Optimal design of lattice towers made up of solid round steel bars

Abstract

The article discusses rational design, considering the mass criterion, of a lattice steel tower made up of solid round steel bars affected by the static load. The spacing between the tower truss chords and the inclination of the bracing members are set as the main variables. A mathematical model of tower structure was prepared using MathCad 14.0 software. The conditions of the marginal safety state of the tower’s members were assessed. The numerical experiment was used as a basis to present the dependence of the tower’s optimum width and the optimum inclination of its struts on the tower’s height, wind load intensity and steel strength. Recommendations were provided as well.