Before National Grid can adopt the use of the insert weldolet , there needs to be clear evidence as to the mechanical viability of these designs. This analysis is to be addressed by this programme.
This study will seek to establish whether the stress concentration factors (SCF) of a number of alternative designs of branch connections are bounded by those used in the pipe work stress analysis code IGEM/TD/12. If so it will provide National Grid with a broader range of potential designs and suppliers of branch connection pipe work than are currently available increasing construction efficiency and reducing costs.