LOCATION CLASS & DESIGN FACTOR (ASME B31.8)

Location class and design factors in pipeline construction, is highly technical and would be suitable for a LinkedIn post aimed at professionals in fields such as oil and gas, engineering, infrastructure safety, and project management.

Location Class:

To determine the number of buildings intended for human occupancy for an onshore pipeline, lay out a zone 1/4 mi (0.4km) wide along the route of the pipeline with the pipeline on the centerline of this zone, and divide the pipeline into random sections 1 mi (1.6 km) in length such that the individual lengths will include the maximum number of buildings intended for human occupancy. Count the number of buildings intended for human occupancy within each 1 mi (1.6 km) zone.

Location Class 1: 10 or fewer buildings

Location Class 2: More than 10 but fewer than 46 buildings for human occupancy

Location Class 3: 46 or more buildings for human occupancy of 20 or more people at least 5 days a week for 10 weeks in any 12-month period (where pipeline is within 100 yards).

Location Class 4: Building with four or more stories above ground

Design Factor (F):

The design factor is a multiplier that dictates the pipeline’s stress levels based on the location class. As the location class increases, the design factor decreases, reducing the maximum allowable stress on the pipeline. This means that for more sensitive or high-population areas, the pipeline is designed to withstand lower stresses, enhancing safety.

Location Class 1, Division 1: 0.8 (highest design factor, implying lower safety margin)

Location Class 1, Division 2: 0.72

Location Class 2: 0.6

Location Class 3: 0.5

Location Class 4: 0.4 (lowest design factor, highest safety margin)