Piping Support Selector 3.0.0

The Piping Support Selector is a practical utility designed to facilitate the sizing of cantilever pipe support beams based on pipeline span and resting pipelines. Its primary users include draftsmen, designers, engineers, and construction personnel seeking a streamlined approach to support beam selection.

This application simplifies the traditionally complex process of pipe support beam calculation by focusing only on key parameters: the pipe sizes, quantities, and span distances. It eliminates the need to manually consider loads, moments, shear forces, and other structural calculations. Users input pipe specifications and receive recommended beam sizes as output.

In field scenarios, quick decisions often entail estimating the appropriate support member size. Relying on guesswork can lead to oversizing—resulting in unnecessary costs—or undersizing, which compromises safety and functionality. The Piping Support Selector helps avoid these risks by providing accurate beam sizing based on actual pipe configurations. Additionally, it facilitates modifications, such as extending existing beams for additional pipes, by assessing whether the adjusted support can bear the new loads.

The software calculates suitable beams by considering the exact pipes that will rest upon them. It selects from a list of appropriate AISC members—including W shapes, C shapes, L shapes, and Pipe—analyzing both uniform and point load conditions. The evaluation includes shear, bending moments, stresses, and deflections to ensure structural integrity. Supporting calculations are presented in imperial units for verification or direct submission to responsible engineers.

Special acknowledgment is due to Nick Loiacono for his invaluable assistance and guidance in developing the structural beam calculations integral to this application.