Is there an equation to calculate how high a vertical pipe, only supported at the base can be ?

Question

I expect such equation will have variables for pipe diameter, wall thickness, matterial of construction, wind velocity etc.

Or perhaps there is an empirical equation for what is "good practice".

Answer 1

The math escapes me, but the job they do is impressive.
There are some fairly tall pipes that are supported only at the base. Check out the next freeway interchange you go through. Many of them are lit by poles in the 100 ft range, and support the weight and wind load of up to 4 large lights.

Many cell tower sites also use a large pole (they call them monopoles) to hold their antennas. They can have 3 levels of large antenna arrays and be 60 ft. and more.

Answer 2

Yes, but I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. The height will be a function of the cross-section, which would entail the total diameter and the thickness of the pipe. You would also need to define how much horizontal sway is acceptable for your purposes. Personally I think your problem would be the integrity of the connections between lengths of pipe than the pipe itself.

Searching a site for equations on structural steel columns would likely be your best bet.

Answer 3

If such a pipe were installed outside, the wind load and the problem with von Karma's vortecies would have to also be included.

Many flare stacks, boiler and furnace stacks are all a version of the problem stated

Answer 4

Look up buckling equations. A verticle pipe will most likely buckle before a wind load will cause it to yield. Assuming the pipe is supported properly at ground level

Answer 5

I think it's a type of bouyancy issue. Try to find some bouyancy equations.

Answer 6

From a static pressure point of view or column loading point of view?