Interesting comments, Stanier. I came from the military shipbuilding industry, so I understand some of what you were mentioning. I think the general attitude is that the non-linear and event simulation world can probably do a lot of what you are talking about. Soil and other substrates can be modeled, I would think, in a wide variety of ways from bulk modulus brick/tetrahedral elements to non-linear springs. Pipes could be modeled as simple line elements or as plates for thin pipe or solid elements if the thickness to diameter ratio gets large enough to warrant solid elements. Again, I don't understand what you are doing with pipe stress analysis, but the non-linear pipe element seems to have a lot to offer.
Just for fun, I ran a [very] simple non-linear analysis with a sched 30 pipe with 2 long radii 90's in it. I fixed one end and loaded the other with a force. I could have supported the 90's with multiple springs to simulate different ground conditions, although I didn't on this one because I was just playing. It ran and produced what appeared to be some reasonable numbers, but, again, this was just a gut feel. I didn't try to validate or verify anything.
I have done some work with shipboard detonation using various forms of linear dynamic analysis. In this case, though, I modeled the pipes as beam elements (before "pipe" elements existed). The new pipe elements allow for the input of non-structural mass, outside diameter and thickness.
As for Superdraw, most people don't seem to care for it, but that's where I learned FEA. I figure any software package you have to learn its quirks whether its SolidWorks, FEMAP, whatever. I don't really understand most people's problem with it. It's really a pretty good program, but the latest FEMPRO is more in line with what most people are accustomed to. Maybe it will be more widely accepted. If I can help with either, let me know.
Sure wish I understood you pipe analysis a little better. Perhaps I could give a half-way intelligent stab at whether MES or non-linear would help.
I feel like I've typed a lot without saying anything! So,
Hope all is well.
Garland
Garland E. Borowski, PE