Microcomputer Analysis of Guyed Towers as Lattices

Abstract

A discrete field analysis approach was used to develop a solution procedure for the analysis of guyed towers. Three truss tower configurations were considered in which the three tower legs formed the apexes of an equilateral triangle and the truss configuration on the faces of the tower were either: (1) X‐braced; (2) Warren; or (3) Vierendeel. The modeling of the tower was exact in the sense that only the usual assumptions of linear elastic behavior were used. Thus, all forces and moments in each member can be computed. The tower modeling was combined with an algorithm for including the effects of the nonlinear cable/tower interaction. The results were programmed for use on a personal computer with a problem‐oriented language enabling the user to interact as part of the design process. To illustrate the utility of the program, a 700‐ft (214‐m) tower was comparatively analyzed with an X‐braced, Warren, and Vierendeel configuration. It was found that the Warren configuration was superior to the X‐braced in terms of material required, while direct comparisons with the Vierendeel could not be made without completing the design for each.