ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - 46
ENGINEERS NOTEBOOK
COLUMN
Managing Pipe
Expansion in Shafts
BY JEFF BOLDT, P.E., HBDP, FELLOW ASHRAE; DAVE W. BODENSCHATZ, P.E., MEMBER ASHRAE
Designing to accommodate expansion is necessary for all piping systems, but it is
even more critical in shafts because space is limited, and pipes are often constrained
by taps out of the shafts. When the pipe in Photo 1 and Figure 1 expands vertically, the
taps on each floor may be sheared off, causing water damage, especially if the shaft
walls are very rigid (concrete or concrete block). Fire code violations are also possible because the pipes move off the center of the listed firestop system that is being
used, potentially violating the listing of that system. This column discusses ways your
designs can mitigate these risks.
Fundamentals of Pipe Expansion
Pipe materials differ in their coefficients of thermal
expansion and their strength (Table 1). A common rule
of thumb that is easy to remember is that steel expands
0.76 in. per 100 ft per 100°F (10.8 × 10-6 per °C). For a
shaft 200 ft (61 m) tall with the pipe installed at 40°F
(4.4°C) that has a maximum heating water temperature
of 180°F (82.2°C), the total expansion is 2.1 in. (53 mm)
(Equation 1).
(180°F − 40°F) × 200 ft ×
0.76 in.
= 2.1 in.
100°F × 100 ft
(1)
This is plenty of expansion in many situations to shear
off a pipe. We are aware of one project where this caused
a break and water damage, which resulted in a claim by
the building owner against both the engineer and the
contractor.
In cold climates, buildings are often at least heated
above freezing before pipes are installed, so 40°F (4.4°C)
is often assumed as a worst-case assumption. A higher
46
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temperature may be appropriate in warmer climates.
Also, if you use lower maximum temperatures to take
advantage of condensing boilers or heat recovery chillers, you will reduce the amount of expansion and reduce
your expansion problems.
Four scenarios can happen when a pipe expands:
1. The pipe can grow in length with either or both
ends free to move. This is normally not a problem and is
usually the most economical way to deal with expansion
when possible.
2. The pipe expansion may be absorbed by flexible
couplings, expansion joints or other items included in
the design.
3. The pipe can grow in length with the ends restrained and "snake" or "bow," which may lead to
buckling. One author remembers a project in which the
supply pipe inside finned tube baseboard heaters bowed
Jeff Boldt, P.E., is director of innovation and quality, and Dave W. Bodenschatz,
P.E., is director of mechanical engineering at IMEG Corp. Boldt is SSPC 90.1
mechanical subcommittee chair.
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ASHRAE Journal - July 2020
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHRAE Journal - July 2020
Contents
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - Intro
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - Cover1
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - Cover2
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - 1
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - Contents
ASHRAE Journal - July 2020 - 3
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