effective length for out of plane pipe bent column
 

effective length for out of plane pipe bent column
pipe bent consists of two columns with three beams (moment connections) between columns. out of plane it is free (no bracing or tie backs). what is the k factor out of plane? should i use k=2 like a cantilever or can it be reduced? thanks for the help
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a cantilever would require k = 2.0.

you mean 2.1, right? see table c-c2.2 in aisc 13th ed, case (e).
2, 2.1, whatever it takes....
(nod to mr. mom).