FLEXIBILITY AND STRESS

INTENSIFICATION FACTORS
PER ASME B31.3-2002
PipingOffice APPENDIX D, TABLE D-300
by Ben A. Nottingham
Excel Spreadsheets for 2000-2002
All Rights Reserved
Piping Calculations email: [email protected]
Updated 7/4/2002
PipingOffice
FLEXIBILITY AND STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTORS
PER ASME B31.3-2002, APPENDIX D US Customary Units (inch, psi)
TABLE D300 SI Metric Units (mm, kPa)
Client: Project:
Design by: Spec:

B
T
Closely spaced miter bend s r2
s < r2 (1 + tan q ) q
B >= 6T
B R1 = s cotq / 2
q <= 22.5 deg.
[ Notes (2), (4), (5), (7) ]

Outside diameter of pipe NPS 20 (DN 500) Do = 20 in.

Nominal wall thickness of pipe Std Wt per ASME B36.10M Tn = 0.375 in.
Additional thickness (mechanical, corrosion, erosion) c= 0.0625 in.
Factor of bend radius of elbow or pipe bend (i.e., 1.5Do, 1.0Do, etc.) f= 1.5
Number of miter cuts in a 90-deg. bend n= 4
Design pressure P= 100.0 psig
Modulus of Elasticity E= 2.7.E+07 psi
Number of ends flanged flgs = 0
Bend radius of elbow, (1.5Do = 30 , 1.0Do = 20 ) R1 = 30 in.
Mean radius of matching pipe r2 = 9.844 in.
Design thickness of miter segments T= 0.313 in.
One-half angle between adjacent miter axes q= 11.25 deg.
Is q <= 22.5 degrees? Angle is <=22.5 degrees. That's OK.
Miter spacing at center line s= 11.9347 in.
Is s < r2(1 + tan theta ) ? i.e., is s < 11.8018 ?Not valid calcs. See widely spaced
Length of miter segment at crotch B= 7.956 in.
Is B >= 6T ? i.e., is B >= 1.88 ? Yes. B is sufficient space for making welds.
Flexibility characteristic, h = s * tn * cot q / (2r2 ) h= 0.097
Correction factor for flange/s on bend c1 = 1.00
Flexibility factor, k = 1.52 / h5/6 k= 10.64
Stress intensification factor, Out-of-Plane, io = 0.9 / h2/3 io = 4.27 4.27
Stress intensification factor, In-Plane, ii = 0.9 / h2/3 ii = 4.27 4.27
k with pressure affect = kp = k / [1+6(P/E)(r2/T)7/3 (R1/r2)1/3 ] kp = 9.67
io with pressure affect = iop = io / [1+3.25(P/E)(r2/T)5/2 (R1/r2)2/3] iop = 3.74 3.74
ii with pressure affect = iip = ii / [1+3.25(P/E)(r2/T)5/2 (R1/r2)2/3] iip = 3.74 3.74
C
Single miter bend or widely s T
spaced miter bend q r2
s >= r2(1 + tan q )
q <= 22.5 deg. R1 = r2 ( 1 + cotq )/ 2
[ Notes (2), (4), (7) ]

Outside diameter of pipe NPS 16 (DN 400) Do = 16 in.

Nominal wall thickness of pipe 5/8" Thk Tn = 0.625 in.
Additional thickness (mechanical, corrosion, erosion) c= 0.0000 in.
Factor of bend radius of elbow or pipe bend (i.e., 1.5Do, 1.0Do, etc.) f= 1.5
Number of miter cuts in a 90-deg. bend n= 2
Design pressure P= 200.0 psig
Modulus of Elasticity E= 2.7.E+07 psi
Number of ends flanged flgs = 0
Bend radius of elbow, (1.5Do = 24 , 1.0Do = 16 ) b= 24 in.
One-half angle between adjacent miter axes q= 22.50 deg.
Mean radius of matching pipe r2 = 7.688 in.
Radius of miter R1 = 5.436 in.
Design thickness of miter segments T= 0.625 in.
Is q <= 22.5 degrees? Half-angle is <=22.5 degrees. That's OK.
Miter spacing at center line, s = 2b / cot q s= 19.8823 in.
Check to find if s >= r2(1 + tan q ) Yes. This bend is widely spaced.
Flexibility characteristic, h = (1 +cot q) / 2 (T/r2 ) h= 0.139
Correction factor for flange/s on bend c1 = 1.00
Flexibility factor, k = 1.52 / h5/6 k= 7.880
Stress intensification factor, Out-of-Plane, io = 0.9 / h2/3 io = 3.36 3.36
Stress intensification factor, In-Plane, ii = 0.9 / h2/3 ii = 3.36 3.36
k with pressure affect = kp = k / [1+6(P/E)(r2/T)7/3 (R1/r2)1/3 ] kp = 7.77
io with pressure affect = iop = io / [1+3.25(P/E)(r2/T)5/2 (R1/r2)2/3] iop = 3.32 3.32
ii with pressure affect = iip = ii / [1+3.25(P/E)(r2/T)5/2 (R1/r2)2/3] iip = 3.32 3.32
 FLEXIBILITY AND STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTORS
ASME B31.1 Table D-1 & B31.3 Table D-300
Sketches
T
T s r2
r2
q
B R1 = s cotq / 2
R1

s T
r2 r2
q
T

R1 = r2 ( 1 + cotq )/ 2
Tc
rx

r2 r2
T T

Tr Tr
Pad Saddle

r2 r2
T
T

Tc rx Tc rx

r2
T

The sketches below are shown in ASME B31.1, Table D-1. They can be applied with B31.3.

Tb
Tb
tnb Branch pipe tnb
Branch pipe
Db r3 Db
r3
qn<= 45 deg.

r'm r'm qn = 90 deg.

Offset
 Offset
L1 Offset
ri ri
r2 rp r2
rp
r1 r1
tnh tnh

Rm Do Rm

(a) (b)

Tb = tnb + 0.667 y tnb = Tb

tnb
Branch pipe
r3 Db
Db
Branch
rp
r'm
qn <= 45 deg.
r'm
L1
ri ri
r2 r2
rp
r1 r1
tnh

y
Rm
Rm Do

(c) (d)

t1
a t2

D1 D2
ed with B31.3.

Branch pipe

qn = 90 deg.
 L1

tnh

Do

tnb = Tb

Branch

tnh

Do
ASME B31.3-2002
APPENDIX D

TABLE D300
FLEXIBILITY FACTOR, k AND STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTOR, i
NOTES:
(1) Stress intensification and flexibility factor data in Table D300 are for use in the absence of more directly
applicable data (see para. 319.3.6). Their validity has been demonstrated for D/ T <= 100.
(2) The flexibility factor k in the Table applies to bending in any plane. The flexibility factors k and stress
intensification factors i shall not be less than unity; factors for torsion equal unity. Both factors apply over the
effective arc length (shown by heavy center lines in the sketches) for curved and miter bends, and to the
intersection point for tees.
(3) A single intensification factor equal to 0.9/ h2/3 may be used for both ii and io if desired.
(4) The values of k and i can be read directly from Chart A by entering with the characteristic h computed from
the formulas given above. Nomenclature is as follows:
T = for elbows and miter bends, the nominal wall thickness of the fitting
= for tees, the nominal wall thickness of the matching pipe
Tc = the crotch thickness of tees
Tr = pad or saddle thickness
q = one-half angle between adjacent miter axes
r2 = mean radius of matching pipe
R1 = bend radius of welding elbow or pipe bend
rx = see definition in para. 304.3.4(c)
s = miter spacing at center line
Db = outside diameter of branch
(5) Where flanges are attached to one or both ends, the values of k and i in the Table shall be corrected by the
factors C1, which can be read directly from Chart B, entering with the computed h.
(6) The designer is cautioned that cast buttwelded fittings may have considerably heavier walls than that of the
pipe with which they are used. Large errors may be introduced unless the effect of these greater thicknesses is
considered.
(7) In large diameter thin-wall elbows and bends, pressure can significantly affect the magnitudes of k and i. To
correct values from the Table,

divide k by [ 1 + 6 (P / E) (r2 / T)^ 7/3 (R1 / r2)^ 1/3 ]

divide i by [ 1 + 3.25 (P / E) (r2 / T)^ 5/2 (R1 / r2)^ 2/3 ]

For consistency, use kPa and mm for SI metric, and psi and in. for US customary notation.
(8) When Tr is > 1 1/2 T, use h = 4 T/ r2.
(9) The designer must be satisfied that this fabrication has a pressure rating equivalent to straight pipe.
(10) Factors shown apply to bending. Flexibility factor for torsion equals 0.9.
(11) If rx >= 1/8 Db and Tc >= T, a flexibility characteristic of 4.4 T/r2 may be used.
(12) The out-of-plane stress intensification factor (SIF) for a reducing branch connection with branch-to-run
diameter ratio of 0.5 < d /D < 1.0 may be nonconservative. A smooth concave weld contour has been shown to
reduce the SIF. Selection of the appropriate SIF is the designer's responsibility.
(13) Stress intensification factors for branch connections are based on tests with at least two diameters of straight
run pipe on each side of the branch center line. More closely loaded branches may require special consideration.

(14) 2.1 max. or 2.1 T/Cx, but not less than 1.3. Cx is the fillet weld leg length (see Fig. 328.5.2C). For unequal
leg lengths, use the smaller leg for Cx.
per ASME B31.1-2001
APPENDIX D

TABLE D-1
FLEXIBILITY FACTOR, k AND STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTOR, i
NOTES:
(1) The following nomenclature applies to Table D-l:
B = length of miter segment at crotch, in. (mm)
Do = outside diameter, in.
Dob = outside diameter of branch, in. (mm)
R = bend radius of elbow or pipe bend, in. (mm)
r = mean radius of pipe, in. (mm) (matching pipe for tees)
rx = external crotch radius of welded-in contour inserts,
in. (mm)
s = miter spacing at center line, in. (mm)
Tc = crotch thickness of welded-in contour inserts, in. (mm)
tn = nominal wall thickness of pipe, in. (mm) (matching pipe
for tees)
te = reinforcement pad or saddle thickness, in. (mm)
a = reducer cone angle, deg.
d = mismatch, in. (mm)
q = one-half angle between adjacent miter axes, deg.
(2) The flexibility factors k and stress intensification factors i in Table D-l apply to bending in any plane for
fittings and shall in no case be taken less than unity. Both factors apply over the effective arc length (shown by
heavy center lines in the sketches) for curved and miter elbows, and to the intersection point for tees. The values
of k and i can be read directly from Chart D-1 by entering with the characteristic h computed from the formulas
given.
(3) Where flanges are attached to one or both ends, the values of k and i in Table D-1 shall be multiplied by the
factor c given below, which can be read directly from Chart D-2, entering with the computed h: one end flanged,
c = h1/6; both ends flanged, c = h1/3.
(4) Also includes single miter joints.
(5) When te > 1.5tr , h = 4.05tn / r.
(6) The equation applies only if the following conditions are met:
(a) The reinforcement area requirements of para. 104.3 are met.
(b) The axis of the branch pipe is normal to the surface of run pipe wall.
(c) For branch connections in a pipe, the arc distance measured between the centers of adjacent
branches along the surface of the run pipe is not less than three times the sum of their inside radii in the
longitudinal direction or is not less than two times the sum of their radii along the circumference of the
run pipe.
(d) The inside corner radius r1 (see Fig. D-l) is between 10% and 50% of tnh .
(e) The outer radius r2 (see Fig. D-l) is not less than the larger of Tb/2, ( Tb + y)/2 [shown in Fig. D-1
sketch (c)], or tnh/2.
(f) The outer radius r3 (see Fig. D-l) is not less than the larger of:
(1) 0.002qdo ;
(2) 2(sin q )3 times the offset for the configurations shown in Fig. D-1 sketches (a) and (b).
(g) Rm/tnh <= 50 and 'r * tm/Rm <= 0.5.
(7) The equation applies only if the following conditions are met:
 (a) Cone angle a does not exceed 60 deg., and the reducer is concentric.
(b) The larger of D1/ t1 and D2/ t2 does not exceed 100.
(c) The wall thickness is not less than t1 throughout the body of the reducer, except in and immediately
adjacent to the cylindrical portion on the small end, where the thickness shall not be less than t2.

(8) Factors shown apply to bending; flexibility factor for torsion equals 0.9.
(9) The designer is cautioned that cast butt welding elbows may have considerably heavier walls than those of the
pipe with which they are used. Large errors may be introduced unless the effect of these greater thicknesses is
considered.
(10) The stress intensification factors in the Table were obtained from tests on full size outlet connections. For
less than full size outlets, the full size values should be used until more applicable values are developed.
(11) A stress intensification factor of 1.3 may be used for socket weld fitting if toe weld blends smoothiy with no
undercut in pipe wall as shown in the concave, unequal leg fillet weld of Fig. 127.4.4(A).
(12) The stress intensification factors apply to girth butt welds between two items for which the wall thicknesses
are between 0.875t and 1.10t for an axial distance of (Dot)0.5. Do and t are nominal outside diameter and nominal
wall thickness, respectively. davg is the average mismatch or offset.
(13) In large diameter thin-wall elbows and bends, pressure can significantly affect magnitudes of k and i. Values
from the table may be corrected by

dividing k by [ 1 + 6 (P / Ec) (r / tn)^ 7/3 (R / r)^ 1/3 ]

divide i by [ 1 + 3.25 (P / Ec) (r / tn)^ 5/2 (R / r)^ 2/3 ]

For consistency, use kPa and mm for SI metric, and psi and in. for US customary notation.
Revisions:
7/3/2002
1 Updated per ASME B31.3-2002
2 Added pressure affect on bends
3 Changed welding tee and welded-in contour insert formulas for "h" and per Note (11)
4 Added choice of units: US customary (inch & psi) or SI (mm and kPa)
Unit Value Value
PSIG 1 14.223343
KSI 0.001 0.014223343
kg(force)/cm2 0.070306959 1
Pa 6894.757 98066.493
kPa 6.894757 98.066493
MPa 0.006894757 0.098066493
atm 0.068046 0.967841
bar-G 0.0689476 0.980665
mm of Hg (oC) 51.7149 735.559

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