Effect of Changes on Joint Connections of Steel Lattice Towers due to Environmental Loads

Abstract

Construction of latticed steel towers is growing rapidly through diversification to meet the increasing demand for communication and energy. In this study, structural behaviour of 75 meters offshore lattice towers, tubular sectioned frame members, under wave and wind loads are investigated. The structure is handled in two models as space truss composed of pin-jointed (Model A) and rigid main legs surround space truss composed of pin-jointed (Model B) in this way two different structures are utilized. Wave forces are obtained from Morrison Equation. Wind force is based on Gust Factor and calculated according to EIA-TIA 222-F (Structural Standards Abstract for Steel Antenna Towers & Antenna Supporting Structures) code. The aim of this study is to obtain the effective periods, mass sources, interstory drift ratios, maximum displacements of peak points and maximum frame forces of two structures which have different joint connections to determine the safety of them.