[TowerTalk] Universal Freestanding Tower

[Bill Coleman]

On 2/6/02 9:10 PM, Steve Maki at steve@oakcom.com wrote:

>There is a big difference between "don't exceed the manufacturers
>ratings" and "buy one heavier than you need". The problem with
>aluminum is that it work hardens. If you load it near it's initial
>max ratings, wind gusts over the years WILL cause it to fatigue and
>de-rate, and eventually fail.

Gosh, you're right, that's why aluminum airplanes are life-rated to only 
so many flights or years. Right?

I'm sure many aircraft owners are still waiting for their 50+ year old 
airplanes to "work harden."

Without proper maintainence, any structure will fail, even steel ones. 

Aluminum towers, properly loaded and properly maintained, should last 
just as long as aluminum aircraft.




Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901


________________________________________________________________________
Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
Order online at http://store.eham.net.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com