magnus technical news letter nov-2016

Magnus Technical News LetterEdition #129 November ‘16

In this IssueTips for Academic Success

By HR DepartmentPipe Supports Selection

By Piping DepartmentProject Execution Strategy

By Process DepartmentProper Column Construction Techniques

By Guest Article

www.magnus-global.com


Making the transition academicallyfrom high school to college requires

students to realize that there are greateracademic expectations at the college

level. Students in engineering often have to alter theamount of time they spend studying and the way theystudy in order to be academically successful. The key toacademic success in college is to learn and select newstudy strategies appropriate for the academic task,monitor your academic progress, and evaluate yourlearning process.

General Academic Tips• Everyone needs extra help. If you’re having difficulty

in a class, seek out the support you need EARLY!• Get to know your professors—go to your faculty

member’s office hours at least twice during thesemester.

• Make an appointment to meet your advisor and getto know him or her.

• Form study groups! Working on a team is a criticalpart of being an engineer and study groups help youperform better as you create a network of support.

• Get involved—balance is key in engineering and oneof the biggest predictors of success is who you chooseto surround yourself with.

• Make sure that if you work, it’s no more than 15hours per week.

• Repeated exposure to the material you are learning isessential to retaining. Review to remember andremember to review!

Taking Notes• Go to class and take notes.• Make sure you label example problems, equations,

theories etc.• Be sure to write down any explanatory remarks your

professor makes about a problem (i.e. how do you getfrom one step to another or why a particular methodwas used with which particular conditions).

• After class, read over your notes and either condense(humanities/social science classes) or expand(engineering classes) your notes in the left handcolumn of the paper.

Reading Assignments• Preview the chapter before you read the

assignment.• Read the assignment BEFORE you go to class.• Take notes on your reading to keep you focused.• Review your reading notes.

Test Preparation• If available, work old exams. The methods with

which your engineering professors want you todemonstrate your understanding of the materialis often radically different than high school. Evenif you’ve been exposed to material before, keepin mind that chemistry, calculus, and physicsexams in college are different than chemistry,calculus, and physics exams in high school.

• Join a study group to learn information and solveproblems covered in class.

• Predict test areas & prepare for an exam at leastone week prior to the exam.

Study Strategies• Annotation – writing notes in the margin of your

textbook in your own words• Adapted Cornell Notetaking – taking the notes

on the right side of the margin and condensing orexpanding on the left hand side

• Concept mapping – a variation on outlining inwhich you diagram main ideas and supportingdetails to learn concepts covered in class

• Outlining – representing the ideas presented inthe text by separating main ideas fromsupporting ideas using an outline structure

• Practice test – a sample exam using predictedtopics and the professor’s test format

• Predicting test areas – reviewing notes andselecting topics for exams

• Time-spaced learning – learning and reviewingcourse material in blocks of time that are variedthroughout the week

Tips for Academic Success


Previously, we had seen saw aboutthe selection of Springs. In this Edition

we will continue on selection of ConstantEffort Spring and General Notes

6. Constant effort spring• Whenever load variation exceeds 25% or exceeds the

specified maximum load variation percentage in avariable hanger, then a Constant Effort Spring isselected.

• In CES the load remains constant when the pipemoves from its cold position to hot position. Thusirrespective of travel the load remains constant overcomplete range of movement.

• The pipe is supported by a drop rod connected viaturnbuckle to the end of the lever arm.

• The spring coil applies a force to the trunnion arm ofthe lever which tends to pull the lever-arm UP againstthe load of the pipe.

• The geometry of the leverarm provides a balance btwthe pipe load & spring force.The pipe may thereforemove due to thermalexpansion while beingsupported with a nominallyconstant force through thistravel range.

Selection procedure of Constant effort springs:Whenever in the Piping system the pipe tends to lift upby more than 2inches i.e. 50mm in that case use ofVariable Spring Hangers is not suitable. This is because ofthe large Load variations throughout its operation. Insuch cases the Constant Effort Springs are used.Irrespective of the displacement the Spring Exerts sameload on the Piping system absorbing the displacements.Some examples of higher vertical movements of the pipeare high temperature, long runs, equipment nozzledisplacements, well displacement, or where it isnecessary to restrict transfer of load to adjacent terminalof equipment or where the spring variability exceeds25%.

1. Identify the support close to the equipmentnozzle that may be lifting up during theoperating conditions and hence causing nozzleoverload.

2. Remove the rigid support and add a springhanger in that location.

3. Modify the load cases to include the springeffect and run the analysis.

4. Determine the load and the total movement.5. Total movement = design movement + over

travel (Over Travel is included only when thedesign movement is more than 2inch or 50mm)

6. Over travel = 20% of the design movement or25mm whichever is higher.

7. Choose the spring catalogue of any vendor fromthe project Approved Vendor List e.g. Anvil,Lisega, PTP, Carpenter & Patterson are some ofthe popular names.

8. Select a suitable constant spring from the tableand ensure that the spring selected must liewithin the working range (Between red andblack line)

9. Note the spring rate and Hot Load & Cold Load(Both will be same because of the constanteffort spring)

10. Use this spring rate and Constant effort load anduse in the stress analysis.

11. Depending on the structural availability thespring can be installed as Hanger Type or “CAN”Type (Bottom Type).

12. The spring box must be able to move freelywithout any restriction.

13. In case of Hanger type spring the height of thebox above the Pipe is also important for properfunctioning of the spring. Note down the heightand pipe lateral movement. Calculate the angleof this lateral deflection with respect to thespring box. This angle shall not exceed 4Degrees. If it is more than try to install the pipeat a lower height from the pipe.

14. In case of “CAN” type spring, Stress Engineermust check the eccentricity of the spring loadflange and the spring base plate while providingfoundation information to civil.

Piping Spring Supports - 2


7. Types of VES/CESHanger type:

In hanger type spring support, the pipe is hungfrom the secondary support using hanger type

spring, as shown. Clevis, Hanger rod, turn-buckle, pipeclamp, etc. are some other attachments associated withsuch a support.

9. Points to remember• Design spring based on the installation load

(operating load).• Compactness of the units. Installation heights

designed to a minimum.• During occasional case the pipe may move more

than the operating movement. In such a case, ifwe choose maximum deflection range the springcannot get further movement and thus the springfails. To overcome such a problem provides“Cushion Range” means even if in occasionalcases the spring may get compressed, so choosealways “MID-RANGE”.

• Initial design itself the spring cannot be designedfor occasional loads (e.g. Seismic, wind etc.) &movement then it may be an over design.

• For hanging spring support the lateralmovements (rod swing) should not exceed 4degree.

• For bottom type supports, where horizontalmovement of more than ½” is envisaged, Tefloncovered load pads should be specified.

• Always mention the hydro test load, whileordering a spring. This will help the spring vendorin designing the spring locking arrangement.

• Standard inventory finish: Hot dip galvanized.• Coils come with a protective coating :• Protects from a wide range of corrosives.• Does not affect the flex life of the spring.• Supports are fitted with nameplates marked with

the installation and operating load, supportreference mark, type and unique serial number.

Piping Spring Supports - 2

Bottom support type:In bottom support spring, the pipe is resting on the topof the spring load plate, as shown. This type of springsupport is also known as ‘CAN’ Type or ‘F’ Type spring. Hanger type or bottom support type is selected based

on pipe layout and the space availability formounting.

8. General notes & guidelines• Any re-adjustment of spring element shall be carried

out only when the line is full with the fluid or itsequivalent in density to balance the weight of pipingand the preset load of spring.

• The adjustment of hanger type spring element is doneby rotating turn buckle or adjustment nuts providedin the hanger rod.

• During hydraulic testing, flushing or chemical cleaningof the pipeline, the spring must be kept under lockedcondition or protected against overloading due toweight of testing / flushing fluid, by providingtemporary.

• After re-adjustment it is important to check whethersufficient range is available on scale for requiredmovement of the pipe during operation.


The Project Execution Strategyshould be decided early in the planning

process, preferably during the FeasibilityStudy. More specifically, the “best fit” approach

should be apparent sometime between identifying abaseline scope and schedule. In most cases, theFeasibility Study will contain enough information for theproject sponsor to finalize recommendations tomanagement on which Execution Strategy best fits theproject.

There are specific conditions and determining factorsthat will help you decide which approach best suits yourproject. The most critical conditions & influences to beconsidered when selecting an execution approach are asfollows:• Experience & Resource Availability• Scope, Size & Complexity• Timetable: Fast Track or Conventional• Local Conditions, Infrastructure, Industrial Base• Special Financing Requirements

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)

The selection of the EPC Contractor generally resultswhen the Owner wants limited risk and is prepared topay a higher price for a fixed budget. This approach isrecommended for several reasons, but mostly if theOwner lacks the experience and resources (skilledproject staff) to effectively manage the project.

Benefits of choosing the EPC approach include:• Reduced Owner Risk• Fixed Schedule with delivery date• Fixed Budget (less change orders)• Single Source for Performance Guarantee

Negatives of the EPC Approach can include:• High premium• Longer bidding process• Limited control over details• Change Orders arising from additional scope

With the EPC approach, before signing of the contract, itis paramount that the Owner spells out as much detail aspossible within the scope of work. A poorly detailed

scope will most certainly result in change orders orpoor quality. Because this is to be avoided, it isespecially important that the Owner’s projectmanager resist pressures to fast track the biddingprocess. Most of the Owner’s risk can be eliminatedin this single contract, so it is important that it is asdetailed as possible. Unfortunately in some cases,certain details cannot practically be obtained priorto the Contract; this is a common occurrence incomplex projects that require lots of interfacing withexisting facilities. In those cases, be sure that youare carrying sufficient contingency on theconservative side.

Project Execution Strategy

Engineering, Procurement, Construction, andManagement (EPCM)

The EPCM approach allows the Owner to maintainmore control over the project’s Scope and Schedule,while the EPCM contractor serves and acts on theOwner’s behalf. The role of the EPCM contractor isto provide the Owner with engineering,procurement assistance, construction supervisionand management.

The extent of services provided by the EPCMcontractor is dependent on the capabilities of theOwner’s staff.


However, typically the EPCMcontractor will be responsible for:

• Design and Engineering work• Providing documentation and expertise for the

permitting process• Negotiations with vendors and contractors, and

recommendations to Owner• Issuing Purchase Orders and contracts on behalf of

the Owner (dependent on Owner’s desire)• Monitoring and controlling project vendors and

contractors during procurement and construction

The Owner will provide:• Overall control (staff a Project Management Team)• Approval of the selection of vendors and contractors• Issue contracts and purchase orders (unless delegated

to EPCM)• Acquire permits and approvals

Benefits of the EPCM approach include:• Maintain overall control of the Project• No mark-up due to Contract Risk• Competitive pricing, advantages remain with Owner

Negatives of the EPCM approach include:• Owner has most of the risk• Increased Owner effort required• Potential for Gaps in Scope Coverage between

Contractor and Vendors

Owner Managed Project

Here, the Owner is fully committing to manage allaspects of the project. This approach has thepotential for the greatest cost saving, but only if theOwner has the resources and experience for thecomplexity and size of the project. Again, if afeasibility study is performed in the early stages ofthe project, the project sponsor should be able tomake a recommendation on whether this approachis viable.

Benefits of the Owner managed approach include:• Absolute Control over project• Direct Oversight over Engineering & Design• Competitive Pricing, advantages remain with

Owner• Potential for Cost Savings and fast-tracking

Negatives for the Owner managed approach include:• Owner has all the Risk• Increased Owner Effort Required• Potential for Gaps in Scope Coverage• Potential for Gaps in Design & Engineering• Need for Temporary or reallocation of Resources• Increase Demand on Departmental Staff• Potential for Cost Overruns

Project Execution Strategy

Summary

Selecting the Project Execution Strategy is ultimately dependent on the Owner’s risk tolerance and Project Management capabilities, desired level of involvement and control, and budget constraints.


There are a number of ways in whichthe superstructure can be built. In areas

where average to good quality bricks areavailable, the walls of houses for two to three

storeyed constructions can be built out of bricks with theslabs, lintels, chajja etc. in reinforced concrete. Suchconstruction is termed as load bearing construction(Fig 1). This is essentially because the entire load coming

from the slabs, beams, walls etc is transmitted to thefoundation through the brick walls.

Fig 1: Brick Load Bearing Construction

With natural hazards like earthquake or high speed storms hitting various parts of country more frequently, such load bearing wall construction is no longer safe for withstanding horizontal drifts unless retrofitted. Also such construction is suitable upto G+2 storied building in general.

Also as the need of building high storied construction increases, coupled with natural hazards, it is advisable to opt for RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) framed construction (Fig 2). Basically, RCC framed construction consists of a series of columns provided suitably in the house which are interconnected by beams to form a frame. These columns transfer the building load to underneath soil through RCC footings.

The frame, starting from the foundation, has to be designed by a structural engineer who would decide upon the mix of concrete to be used, the sizes of columns and beams as well as the reinforcement to be provided therein, depending on the loads to be sustained by the structure.

What is Column?

Column is a vertical compression member which transmits load of the structure to foundations (Fig 2). They are reinforced by means of main longitudinal (vertical) bars to resist compression and/or bending; and transverse steel (closed ties) to resist shearing force (Fig 3).

Typical Loads to be considered for Column Design

Dead Load: Any permanent load acting on the column, e.g. self-weight of column, weight of beam

Live Load: Any non-permanent or moving load

Earthquake Load: Depends on the seismic zone where building is located. Higher is the zone, more is the load

Wind Load: Depends upon the wind speed, height & location of building. Also terrain and adjacent structures play a role in determination of this load

Fig 2

Fig 3

Proper Column Construction Techniques

A challenge to overcome


Recommended construction practices for columns

1. A minimum of 4 longitudinal rebars inrectangular and 6 in circular columns should be

provided in a column (Fig 4).

2. Rebars should be placed symmetrically across the axesof symmetry (Fig 5). With unsymmetrical reinforcementthere is always a danger of smaller amount of steel beingwrongly placed on the face requiring the largerreinforcement.

Fig 43. If column rebar is to be used for future construction or expansion, it is recommended to apply a coat of cement slurry (cement: water = 1: 3) to the exposed portion of rebars and wrap them with some polythene or jute cloth to prevent direct contact with atmosphere to guard against atmospheric corrosion and therefore loss of material for joining for future constructions. Note: Cement slurry provides a natural guard against the atmospheric corrosion to protect it.4. While lapping/splices column rebars, it should be ensured that the connecting rebar is given a slope of 1 in 6 (minimum) such that the centre line of both rebar coincides (Fig 6).

Fig 5

Fig 6

Fig 7a Fig 7b

5. Lapping should preferably be done in the centrepart of column with a min lap length of 57 times the dia of rebar(c). So if you are using 16 mm rebars then lap length will be 3 feet.

6. The ends of the ties must be bent as 135° hooks. The length of tie beyond the 135° bends must be at least 10 times diameter of steel bar used to make the closed tie; this extension beyond the bend should not be less than 75 mm (Fig 7a).

If this guideline is not followed then the tie/ring holding the vertical rebars have a higher probability of opening up during an event like earthquake. This consequently may lead to failure of column (Fig 7b).

7. Minimum grade of concrete to be used for building a RCC column is M20.

8 Minimum percentage of steel to be used in a RCC column is 0.8% of cross-sectional area of column.

Proper Column Construction Techniques

A challenge to overcome

Article by,

Mr. Sourav Dutta

Manager (Civil)

Tata Steel Ltd

FOCUS :Magnus Technical News Letter is a unique attempt

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It gives us immense pleasure to inform you’ll that we willbe publishing the news letter at least once a month. Wewould like to thank the engineering departments for theenthusiasm shown in sharing technology.

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