You can only approximate this situation, because CAESAR II (like all other pipe stress programs) utilizes a 3D Beam Element. The behavior of this element is determined by the end displacements of its two node points.
Therefore, you must discretize your model, converting it from a beam on a continuous elastic foundation, to a set of finite length elements with specified stiffnesses.
CAESAR II could do this for you if the system was buried (by implementing the Buried Pipe Modeler). Unfortunately, you're not buried, so this automatic tool can't be used.
You will have to manually discretize the model and determine the appropriate stiffnesses. Hopefully you can find a technical paper in the literature which offers guidance on this.
Thank you. I've dug through the documentation we have, user, technical and applications guides and wasn't able to find anything relating directly to this problem. Where would I find technical papers?
Any advice as per spacing of the supports (length of discreet elements) (the section of line I'm trying to model is around 1000ft), or stiffness values (pipe vs. soil) I should use? I'm assuming the stiffness you reffer to would be applied to +y flexible supports?.....How about including friction? Best to include a friction factor at the supports or somehow include a friction force? Cheers.
