'A well designed tower is like a skillfully designed spiderweb. Using minimum weight of materials it will withstand very large comparative loads but like a spiderweb, break a few strategic elements and the delicate structure crumbles.This is why connection design is crucial, badly detailed connections will cause a well designed tower to fail'
Just a simple spreadsheet (xls) to help calculate tower ratios and the 'open corner' effect. This is a handy tool for engineers at design stage to calculate corner opens. No macros, all formulas within cells. Now updated with X-Arm and Earthwire worksheets.
In this presentation (series_1) we explain how the corners of tower bodies are not really what they seem to be. When to consider the 'open' effect and how to calculate it.
In this presentation (series_2) we explain the pro’s and con’s of bending main tower elements (corners, k-members cross-arm chords etc)
In this presentation (series_3) we go through the methods to connect internal bracings (hips) to k-members.
In this presentation (series_4) we look at how to achieve common centre plate and common stub for tower legs.
click here to download the PDF
In this presentation (series_5) we look at the tower ‘waist’. This is a crucial area that transfers all of the forces from the upper structure (superstructure) to the lower structure (common body). .
click here to download the PDF
Another spreadsheet (xls) to help calculate tower bends. This is a handy tool for engineers and steel detailers to determine required bends between any two faces of a tower. No macros, all formulas within cells.