Lattice steel tower foundation design
Lattice steel tower foundation design
(OP)
I have some questions for the forum, my local clay target gun club has acquired a lattice steel tower which we intend to locate at our club. The tower measures 1.9m x 1.9m and is 10.5m tall (6'2"x6'2"x35') and it is constructed of 100x100RHS verticals and 90x90RHS bracing (4"x4" and 3.5"x3.5"). The tower weighs 2000kg (4400lbs). On top of the tower will be an enclosed structure it measures 2.4m long x 1.9m wide and 2m tall (8'x6'x7'). The soil where the tower will be placed is a stable sand.My questions are:-
What size concrete footings are required for the height weight and wind loading? what size foundation bolts and how many? or are there any formulas available so i could calculate them myself. Thanks in advance, Bretto
What size concrete footings are required for the height weight and wind loading? what size foundation bolts and how many? or are there any formulas available so i could calculate them myself. Thanks in advance, Bretto





RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
Its bad enough that we undercut each other for work, but when we start to do work that we have no training or experience in, we are asking for trouble.
RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
Perhaps you can find a local structural engineer that is also interested in trap shooting. You could gain a new member for your club and get a foundation designed correctly too. His services might equate to a life membership?
RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
Must agree with previous replies - hire a structural engineer and don't take the risk! Mistakes in our game can lead to fatalities.
RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
Follow the procedures in the Wind Commentary, but use the wind forces from the EIA/TIA code. If you've done basic statics and are pretty good with a spreadsheet, it's pretty simple. The connections can be checked using the examples in Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design, but the anchor bolts in the concrete should be designed per the Uniform Building Code. The concrete foundation design should be designed per the Uniform Building Code (if you don't have this, it'll cost you). (This is to determine the proper strength and reinforcing) (Also check the sand for sulphates and chlorides to keep the rebar from eventually disinigrating)
The actual analysis of the tower can be done manually, but most structural designers have a program that they can input the data into.
I imagine that you already know how to check the axial loadings on a single angle. You'll find that on page 3-55 of the AISC manual, 9th edition.
Finally, have a competent structural designer review your design to insure that you haven't missed anything. I known that there is a lot of windage on the little building on top of the tower, so be careful.
RE: Lattice steel tower foundation design
Like what old civil Prof used to say... when designing critical structures, always hire a good structural engineer, have good insurance and keep your little 0.22 in the top drawer of your desk. 'cuz once you see your smiley mug in the front page of the daily news. Call the wife to say good by, pull the top drawer open, have a good prayer and then fire away..
I agree with fellas
just my $.02