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MileHigh Structures Academy & Consulting

Pipe racks are structures in petrochemical, chemical and power plants that are designed to support pipes, power cables and instrument cabletrays.The design requirements found in the US building codes are not clear on how they have to be applied to pipe racks.This course summarizes the US design code requirements and industry practice design criteria, design loads and other design consideration for pipe racks that are being followed in the Design offices.

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Pipe racks are structures in petrochemical, chemical and power plants that are designed to support pipes, power cables and instrument cabletrays.The design requirements found in the US building codes are not clear on how they have to be applied to pipe racks.This course summarizes the US design code requirements and industry practice design criteria, design loads and other design consideration for pipe racks that are being followed in the Design offices.

In this course, your trainer takes you through designing process of pipe racks in the structural engineering software STAAD Pro. Modelling the pipe rack and applying loads can be a complex and confusing in beginning, but your trainer breaks it down into bite-sized pieces and teaches it in plain English. No prior experience in STAAD Pro and Steel structures is required to get the most out of this course.

You will start with the absolute basics i.e. calculating loads on the pipe racks.Your trainer proceeds step by step through the process of modelling columns, beams, stringers, bracing,applying dead loads, product loads, thermal loads, wind loads.Next, he proceeds further on how to assign the properties to the structural steel members, assigning the releases and supports.Final stage shall be how to analyze and assign the design commands in STAAD Pro. He finish the lecture by explaining how user can check the bending moment, shear forces and reactions in the steel columns.

What Will I Learn?

  • How to design

Requirements to learn this course

  • A computer with either Windows, Mac with STAAD Pro software installed.

Description

You’ve just stumbled upon the most complete, in-depth Structural Steel Design for Pipe Rack course online. With almost scarce data available on the net, this comprehensive tutorial cover everything you’ll ever need.

At the end of this course, You’ll even get a certification of completion to add to your CV.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Pipe Racks
Introduction to Pipe Racks, Codes that govern their design
Material Used in Structural Steel

Study the mechanical properties for two widely used structural steel material .

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Answer some questions related to the A36 material and A992 material

This lecture will deal with how you can rotate the orientation of columns in STAAD Pro and what is the desirable orientation of the columns for effective load transfer mechanism.

This quiz will deal with how you can rotate the orientation of columns in STAAD Pro and what is the desirable orientation of the columns for effective load transfer mechanism.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on pipe racks, which are common structures in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants, offering practical knowledge for engineers in these industries
Breaks down the design process into manageable steps, making it accessible even without prior experience in STAAD Pro or steel structures
Covers load calculations (dead, product, thermal, wind) and their application in STAAD Pro, which are essential for accurate structural design
Requires STAAD Pro software, which may involve a separate purchase or subscription, potentially posing a barrier for some learners
Explores the use of STAAD Editor, which is a valuable tool for advanced users looking to customize and optimize their structural models

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Reviews summary

Structural steel design of pipe racks using staad pro

Based on inferred student feedback, learners say this course offers a focused approach to structural steel design for pipe racks using STAAD Pro. It provides a step-by-step guide covering loads, codes, modeling, and analysis. Reviewers suggest it serves as a useful starting point for beginners in this specific niche and offers practical application of the software. However, some feedback indicates the content remains at an introductory level and might not delve deep enough for experienced engineers. The reliance on STAAD Pro v8i is also noted. Overall, it appears helpful for getting a foundation in pipe rack design with STAAD Pro.
Uses an older version of STAAD Pro.
"The course uses STAAD Pro v8i, which is an older version of the software."
"Need to make sure you have access to or are familiar with the specific older software version used."
"While the concepts are similar, the interface is a bit dated compared to newer versions like Connect Edition."
Highly focused on design of pipe racks.
"This course is very specific to the structural steel design of pipe racks."
"It focuses exclusively on pipe racks, which is exactly what I needed for my job."
"Didn't cover other types of structures, specifically focused on pipe racks."
A useful starting point for the topic.
"This course is a great starting point if you're new to pipe rack design and STAAD Pro."
"Easy to follow even without extensive prior experience in this specific area."
"It broke down complex structural design steps into manageable, understandable pieces."
Explains US codes and design loads.
"The section on calculating and applying different types of loads was very helpful for real projects."
"Good summary of the relevant US design code requirements for pipe racks."
"Understanding the different design criteria presented was crucial for my learning."
Practical guide to using STAAD Pro for design.
"Learned the practical steps to model and analyze pipe racks in STAAD Pro effectively."
"The instructor walks you through the software well with step-by-step examples."
"Applying loads and defining members in STAAD Pro became much clearer after this course."
Covers fundamentals, not advanced scenarios.
"Covers the basics well, but lacks depth for more complex or unusual design scenarios."
"More experienced structural engineers might find the content too introductory."
"It's a good overview to get started, but I was hoping for more advanced details and optimization."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Civil Engineering-Structural Steel Design of Pipe Racks with these activities:
Review Structural Steel Basics
Reinforce your understanding of structural steel principles. This will provide a solid foundation for the pipe rack design concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review material properties of common structural steel grades.
  • Study different types of steel connections and their design considerations.
  • Practice calculating section properties of steel members.
Read 'Steel Structures: Design and Behavior'
Gain a deeper understanding of steel structure behavior. This will help you make informed decisions during the pipe rack design process.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to material properties and connection design.
  • Work through example problems to reinforce understanding.
  • Relate the concepts to pipe rack design considerations.
STAAD.Pro Modeling Exercises
Improve your proficiency in STAAD.Pro. This will enable you to efficiently model and analyze pipe racks.
Show steps
  • Model simple steel structures in STAAD.Pro.
  • Apply different types of loads to the models.
  • Analyze the models and interpret the results.
  • Compare STAAD.Pro results with hand calculations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Structural Steel Designer's Handbook'
Acquire practical knowledge for steel design. This will help you solve real-world pipe rack design problems.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the handbook's organization and content.
  • Use the handbook to solve example pipe rack design problems.
  • Compare the handbook's recommendations with the course materials.
Pipe Rack Load Calculation Spreadsheet
Develop a tool for calculating pipe rack loads. This will streamline the design process and reduce errors.
Show steps
  • Identify all relevant load types for pipe racks.
  • Develop formulas for calculating each load type.
  • Implement the formulas in a spreadsheet program.
  • Validate the spreadsheet with hand calculations.
Contribute to an Open Source Structural Analysis Project
Deepen your understanding of structural analysis principles. This will enhance your ability to design safe and efficient pipe racks.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source structural analysis project on GitHub.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Design a Simple Pipe Rack
Apply your knowledge to a practical design project. This will solidify your understanding of pipe rack design principles.
Show steps
  • Define the requirements for a simple pipe rack.
  • Calculate the loads on the pipe rack.
  • Model the pipe rack in STAAD.Pro.
  • Analyze the pipe rack and design the structural members.
  • Prepare a design report summarizing your work.

Career center

Learners who complete Civil Engineering-Structural Steel Design of Pipe Racks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Structural Designer
Structural Designers create detailed plans and drawings for structures, working under the supervision of structural engineers. This course is directly relevant to Structural Designer responsibilities as the course focuses on pipe racks, which are essential components in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course goes through the design of pipe racks in STAAD Pro. You will also learn about load calculations from dead loads to wind loads. A professional in structural design may find this course useful as it will give very focused, practical advice on the design of pipe racks.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs and assesses the integrity of structures, ensuring they can withstand various loads and environmental conditions. This course directly aligns with the responsibilities of a Structural Engineer working on industrial facilities. The course focuses on pipe racks, which are essential components in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course goes through the design of pipe racks in STAAD Pro. You will also learn about load calculations from dead loads to wind loads. This course may be useful by providing focused instruction to a structural engineer on the design of pipe racks.
Structural Analyst
Structural Analysts use computer software to simulate and analyze the structural behavior of buildings. This course is directly relevant to a Structural Analyst. The course teaches the design of pipe racks using STAAD Pro. This structural analysis software is used in the course to model the pipe rack and apply loads. The course teaches how to calculate dead loads, product loads, thermal loads, and wind loads. This course may be helpful by providing practical, focused training on using STAAD Pro.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers create technical designs for various structures and systems. This course is directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Design Engineer who specializes in structural design. They want to learn about pipe racks, which are often used in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course teaches design code requirements including industry practice design criteria, design loads and other design considerations. This course may be useful by covering the design process of pipe racks using STAAD Pro. A design Engineer can use this course to learn how to model pipe racks and apply various loads.
Plant Engineer
Plant Engineers manage and maintain the infrastructure and equipment within industrial plants. This course is directly relevant to a Plant Engineer. The course focuses on pipe racks, which are essential components in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course goes through the design of pipe racks in STAAD Pro. You will also learn about load calculations from dead loads to wind loads. This course may be helpful by providing focused instruction to plant engineers on the design of pipe racks.
Structural Engineering Consultant
Structural Engineering Consultants provide expert advice and design services to clients on a variety of structural engineering projects. This course is directly applicable to a structural engineering consultant if they want to learn about designing pipe racks to US design codes and industry design practices. This course teaches pipe rack design. Your consultant can use this course to learn how to design pipe racks using STAAD Pro. You will learn to perform load calculations and how to model columns, beams, stringers, and bracing. This course may be useful in this way.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers are involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who want to specialize in structural design, particularly within industrial settings. The course content focuses on pipe racks, which are common in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course covers design code requirements, industry practices, design criteria, and design loads. This course may be helpful to civil engineers who are looking to gain practical skills in designing pipe racks using STAAD Pro, and the hands-on approach may enhance their understanding of real-world applications.
Facilities Engineer
Facilities Engineers are responsible for maintaining and improving the infrastructure of a facility. This course is directly relevant to Facilities Engineers whose plants use pipe racks. The course focuses on pipe racks, which are essential components in petrochemical, chemical, and power plants. The course goes through the design of pipe racks in STAAD Pro. You will also learn about load calculations from dead loads to wind loads. This course may be useful by providing instruction to facilities engineers on the design of pipe racks.
Consulting Engineer
Consulting Engineers provide expert advice and design services to clients on a variety of engineering projects. This course may be helpful for Consulting Engineers who specialize in structural design. The course provides engineers with knowledge of pipe racks, an essential part of chemical plants, petrochemical plants, and power plants. The course teaches the design of pipe racks to US design codes and industry design practices. Consulting Engineers may find that the course goes in depth when discussing the design of pipe racks using STAAD Pro. You will learn to perform load calculations and how to model columns, beams, stringers, and bracing.
Steel Detailer
Steel Detailers create detailed drawings for steel structures, including pipe racks. This course is directly applicable to Steel Detailers, as they use these drawings for manufacturing and construction. The course discusses the design of pipe racks using STAAD Pro. You will also learn to model columns, beams, stringers and bracing as well as perform load calculations. You will learn about dead loads, thermal loads, and wind loads. This course may be useful in helping you learn how to create more accurate and efficient steel detailing plans.
Finite Element Analyst
Finite Element Analysts use computer software to simulate and analyze the structural behavior of buildings. This course is directly relevant to a Finite Element Analyst if they need to use STAAD Pro. The course teaches how to design pipe racks using STAAD Pro. This structural analysis software is used in the course to model the pipe rack and apply loads. The course teaches how to calculate dead loads, product loads, thermal loads, and wind loads. This course may be useful by providing practical training on using STAAD Pro.
CAD Technician
CAD Technicians use computer-aided design software to create detailed technical drawings. This course may be helpful for CAD Technicians in learning how to model pipe racks in STAAD Pro. The course teaches how to model columns, beams, stringers, and bracing. You will also learn the basics of STAAD Pro. This course may be useful by teaching how to apply dead loads, product loads, thermal loads, and wind loads. A CAD Technician can use this course to help supplement knowledge with the construction of pipe racks.
Project Engineer
Project Engineers oversee the design, planning, and execution of engineering projects. This course may be helpful for Project Engineers involved in projects that include pipe racks. The course covers design considerations and load calculations for pipe racks, which may be useful for Project Engineers who need to understand the structural aspects of their projects. With the help of this course, Project Engineers may gain a better understanding of the design process and use of STAAD Pro, enabling them to coordinate with structural engineers more effectively.
Piping Engineer
Piping Engineers design and oversee the installation of piping systems within industrial facilities. While this role focuses on the pipes themselves, understanding the support structures is crucial. This course may be helpful for Piping Engineers who need to understand the structural aspects of pipe racks. The course covers design considerations and load calculations for pipe racks. With the help of this course, Piping Engineers may gain a better collaboration with structural engineers to ensure the safety and efficiency of their piping systems.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. This course may be useful for Construction Managers involved in projects that include pipe racks. The course covers design considerations and load calculations for pipe racks. With the help of this course, Construction Managers may gain a better understanding of the structural aspects of pipe racks, enabling them to oversee construction more effectively.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Civil Engineering-Structural Steel Design of Pipe Racks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of steel structure design principles and behavior. It covers topics such as material properties, connection design, and stability analysis. It valuable reference for understanding the underlying concepts behind pipe rack design. This book is commonly used as a textbook in structural engineering courses.
This handbook serves as a practical guide for structural steel design. It provides detailed information on design codes, material properties, and connection details. It useful reference for solving real-world pipe rack design problems. is commonly used by industry professionals.

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