Pipe shoes are connected to a beam depending on their function whether or not they are a support, guide or anchor. In the case of a support, the shoe would rest on top of the supporting steel structure. In the case of a guide, in most instances the secondary supporting base plate/guide combination would be welded to the supporting structure and the shoe would rest upon the base. In the case of anchor supports, in most instances, the base of the shoe is welded directly to the supporting steel.

Insulated Pipe Shoe with Guides Resting on a Steel Structure

For welded design pipe shoes, you should ensure that there is no severe corrosion, no damage to the shoe plate components and that the welds are all intact.

For bolted pipe shoes, you should ensure that is no severe corrosion, no damage to the shoe plate components, ensure that all bolts are intact and all components are tightened to the correct torque specifications.

For insulated supports, you should ensure that there is no severe corrosion, no damage to the shoe plate components, all bolts are intact and properly tightened, and insulation is complete, not damaged, or exposed to the environment.

24″ Clamp Bolted Pipe Shoes

A Split-T is shoe type of support made by cutting a w-beam structural steel member at a pre-defined height. The flange of the w-beam would act as the base of the shoe and the web section would be welded to the pipe’s outside diameter.