Buckling Analysis of Guyed Composite Transmission Poles

The buckling loads of guyed modular composite (FRP) transmission poles of various heights and classes are computed using the Gere and Carter Method (GCM) and Linear Buckling Analysis using ANSYS finite element software. Four (4) specific end conditions are investigated: fixed-free, fixed-pinned, pinned-pinned and fixed-fixed ends. To simplify calculations, average values of elastic modulus E and tube thickness t are employed. The buckling loads obtained by the two methods are compared. Given the approximations used in the modelling process, it is observed that there is reasonable agreement between the values for buckling loads obtained by two approaches for all the end conditions, the maximum average discrepancy being about 24.3%. Suggestions for further studies include modelling each pole module explicitly with its specific properties and conducting full-scale lab testing to validate all studies.