Structural analysis of communications tower
Structural analysis of communications tower
(OP)
I'm considering doing communications tower structural analysis for part-time consulting work. My client base would be amateur radio operators installing towers in their backyard.
What kind of analysis techniques might be appropriate for laods on radio towers? I did quite a bit of research and found several software FEA packages designed for communication towers but they are more in-depth than would likely be applicable for an amateur radio tower. (The tower manufacturers already have done the load design and analysis for amateur radio towers. All I would need to do is create an installation drawing for the specific location.)
I'm thinking something along the lines of designing an appropriate concete foundation and some rather basic structural calculations to show that the tower will be safely installed.
Anyone have any experience with this?
(Yes, I am a professional engineer).
What kind of analysis techniques might be appropriate for laods on radio towers? I did quite a bit of research and found several software FEA packages designed for communication towers but they are more in-depth than would likely be applicable for an amateur radio tower. (The tower manufacturers already have done the load design and analysis for amateur radio towers. All I would need to do is create an installation drawing for the specific location.)
I'm thinking something along the lines of designing an appropriate concete foundation and some rather basic structural calculations to show that the tower will be safely installed.
Anyone have any experience with this?
(Yes, I am a professional engineer).






RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
1. Even though you are a PE, are you experienced in structural design? Practicing outside your area of expertise might expose you to issues with your engineering board....just asking.
2. Radio towers in some neighborhoods might be disallowed due to zoning, code, or covenant restrictions - this would vary from place to place.
3. Lightning protection an issue? Would you be responsible for it?
4. In some areas of the country, seismic demain is an issue that would have to be addressed. Do you have experience in this area?
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
But there's nothing wrong with asking questions about how to design things that are outside my field, and that's what I'm doing here.
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
Asking here is fine, but I think local building departments might shed better light on each area. The local areas might all be different depending on local laws.
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
For the tower design, you would have either Chapter 20 or Chapter 22, depending if you are proposing aluminum or steel. Chapters 18 and 19 will guide you on the foundation and concrete requirements. These four chapters have their own set of referenced standards.
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
JAE has made several good points to consider, especially if this is the first project of this type for you. You also might want to take a look through ANSI/EIA/TIA-222, Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers for further guidance.
Hope this is helpful.
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
I can't help thinking that regardless of whether the manufacturer provides the tower design, the engineer in charge takes ultimate responsibility. I've reviewed manufacturer designs for truss type structures in the past and detected issues that required modification under current design loading.
On the other hand, we engineers may be paranoid on the issue of professional liability, however it doesn't mean that lawyers aren't out to get us.
RE: Structural analysis of communications tower
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/STAAD.Tower/
http://c
I have been a structural engineer for over 19 years and have worked in the cellular antenna market for a number of those. This new software is wizard driven, contains the two most recent TIA codes, a significant library of antenna appurtenances, and is built upon the new STAAD (X) platform.