[TowerTalk] Guyed + self supporting /2 ??

[Steve Maki]

On 10/15/2014 10:42 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:

> Actual modelling shows that guying can increase the load limits if
> properly applied.  In the crank up tower case, UST specifically
> says its OK to guy the base section.  The load on the base will
> be less than the self supporting case and in any event, the base
> is in compression and not be the weak link.

> I have a certified engineer doing the modelling.  I'm just reporting
> here what he is telling me.

After much repeated discussion on this forum over the years I asked a
structural engineer about this, and he confirmed what you are saying - 
that basically a guy system could be designed for pretty much any *self 
supporter* to favorably affect it's load limits (within a reasonable 
footprint), but that it would be silly to start out designing one that 
way since it would be a waste of materials. If you're going to guy a 
tower, use a *guyed tower*.

But when someone says *you MUST not guy a self supporter*, it makes me 
cringe.

-Steve K8LX