Steel Lattice Tower Modification

[msquared48]

I have been working on a steel lattice tower that needs to have one 20 foot long section of the pipe column legs and diagonals replaced. Problem is the legs are fully grouted, and the grout is continuous across the pipe joint.

If this tower its to be upgraded, the tower will have to be dismantled from 140 feet to the 6o foot level using as crane.

My quuestion is, considering the continuity of the concrete across the joints, which it is, can the concrete be cut ultrasonically rather than trying to rock the tower with all thoe ramifications there, or trying to cut through the concrete at a steel plate to plate bolted splice of the pipe columns? Anyone ever heard of doing that?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[Ron]

Mike...the concrete can be cut with water to do what you want.

 

[dik]

We often use hydroblasting for cutting concrete... slikker than doggie poop on linoleum...

Dik

 

[msquared48]

Ron and dik:

The problem is getting to the concrete to cut it, whatever the mechanism.

The pipes that encase the concrete are welded to two steel flanges that are bolted together. The flanges have holes through them at the center for the concrete to pass through and remain continuous.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[msquared48]

Duh! The solution occured to me as I was driving to work this morning. Ever happen to you?

I'm abandoning the one 20 foot section, so cut the diagonals, and the pipe column above bottom of, and below the top of the abandoned section, and deal with cleaning up the ends on the ground and in the air for the new section.

Guess I need to take my own advice and keep it simple, huh?

Thanks guys.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com