Abstract The basic elastic and geometric stiffness properties of the individual supporting columns are synthesized into a stiffness matrix compatible with an axisymmetrical shell element by a series of transformations, to be used in conjunction with a finite element representation of the cooling tower, where the displacements are decomposed into Fourier harmonics. Thus, the effect of the column supports can be rigorously accounted for in a large displacement nonlinear analysis. To complete the stiffness property of the cooling tower structure, the elastic and geometric stiffness of the reinforcing rings are also incorporated. Examples are given to show the effect of these additions on the buckling wind load and the stress distribution.
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