New Robust Linearized Seismic Analysis Method For Tall Guyed Telecommunication Masts

Abstract

Design of tall telecommunication masts is usually governed by serviceability criteria under high wind conditions, typically combined with icing in cold climates. However, there is a need for seismic design checks for guyed masts constructed in zones with moderate to high seismicity, as is routinely prescribed for buildings in modern codes. There have been few efforts towards proposing a robust simplified method of general applicability for the seismic analysis of tall masts. These structures can be represented by the simple concept of a continuous beam-column (the lattice mast) on nonlinear elastic supports (the guy cable clusters at various stay levels). In this study, the guy cables are replaced by equivalent linear lumped parameters (stiffness, mass, and viscous damping) and the effects of their interaction with the mast stiffness and inertia on the structural characteristics are discussed. The approach was tested with nine case studies of real telecommunication masts subjected to five different seismic inputs and further validated with more analysis for two selected masts under the effects of 81 recorded Californian earthquakes.