Reshaping ASME Section VIII: Essential Insights for Engineers on Code Transformation

A major initiative is underway to modernize and simplify a key set of technical standards. This multi-year effort promises not only to simplify the existing code but also to make it more usable, accessible, and aligned with current engineering practices. For professionals involved in designing and implementing technical systems, these updates offer a valuable opportunity and a big change in how standards are applied and understood.

Defining CEI’s Role in the Reshape Initiative

CEI and Paulin Research Group engineers have played a key role with these advances, drawing on years of committee involvement on influential ASME committees.

Tiradej Bunyarattaphantu is the Secretary of the Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment.
Santiago Laris is a member of the Research Development Group to Subgroup on Design.

Together, they’ve represented CEI and PRG at major meetings gaining insights and assisting in shaping code proposals.

Why Reshape ASME Section VIII?

ASME Section VIII, especially Division 1, has been seen as detailed and complex, often relying on legacy methodologies. The Reshape Project is a strategic initiative to modernize this section of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code by:

Improving Usability: Making the code clearer, better organized, and easier to navigate for engineers and designers.
Encouraging Modern Engineering Practices: Updating old methods with current analytical tools and techniques, like Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Streamlining Design Rules: Organizing design requirements into Division 2, where stricter and more modern engineering principles are highlighted.

A Multi-Year Transformation: The Evolution of ASME Section VIII

Since mid-2022, the ASME Reshape Project has advanced slowly, with significant enhancements occurring over multiple code cycles. Such improvements are the outcomes of collaboration among industry representatives and specialists to revise and reorganize the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) at quarterly ASME Code Committee meetings.

2022: Foundation of the Reshape Initiative

The groundwork for the ASME Section VIII Reshape Project began in August 2022, with key participation from industry representatives at various Section VIII committee meetings. This initial phase focused on the conceptual shift toward consolidating design rules into Division 2, with a vision for an analytical, modern code structure.

2022 Code Development Efforts

Early plans for partial implementation of Division 2-only design rules, beginning with UHX and Appendix 26 for the next 2023 code issue.
Adding requirements for compulsory relocation of tube-to-tubesheet rules from Appendix A to UW-20.
Formulation of new rules with FEA-based designs (e.g., flexible shell expansion joints and cone channels).
A task group started working on a Code Case for heater treaters.
Revision and approval of Part 5.4 for buckling protection under Division 2 Part 5.

2023: Establishing the Framework for Industrial Modernization

In 2023, the Reshape initiative progressed from the planning stage to active implementation. The ASME code community started adopting the structural changes and new engineering methodologies while broadening the scope of the topics addressed.

2023 Code Development Efforts

Implementation of UHX and updates to Appendix 26 in the 2023 code edition, with full migration of design rules to Division 2 planned for 2025.
Active acquisition of creep-range material properties to facilitate integration of additive manufacturing into Sections VIII and Section IX.
Recommended adoption of ASCE 7 loadings into UG-22 to standardize structural load considerations.
Finalization of the Part 5.4 rewrite by the Working Group on Design by Analysis, aligning with advanced design principles.

2024: Framework Restructuring

2024 saw extensive structural revisions to Division 1 and extended the coverage of the Reshape Project.

2024 Code Development Efforts

Revision of Mandatory Appendices 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, and 24, relocating design rules to Division 2 under the reshaped code framework.
Development of a new Subsection D planned for Division 1, intended to bring vessel-type requirements together and simplify navigation.
Continuing harmonization of fatigue design rules and buckling requirements in Division 2 Part 5.
Additional focus on:
- Heat exchanger design rules for non-cylindrical channels.
- Alignment of Part 5 with ASME FFS-1/API-579.

These activities focused on harmonization and simplification within both divisions, laying the foundation for a reorganized and more modern 2025 edition.

2025: Reshape Phase 1 Complete, Phase 2 Underway

2025 marked a milestone for the ASME Reshape Project with Phase 1 completed and Phase 2 underway, bringing structural and procedural changes that will impact the code for years to come.

2025 Code Developmental Efforts

Formal redirection to Division 2 for most design rules, now cited in revised appendices and formula sets.
Official introduction of Subsection D in Division 1 to better organize requirements by equipment type.
Elimination of Division 2 Class 1 as part of restructuring activities.
Launch of Phase 2, with focus on:
- Formulation of code cases for cyclic and high-temperature service.
Ongoing enhancement of QW-193 requirements, with a recommendation to add a new mandatory appendix on rules for tube-to-tubesheet welding.
Introduction of a new fixed tubesheet design theory, currently under review by the Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment for potential codification.
Final stages of Part 5 rewrite to bring it into alignment with API-579 / ASME FFS-1 to enhance analysis methods for component and nozzle design.

These efforts represent a transition from preserving legacy rules to analysis-based, forward-thinking design, opening the door to the 2027 code cycle.

What Engineering Change Means for You

Whether you're a design engineer, code compliance officer, or pressure vessel fabricator, here are some changes you can expect to impact your engineering workflows:

Simplified Navigation

Expect a more streamlined code structure, reducing interpretation time and increasing efficiency.

Division 2 Becomes Central

The transition of design material to Division 2 requires engineers to be familiar with using this system, which focuses on design-by-analysis rather than empirical rules.

Modern Materials and Manufacturing

Addition of additive manufacturing standards and expanded material databases provides greater options, but also the requirement to remain knowledgeable and compliant.