EN 13445-3 Clause 9.7.2.4 – Opening located within 0.8De but close to 0.8De limit

According to clause 9.7.2.4, when an opening is located within the 0.8De region of a dished end but close to its boundary (i.e., near the De/10 distance from the knuckle), the reinforcement area may be insufficient if the calculation is limited to the value of "w" (typically restricted by the De/10 rule).

The 2021 edition of EN 13445-3 introduced a provision allowing the full reinforcement length "ls" to be considered — even if it extends beyond De/10 — provided the opening is regarded as encroaching into the knuckle region and that the requirements of clause 7.7 are met.

Currently, AutoPIPE Vessel applies only the first part of clause 9.7.2.4 and restricts the effective reinforcement width "w" to De/10, even in cases where the reinforcement is not sufficient.

This request is for AutoPIPE Vessel to implement the full scope of clause 9.7.2.4, including the second provision introduced in the 2021 revision, allowing users to calculate reinforcement using the full value of "ls" when the conditions permit.