Nonlinear analysis of transmission towers

A nonlinear analytical technique for predicting and simulating the ultimate structural behaviour of self-supporting transmission towers under static load conditions is presented. The method considers both the geometric and material nonlinear effects and treats the angle members in the tower as general asymmetrical thin-walled beam-column elements. Modelling of material nonlinearity for angle members is based on the assumption of lumped plasticity coupled with the concept of a yield surface in force space. A formex formulation is used for automatic generation of data necessary for the analysis. The developed software, AK TOWER, is used to predict the ultimate behaviour of two full-scale towers recently tested in Australia.