MICROWAVE TOWERS

1. Introduction
In the present era the technology in communications has developed to a very large extent. The
faster growth demands advances in the design and implementation of the communication towers.
There are different types of communication towers present now-a-days in the cellular business.
The present paper covers the issues related to the types of towers, codal provisions for the
communication towers, foundation design of the green field and roof top towers and
optimization of the towers through expert ware.

2. Types of communication towers

The different types of communication towers are based upon their structural action, their cross-
section, the type of sections used and on the placement of tower.

A brief description is as given below:

2.1 Based on structural action.

Towers are classified into three major groups based on the structural action. They are:
• Self supporting towers
• Guyed towers
• Monopole.
•
2.1.1 Self supporting towers.
The towers that are supported on ground or on buildings are called as self-supporting towers.
Though the weight of these towers is more they require less base area and are suitable in many
situations. Most of the TV, MW, Power transmission, and flood light towers are self-supporting
towers.

2.1.2. Guyed towers.

Guyed towers provide height at a much lower material cost than self supporting towers due to
the efficient use of high-strength steel in the guys. Guyed towers are normally guyed in three
directions over an anchor radius of typically 2/3 of the tower height and have a triangular lattice
section for the central mast. Tubular masts are also used, especially where icing is very heavy
and lattice sections would ice up fully. These towers are much lighter than self supporting type
but require a large free space to anchor guy wires. Whenever large open space is available,
guyed towers can be provided. There are other restrictions to mount dish antennae on these
towers and require large anchor blocks to hold the ropes.

2.1.3 Monopole.

It is single self-supporting pole, and is generally placed over roofs of high raised buildings,
when number of antennae required is less or height of tower required is less than 9m.

2.2. Based on cross section of tower.

Towers can be classified, based on their cross section, into square, rectangular, triangular, delta,
hexagonal and polygonal towers.

Open steel lattice towers make the most efficient use of material and enables the construction of
extremely light-weight and stiff structures by offering less exposed area to wind loads. Most of
the power transmission, telecommunication and broadcasting towers are lattice towers.
Triangular Lattice Towers have less weight but offer less stiffness in torsion. With the increase
in number of faces, it is observed that weight of tower increases. The increase is 10% and 20%
for square and hexagonal cross sections respectively. If the supporting action of adjacent beams
is considered, the expenditure incurred for hexagonal towers is somewhat less.
Design of
2.3 Based on the type of material sections.
Based on the sections used for fabrication, towers are classified into angular and hybrid towers
(with tubular and angle bracings). Lattice towers are usually made of bolted angles. Tubular legs
and bracings can be economic, especially when the stresses are low enough to allow relatively
simple connections. Towers with tubular members may be less than half the weight of angle
towers because of the reduced wind load on circular sections. However the extra cost of the tube
and the more complicated connection details can exceed the saving of steel weight and
foundations.

2.4 Based on the placement of tower.

Based on this placement, Communication towers are classified as follows:

Green Field Tower Roof Top Tower

Erection Erected on natural ground with Erected on existing building with
suitable foundation. raised columns and tie beams.
Height 30 – 200 m 9 – 30 m
Usual Location Rural Areas Urban Areas
Economy Less More

2.5 Based on the number of segments.

The towers are classified based on the number of segments as Three slope tower; Two slope
tower; Single slope tower; Straight tower

3 Ladders and platforms

3.1 Ladder

In communication towers the climbing facility can be provided by two ways.

a) by providing climbing ladder with or without safety ring and
b) by providing step bolts confirming to IS 10238:1982.

Generally for communication towers it is usual practice to provide climbing ladder with safety
cage. The exposed area of ladder shall be considered while calculating the wind load on tower.
The position of ladder will have impact on weight of tower. If ladder is provided internally its
effect will be less and if it is provided externally it will have more effect. Protection ring is a
safety requirement and may be replaced by fall arrest safety system.

Cable ladder is provided to support the cable wave-guide running from antenna to the equipment
shelter. The cable ladder is provided inside and along the slope of the tower.
Step bolts are provided only for specific cases of narrow based towers of smaller heights as per
user’s requirements. The step bolts should be capable of withstanding a vertical load of not less
than 1.5 kN.

3.2 Platforms
The platforms shall be provided at different levels as rest platforms or working platforms. The
rest platforms are provided with chequered plate or welded wire mesh along with suitable railing
inside the tower and are provided for every 10m height, for all towers of height exceeding 20m.
The working platforms may be internal or external and these are provided with railings of
1000mm with toe, knee and hand rail protection.

4 Codal provisions in design of communication towers

The following are the steps involved in design of communication tower.

• Selection of configuration of tower

• Computation of loads acting on tower
• Analysis of tower for above loads
• Design of tower members according to codes of practices.

Selection of configuration of a tower involves fixing of top width, bottom width, number of
panels and their heights, type of bracing system and slope of tower.

4.1 Wind load on tower

The wind load on tower can be calculated using the Indian standards IS: 875(Part 3)-1987[3] and
BS: 8100 (Part 1)-1996[4].
The designer should select the basic wind speed depending on the location of tower. The design
wind speed is modified to induce the effect of risk factor (k1), terrain coefficient (k2) and local
topography (k3) to get the design wind speed Vz. (Vz = k1k2k3Vb).

The design wind pressure Pz at any height above mean ground level is 0.6Vz2.

The coefficient 0.6 in the above formula depends on a number of factors and mainly on the
atmospheric pressure and air temperatures.

Solidity ratio is defined as the ratio of effective area (projected area of all the individual
elements) of a frame normal to the wind direction divided by the area enclosed by the boundary
of the frame normal to the wind direction.

Force coefficient for lattice towers of square or equilateral triangle section with flat sided
members for wind blowing against any face shall be as given in Table 30 of IS:875(Part-3)-
1987.

Force coefficients for lattice towers of square section with circular members and equilateral
triangle section with circular members are as given in tables 31 and 32 of IS: 875(Part-3)-1987
respectively.

Table 2 of IS:875(Part-3)-1987 gives the factors to obtain design wind speed variation with
height in different terrains for different classes of structures such as class A, class B, class C.

The wind load acting on a tower can be computed as F= CdtAePzk2. For circular sections the
force coefficient depends upon the way in which the wind flows around it and is dependent upon
the velocity and kinematic viscosity of the wind and diameter of the section. The force
coefficient is usually quoted against a non-dimensional parameter, called the Reynolds number,
which takes account of the velocity and viscosity of the medium and the member diameter.
Design of
4.2 Wind load on antennae

Wind load on antennae shall be considered from Andrew’s catalogue. In the Andrew’s catalogue
the wind loads on antennas are given for 200kmph wind speed. The designer has to calculate the
antenna loads corresponding to design wind speed.

4.3 Design of tower members

According to the clause 5.1 of IS-802(Part-1/sec2)[5] the estimated tensile stresses on the net
effective sectional areas in various members shall not exceed minimum guaranteed yield stress
of the material. However in case the angle section is connected by one leg only, the estimated
tensile stress on the net effective sectional area shall not exceed Fy, where Fy is the minimum
guaranteed yield stress of the material. For structural steels confirming to IS-226[6] and IS-
2062[7] the yield strength is 250 MPa. Generally yst 25 grade tubes confirming IS-1161[8] are
used for tower members.

As per IS-802 part1/sec2 estimated compressive stresses in various members shall not exceed
the values given by the formulae in clause 5.2.2. of IS-802 code.

4.4 Limiting slenderness ratios

a. As per clause 6.3 of IS-802(Part1/sec2)-1992 the limiting values KL / r shall be as follows:

Leg members 120
Redundant members and those carrying nominal stresses 250
Other members carrying computed stresses 200

b. As per clause 6.4 of IS-802(Part1/sec2) Slenderness ratio L / r of a member carrying axial

tension only, shall not exceed 400.
33
c. Similarly for tubular sections as per clause 6.4.2 of IS-806-1968[9] – The ratio of effective
length (l) to the appropriate radius of gyration (r) of a compression member shall not exceed the
following values.

Type of member l/r

Carrying loads resulting from dead loads and superimposed loads 180
Carrying loads resulting from wind or seismic forces only provided the 250
deformation of such members does not adversely; affect the stress in any part of
the structure.
Normally acting as a tie in a roof truss but subject to possible reversal of stress 350
resulting from the action of wind.

As per clause 6.4.1 of IS-806-1968 the effective length (l) of a compression member for the
purpose of determining allowable axial stresses shall be assumed in accordance with table 7 of
IS-806-1968.

As per clause 7.2 of IS-802 ( Part1/sec2) Gusset plates shall be designed to resist the shear,
direct and flexural stresses acting on the weakest or critical section. Re – entrant cuts shall be
avoided as far as practical. Minimum thickness of gusset shall be 2mm more than lattice it
connects only in case when the lattice is directly connected on the gusset outside the leg
member. In no case the gusset shall be less than 5mm in thickness.
5 References:

[1]. G.A. Savitskii “Calculation of Antenna Installations, Physical Principles”

[2]. A.R. Santhakumar, S.S. Murthy “Transmission Line Structures” McGraw- Hill Book
Co. 1990.
[3]. IS: 875(Part-3):1987 “Code of practice for design loads (other than earthquake) for
buildings and structures”.
[4]. BS: 8100 (Part-1)-1996 “Lattice towers and Masts”.
[5]. IS: 802(Part-1)-1977 “Code of practice for use of structural steel in overhead
transmission line towers”.
[6]. IS: 226-1975 “Structural Steel (Standard Quality)”.
[7]. IS: 2062 – 1992 “Steel for general structural purposes”.
[8]. IS: 1161 – 1998 “Steel tubes for structural purposes”.
[9]. IS: 806 – 1968 “Code of practice for use of steel tubes in general building construction”.

Examples
Example1 Basic wind pressure - calculation

A Power house building 25m high is to be designed in Darbhanga city. Compute the basic
wind pressure.

Basic wind speed in Darbhanga (from appendix A) P. 53 Code

Vb = 55m/sec
An industrial building can be grouped under all general buildings and structures so should be
designed for 50 years of design life
Risk coefficient from table 1. P. 11 code
k1 = 1
Assuming the terrain is in city industrial area with numerous closely spaced obstructions. It can
be grouped under category 3. P.8 code. Since the height of the building is 25m this falls under
class B P.11 code. The terrain factor k2 can be got from table 2 P.12 code. For category 3, class
B interpolating between 20m and 30m
k2 = 1.005

The ground is assumed to be plain so the topography factor k3 is 1 + cs P.56 code

where c = Z / L
Since the terrain assumed is plain. Read clause 5.3.3.1 P.12 code
k3 = 1
Design wind speed (Vz) = Vb k1 k2 k3 = 55 (1) (1.005) (1) = 55.275 m/sec
Design wind pressure = 0.6 VZ2 = 0.6 (55.275)2 = 1833.2 N/m2

Example2
If the above building has to be constructed on a hillock where the height of the hill is 150m
having a slope of 1:3 and the building is proposed at a height of 100m from the base on hte
windward side, find the design wind

Basic wind speed at Darbhanga = 55m/sec

Risk coefficient k1 =1
Terrain factor k2 = 1.005
To find the topography factor k3 Ref. appendix C. P. 56 code
 Z = height of the hill (feather) = 150m
θ = slope in 3 tan-1 (1 / 3) = 18.43o
L = Actual length of upwind slope in the wind direction = 150(3) = 450m
Design of Steel
Le = Effective horizontal length of the hill for θ > 17o Le = Z / 0.3 = 150 / 0.3 = 500m
Values of C for θ = 18.43o (i.e.) > 17o
C = 0.36
Height of the building = 25m

To find x (i.e) the horizontal distance of the building from the crest measured +ve towards the
leeward side and -ve towards the windward side.

k3 = 1 + cs
To get s Figures 14 and 15 are used
x = -150m
x / Le = -150 / 500 = -0.3 H / Le = 25 / 500 = 0.05

Referring to figure 15 hill and ridge for x / Le = -0.3 and H / Le = 0.05 on the upwind direction

s = 0.58
k3 = 1 + (0.36) (0.58)
k3 = 1.21

Design wind speed Vz = Vb k1 k2 k3 = 55 (1) (1.005) (1.21) = 66.9 m/sec

Design wind pressure PZ = 0.6 VZ2 = 0.6 (66.9)2 = 2685.4 N/m2

Example 3:
A memorial building is proposed at Sriperumbudur - Madras on a hill top. The size of the
building is 40m x 80m and height is 10m. The hill is 300m high with a gradiant of 1 in 5. The
building is proposed at a distance of 100m from the crest on the downwind slope. Calculate
the design wind pressure on the building.

Basic wind velocity at madras is 50m/sec Ref. Appendix A. P.53 code

Risk coefficient ks1 = 1.08 for a memorial building of 100 years design life
Terrain factor k2 for category 3 and class C since dimension of building 750m, k2 = 0.82
Topography factor k3
Z = effective height of the hill = 300m
θ = 1 in 5 tan-1 (1/5) = 11.31o
L = Actual length of upward slope in the wind direction = 1500m
Le = effective horizontal length of the hill
For θ = 11.31o Le = L = 1500m
Design
Topography factor k3 = 1 +cs
where c = 1.2 (Z/L) since θ = 11.31o 3o < θ < 17o
c = 1.2 (300/1500) = 0.24
x is the distance of the building from the crest + on downwind side - on upward side
x = +100m
The non dimensional factors are
x / Le = 100 / 1500 = 0.067; H / Le = 10 / 1500 = 0.0067
s = 1 from fig 15. P.57
k3 = 1 + (0.24) (1);
k3 = 1.24
Design wind speed Vz = Vb k1 k2 k3
= 50 (1.08) (0.82) (1.24) = 54.91 m/sec
Design wind pressure PZ = 0.6 VZ2 = 0.6 (54.91)2
=1809.1 N/m2

Example 4: Wind pressure on tower on a hill

A microwave tower of 50m height is proposed over a hill top. The height of the hill is 50m
with a gradient of 1 in 4. The terrain category is 3. The tower is proposed at Coimbatore.
Compute the design wind pressure:
Design of
Basic wind speed at CBE is 39m/sec
Risk factor k1 = 1.06
Terrain factor (k2) for category 3 class B - height between 20 and 50
k2 = 1.09 table 2, P.12
Topography factor (k3) Ref. P.56
Z - effective height of the hill = 50m
θ - slope 1 in 4 tan-1 (1/4) = 14.04o
L - Actual length of the upwind slope = 200m
Le - Effective horizontal length of the hill θ = 14.04o < 17
Le = L = 200m
k3 = 1 +cs
θ < 17, c = 1.2 (Z/L) = 1.2 (50/200) = 0.3
x / Le = 0/200 = 0 ; H / Le = 50/200 = 0.25
Ref. Fig.15 s = 0.6; k3 = 1 + (0.3) (0.6)
k3 = 1.18
Design wind speed Vz = Vb k1 k2 k3
= 39 (1.06) (1.09) (1.18)
= 53.17 m/sec
Design wind pressure PZ = 0.6 VZ2
= 0.6 (53.17)2
=1696.23 N/m2
Example 5:
A microwave tower of 50m height is proposed over a hill top. The height of the hill is 50m
with a gradient of 1 in 4. The terrain category is 3. The tower is proposed at Coimbatore.
Compute the design wind pressure. The tower is mounted with a hollow hemispherical dome
of 2m diameter weighing 10 kN. Compute the forces and stresses in members of various
panels.

Data given: Height of the tower = 50m

Base width = 6m
Top width = 2m
No. of panels = 20
Disk size = 2m diameter
Basic wind speed at CBE is 39m/sec
Risk factor k1 = 1.06
Terrain factor (k2) for category 3, class B -
height between 20 and 50
k2 = 1.09 table 2, P.12
Topography factor (k3) Ref. P.56
Z - effective height of the hill = 50m
θ - slope 1 in 4 tan-1 (1/4) = 14.04o
L - Actual length of the upwind slope = 200m
Le - Effective horizontal length of the hill θ =
14.04o < 17o
Le = L = 200m
k3 = 1 +cs
θ < 17o, c = 1.2 (Z/L) = 1.2 (50/200) = 0.3
x / Le = 0/200 = 0 ; H / Le = 50/200 = 0.25
Ref. Fig.15 s = 0.6; k3 = 1 + (0.3) (0.6)
k3 = 1.18
Design wind speed Vz = Vb k1 k2 k3
= 39 (1.06) (1.09) (1.18) Figure 1.
= 53.17 m/sec
Design wind pressure PZ = 0.6 VZ2
= 0.6 (53.17)2
=1696.23 N/m2

Step 1: Wind force - From the previous example

Basic wind speed = 39m/sec
Risk coefficient (k1) = 1.06
Topography factor (k3) = 1.2
Terrain factor (k2), varies with the height of the tower Ref, P.12 Table 2 code
The design wind pressures at different heights are computed as
PZ = 0.6 VZ2
= 0.6 (39 x 1.06 x 1.2 x k2)2
Design of =1476.6 k22 N/m2
The values of k2 at different height is chosen from Table 2

Step2: Basic assumptions:

1. Self-weight of the members are equally distributed to the two joints connected by the
members
2. No load is applied at the middle of the k-braced joint but allocated to column joint
3 Dead and wind loads are increased by 15% for each joint to account for Gussets, bolts
and nuts
4. Secondary members are assumed to be provided in the panel where batter starts (below
the waist level in our case panels 16 to 20. So an additional load of 10% is accounted for in the
case of provision of secondary members
5. The wind loads on the members are equally distributed to the connecting joints.

Step3: Calculation of solidity ratios: Ref P.7 code

Solidity ratio for different panels are calculated

 Projected area of all the individual elements
Solidity ratio (∅) =
Area enclosed by the boundary of the frame normal to the wind direction

Solidity ratios of panel 1 to 15 are calculated once as panels 1 to 15 are similar

15 × 2(2 × 0.15) + 15 × 2(√2 × 2 × 0.05) + 16 × 2 × 0.045

∅1−15 = = 0.245
30 × 2

2 × 4.04 × 0.15 + 2 × 4.68 × 0.065 + 2.8 × 0.05

∅16 = = 0.204
2 + 2.8
( )×4
2

2 × 4.04 × 0.15 + 2 × 5.14 × 0.065 + 1 × 3.6 × 0.065

∅17 = = 0.165
2 + 3.6
( )×4
2

2 × 4.04 × 0.2 + 2 × 5.67 × 0.065 + 1 × 4.4 × 0.065

∅18 = = 0.165
3.6 + 4.4
( )×4
2

2 × 4.04 × 0.2 + 2 × 4.79 × 0.065 + 1 × 5.2 × 0.065

∅19 = = 0.134
4.4 + 5.2
( )×4
2

2 × 4.04 × 0.2 + 2 × 5.016 × 0.065

∅20 = = 0.101
5.2 + 6
( )×4
2

Step4: Calculation of bowl wind pressure

Ref. Figure 2, P.44 code. Bowl wind coeffs. are

cf = 1.4 for wind from front
cf = 0.4 for wind from rear
wind pressure at 50m above GL
Design wind pressure PZ =1476.6 (1.09)2
=1.754 kN/m2
Wind loads on dish are on front face FDISH 1 = cf.Ae.pd
Ref. P.36 clause 6.3 code
FDISH 1 = 1.4 x π/4 x 22 x 1.754
= 7.71 kN
On rear face
FDISH 2 = 0.4 x π/4 x 22 x 1.754
= 2.20 kN

Step5:
The terrain factor (k2), the solidity ratio and the design wind pressures at various heights are
tabulated as shown - category 3 class B

Panel Height in Terrain size, Design wind Solidity Overall force PZ.cf
from 'm' HT. coeff. pressure PZ ratio coeff. cf N/m2
top from top k2 =1476.6(k22) Table30 P.47
N/m2
1 to 5 10 1.09 1706.4 0.245 3.075 5247.2
=
1.075 1.06
6 to 10 20 1.06 1612.5 0.245 3.075 4958.4
=
1.045 1.03
11 to 15 30 1.03 1491.4 0.245 3.075 4586.1
=
1.005 0.98
17 38 0.948 1266.1 0.165 3.475 4500.8
=
0.926 0.904
18 42 0.904 1143.5 0.165 3.475 4399.7
=
0.88 0.856
19 46 0.856 1022.1 0.134 3.630 3975.7
=
0.832
0.808
20 50 0.808 964.0 0.101 3.795 3710.2

3658.4

Step6: Calculation of forces at different joints

The forces from the dish are transferred to two top most joints 1 and 4. The dish weight and
wind force on the dish are equally distributed at the two joints.

Panel 1 Leg: Length of the leg = 2m

Width of the leg = 0.15m
Since 4 Nos of ISA 150 x 150 x 12 @ 0.272 kN/m
Self-weight of legs = 4 x 2 x 0.272 = 2.176 kN
No. of legs exposed to wind = 2
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 2 x 0.15 = 0.6 m2
Wind load on leg = 0.6 x 5247.2 = 3.148 kN

Diagonal bracing: No. of diagonal bracings = 8

No. of obstructing wind = 2
Size of diagonal bracing ISA 50 x 50 x 6 @0.045 kN/m.
Self-weight = 8 × √2 × 2 × 0.045 = 1.018 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 × √2 × 2 × 0.05 = 0.283 m2
Wind load on diag. Brac = 0.283 x 5247.2 = 1.485 kN
Design of
Horizontal bracing: ISA 45 x 45 x 6
No. of horizontal bracings = 8
No. of obstructing wind = 2
Self weight of horizontal bracing = 8 x 2 x 0.04 = 0.64 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 2 x 0.045 = 0.18m2
Wind load on horizontal brac = 0.18 x 5247.2 = 0.945 kN
Total self weight of leg, diag. brac and horizontal brac
Fv = 2.176 + 1.018 + 0.64 = 3.834 kN
Total wind load on leg, diag and Hor. bracs
FH = 3.148 + 1.485 + 0.945 = 5.578 kN
These loads are to be distributed to all the 8 joints connecting the elements (i.e. joints 1 to 8)
Load at each joint is increased by 15% to account for gussets, bolts and washers
Fv1 vertical load on joints 1 to 8 = 1.15 x 3.834 / 8 = 0.551 kN
FH1 wind load on joints 1 to 8 = 1.15 x 5.576 / 8 = 0.802 kN
The self weight of the dish is shared by joints 1 and 4
FV DISH = 10/2 kN = 5kN
Wind load on the dish is shared by joints 1, 2, 3 and 4, FH DISH = 7.71 / 4 = 1.93 kN
Design of Steel
Panel 2: Self weight of legs = 2.176 kN
Wind load on legs = 3.148 kN
Self weight of diag. Bracs = 1.018 kN
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 1.485 kN
No. of horizontal bracings = 4
No. of obstructing wind = 4
Self weight of horizontal bracing = 4 x 2 x 0.04 = 0.32 kN
Wind obstruction area = 1 x 2 x 0.045 = 0.09 m2
Wind load on hor. brac. = 0.09 x 5247.2 = 472.2 N
Vertical load due to leg and diag. brac carried by joints 5 to 12 = 1.15 (2.176 + 1.018) / 8
= 0.46 kN
Vertical load due to hor. brac. carried by joints 9, 10, 11 and 12 = 1.15 x (0.32)/4 = 0.092 kN
Wind load carried by joints 5 to 12 = 1.15 (3.148 + 1.485) / 8 = 0.666 kN
Wind load carried by joints 9, 10, 11 and 12 = 1.15 x 0.472/4 = 0.136 kN
Computation of loads at different joints are made for panel to panel from panel 2 to panel 5 are
tabulated

Panel 6: Self weight of legs = 4 x 2 x 0.272 = 2.176 kN

Wind load = 0.6 x 4958.4 = 2.975 kN
Self weight of Diag. Brac. = 1.018 kN
Wind load = 0.283 x 4958.4 = 1.403 kN
Self weight of hor. bracings = 0.32 kN
Wind load = 0.09 x 4958.4 = 0.446 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 21 to 28 = (2.176 + 1.018) 1.15 / 8 = 0.46 kN
Wind load carried by joints 21 to 28 = (2.975 + 1.403) 1.15 / 8 = 0.63 kN
Vertical load due to Hor. Brac. carried by joints 25, 26, 27 and 28 = 1.15 x (0.32)/4
= 0.092 kN
Wind load carried by joints 25, 26, 27 and 28 = 1.15 x (0.446)/4 = 0.128 kN
Computations of loads at different joints were done from 6 to 10 and are tabulated.

Panel 11: Vertical load carried by joints 41 to 48 = 0.46 kN

Wind load on the legs = 0.6 x 4586.1 = 2.75 kN
Wind load on the Diag. Brac. = 0.283 x 4586.1 = 1.3 kN
Vertical load due to Hor. Brac carried by joints 45, 46, 47 and 48 = 0.092 kN
Wind load carried by joints 41 to 48 = 1.15 (2.75 + 1.3)/8 = 0.582 kN
Wind load carried by joints 45 to 48 due to Hor. Brac. = (0.09 x 4586.1)/4
Computation of loads at different joints were done from panel 11 to 15 and are tabulated
Design of Steel
Panel 16: Leg: ISA 150 x 150 x 15 @ 0.336 kN/m
Length of the leg (L) = 4.04m
Width of the leg (B) = 0.15m
Self weight of legs = 4 x 4.04 x 0.336 = 5.43 kN
No. of legs exposed to wind = 2
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 4.04 x 0.15 = 1.212 m2
Wind load on leg = 1.212 x 4500.8 = 5.454 kN
Diag. Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 5 @ 0.049 kN/m
No. of bracing = 8
No. of obstructing wind = 2
Self weight of diagonal brac. = 8 x 4.68 x 0.049 = 1.835 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 4.68 x 0.065 = 0.6084 m2
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 0.6084 x 4500.8 = 2.74 kN

Horizontal Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 5 @ 0.045 kN/m

No. of bracing = 4
No. of obstructing wind = 1
Self weight of Hor. brac. = 4 x 2.8 x 0.045 = 0.504 kN
Wind obstruction area = 1 x 2.8 x 0.050 = 0.14 kN
Wind load on Hor. Brac = 0.14 x 4500.8 = 0.63 kN
Secondary bracings are accounted for so DL and WL is increased by 10%
Vertical load carried by joints 61 to 68 = (1.25 / 5.43 + 1.835)/8 = 1.135 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 65 to 68 due to Hor. Brac. = 1.25 (0.504)/4 = 0.158 kN
Wind load carried by joints 61 to 68 = 1.25 (5.454 + 2.74)/8 = 1.28 kN
Wind load carried by joints 65 to 68 due to Hor. Brac = 1.25 (0.63) / 4 = 0.197 kN

Panel 17: Leg: ISA 150 x 150 x 16 @ 0.336 kN/m

Self weight of legs = 4 x 4.04 x 0.336 = 5.43 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 4.04 x 0.15 = 1.212 m2
Wind load on leg = 1.212 x 4399.7 = 5.332 kN

Diag. Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 5 @ 0.049 kN/m

Self weight of diagonal brac. = 8 x 5.14 x 0.049 = 2.015 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 5.14 x 0.065 = 0.6682 m2
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 0.6682 x 4399.7 = 2.94 kN

Horizontal Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of Hor. brac. = 4 x 3.6 x 0.058 = 0.835 kN
Wind obstruction area = 1 x 3.6 x 0.065 = 0.234 m2
Wind load on Hor. Brac = 0.234 x 4399.7 = 1.03 kN
Secondary bracings should be accounted for in this panel
Vertical load carried by joints 69 to 72 = 1.25 (5.43 + 2.015)/8 = 1.163 kN
Vertical load carried by (Due to horizontal brac.) joints 69 to 72 = 1.25 x (0.835)/4
= 0.261kN
Wind load carried by joints 65 to 72 = 1.25 (5.332 + 2.94)/8 = 1.29 kN
Wind load carried by joints 69 to 72 due to Hor. Brac = 1.25 (1.03) / 4 = 0.332 kN

Panel 18: Leg: ISA 200 x 200 x 15 @ 0.454 kN/m

Self weight of legs = 4 x 4.04 x 0.454 = 7.34 kN
Wind obstruction area = 2 x 4.04 x 0.2 = 1.616 m2
Wind load on leg = 1.616 x 3973.7 = 6.42 kN

Diag. Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of diagonal brac. = 8 x 5.67 x 0.058 = 2.63 kN
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 2 x 5.67 x 0.065 x 3973.7 = 2.93 kN

Horizontal Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of Hor. brac. = 4 x 4.4 x 0.058 = 1.02 kN
Wind load on Hor. Brac = 1 x 4.4 x 0.065 x 3973.7 = 1.14 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 69 to 79 except 74, 76, 78, 80 = 1.25 (7.34 + 2.68)/8
= 1.56 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 73, 75, 77, 79 (Due to horizontal brac.) = 1.25 x (1.02)/4
= 0.32 kN
Wind load carried by joints 65 to 79 except 74, 76, 78, 80 = 1.25 (6.42 + 2.93)/8
= 1.46 kN
Wind load carried by joints 73, 75, 77, 79 due to Hor. Brac = 1.25 (1.14) / 4 = 0.356 kN

Panel 19: Leg: ISA 200 x 200 x 15 @ 0.454 kN/m

Self weight of legs = 4 x 4.04 x 0.454 = 7.34 kN
Wind load on leg = 2 x 4.04 x 0.2 x 3710.2 = 6 kN

Diag. Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of diagonal brac. = 8 x 4.79 x 0.058 = 2.22 kN
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 2 x 4.79 x 0.065 x 3710.2 = 2.31 kN

Horizontal Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of Hor. brac. = 4 x 5.2 x 0.058 = 1.21 kN
Wind load on Hor. Brac = 1 x 5.2 x 0.065 x 3710.2 = 1.254 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 73 to 88 except 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 = 1.25 (7.34 +
2.22)/8 = 1.494 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 81, 83, 85, 87 (Due to horizontal brac.) = 1.25 x (1.21)/4
= 0.378 kN
Wind load carried by joints 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87 = 1.25 (6 + 2.31)/8 = 1.3 kN
Wind load carried by joints 81, 83, 85, 87 due to Hor. Brac = 1.25 (1.254) / 4 = 0.392 kN

Panel 20: Leg: ISA 200 x 200 x 15 @ 0.454 kN/m

Self weight of legs = 4 x 4.04 x 0.454 = 7.34 kN
Wind load on leg = 2 x 4.04 x 0.2 x 3658.4 = 5.91 kN

Diag. Brac: ISA 65 x 65 x 6 @ 0.058 kN/m

Self weight of diagonal brac. = 8 x 5.02 x 0.058 = 2.33 kN
Wind load on Diag. Brac = 2 x 5.02 x 0.065 x 3658.4 = 2.39 kN
Vertical load carried by joints 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92 = 1.25 (7.34 + 2.33)/8 = 1.51 kN
Wind load carried by joints 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92 = 1.25 (5.91 + 2.39)/8 = 1.3 kN

Computation of loads at different joints are made panel by panel and the nodal loads are
superposed and tabulated in the following sections. The tower is symmetrically loaded in the XY
plane and so nodal loads are tabulated for joints which are in the front plane.

Calculation of forces in the members

By symmetry the two planes are identical the front plane is analysed and forces are resolved.
The tower is analysed for three basic static loads
• Self weight of the tower
• Superimposed load from Hemispherical Dome
• Wind Loads
Design of Steel
 Acting parallel to face
 Acting diagonal to the tower
Tabulation of joint forces
Joint Self WT.(kN) Wind load (kN) Joint Self WT.(kN) Wind load (kN)
No. No.
1 5 + 0.551 = 5.551 0.802 + 1.93 = 2 0.551 0.802 + 1.93
2.732 = 2.732
5 0.551 + 0.46 =1.011 0.802 + 0.666 = 6 0.551 + 0.46 = 1.011 0.802 + 0.666 =
6.562 1.468 1.562 1.468
9 0.46+ 0.092 +0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 + 10 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 +
1.012 0.666 = 1.468 1.012 0.666 = 1.468
7.574 2.574
13 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 + 14 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 +
1.012 0.666 = 1.468 1.012 0.666 = 1.468
8.586 3.586
17 0.46+0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 + 18 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 +
1.012 0.666 = 1.468 1.012 0.666 = 1.468
9.598 4.598
21 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 + 22 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.666 + 0.136 +
1.012 0.63 = 1.432 1.012 0.63 = 1.432
10.61 5.61
25 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63 26 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128
1.012 = 1.388 1.012 + 0.63 = 1.388
11.622 6.622
29 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63 30 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128
1.012 = 1.388 1.012 + 0.63 =
12.634 7.634 1.388

33 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63 34 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63
1.012 = 1.388 1.012 =
13.646 8.646 1.388
37 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63 38 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63
1.012 = 1.388 1.012 =
14.658 9.658 1.388
41 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63 42 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.63 + 0.128 + 0.63
1.012 = 1.34 1.012 = 1.34
15.67 10.67
45 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.582 + 0.103 + 0.582 46 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.582 +0.103 +
1.012 = 1.267 1.012 0.582 =
16.682 11.682 1.267
49 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.582 + 0.103 + 0.582 50 0.46 + 0.092 + 0.46 = 0.582 + 0.103 +
1.012 = 1.267 1.012 0.582 =
17.694 12.694 1.267

53 0.46 + 0.092 +0.46 = 0.582 + 0.103 +0.582 54 0.46 + 0.092 +0.46 = 0.582 +0.103 +
1.012 = 1.267 1.012 0.582 =
18.706 13.706 1.267
57 0.46 + 0.092 +0.46 = 0.582 + 0.103 +0.582 58 0.46 + 0.092 +0.46 = 0.582 +0.103 +
1.012 = 1.267 1.012 0.582 =
19.718 14.718 1.267
61 0.46 + 0.092 +1.135 = 0.582 + 0.103 +1.28 62 0.46 + 0.092 +1.135 = 0.582 + 0.103 +
1.687 = 1.965 1.687 1.28
21.405 16.405 = 1.965
65 1.135 + 0.158 +1.163 1.28 + 0.197 + 1.29 66 1.135 + 0.158 +1.163 = 1.28 + 0.197+ 1.29
=2.456 = 2.767 2.456 =
23.861 18.861 2.767
69 1.163 + 0.261 + 1.29 + 0.322 + 1.46 70 1.163 + 0.261 + 1.29 + 0.322
1.56 = = 3.072 1.56 = + 1.46 =
2.984 2.984 3.072
26.845 21.845
73 1.56 + 0.32 +1.494 = 1.46 + 0.356 + 1.3 75 1.56 + 0.32 +1.494 = 1.46 + 0.356+ 1.3 =
 3.374 = 3.116 3.374 3.116
30.219 25.219
81 1.494 + 0.378 +1.51 = 1.3 + 0.392 + 1.3 = 83 1.494 + 0.378 + 1.3 + 0.392 +1.3 =
3.382 2.99 1.51 = 2.99
33.601 3.382
28.601
89 1.51 1.3 90 1.51 1.3
35.111 30.111

Panel 15: 1. Considering self weight of the tower

The leg ISA 150 x 150 x 12 will be maximum stressed in this panel. So this panel is chosen. The
self weight acting on joints 61 and 62 is taken.
The leeward leg 2 will be in compression and also the windward leg 1
F1 = F2 = 16.405 kN (compression)

2. Considering superimposed load from hemispherical dome:

The front plane takes half the self weight = 5kN

The self weight of the dome will create a moment with respect to centre of planar truss. The
eccentric load of 5 kN is transferred as a concentric load of 5 kN acting at the centre of planar
truss and an anticlockwise moment of 7.5 kN.m as shown. Due to self weight both the legs F1
and F2 will be in compression
F1 = F2 = 2.5 kN (compression)

The moment will cause compression on the windward side and tension on the leeward side.
F1 = 7.5 / 2 = 3.75 kN (compression)
F2 = 7.5 / 2 = 3.75 kN (tension)
Net force on F1 = 3.75 + 2.5 = 6.25 kN (compression)
Net force on F2 = -3.75 + 2.5 = 1.25 kN (tension)
The moment due to dome and self weight are carried entirely by legs.

3. Considering wind load condition

(i) Wind parallel to the face of the frame

The sum of the wind forces upto panel 15 and also the bending moment due to wind load about
point 0 (the point of intersection of Diag. Brac.) is taken
Design of
Total wind load above the level 'AA'
FLAT1 = 2 x 0.802 + 2 x 1.93 + 4 x 2 x 1.468 + 2 x 1.432 + 4 x 2 x 1.388 + 2 x 1.34 + 4 x 2 x
1.267
FLAT1 = 43.992 kN

Moment due to wind

MW1 = (1.604 + 3.86) x 29 + 2.936 x 27 + 2.936 x 25 + 2.936 x 23 + 2.936 x 21 + 2.864 x 19 +
2.776 (17 + 15 + 13 + 11) + 2.68 x 9 + 2.534 (7 + 5 + 3 + 1)
MW1 = 714.85 kN.m

This external wind moment has to be resisted by internal couple. this moment will cause tension
of the windward leg and comp on the leeward leg

F1 = MW1 / 2 = 714.85 / 2 = 357.43 kN

F1 = 357.43 kN (tension) F2 = 357.43 kN (compression)
The lateral force of 43.992 kn is shared by the diagonal bracings equally and the tension
diagonal is considered as effective taking moment about joint 62
43.992 = √2𝐹3
F3 = 31.11 kN tension
F4 = 31.11 kN compression

Design of Steel Indian Institute of Technology Madras

(ii) Wind wards acting along diagonal:
When the wind is parallel to the diagonal, the wind pressure coeff. is taken 1.2 times that of
parallel to the plane Ref. clause 6.3.3.5 P.47 - IS 875

However the wind pressure on hte dish is reduced as the wind is at 45o to the front of the dish.
Wind pressure on the dish = 2 x 3.86 x Sin 45o = 5.46 kN

Considering the tower as a space frame:

The wind load on the four joints together can be obtained. By multiplying the loads by 1.2
So total horizontal load due to wind

FLAT 2 = 5.46 + 1.2 x 2 (43.992 - 3.86)

FLAT 2 = 101.78 kN
Similarly the bending moment of all the wind forces along the diagonal about point 0
MW2 = 1.2 x 2 {714.85 - (3.86 x 29)} + 5.46 x 29
MW2 = 1605.32 kN.m
Since the legs are upright, the horizontal force is registered by the braces and the forces in the
braces will be equal and opposite.
The forces have to be resolved in the horizontal plane and then parallel to the diagonal.

Let FD = force in each brace (tension or compression)

The total force from braces in the horizontal plane along the tower diagonal is = 8 FD cos45o.
sin45o = 4 FD
Equilibrium in the horizontal direction gives
4 FD = 101.78 kN
FD = 25.45 kN

This value is less than that of case 1. Therefore the forces in braces are controlled by the load
condition wind parallel to the frame. The bending moment is resisted by the pair of extreme legs
2 and 4. Forces in legs 3 and 1 will be zero as they lie in the bending axis Ref. Fig.

F1 = F3 = 0
F2 = MW2 /2 √2 = 1605.32 / 2 √2
F2 = 567.57 kN (compression)
F4 = 567.57 kN (tension)
Maximum compressive force on the leg = 567.57 + 16.405 - 1.25 = 582.73 kN

Leg ISA 150 x 150 x 12 @ 0.272 kN / m

A = 3459 mm2; rmin = 29.3 mm
Leff = 0.85 x 2000 = 1700mm; Leff / ry = 1700 / 29.3 = 58.02Design of Steel Structures
σac from table 5.1 = 124 N/mm2 can be raised by 25%. Since wind is considered:
σac = 1.25 x 124 = 155 N/mm2
Actual stress σc = (582.73 x 103) / 3459 = 168.5 N/mm2

Diag. Brac: The tension member is considered effective.

Force in the bracing = 31.11 kN
Size ISA 50 x 50 x 6 mm A = 568 mm2
Check the adequacy of the section as a tension member

Panel 20: Leg: ISA 200 x 200 x 15 @ 0.454 kN/m

1. Self weight acting at the bottom most panels

F1 = F2 = 30.111 kN (compression)
The leg is checked at the mid height as buckling will occur midway between the nodes

2. Considering superimposed load from hemispherical dome

Due to moment F1 = 7.5 / 5.6 = 1.34 kn (compression)

F2 = 1.34 kN (tension)
Due to self weight F1 = 2.5 kN (compression)
F2 = 2.5 kN (compression)
Net forces F1 = 1.34 + 2.5 = 3.84 kN (compression)
F2 = -1.34 + 2.5 = 1.16 kN (compression)

3. Considering wind load condition:

(a) Wind parallel to the face of the frame:
Total wind load above level 'BB'
FLAT 3 = 43.992 + 2 x 1.965 + 2 x 2.767 + 2 x 3.072 + 2 x 3.116 + 2 x 2.99
FLAT 3 = 71.812 kN
MW3 = (1.604 + 3.86) x 48 + 2.936 (46 + 44 + 42 + 40) + 2.864 x 38 + 2.776 (36 + 34 + 32 + 30)
+ 2.68 x 28 + 2.534 (26 + 24 + 22 + 20) + 3.93 x 18 + 5.534 x 14 + 6.144 x 10 + 6.232 x 6 +
5.98 x 2
MW3 = 1809.704 kN.m
Force in the legs and braces
F1 = MW3 / a = 1809.704 / 5.6 = 323.16 kN
F1 = 323.16 kN (tension)
F2 = 323.16 kN (compression)

The lateral force of 71.812 kN is shared by the diagonal bracings equally and the tension
diagonal is considered effective taking moment about joint 90
35.906 x 4 = F3 x 4.8
F3 = 29.92 kN (tension)
F4 = 29.92 kN (compression)
Design of Steel

(b) Wind acting parallel to the diagonal:

Wind load is increased by 1.2 times that of parallel to the frame. P.47 code. However wind
pressure on the dish is reduced as the wind is 45o to the front of the dish
Wind pressure on dish = 5.46 kN
Considering the tower as a space frame the wind load on the four joints together can be obtained
by multiplying the load by 1.2
So, total horizontal load due to wind

FLAT 4 = 5.46 + 1.2 x 2 (71.812 - 3.86)

FLAT 4 = 168.55 kN
Similarly the bending moment of all the wind forces along section 'BB'
MW4 = 1.2 x 2 {1809.704 - (3.86 x 48)} + 5.46 x 48
MW4 = 4160.7 kN.m
The horizontal forces are resisted by the braces these forces have to be resolved in the horizontal
plane and then parallel to the diagonal.
Let Fd be the force in each brace tension or compression. The total force is resisted by these 8
braces
4Fd cos 53.13o (cos 37.47o + cos 52.59o) = 168.55
Fd = 50.12 kN (tension or compression)
This is more than the value with wind parallel to the frame. The bending moment MW4 is
resisted by the pair of extreme legs which does not lie on the bending axis
F1 = F3 = 0
F2 = MW4 / a √2 = 4160.7 / 5.6√2 2 = 525.4 kN
F2 = 525.4 kN (compression)
F4 = 525.4 kN (tension)
Maximum compressive force will be on leg 2
= 30.111 + 1.16 + 525.4
F2 = 556.67 kN (compression)

Leg ISA 200 x 200 x 15 @ 0.454 kN/m

A = 5780 mm2; ry = 39.1 mm
Lef = 0.85 x 4040 = 3434mm
Lef / ry = 3434 / 39.1 = 87.83 Refer Table 5.1
σac = 86 N / mm2
Since wind is considered allowable stresses are raised by 25%. So σac = 1.25 x 86
= 107.5 N / mm2
Actual stress σc = 556.67 / 5780 = 96.31 N / mm 2

σac and σc Safe