of Large Diameter Pipework Connections

Abstract

Parametric formulae derived for offshore structural tubular joints have been assessed for potential use for estimating stress intensification factors for pipe stress analysis. The background to these equations is given and comparisons made for a range of typical geometries. Despite the absence of a "plug" of material in a pipe joint, the tubular joint equations appear suitable for the estimation of stress intensification factors for fabricated tees subjected to moment loading of the branch. It is considered that this approach should be investigated further by code developers.