If piping is restrained from moving, what kind of stresses does it experience during temperature changes?

When piping is restrained from moving, it experiences different stresses due to temperature changes. When the temperature of the piping rises, the material attempts to expand. However, because it is restrained, this expansion cannot occur freely, which leads to compressive stress in the piping. Conversely, when the temperature drops, the material contracts; again, due to the restraints, this contraction leads to tensile stress.

This behavior is rooted in the physical properties of materials, which expand when heated and contract when cooled. The imbalance created by restraining the movement of the piping during these expansions and contractions results in the distinct mix of compressive stress (during temperature increases) and tensile stress (during temperature decreases). Therefore, understanding the mechanical behavior of materials in response to temperature changes and the effects of restraint is crucial in plumbing design to prevent failures and ensure system integrity.