Behavior of Cross-Bracing in Latticed Towers
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 124, Issue 4
Abstract
Cross-bracing in which the bolted steel angle members are alternately in compression and tension is widely used in latticed tower structures. Within each set of cross-bracing, the tie is generally assumed to restrain the strut at the cross-over joint. A series of 13 tests on cross-bracing systems is described, with slenderness ratios in the range of 102 to 160. Other variables include the inclination of the main legs and bracing, the number of bolts in each end connection, and the size of the main leg relative to the bracing. The measured behavior is compared with the results of a flexibility-based analysis and the formulas from the American and European transmission tower design manuals. The behavior is complex, but the importance of end eccentricity and number of bolts in the connection of the bracing to the main legs is apparent in these results. A secant-based design formulation is shown to provide accurate predictions of the strength of the cross-bracing.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 124 • Issue 4 • April 1998
Pages: 360 - 367
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1998
Published in print: Apr 1998
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