Abstract: An anchor support for supporting a pipeline above the ground has a self-aligning support saddle that allows the pipeline to orient itself on the anchor support during construction to relieve stresses in the pipeline and to allow for variations from nominal pipeline elevation and angulation relative to the ground. The anchor support normally fixes the pipeline's position relative to the ground but also allows relative movement between the support and the pipeline upon occurrence of a seismic disturbance or other disturbance that would cause a dislocation of the pipeline and/or anchor support from its nominal position. The self-aligning support saddle, which includes a ball and socket connection for allowing the pipeline to orient itself over the saddle, is fastened to a shiftable subassembly that rests on a stationary base assembly affixed to one or more ground engaging vertical support members.

Abstract: The support assembly is constructed so that an aboveground pipeline resting thereon can move longitudinally and laterally relative to the path of the pipeline to allow for normal thermal contraction and expansion in the pipeline. The support assembly is also designed for earthquake contingencies to prevent damage to the pipeline and to the support assembly upon occurrence of relative movement between the pipeline and the support assembly that is greater than that encountered with normal thermally motivated movement. The support assembly includes a pair of vertical support members spaced transversely at a given location along the path of the pipeline, which vertical support members are interconnected by a transversely oriented cross member. The cross member is adjustable relative to the vertical support members to orient it horizontally and is further adjustable to accommodate tolerance variations that occur during the fabrication and construction of the components of the assembly.