[TowerTalk] Weak Link in Guy System?

[Barry Kutner]

On 18 Nov 00, K7LXC@aol.com wrote:
>     Have I ever seen a failed one? Yes, but it had been holding a severely 
> overloaded 45G in a spot where 160 MPH winds weren't unusual. I've never seen 
> any other failed anchor in the hundreds of tower sites I've visited. 
> 
160 MPH?! Where was that?

> >    Do I need to go to the 3455 with 17,670 at twice the cost 
($57 vs 
> >  $110)each or is the 303 safe as Rohn specifies?
> 
>     No, but I'll never discourage someone from over-engineering something. 

Overengineering isn't always safe. For example, suppose you use 
guy wire rated at 20,000 lbs. on a Rohn 25. Follow the rules and 
tighten to 10%. The downward forces from the increased guy 
tensions could cause the tower to buckle in between guys. (the 
numbers are for illustrative purposes only, not calculated to buckle 
the tower).

73,
Barry
--
Barry Kutner, W2UP              Internet: w2up@mindspring.com
Newtown, PA         FRC         alternate: barry@w2up.wells.com

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