CAREER EPISODE 1: STRUCTURAL DESIGN - COMMUNICATION TOWER

WITH STRUCTURAL ASPECTS DUE TO HEAVY WIND LOADS / AGAINST

SEISMIC LOADS

CE1.1 In career episode 1 I will present structural design complying structural and dynamic
analysis of self standing column - steel column, space truss for benefits of telecommunication
company - tower transmitter, typical steel column with pre defined structural system. The
design was accomplished from April 2014 till May 2015. The design was carried withин
eminent company in R. Macedonia -Membraning DOO Skopje. By completing the structural
design with different load combination and simulation I have proved the design loads
complaining for different situation and circumstances in regard to the location for the steel
tower can be sustained by the tower. The location of the tower (antenna) in near the capital of
R. Macedonia ,Skopje, municipality of Ilinden.

CE1.2 Design considerations

TECHINICAL DESCRIPTION

The transmission tower for telecommunication services, known as GFТ36, presents a space
truss, rectangular in base , consisting of four main columns, bolted and extended on typical
segments. The segments are predicted to be from steel tubular sections CHS, S275JR2,from
non corrosive steel with galvanized layer applied. There are six segments for each consisting
column, forming the truss. Segments are in 6 m length due to the transportation limitations
and assembly on site. Usually, the cross section of the used columns are from CHS , circular
hollow section, with different thickness from 3 to 5 mm and different diameters. All
connections for the structure are predicted as bolted connections with bolts of grade min 8.8,
to ease the assembly methods with smaller segments on site. The structure is 36 m height,
based on a concrete fundament, fixed with base plate and anchor bolts. During the assembly
of the structure, a telescopic crane will be present on site with aim to lift the segments and
place them into position.

Used material :

STEEL RANGE CHS – 273*12- 60*3, galvanized , S275, sections given in the structural
analysis
BOLT RANGE M12- M20, grade 8.8 for the main structure
ANCHOR BOLTS M36. Grade 8.8 length depended on the structural calculation
CONCRETE C25/30
REINFORCEMENT B 500/600 or 560/600

LOAD ANALISIS

PERMANENT LOADS

 self weight of the column , space truss

 permanent loads on the structures such as , anthems , stairs for supervision , cabels ,
and other installation acting due to gravity force
ADDITIONAL/ LIVE LOADS
 wind loads in two main orthogonal directions
 ice on the structure as gravity load
 wind loads on frozen silute in two main orthogonal
 temperature
ACCIDENTAL LOAD
 seismic loads x and y ( orthogonal directions )
All loads were carefully considered due to the fact that the structure it self is 36 m height and
it is in an area where winds can exceed the regulations due to the landscape changes and wind
course with respect to National annex for wind considerations.

Wind load are especially evaluated according to the aspects given in the reliable Standard due to
several aspect depending on the terrain conditions and absolute altitude. Wind load can be evaluated
according to the available Standards which differ on the year of establishment, but in general after
consulting the Supervisor and making the comparison table the results are in 3 %

The results are shown in the fowling table in respect to the ground elevation of the column to different
changing in loads (velocity and turbulence) accordingly.
Height Terrain ration Wind velocity Turbulence intensity Wind load
above the ∙ ∙ , qp(z)
, ∙
ground , [m/s] [kN/m2]
z [m] Za 1,0 m ≤ z ≤ 200 m ,

3,00 0,777 19,528 0,244 0,647

6,00 0,909 22,845 0,208 0,804
9,00 0,986 24,781 0,192 0,902
12,0 1,041 26,163 0,182 0,974
15,0 1,083 27,219 0,175 1,032
18,0 1,118 28,098 0,169 1,081
22,0 1,156 28,827 0,164 1,135
25,0 1,180 29,656 0,160 1,170
30.0 1,194 29,998 0,171 1,210
36.0 1,209 30.120 0,180 1,237

All sections, since the circular shape are then loaded with their shape coefficient and appropriate area
sections for each section separately

Average wind load was adapted at value of 1.05 KN/m2, therefore:

2. WIND ACTION AT ANTENNA  GFT36
       ‐ BASIC WIND  II geographical zone , 
unprotected object H=30‐60 m, V=150 km/h,  W m = ..…………….............. = 1.05 KN/m²
100% from max.wind load  W
W (z)=W m*C*As
       ‐ WIND AT THE BODY/ TIE BRACE Ф 
C = 1.2 As = 0.273 m W1 = 0.34 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.243 m W1 = 0.31 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.219 m W1 = 0.28 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.193 m W1 = 0.24 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.168 m W1 = 0.21 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.139 m W1 = 0.18 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 1.01 m W1 = 1.27 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.089 m W1 = 0.11 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.76 m W1 = 0.96 KN/m
C = 1.2 As = 0.068 m W1 = 0.09 KN/m

Ice as eminent load on the such as structures (combined with the wind effects on a frozen silluete
with thickness from 3 – 5 cm, as well as gravity load considered by itself.
3 LOAD FROM ICE ON FROSEN SILUETE ( ANTENA) GFT36
       ‐ ICE THICKNESS  range  tS=3‐5 cm..……………..........................…………….................. = 0.03 m
0.05 m
3
density of ice  from, γm = ..……………..........................…………….................... = 7.00 KN/m
       ‐ WIND ON THE ANTENA , FROSEN SILLUETE 
75% from max.intesity of wind W
W (z)=W m*C*As As=Ф+2*ts
       ‐ WIND AT THE BODY ( COLUMN SEGMENT  Ф 273.6 ..……………..........................……………........................
Ф = 0.273 C = 1.2 As = 0.333 m W1 = 0.31 KN/m
Ф = 0.273 C = 1.2 As = 0.373 m W1 = 0.35 KN/m
Ф = 0.243 C = 1.2 As = 0.303 m W1 = 0.29 KN/m
Ф = 0.243 C = 1.2 As = 0.343 m W1 = 0.32 KN/m
Ф = 0.219 C = 1.2 As = 0.279 m W1 = 0.26 KN/m
Ф = 0.219 C = 1.2 As = 0.319 m W1 = 0.30 KN/m
Ф = 0.193 C = 1.2 As = 0.253 m W1 = 0.24 KN/m
Ф = 0.193 C = 1.2 As = 0.293 m W1 = 0.28 KN/m
Ф = 0.168 C = 1.2 As = 0.228 m W1 = 0.22 KN/m
Ф = 0.168 C = 1.2 As = 0.268 m W1 = 0.25 KN/m
Ф = 0.139 C = 1.2 As = 0.199 m W1 = 0.19 KN/m
Ф = 0.139 C = 1.2 As = 0.239 m W1 = 0.23 KN/m
Ф = 0.101 C = 1.2 As = 0.161 m W1 = 0.15 KN/m
Ф = 0.089 C = 1.2 As = 0.189 m W1 = 0.18 KN/m
Ф = 0.089 C = 1.2 As = 0.149 m W1 = 0.14 KN/m
Ф = 0.076 C = 1.2 As = 0.176 m W1 = 0.17 KN/m
Ф = 0.076 C = 1.2 As = 0.176 m W1 = 0.17 KN/m
Ф = 0.068 C = 1.2 As = 0.168 m W1 = 0.16 KN/m
Ф = 0.068 C = 1.2 As = 0.168 m W1 = 0.16 KN/m

Temperature – a additional load that applied on the entire skeleton of the structure (25, with total
difference  10 )

Seismic load on the structure are not dominant loads but considerations of it must be applied to prove
the deflections of the structure ( in compression with wind loads )

CE1.3 Structural calculation (dynamic response ( deflection issue )

Mathematical model – At this stage a model, mathematical, was build , using finite element method
to have precise results on the internal forces as well as better estimation of the deflection on the top
of the structure. The software I used is TOWER RADIMEX v 6 later on compared with SAPP The
first step was is to create a reliable model , with all reliable joint restrictions and restriction on
deflection by defining the limits, in respect with the allowable Standard, incorporated in the software
and imposed by antenna supplier .

Givenn values as per allowable Standard in R.Macedonia

Max deflection of the column ( pole )  < H / 300 = (12) cm as per one direction of wind load

Max deflection of the column ( pole )  < H / 150 = (24) cm as per sum. direction for wind load

Max deflection of the column ( pole )  < H / 600 = (6) cm as per seismic action

CE1.4: After completing the mathematical model with all applied loads and defined combinations,
an analysis took place as part of the design. The internal forces for each combination were presented
in tables as well as the critical deflections. Determination of the critical forces for each element of the
structure, design and stability check was done, to evaluate the stress ratio. After completing the
calculations and prove the stability of the structure, additional design of the concrete foundations was
conducted , on elastic ground with using reaction coefficient given from the Geotechnical elaborate.
Due to the fact the this kind of structures require large foundations (counter weight) the base is divided
into two segments with different height.

Therefore, the deflection of the structure were presented graphically for critical load combinationsas
to compare with the allowable ones
 Max deflection from seismic action in sy

1
Опт. 9: sy

15.08
..2250 0
177 72.0
2
.40 .17 1 17 1.

direction 17.55 mm < 3600 /600= 6 cm (60 mm)

17 17 .5205
177.
1
86 .92
15
. 15
.16 .64

(sx direction less value for the case).

15 1466
.
14
63
23
29
.2 33..
31
1. 11
13 86
02
23..
1 7
11 . 08
.07 1 2
21.
12 1. 2
12
.84 .90

Seismic action due to lack of mass on the

10 10
6
97.87
9.

structure is not a critical case for determination

63 68
8. 8.
68
72
7 . 9
667. 77.16
7.
7.
6.
75

5.6
9
95
6.
80
of deflections, neither to section design,
therefore this case can be excluded in design
5.
12 16
5. 5.
3
.64
44
4. 43
4.

process for structure. It is shown in the table

45
4.
75 78
3. 3.

18

below that the total seismic force is less than 8 %

3.
19
3.

2.16
64
2.14

61 2.
2.24
2. .1187
2.16
1.
2 88
11
8 22
.20 7
2. .42. 26 .66
1

from the total mass of the structure.

22 21
2.
14 4
2. 22..19
92.
1
142.2 61
.
.
2. 2
21
8 9
..12. 1
22
69 72
1. 1.

32
1.
32
1.
96
94 0.
0.
66
0.68 66
0. 0.
67
0.
41 43
0. 0.

24
0.
23
0. 09
07 0.
0.

SEISM IC LOAD Y Yp= 17.50 / m i n Yp= 0.00 m / 1000

Distribution of earthquake forces along height of structure (sx sy) Mass distribution per levels
Z [m] S [kN] Z [m] X [m] Y [m]1.03 Mass [T]
36.00 1.95 0.23
36.00 2.50
35.00 1.94 1.10 0.63
35.00 1.65
30.00 1.94 1.03 0.88
30.00 1.87
24.00 1.91 1.11 1.03
24.00 1.84
18.00 1.92 1.11 1.40
18.00 1.83
12.00 1.92 1.12 3.17
12.00 2.76
6.00 1.92 1.11 2.13
6.00 0.93
0.00 1.93 1.11 1.22
0.00 0.14
14.73 1.92 1.10 10.68
Σ= 13.52

OSCILAT ION FORM OSCILAT ION FORM

OSCILAT ION FORM : 1/3 [T =0.3899с ек / f=2.56Hz] OSCILAT ION FORM : 2/3 [T =0.3875с ек / f=2.58Hz]

Mode analysis
Estimation of wind actions on the Structure
Опт. 4: ветар y
Max deflection from seismic action in sy direction

25.94
..5585 5
28 .55
66 54 28 28 2.85

28.71. mm < 3600 /300= 12 cm (120 mm) (Wy

28 .28 . 8..7518
228
98
6 .94 2 6.
2

direction) 
14
26 . .40
2542
.
25
7820
36 .378 22 33..
2.

 
23 5.7 2
.323 3225
24 22 .2
322
2
22..
22 . 2 .2 8
22
64 . 70
. 2 0
20
.15
1917
.
19
55 61
7 . 17.
1 4
.311
6.
.
17
06
1 1 6 .10
16 .14
16
67
.61 14 .
14
.25
1327
.
13
7
1 .80 11 .8
1
.58
10.80 0 .53
10 1 7
.5
10
9
9.
22 9. 2

10
8.
13
8.

5.93
98
5.88

2
.09 6.
6.25

6.69 97
9 8 50.05.97
80
5
...00
0 0
03 ..
66 32
4 5 25
6
6
2. 6. 655..99
0 4
5.
97
5..8886. 6
5 907 4
65..06. 0 2
.
490
8. 4. 9
4 4
5
.9
00 3
4.
9 1 05
2. 9 1 3.
3.
31
2. 7 3
2. 5 33 2. 2
2.
4
. 50 63 1. 5
1 1.
93
0.
00
1.
9
4
0. 3 0. 44 0. 3

WIND Y DIRECT ION Yp= 28.71 / m i n Yp= 0.00 m / 1000

Max deflection from seismic action in sy direction

Опт. 3: ветар x
-3 7.19-3 7.
-312
-3 7. 01
6. 98
-3-3 7.01 -3 7.
7.19

37.19. mm < 3600 /300= 12 cm (120 mm) (Wx

-3 7.0118
-3 4.88
-3-3 4.
3.3365 -3 3.35
-3 2.49
-37.01

direction–most critical case)

-3 2.27
-2 9.93
-2-2 9.87
9.46 -2 9.
-2 7.61
-2 7.4550
-2 7.47
-29.46

-2 5.16
9.50

-2 5.14
2
47

-2 2.92
-
-27.

-2 2.86
-2 0.69
-2 0.67
-1 8.66
-1 8.59
-1 8.59
-1 8.60
-1 6.67
-1 6.66
-18.60

-1 4.82
-1 4.82
-1 3.06
-1 3.06
-1 1.50
-1 1.42
-1 1.41
-11.41

-9 .90
-9 .89
-8 .49
-8 .48
-7 .19
-7 .18
-6-6
.1
-6 .03-6 3-6
.1
.1 34
-6-6
.0
-6
-6
.0
1
.1
.0
151
-6 .0
.01
11

-5 .99 -6 .02 -6 .03

00

-6 .03 -5 2
..

-6.9 -5
.092.99
66

-4 .8
-5.99
--

9
-4 .87
-3 .84
-3 .85
-2 .91
-2 .91
-2 .17
-2 .10
-2 .0
-2.09

-1 .41 9
-1 .41
-0 .79
-0 .81
-0 .3 -0 .28
-0 .33 2

WIND X Di recti on Xp= -0.00 / m i n Xp= -37.19 m / 1000

CE1.5 After completing the main design according to the available standard YUS and provide the basic
calculations for the joint connections, anchor bolts and determining the reinforcement for the concrete base
a shop drawings took place for completing the project.

Here some calculation from the joint design that I have used
d π
F m∗A , ∗τ m τ F min ∗ ∗Ϭ ,
4 ;

 
 project  ANTENNA COLUMN 
INTERNAL FORCES    
→ Max transverse force in element . T=N1= 46 kN
load combination : I+II  (Stalno + Sneg)
joint, bolts M24...8.8
nu.bolts n= 1
diametar d= 24 mm
hole diametar d0= 27 mm
hrought the bolt  m= 1
thickness o fthe element in the joint
t min= 20 mm
Allowable stess in the bolts
2
Ϭb,dop= 196 Mpa   = 19.6 kN/cm

2
τdop= 168 Mpa   = 16.8 kN/cm

bearing capacity 
d π
tangental stess of a bolt  F m∗A , ∗τ m τ
4

Fv = 76.001 kN
pressure at the hole
Fb= 94.08 kN F min ∗ ∗Ϭ ,
F , min F , F 76.001 kN
control :
calc.value for one bolt  :
T 46 kN < FV,dop     = 76.001 kN
T
n
→ bearing capacity proven .

DESGIN TABLE -CONNECTION CALULATOR DONE IN EXCEL

 
 Design (steel) STABILITY CHECK

Torsion Moment Mt = 1.159 kNm

BEAM 25-138 The shear force design value(y-y) Ty = 3.423 kN
CROSS-SECTION: D= 273x12 [Set: 1] System length L= 600.36 cm
JUS
Shear stress τ= 0.160 kN/cm2
CROSS-SECTION PROPERTIES Allowed shear stress τ_dop = 10.392 kN/cm2

Stress control: τ <= τ_dop

Ax = 98.390 cm2
y
Ay = 49.172 cm2
Az = 49.172 cm2
Iz = 8396.2 cm4
Iy = 8396.2 cm4

12
Ix = 16784 cm4
Wz = 615.10 cm3
273

T z

[m m ]

UTILISATION FACTORS FOR ALL LOAD CASE COMBINATIONS

34. γ=0.38 36. γ=0.32 23. γ=0.31
21. γ=0.31 30. γ=0.29 33. γ=0.26
32. γ=0.24 20. γ=0.23 27. γ=0.23
22. γ=0.23 25. γ=0.22 15. γ=0.22
13. γ=0.21 29. γ=0.20 35. γ=0.17
24. γ=0.16 26. γ=0.16 41. γ=0.15
12. γ=0.15 19. γ=0.15 14. γ=0.14
17. γ=0.14 48. γ=0.14 31. γ=0.13
28. γ=0.12 42. γ=0.11 16. γ=0.09
18. γ=0.09 47. γ=0.08 39. γ=0.08
37. γ=0.07 46. γ=0.06 44. γ=0.06
38. γ=0.03 11. γ=0.03 40. γ=0.03
10. γ=0.02 43. γ=0.01 45. γ=0.01

DEFORMATION CONTROL

Member's maximum deflection u= 3.567 mm

(load 34, at the beginning of the member)

LOAD CASE: 34
SAFETY FACTOR: 1.33
ALLOWABLE STRESS : 18.00
GOVERNING FORCES (at the frame end)

The axial force design value N= -358.20 kN

The bending mom.design value(z-z) Mz = 15.260 kNm
Torsion Moment Mt = -0.293 kNm
The shear force design value(y-y) Ty = 3.833 kN
System length L= 600.36 cm
Buckling length around z axis li,z = 600.36 cm
Buckling length around y axis li,y = 600.36 cm
Buckling curve for z axis A
Buckling curve for y axis A

MEMBER SUBJECT TO AXIAL COMPRESSION AND BENDING

STABILITY CONTROL DUE TO ECC. COMPRESSION МКС U.E7.096

Radius of gyration i,z = 9.238 cm

Radius of gyration i,y = 9.238 cm
Slenderness λz = 64.990
Slenderness λy = 64.990
Relative slenderness λ'z = 0.699
Relative slenderness λ'y = 0.699
Relative stress σ' = 0.202
Mz shape dependent factor β= 1.000
Non-dimensional coefficient κ,z = 0.848
Non-dimensional coefficient κ,y = 0.848
Influence increase factor Kmz = 1.110
Influence increase factor Kmy = 1.000
Member's total imperfection Knz = 1.116
influence
Member's total imperfection Kny = 1.116
influence
Lat.buckling influence increase θ = 1.000
factor
Axial stress from N σ(N) = 3.641 kN/cm2
Axial stress from Mz σ(Mz) = 2.481 kN/cm2
Maximum stress σ_max = 6.818 kN/cm2
Allowable stress σ_dop = 18.000 kN/cm2

Stress control: σ_max <= σ_dop

COMPARATIVE STRESS CONTROL

Axial stress σ= 6.121 kN/cm2

Shear stress τ= 0.055 kN/cm2
Maximal comparative stress σ,up = 6.122 kN/cm2
Allowable stress σ_dop = 18.000 kN/cm2
Stress control: σ,up <= σ_dop

LOAD CASE: 36
SAFETY FACTOR: 1.33
ALLOWABLE STRESS : 18.00
GOVERNING FORCES (at the frame end)

The axial force design value N= -230.24 kN

The bending mom.design value(z-z) Mz = 18.199 kNm

 
 

CE1.5 After all calculations are finished I have prepared a detail shop drawings for each element
, segment , connection , anchor and base with BOQ for each material , which will serve to estimate
the cost of the structure. Finally the design was given to the Investor in hard copy as well as in
digital

This project was new experience for me and I will continue working with such estimation and
different shapes of structures , steel structures

STEEL DETAILING - BRACE CONNECTION

TUBULAR SECTION

 
 STEEL DETAILING - BRACE CONNECTION
TUBULAR SECTION

 
 TYPICAL CONNCETION FOR BARACING THE PLATFORME

 
 Изометрија

3D of the build model