Co-Efficient of Friction for pipe supporting

during Stress Analysis using Caesar II

August 25, 2018 14 Comments

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All piping stress engineers must be aware that while modeling supports or restraints in Caesar
II input spreadsheet we have to enter the frictional co-efficient. The value of this co-efficient
depends on the supporting surface material and surface roughness. During project bidding
stage (ITB Document) the client generally provides the information regarding which friction
factor to be used for which surface. Also every EPC organisation prepares their own
guideline for using standard friction factor in case not available in ITB document. The
following write up will try to provide an idea regarding which co-efficient of friction to be
used in what situation. This can be used as a guide only. However project specific data or
information will override any word mentioned here.

 Coefficient of friction factor depending upon the supporting interface (i.e, junction
between Top of Steel and Bottom of Pipe or Bottom of Shoe/Cradle) shall be applied
at all vertical restraint (+Y or Y supports) locations as mentioned below. But if ITB
for any project provides separate data then those data shall be considered.

o Carbon Steel to Carbon Steel: 0.3

o Polished Stainless Steel to Polished Stainless Steel/Graphite: 0.15
o Teflon to Teflon/ Polished Stainless Steel: 0.10
o Concrete to Carbon Steel: 0.4
o Pipe to Roll Support: 0.01
o Teflon to Carbon Steel: 0.2

 There is various philosophy among EPC companies regarding the use of co-efficient
of friction for guide and directional anchor supports. Some organisation prefer not to
use any frictional co-efficient for horizontal supports. However if used the same can
be taken from the above table (normally 0.3 is used if no special arrangement is
made).

 No friction factor to be used while supporting using rigid hangers.

 In case when Sliding Plate is required, put the comment as “(PTFE/Graphite) Sliding
Plate Required” and mention friction factor μ=0.1 /0.15 respectively depending on
temperature” on stress sketch. Use Teflon (PTFE) Slide plate up to a Temp of 204
degree Centigrade, above which use graphite plate (up to 540 degree Centigrade).

 Normally the friction factor shall not be applied when modeling bottom type spring.
But sometimes ITB document/Client could insist for friction modeling of bottom type
springs, in that situation friction factor could be applied as per requirement.
  When the pipe/shoe is supported on the welded rod on the structure then friction
factor of 0.25 shall be considered.

To know the actual effect of friction on piping stress analysis refer the article “Treatment of
Support Friction in Pipe Stress Analysis” published by Mr L C Peng. Click here to download
and read the same.