ASME STP-PT-034-2011 PDF

Full title and description

ASME STP-PT-034:2011 — Alignment of Sustained Load Stress Indices in the ASME B31 Code. This technical report reviews design equations used in piping and pipeline codes for stresses due to sustained loads and recommends consistent, practical design equations and stress indices that can be applied across the ASME B31 series and ASME Section III.

Abstract

This ASME project report examines inconsistencies in the treatment of sustained (steady) loads among ASME B31 Code books, including differing design equations, use of stress indices and stress intensification factors, and the (at times) application of fatigue-based factors to sustained-load calculations. The report proposes technically sound, simple, and harmonized design equations and indices to enable consistent application across the B31 piping codes and related ASME rules (for example Section III).

General information

• Status: Active (technical report published by ASME and available through standards distributors).
• Publication date: 2011 (published December 2011, commonly listed as 22 December 2011).
• Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• ICS / categories: Piping and pipeline engineering — (examples of related ICS groupings for ASME B31 materials: 23.040.01 Pipeline components and pipelines in general; related petroleum/gas equipment categories 75.180.01). The report is part of the ASME B31 (piping/pipelines) technical work.
• Edition / version: ASME STP-PT-034:2011 (first published 2011).
• Number of pages: 67 pages (report length commonly listed as 67 pages in ASME catalogues and reseller listings).

Scope

The report evaluates existing sustained-load stress formulations and indices used in the ASME B31 family of piping codes and in ASME Section III (nuclear). It identifies discrepancies between code books, quantifies where stress-intensification or fatigue-based factors have been used inconsistently for sustained loads, and provides recommended, harmonized equations and indices intended for consistent application by designers, analysts, and code committees across various B31 code parts. The goal is practical, technically sound recommendations that facilitate uniform application of sustained-stress rules.

Key topics and requirements

• Review and comparison of sustained-load stress equations across ASME B31 code books.
• Identification of inconsistencies in stress indices and stress intensification factor usage.
• Recommendations for harmonized design equations for sustained loads suitable for B31 series and ASME Section III.
• Guidance for when fatigue-based factors should not be applied to sustained-load calculations.
• Application examples and explanatory material to assist piping stress analysts and code users in implementation.

Typical use and users

Used by piping and pipeline design engineers, stress analysts, code committee members, QA/QC engineers, plant owners/operators, and regulatory reviewers who need consistent treatment of sustained loads in piping design. The report is a reference for those applying or harmonizing requirements across ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4/B31.8 (as applicable) and for organizations using ASME Section III guidance for nuclear piping.

Related standards

Closely related to the ASME B31 series (for example B31.1 Power Piping, B31.3 Process Piping, B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution) and ASME Section III code provisions for piping. Also part of ASME STP-PT technical reports series that inform and support code development and harmonization work. Users will often consult the relevant B31 code edition in force for their project together with this STP report.

Keywords

sustained load, sustained stress, stress index, stress intensification factor, ASME B31, piping code, piping stress, design equations, ASME Section III, STP-PT-034

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is an ASME technical report (designation STP-PT-034:2011) titled "Alignment of Sustained Load Stress Indices in the ASME B31 Code" that reviews and recommends harmonized methods for calculating stresses due to sustained loads in piping codes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The report covers review of existing sustained-load stress formulas and indices, highlights inconsistencies among ASME B31 code books, and provides recommended equations and indices for consistent application across the B31 series and ASME Section III. It addresses when fatigue-type factors should not be used for sustained loads and includes explanatory examples for application.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Piping/pipeline design and stress engineers, code committee members, plant owners/operators, inspectors, and others needing consistent technical guidance on sustained-load stress calculation across ASME piping codes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is listed as the 2011 ASME STP-PT-034 technical report and is generally shown as active in standards catalogues and reseller listings. Users should always confirm whether a later report or code revision has incorporated the recommendations by checking the latest editions of the applicable ASME B31 Code book(s) and ASME errata/updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of several ASME STP-PT technical reports produced to study and recommend technical positions for piping and pipeline design and to support B31 code development (the STP-PT series includes many related reports addressing piping topics).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sustained load, sustained stress indices, stress intensification factor, ASME B31, piping stress, design equations, harmonization, STP-PT-034.