[TowerTalk] Tower Guy Calculations

[Grant Saviers]

What really goes on in a guyed tower is pretty complex.  A simple static 
analysis might be possible with a spreadsheet, but not a realistic 
analysis IMO.

Kurt K7NV a long time ago did a Finite Element Analysis of a simplified 
tower structure using the standard Rohn section properties.  His model 
is not a detailed model of the actual lattice construction, hence 
failure modes are coarse approximations.  His website has that analysis 
last time I looked and it is quite instructive as to how a guyed tower 
behaves.  k7nv.com

Recall tower axiom #1: Follow the tower manufacturer's design unless a 
PE provides an analysis.  If what is wanted is different than the 
catalog designs, then it is time to hire a PE. Many configurations are 
possible that are not in the catalogs.

Unfortunately, two PE's I have used are refusing amateur radio tower 
analysis jobs because too many hams don't implement to the plan, or 
don't want to pay the fee, or want to argue with the numbers. The 
hassle, cost of the required software, and liability risk aren't worth it.

Grant KZ1W

On 10/13/2019 7:51 AM, Tom Hellem wrote:
> Does anybody know of a tool for calculating the forces associated with
> sizing guy wires on a tower? It feels to me that this would lend itself
> rather easily to a spreadsheet where one could enter the variables of his
> installation and the spreadsheet would spit out the results.
> I found a few rudimentary calculators on line but they don't seem to quite
> take it all the way.
> 
> Any engineers out there willing to share something like this? I think it
> would be very useful to anybody who has or is contemplating the
> construction of a guyed tower. I personally know of a few installations
> that look like a catastrophe waiting to happen and not being an engineer or
> tower erector I am having a tough time convincing the owners of these
> installations that they should make some improvements.
> 
> 73
> Tom Hellem
> K0SN
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