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    Piping / Supports

    Pipe Support Loads

    The vertical load a pipe support carries: pipe, insulation, cladding and contents over the span, plus the thermal force where the line is restrained.

    Load per support1.98 kNPipe weight27.8 kg/mContents18.6 kg/m
    Load per support
    1.98 kN
    4.0 m span
    Pipe weight
    27.8 kg/m
    Steel only
    Contents
    18.6 kg/m
    Operating
    Insulation
    4.1 kg/m
    At 120 kg/m³
    Load against span
    Operating weight governs the support; thermal force governs the anchor.
    Load against span
    Span (m)Load per support (kN)
    20.91
    31.37
    41.82
    52.28
    62.73
    Inspect the model
    Choose a quick result view, a scaled comparison, or the complete diagnostic set.
    Support load against span
    Linear in the span, which is why support spacing is a cost decision.
    Support load against span0.0000.6121.221.832.453.062 m2 m3 m3 m4 m4 m5 m5 m6 m6 mPipe Support Loads
    Canonical equations
    The exact relationships implemented by this engine.

    W = (m_pipe + m_fluid + m_ins)·L·g · Per support.

    ρ·π/4·(D² − d²) · Steel at 7,850 kg/m³.

    engineering methodology

    A clear path from inputs to results.

    The vertical load a pipe support carries: pipe, insulation, cladding and contents over the span, plus the thermal force where the line is restrained.

    Step-by-step methodWorked exampleAssumptions explained

    How to use

    1. Set outside diameter (mm).
    2. Set wall thickness (mm).
    3. Set insulation thickness (mm).
    4. Set support span (m).
    5. Read the headline metrics, then check the table for the detail.

    The formula

    W=(mpipe+mfluid+mins)⋅L⋅gW = (m_pipe + m_fluid + m_ins)·L·g

    Reference: Pipe, insulation and contents over the span.

    Worked example

    At the default inputs

    Inputs
    • Outside diameter (mm): 168; Wall thickness (mm): 7; Insulation thickness (mm): 50; Support span (m): 4; Contents density (kg/m³): 1000
    Calculation path
    1. 1

      Load per support: 1.98 kN · Pipe weight: 27.8 kg/m · Contents: 18.6 kg/m · Insulation: 4.1 kg/m

    Result

    Load per support: 1.98 kN · Pipe weight: 27.8 kg/m · Contents: 18.6 kg/m

    Interpreting the result

    Each support carries 1.82 kN at a 4.0 m span.

    Assumptions & limitations

    • Straight horizontal run.
    • No wind, snow or seismic.

    Frequently asked questions

    What else loads a support?

    Thermal movement, water hammer and occasional loads like snow.

    Does insulation matter?

    It adds weight and diameter, so yes — especially on large lines.

    Methodology last reviewed 2026-10-22. Results are informational and not financial or engineering advice — see our disclaimer.