There are many different pipe support designs, types, and styles. They include hanger type, support shoes, saddles, bearing surfaces (e.g., structural members, concrete plinth blocks, etc.), spring type, dummy legs (trunnions), slide plates, sway braces/snubbers/struts, stands, sleeves, rollers, straps, clamps, and restrictive guides or anchors.
An understanding of the function and design of pipe supports is required to manage their integrity and piping systems’ integrity. Pipe supports can be subject to various damage mechanisms as well as significant stresses from static loading and thermal movements that can affect the pipe support itself and the supported piping and piping components.
Piping supports are usually designed to carry the weight of piping, including valves, insulation, and the fluid in the pipe, INCLUDING HYDROSTATIC TEST CONDITIONS.
Properly designed piping supports must ensure that: