What Are Pipeline Shims? A Complete Guide to Types, Materials, and Uses in Oil & Gas

Published by ShimSheet Team • March 2026 • 8 min read

Pipeline shims are precision-cut metal or composite spacers used in pipe support systems to ensure proper elevation, alignment, and load distribution during pipeline construction and maintenance. Shims fill the gap between the pipe or pipe shoe and the support structure, compensating for fabrication tolerances, uneven surfaces, and elevation differences.

In the oil and gas industry, pipeline shims are critical components that directly affect the structural integrity, operational safety, and longevity of piping systems. Whether you are working on upstream gathering lines, midstream transmission pipelines, or downstream facility piping, understanding shim types and their applications is essential for field professionals.

Why Are Shims Important in Pipeline Construction?

Without properly sized and placed shims, pipes can experience uneven loading at support points, leading to excessive stress, vibration, premature wear, and potential failures. Shims serve several critical functions:

• Elevation adjustment – Compensate for height differences between pipe supports and achieve design elevation
• Load distribution – Spread the weight of the pipe evenly across the support surface to prevent point loading
• Alignment correction – Correct minor misalignments during fit-up and construction
• Vibration dampening – Reduce transmission of vibration between the pipe and supporting structure
• Thermal accommodation – Allow for thermal expansion and contraction at pipe support locations

Types of Pipeline Shims

Pipeline shims come in many forms depending on the application, pipe size, and project specifications. Here are the most common types used in oil and gas construction:

Flat Shims

The most basic type, flat shims are rectangular or square metal plates of uniform thickness. They are stacked to achieve the required gap fill at pipe supports. Common thicknesses range from 1/16" to 1/4".

Shim Blocks

Shim blocks are thicker, machined metal blocks used in adjustable pipe support assemblies. They often feature threaded rods or slots for height adjustment, making them ideal for heavy-duty pipe support applications in refineries and processing plants.

Precut Shims

Precut shims are manufactured to standard sizes and thicknesses for common pipe diameters. They reduce field fabrication time and ensure consistent quality across all support locations on a pipeline project.

Slotted Shims

Slotted shims have a U-shaped or horseshoe cutout that allows them to be inserted around bolts or anchor rods without complete disassembly. This makes them popular for maintenance and retrofit work on existing pipeline systems.

Tapered / Wedge Shims

Tapered shims provide gradual thickness variation, useful for correcting angular misalignment between the pipe and support. They are commonly paired with flat shims for fine adjustment.

Shim Materials Used in Pipeline Construction

The material selection for pipeline shims depends on the operating environment, temperature, corrosion exposure, and project specifications.

How to Track and Record Pipeline Shim Data

Proper documentation of shim dimensions, materials, and placement at each pipe support location is a critical part of pipeline construction quality control. Traditional methods include paper shim logs, spreadsheets, and manual data entry – all of which are prone to errors and data loss in field conditions.

Modern pipeline professionals are switching to dedicated shim tracking applications that allow digital recording of shim data directly from the field, with cloud sync, PDF report generation, and multi-project management capabilities.

Shim Installation Best Practices

1. Measure accurately – Use calibrated measuring tools to determine the exact gap between pipe and support
2. Select correct material – Match shim material to project specifications and environmental conditions
3. Stack properly – Minimize the number of shims in a stack; use thicker single shims when possible
4. Secure shims – Tack weld or clamp shims to prevent movement during operation
5. Record everything – Document shim thickness, quantity, material, and location for each support point
6. Inspect regularly – Check shim condition during maintenance to identify corrosion, crushing, or displacement

Common Pipe Sizes and Shim Requirements

Shim requirements vary based on pipe diameter, weight, and the type of support. Larger diameter pipes and heavier wall thicknesses require more robust shim solutions with greater load-bearing capacity.

• Small bore (2" - 6") – Typically use thin flat shims, 1/16" to 1/8" increments
• Medium bore (8" - 16") – Combination of flat shims and shim plates, may require custom widths
• Large bore (18" - 48"+) – Shim blocks, machined plates, or adjustable support assemblies

Pipeline Shim Standards and Specifications

While there is no single universal standard exclusively for pipeline shims, they are referenced in various industry codes and project specifications including ASME B31.3 (Process Piping), ASME B31.4 (Pipeline Transportation Systems), CSA Z662 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems), and project-specific engineering specifications from EPCs and operators.

Conclusion

Pipeline shims may be small components, but they play an outsized role in the safety and performance of piping systems. Understanding the types, materials, and proper installation practices for shims is essential for every pipeline field professional. With digital tools like ShimSheet, tracking shim data has never been easier – replacing paper and spreadsheets with a purpose-built app designed for the field.