THE EVOLUTION OF DYNAMIC GUST RESPONSE FACTORS FOR GUYED TOWERS

Conventional static analysis methods for guyed towers are known to under-estimate critical load effects caused by wind turbulence. Despite the resulting potential for unsafe designs, more rigorous dynamic analyses are not routinely employed due to their greater difficulty. A simplified analysis method is therefore described that accurately predicts the dynamic response of guyed towers to turbulent winds. Based on well defined dynamic characteristics of guyed towers, the method employs a series of static "patch loads" and scaling factors to model the effects of wind acting on the tower. Calibration studies have demonstrated the reliability of this patch load method for a wide range of guyed towers. (A)