expansion loops to accommodate steel pipe on suspention bridge at river crossing 1

[rsabbaghian]

I’m looking for recommendations/types for ground expansion loops to accommodate pipe expansion concerning (4) steel pipelines supported on a suspension bridge at 300 ft wide river crossing.

 

[BigInch]

Generally something like a 25 foot long dogleg above ground at each side of the bridge would suffice, but depends on min/max ambient and operating temperatures.

 

[LittleInch]

I'm a little surprised a suspension bridge needs expansion loops. Cant you make the pipes in a gentle arc so that the v small change in length is accomadated in the arc?

Depending on the size of your pipes to make them piggable you could need some fairly big loops. Either that or arrange for 90 degree bends then a set length of flat pipe before another 90 bend then go underground to accomadate the expansion if you want flat pipe.

The issue with flat pipe on a suspension bridge is how to control lateral movement / spring as the bridge won't give you much if any support.

A plan, sketch or picture would be good to see what you're talking about.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[BigInch]

A suspension bridge doesn't necessarily have an arch. If it had an arch, it might not need suspension, however it would then take all the pipe and contents weight as axial compressive load in the pipe and supporting structure and it might not be good to add that temperature load into all of that.

Here's an arch bridge for pipelines. Expansion doglegs. Notice the other bridges in the area as well and how they handle the expansion there too. You can also see these in StreetView from Interstate Hwy 40.

 

[LittleInch]

Nice bridges.

I think we're on the same page. I was thinking more of the wire bridge in the middle of those you located. The metal arch is more akin to a long pipe rack and is a lot more stable laterally.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[BigInch]

There's a lot of examples in that one spot. Horizontal, vertical ... wire suspension, steel arch. No free-standing pipe span though.
Here's the Street View placemark file.

 

[BigInch]

BTW The compressor station to the south west is the one Erin Brockovich made famous, or visa versa.