Effectiveness Analysis of the Non-Standard Reinforcement of Lattice Tower Legs Using the Component-Based Finite...

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Existing steel lattice tower legs often require reinforcement.
• Standard design assumptions may not apply to existing reinforcement configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effectiveness of reinforcing L-section tower legs with built-up members.
• To evaluate the capacity of existing tower legs under specific reinforcement conditions.

Main Methods:

• Component-based finite element method (CBFEM) for numerical analysis.
• Geometrically and materially nonlinear stress analysis.
• Linear buckling analysis.

Main Results:

• Reinforced legs showed 35-48% higher buckling capacity and 30-39% higher compression capacity compared to unreinforced sections.
• Analysis indicated that form susceptibility could be neglected in buckling resistance calculations for the analyzed reinforcement.
• Modified geometric parameters adapted standard calculation procedures.

Conclusions:

• Reinforcement with closely spaced built-up members effectively increases tower leg capacity.
• The findings suggest a potential to avoid extensive retrofitting by utilizing optimized reinforcement designs.
• Full-scale experimental tests are recommended to validate numerical findings and develop design guidelines.