Q. How to extract loads at a Node point in the middle of a pipe run?


Answer:

To clarify, this is solely intended for recording the total loads and not intended to be utilized for stress calculations or code compliance.

An obvious solution would involve modeling an anchor component connected to the Ground at the specified node point. However, this would not accurately reflect the true model if there were no actual anchor installed at that location.

Next, one could contemplate inserting a Reference Point component or a Flexible anchor connected to ground. The issue with these options is that they may not account for all loads traversing that point. Some of the loads might continue downstream until a boundary condition is met (support, anchor).

One possibility, insert a node point very close to the run node point of interest, insert a connected anchor at the interested node point and connect it to the new node point added nearby. Again, the results of this modeling approach should not be used for stress calculations or code compliance. It is only a report of loads at the node point of interest.  

See Also

"Forces & Moments" sub-report

Bentley AutoPIPE