Documente Academic
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Documente Cultură
MStower V6
User’s Manual
Engineering Systems
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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
(C) Copyright Engineering Systems Pty Limited 1997-2008. All rights are reserved. The copyright applies to this
manual and to the corresponding software (together referred to herein as the “licensed material”).
DISCLAIMER
Subject to limitations imposed by law, Engineering Systems Pty Limited makes no warranty of any kind in
connection with the licensed material. Engineering Systems Pty Limited shall not be liable for any errors
contained in the licensed material nor for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of the
licensed material. Engineering Systems Pty Limited is not engaging in the provision of consulting services in
supplying the licensed material. Users of the licensed material are advised that output from computer software
should be subjected to independent checks. Engineering Systems Pty Limited reserves the right to revise and
otherwise change the licensed material from time to time without notification, or provision of revised material.
SOFTWARE LICENCE
The software is supplied to the user under licence. It may be installed on as many computers as required but the
number of concurrent users must not exceed the number of licences held. For network licences, use is permitted
only in the country for which the licence was supplied. The software may not be sub-licensed, rented, or leased to
another party. The licence can only be transferred to another party at the discretion of Engineering Systems Pty
Limited.
April, 2008
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Preface
MStower is a software package for the analysis and design of towers, masts, and poles. This software
incorporates the very latest in Windows technology to make it easier to use and improve your
productivity.
“1:Introduction” provides an overview of the capabilities of MStower. Whether you are installing
MStower for the first time or updating an existing system, you will find all the necessary information
in “2:Getting Started”. “3:Menus & Toolbars” provides a summary of the commands available and
other chapters provide reference and technical information.
This manual is available to the MStower user on-line, together with “pop-up” help for toolbar buttons
and dialog boxes. The on-line Help system provides a synchronized table of contents and powerful
methods of searching for topics.
If the file Readme.txt is present in the MStower program folder after installation, you should read it
for information that became available after the manual was printed. The file is automatically displayed
during installation but it may be displayed in Notepad at any time by double-clicking the file in
Windows Explorer.
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Contents
1:Introduction 1
General...................................................................................................................................... 1
Responsibility ........................................................................................................................... 4
Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................... 5
Enhancement Record ................................................................................................................ 5
2:Getting Started 9
Installing MStower ................................................................................................................... 9
Hardware Lock ......................................................................................................................... 9
Folders .................................................................................................................................... 10
Starting MStower.................................................................................................................... 11
Commands .............................................................................................................................. 12
Right-Clicking Away from Any Part of the Tower ................................................................ 12
How to Make a Shortcut on the Desktop................................................................................ 13
Launch with Double-Click...................................................................................................... 13
Configuration..........................................................................................................................
Printing in MStower ............................................................................................................... 14 15
Print and Print Preview Commands.......................................................................... 15
The Windows Print Dialog Box ............................................................................... 15
The Page Setup Dialog Box ..................................................................................... 16
Configurable User Graphic....................................................................................... 18
Steel Section Libraries ............................................................................................................ 18
Data from Earlier Versions ..................................................................................................... 19
Technical Support ................................................................................................................... 19
Web Update ............................................................................................................................ 20
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4:Operation 39
Data Files ................................................................................................................................ 39
Units..........................................................................................................................40
Coordinate Systems ..................................................................................................40
Sections.....................................................................................................................41
Member Checking.....................................................................................................41
Export to Microstran Archive File ............................................................................41
Errors.......................................................................................................................................41
5:Tower Data 43
General....................................................................................................................................43
The Tower Data (TD) File ......................................................................................................44
Title Block ................................................................................................................ 45
Component Block .....................................................................................................45
Profile Block .............................................................................................................46
Supports Block..........................................................................................................53
Guys Block ...............................................................................................................54
Sections Block ..........................................................................................................55
Material Block .......................................................................................................... 58
Bolt Data Block ........................................................................................................ 58
Guy Library.............................................................................................................................61
Steel Poles ............................................................................................................................... 62
TD File Examples ................................................................................................................... 65
Example 1 ................................................................................................................. 65
Example 2 ................................................................................................................. 66
Example 3 ................................................................................................................. 67
Example 4 ................................................................................................................. 68
Example 5 (Plan Bracing).........................................................................................70
6:Standard Panels 71
General....................................................................................................................................71
ii • Contents MSTower V6
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iv • Contents MSTower V6
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11:Analysis 195
General.................................................................................................................................. 195
Method ................................................................................................................... 196
Consistency Check ................................................................................................. 196
Accuracy................................................................................................................. 196
Linear Elastic Analysis ......................................................................................................... 197
Non-Linear Analysis............................................................................................................. 197
Second-Order Effects ............................................................................................. 198
Running a Non-Linear Analysis ............................................................................. 200
Troubleshooting Non-Linear Analysis ................................................................... 203
Elastic Critical Load Analysis .............................................................................................. 204
Selecting Load Cases for ECL Analysis................................................................. 205
Analysis Control Parameters .................................................................................. 205
Why ECL Analysis May Give High k Factors ....................................................... 206
Dynamic Analysis................................................................................................................. 207
Analysis Control Parameters .................................................................................. 207
Dynamic Modes ..................................................................................................... 208
Response Spectrum Analysis................................................................................................ 209
Defining Load Cases .............................................................................................. 209
Running a Response Spectrum Analysis ................................................................ 209
Response Spectrum Curves .................................................................................... 212
Errors .................................................................................................................................... 213
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Index 255
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1:Introduction
General
MStower is a specialized program that assists in the analysis and
checking of latticed steel communication and power transmission towers
and guyed masts and steel monopoles. MStower contains options for
defining the geometry, loading, analysis, plotting of input, results, and
member checking.
Loading may be computed in accordance with:
• BS 8100 Part 1 1986
• BS 8100 Part 4 1995
• AS 3995-1994
• AS/NZS 1170.2:2002
• Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990
• EIA/TIA-222-F-1996.
• TIA-222-G-2005.
• Institution of Lighting Engineers Technical Report No. 7 –
High Masts for Lighting and CCTV – 2000 Edition.
• IS 875 (Part 3):1987
• BNBC 93 – Bangladesh National Building Code
• ANSI/ASCE 7-95
• NSCP C101-01 – Philippines National Building Code
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ice, and its projected area and a drag coefficients for a range of angles of
incidence.
Six aerodynamic coefficients are specified for each angle of incidence to
enable antenna forces and moments to be computed automatically.
The use of ancillary libraries simplifies the preparation of the data
needed to compute the loads on the tower. To fully describe an antenna
its library reference, its location on the tower, and its bearing are
required. MStower will extract all other data from the library, compute
the forces acting on the antenna (dead load, ice-load, and wind loads)
and transfer them into the tower as a set of statically equivalent forces.
To assist in checking of input data MStower displays the tower and all
linear and large ancillaries. As well as the visual display, any ancillary
may be queried by “picking” with the graphics cursor to obtain its
identification, location, library reference, and other pertinent data.
The strength of members may be checked against the rules of the codes
listed above, with the results available as a summary report giving the
critical load case and condition or a larger detailed report suitable for
checking the computations for each member. The results of the member
check may be shown as a graphical display with the color in which a
member is displayed depending on its maximum load/capacity ratio.
Foundation reactions and ancillary rotations may also be reported.
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Responsibility
MStower is intended to assist designers in performing the necessary
calculations for checking and designing towers, guyed masts, and steel
monopoles. Users must have an understanding of these structures and a
good knowledge of the codes of practice to which they are working.
MStower cannot replace sound and responsible engineering judgement
and practice.
The interpretation of the output from MStower and the application of
this data is solely the responsibility of the user.
Good engineering practice requires fully triangulated bracing systems in
towers. Tower design codes do not check for bending stresses in
members or their bending stiffness, so members in bending should not be
used to restrain compression members. Features to check for include:
• Plan bracing must be fully triangulated to provide restraint and
maintain the plan shape of the tower.
• Hip bracing must be fully triangulated and connected to the
plan bracing system within a panel to resist twisting of the
whole leg/hip bracing assembly.
• Bend points in K brace arrangements must have the knee fully
braced in two directions.
• The ends of K brace members must be restrained and coincide
with plan bracing members at the top of the panel.
• Leg bend points must be fully braced in two directions.
• Where leg members join in towers with staggered face bracing,
restraint should be provided in the unbraced face by plan
bracing or a similar system.
MStower is not able to detect automatically the lack of restraint in non-
triangulated arrangements. If non-triangulated bracing is used,
additional manual checks to the relevant design code must be made to
ensure that there is sufficient strength and stiffness to provide adequate
restraint to other members.
Designers should consider the safety of any temporary arrangements
during construction.
4 • 1:Introduction MSTower V6
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Acknowledgement
Initial development of sections of MStower was done under contracts
with the Independent Broadcasting Authority, Eastern Electricity, British
Telecom, and the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Particular recognition is due to Mr M J Lambert of the Independent
Broadcasting Authority who initiated this work.
Enhancement Record
Version 3.1
Version 3.15
Screen querying of linear ancillary, large ancillary, and ancillary groups
introduced with graphical representation of larger ancillaries.
Ancillary libraries extended to include Andrew information.
HP LaserJet printers now supported for plotting.
PostScript format available for output files.
Ancillary deflections and rotations calculated.
Foundation reactions calculated.
CROSS and BARE keywords added.
Total mass and additional mass of ancillaries in TWR file.
XIP, plan bracing at intersection point of face bracing.
Optional Velocity Profile.
Version 4
Masts including catenary cables to BS 8100 Part 4 and AS 3995.
Additional standard panels.
Named node block introduced.
Supports block.
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Version 4.1
EIA/TIA-222-F-1996.
ASCE 10-90 1991 (Manual 52).
Bolt checking to DD133/BS5950.
Deflections/rotations.
Version 4.15
Manual re-set in Microsoft Word.
Examples revised.
Version 4.20
Shade factor introduced for linear and large ancillaries.
Job.out file enhanced for results checking.
Version 4.21
Version 5
New 32-bit Windows version. Ancillary display improved; split view
with ancillary labelling. Database recognition and automatic loading
from CSV files. Enhanced metafile export of views. Non-linear analysis
convergence parameters added. Smear loading for wind on guys. UDP
input completely revised. Support for DOS discontinued.
Generation of TD and TWR files. Multi-segment guys and guy
insulators supported. Asymmetrical ice loading added. Bolt checking to
AS 3995, EIA-222, and ASCE 10-90 added.
Version 6
Rectangular towers may be generated directly from standard panels.
Different bracing patterns and sizes may be generated on X and Y faces
of four sided towers using standard panels.
Loading to AS/NZS 1170.2:2002, IS 875, BNBC, ASCE 7-95,
Philippines NBC.
Earthquake loading.
6 • 1:Introduction MSTower V6
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2:Getting Started
Installing MStower
The Setup program will install MStower on your computer. Usually,
Setup will begin when you insert the CD. If Setup does not begin
automatically you must perform these steps:
• Click on the Windows Start button and select Run.
• Browse to the Setup program on the distribution CD.
• Execute the Setup program.
Setup will guide you through the installation process, prompting you for
a name for the program folder (the default is C:\Mstower), and then
copying the required files to the hard disk. Necessary fonts will be
installed.
Hardware Lock
MStower is normally supplied with a USB hardware lock that must be
attached to the computer before you can start the program. Additional
set-up procedures are required for systems with a network lock. These
are described on a separate data sheet.
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Folders
The Setup program will establish a number of folders under the specified
MStower folder. If you use the default name the folders as displayed in
Windows Explorer will look like this:
MSTOWER FOLDERS
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Starting MStower
The Setup program creates an MStower item on the Windows Programs
menu (click Start, then Programs). Click on this item to start MStower.
If
theyou have not
examples previously
supplied withused MStower
MStower you should
to familiarize start with
yourself withsome
the of
operation of the principal menu and toolbar items (see
Chapter 15:Examples on page 243). To run an example, use the File >
Open command and click on the required file in the dialog box.
You may open any existing MStower job with the File > Open
command. To start a new job based on an old job, open the old job and
save a copy with another name using the File > Save Copy As
command. You may now close the old job and open the new copy by
selecting its name from the most recently used list on the File menu.
Note the following powerful Help features, which make it easier for you
to use MStower:
• There are tooltips on all toolbar buttons. Move the mouse cursor
over the button for a moment and a little pop-up window displays
the function of the button.
• There is a prompt displayed on the left side of the status bar (at the
bottom of the MStower window) whenever the cursor is positioned
over a toolbar button or a menu item. Look here for prompts while
you are performing input operations.
• Context-sensitive help is available for all toolbar buttons by clicking
the button. Once you have clicked this button, move the new
cursor to any item and click.
• Context-sensitive (pop-up) help is available in dialog boxes. Some
items in dialog boxes also have tooltips.
Use the Help > MStower Help Topics command to display the Help
Topics dialog box. With this, you can browse the table of contents, look
through an index, or search all Help topic keywords.
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Commands
MStower commands are available from:
• The main menu.
• Toolbar buttons.
• The context menu.
Generally, all the commands are available on the main menu, while, for
convenience, some of them are also available on toolbar buttons or the
context menu. Commands selected from the main menu are referred to in
this manual as shown in this example:
View > Zoom > Window
Commands
name of the selected byshown
button, as clicking a toolbar
in the button are referred to by the
tooltip.
This provides a very convenient alternative to the main menu for many
commands. In effect, you can perform some operations in three different
ways. For example, you can display the section number on all members
by clicking a button on the Display toolbar, by selecting the View >
Display Options command, or by right-clicking and then selecting
Section Numbers.
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Configuration
The first time you start MStower it will run in a partial screen window.
Maximize the Window (use the button next to the X button at the top right
of the MStower window) and the system will thereafter start in a full-
screen window.
Toolbars may be activated or de-activated using the View > Toolbars
command and they may also be floated or moved to different locations
on the main window if desired (“docked”). Toolbar buttons may be
dragged from one toolbar to another while the Alt key is held down.
Chapter 3 contains more information on how you can customize the
toolbars.
The File > Configure command allows you to set program parameters
such as colors, default library files and design codes, and maximum job
size. The default settings for maximum job size will be sufficient for the
majority of jobs. Increasing limits unnecessarily can result in slightly
reduced operating speed.
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Printing in MStower
Print and Print Preview Commands
MStower differs from many standard Windows application in that there
is a requirement to print both files (reports) and pictures. As in a
standard Windows application, MStower has a Print command on the
File menu (File > Print File). This is for printing files and reports. Also,
there is a Print command on the View menu ( View > Print View) and
this is used for printing pictures of the structure. The File menu is shown
in “File Menu Commands” on page 22 and the View menu is shown in “
View Menu Commands” on page 23.
In addition to Print commands on the File and View menus, MStower
has Print Preview commands on each of these menus. The print preview
shows an exact image on the screen of the printed page. File > Print
Preview shows you how a report will be printed while View > Print
Preview is for MStower graphics.
The main toolbar, usually located right under the menu, contains a Print
button, , and a Preview button, . These buttons are for MStower
graphics, not files or reports. Thus, they correspond to the Print and
Preview commands on the View menu – notice that the tooltip for the
Print button is “Print View”. The main toolbar is shown in “Main
Toolbar Commands” on page 31.
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Preview commands, File > Print Preview, View > Print Preview, and
the Preview button, all do not display the Windows Print dialog box. The
preview is always for the current printer. When you see a print preview
on the screen, you will notice a Print button at the top left of the preview
window. Clicking this will initiate printing on the current printer. If you
want to change the target printer after seeing a preview, close the
preview window and then select the Print command on either the File or
the View menu. When previewing a multi-page report file, the Print
button prints the whole file. If you want to print less than the full report
use the File > Print File command and select the pages to be printed in
the Windows Print dialog box.
Text Size
The text size, in points, for both reports and graphical output. There are
72 points to the inch. The default value is 8.
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Orientation
Mstower does not use the orientation setting stored with the printer
properties. These two settings, one for reports and one for graphics, are
used instead.
Margins
Margins may be set independently for reports and graphics.
Logo
Check this box if you want MStower to print a logo at the top of each
page of printed output. When the box is checked you may choose one of
the available bitmap files from the adjacent combo box. See
“Configurable User Graphic” on page 18.
Report Style
When the number of columns is greater than 1 MStower will print multi-
column reports, as long as there is room on the page. When there is
insufficient room for the number of columns selected the number of
columns is automatically reduced, as required. To increase the density of
printing in a report you may increase the number of columns and reduce
the text size and margins.
Graphics Style
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DEFAULT GRAPHIC
Note: The Windows drivers for some printers do not support the
printing of bitmaps.
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Technical Support
Click the Check Version Microstran technical support is available by telephone, fax, and e-mail.
button in the Help About Use the Help > About MStower command to display the serial number,
MStower dialog box to the version number, and licence details for your software. This
determine whether your
information is required when you ask for technical support. The Help
software needs updating.
About dialog box contains links to the MStower website, where you may
submit a support request or update your software.
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Web Update
From time to time, minor updates are provided without charge on the
MStower website. You may use the web update facility to determine
when an update is required. While your computer is connected to the
internet, clicking the Check Version button in the Help About dialog box
displays the dialog box shown below. This shows the dates of your
MStower software and dates of the current web downloads, making it
very easy to see whether an update is required.
You can connect to the MStower website by clicking the Downloads hot
link in the Help About dialog box. Here, you will recognize the
components you need to download. Each download is an executable file
– run it to unpack the update files. If prompted for a password when this
executable runs you must e-mail MStower Support to obtain it. A new
CD may be purchased as an alternative to using the internet download
facility.
When new versions (or major upgrades) become available they are not
available on the MStower website – they must be purchased on a CD.
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Layout
The diagram below shows the layout of the MStower screen. Commands
may be initiated from the main menu, any toolbar, or a context (pop-up)
menu. The main menu comprises a menu bar , each item of which gives
access to a drop-down menu. Some items on drop-down menus lead to
sub-menus. Each toolbar button usually corresponds to a command
accessible from the main menu. Context menus, which appear when you
click the right mouse button, contain a selection of commands from the
main menu. This chapter lists all the commands available on the main
menu and all toolbars.
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FILE MENU
Command Action
New Creates a new job.
Open Opens an existing job.
Close Closes the current job.
Save Saves the current job using the same file name.
Save As Saves the current job to a specified file name and changes
the name of the current job accordingly.
Save Copy As Saves a copy of the current job to a specified file name.
Delete Deletes job files, optionally keeping source files.
List/Edit File Opens the selected file with the MsEdit text editor for
viewing or editing.
Page Setup Change the printing options.
Print Preview Displays the selected file on the screen, as it would appear
printed.
Print File Prints the selected file.
Import Reads data into MStower from a file (e.g. Microstran
Archive file or CAD DXF). This command is only available
when editing a UDP.
Export Writes MStower data to a file. File types include MStower
archive file, results file, CAD DXF, and SDNF detailing
file.
Configure Configuration of program capacity, section library, material
library, colors, intermediate file folder, and timed backup
interval. Also used for editing of section and material
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TOWER MENU
Command Action
Build Tower Opens the tower data (TD) file for editing and
processing. Includes graphical creation of user-defined
panels.
Load Tower Opens the tower loading (TWR) file for editing and
processing.
Analyse Analyses the tower.
Gust Factor Applies BS 8100 gust factoring to wind forces in tower
members.
Build/Load/Analyse Runs all the previous items sequentially.
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Command Action
BS 8100 Part 3 Checks members to the rules of BS 8100 Part 3.
BS 449 Checks member to the rules of BS 449.
ASCE 10-90 Checks member to the rules of ASCE 10-90.
ASCE 10-97 Checks member to the rules of ASCE 10-97.
EIA-222-F Checks member to the rules of EIA-222-F.
TIA-222-G Checks member to the rules of TIA-222-G.
AS 3995 Checks member to the rules of AS 3995.
IS 802 Checks member to the rules of IS 802.
ILE Tech. Report 7 Checks poles to the rules of ILE Tech. Report.
ASCE Manual 72 Checks poles to the rules of ASCE Manual 72.
BS 5950 Checks poles to the rules of BS 5950.
AS 4100 Checks poles to the rules of AS 4100.
EIA-222-F Checks poles to the rules of EIA-222-F.
TIA-222-G Checks poles to the rules of TIA-222-G.
STRUCTURE MENU
The
UDP.Structure
It offers menu becomescommands:
the following active only when graphically inputting a
Command Action
Draw Members Draw members or input node coordinates.
Erase Members Erase selected members.
Select All Selects all members, including any that may not be
visible.
Drawing Settings Snap modes for drawing members, grid spacing etc.
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RESULTS MENU
REPORTS MENU
Command Action
Input/Analysis Create report on structure and current analysis results.
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SHOW MENU
Command Action
Section Highlight members with specified section number.
Material Highlight members with specified material number.
Member Type Highlight members of specified type (tension-only etc.).
Member Class Highlight members of specified classes such as legs,
braces, etc.
Members Highlight specified members.
Panels Highlight members in a panel.
Wind Panels Highlight members to show how tower is sub-divided for
wind load calculations.
Nodes Highlight members connected to specified nodes.
Master Nodes Show master nodes.
Slave Nodes Show slave nodes.
Node Masses Show all nodes with non-zero added mass.
Design Members Show all defined design members.
Cancel Cancel current “Show” selection.
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QUERY MENU
Command Action
Node Data List data for selected node (coordinates etc.).
Node Displacements List displacements for selected node.
Support Reactions List reactions for selected (support) node.
Master Node List slave nodes for selected master node.
Slave Node List constraints for selected slave node.
Member Data List member data for selected member.
Member Displacements List displacements for selected member.
Member Forces List member forces for selected member.
Node Loads List loads for selected node.
Member Loads List loads for selected member.
Design Member Highlight design member containing selected
member.
Linear Ancillary List properties of linear ancillary.
Large Ancillary List properties of large ancillary.
Ancillary Group List properties of ancillary group.
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WINDOW MENU
The Window menu offers the following commands, which enable you to
arrange multiple views in the application window:
Command Action
Cascade Arranges windows in an overlapped fashion.
Tile Horizontally Arranges windows side-by-side.
Tile Vertically Arranges windows above and below.
Output Window Show or hide the Output window.
Window All open windows are listed. Clicking one of these will
move the focus to the selected window.
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HELP MENU
Command Action
MStower Help Topics Display the Help Topics dialog box. This has three
tabs, Contents, Index, and Find, so you can easily
find help topics.
What’s This? Display help for clicked buttons, menus, and
windows.
Tip of the Day Show Tip of the Day.
About MStower Display details about this copy of MStower and
system resources. Also contains links to Internet.
MAIN TOOLBAR
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DISPLAY TOOLBAR
• Display supports.
• Display pins.
• Display rendered view of members.
• Display annotation of loads.
• Display annotation of member force or displacement diagrams.
• Increase scale for plotting loads, member forces, or displaced shape.
• Decrease scale for plotting loads, member forces, or displaced
shape.
HELP TOOLBAR
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DRAW TOOLBAR
ATTRIBUTES TOOLBAR
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RESULTS TOOLBAR
OK/CANCEL TOOLBAR
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Any toolbar that has been customized may be reset to the original
configuration by selecting it and then clicking the Reset button.
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Customizing Toolbars
As well as being dockable, toolbars in MStower are customizable in two
ways.
Firstly, while pressing the Alt key you may drag any button to any
position on the same or another toolbar. If you drag a button to a new
position not on a toolbar, it will disappear.
Secondly, you may click the Customize button in the Toolbars dialog
box (View > Toolbars command). This displays the Customize property
sheet. Clicking the New button creates a new empty toolbar with any
specified name. On the Commands tab you may now select any existing
toolbar and drag its buttons onto the new toolbar (or any other toolbar).
CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS
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4:Operation
Data Files
The tower is described in data files by the minimum number of key
dimensions and a description of the types of panel in the tower. Panel
types are described by mnemonics of one to four characters. Panels may
be selected from a set of built-in face, plan, hip, and cross-arm patterns
or may be defined by the user.
The following data files are used:
• Job.td
The tower data file.
• Job.udp
An optional file containing the description of non-standard or user-
defined panels.
• Job.twr
The tower loading file.
When a job is saved the above files and others associated with the job
are copied into the job.mst file.
It may be convenient to copy the data files from an existing MStower job
and edit these, rather than creating them from the beginning. This may
be done by opening the existing job and selecting the File > Save Copy
As command to create the new job.
The data files are text files, usually created and edited with the built-in
text editor, MsEdit. Data is set out in blocks identified by keywords.
Blank lines may be used as required to improve the readability of the
file. The “$” character may be used to introduce comments; the “$”
character
Individualand all of
items text following
data may be on that lineby
separated are ignored
one as blank
or more input data.
spaces.
Each line of data must be no longer than 80 characters.
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Units
MStower accepts two sets of units:
• Metric – using meters, kilonewtons, tonnes, and degrees Celsius,
with some data items being input and/or reported in the more
customary units of mm and kg.
2
• US – using feet, kips, kip.sec /ft, and degrees Fahrenheit, with some
data items being input and/or reported in the more customary units
of inches and pounds.
Entries in the ancillary and guy libraries are required in metric units.
Coordinate Systems
The vertical axis of the tower is parallel to the global Z axis. The X and
Y axis of the tower lie in the horizontal plane and do not need to be
aligned with the geographic north. The X axis is always normal (in plan)
to one face of the tower.
Each member in MStower has its own set of member or local axes. The
local x axis is aligned along the member while the local y and z axes
correspond to the rectangular section axes. The reference node or axis
defines the plane of the local y axis.
40 • 4:Operation MSTower V6
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Sections
All sections in the tower must be described in an MStower section
library file. Dimensions and properties are automatically extracted to
compute surface and projected areas when calculating ice and wind loads
and for determining member capacities.
Member Checking
You must ensure that wind velocities and other factors used to compute
loads are consistent with the code method chosen to check member
strengths.
BS 8100 Part 3, AS 3995, ASCE10, TIA-222-G, and IS-802 are limit
states codes, whereas EIA/TIA-222-F uses permissible stresses.
Errors
After assembly of the tower, MStower checks for the following
conditions:
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Section Checks
The tower builder does a number of sensibility checks as the tower is
assembled and reports on the following:
• Section usage – whether the section is used as a leg, brace, or other
type of member.
• Whether the connection code is appropriate to the section type.
• Whether a bolt-hole width has been specified for bolted members.
There are also preliminary range checks on the magnitude.
You may inspect the above reports by clicking the Build tab on the
Output window.
42 • 4:Operation MSTower V6
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5:Tower Data
General
Data describing the tower geometry is entered into a free-format text file
called Job.td, where “Job” is the job name. A prototype tower data file
may be generated by selecting the Tower > Build Tower > Make
Tower Data File command. The dialog box shown below appears for
you to enter the basic geometric parameters.
You may then enter details for each panel in this dialog box.
The resulting tower data file is shown below. It must now be customized
for the particular tower you are modelling. The file will be displayed in
the MsEdit text editor when you select the File > List/Edit File
command and then choose “TD”.
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PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0000
RLBAS 0.0000
END
SECTIONS
LIBR P:UK IFACT 0.1 $ 1.00
1 EA200X200X16
2 EA150X150X10
3 EA100X100X8
4 EA70X70X6
END
BOLTDATA
$ TODO - bolt data goes here - format of bolt data:
$ [ X x Y y Z z NSP nsp LJ lj ]
END
END
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Title Block
TITL1 titl1
TITL2 titl2
UNITS units
where:
TITL1 Keyword.
titl1 First line of job title.
TITL2 Keyword.
titl2 Second line of job title.
UNITS Keyword.
units Integer value indicating system of units being used – 1 or 4.
1 = SI units.
4 = US units.
Component Block
Although MStower provides a comprehensive range of panel types, there
may be times when you wish to define additional panel types. This block
allows you to reference a file containing panel data to be included in the
tower.
COMPONENT
udp [file]
..
END
where:
udp Name (1-8 characters) of a user-defined panel.
file Name of file containing the user-defined panel. It must have the
file name extension “udp”. The file must be specified only if
the UDP file is not named after the job. UDP files may be
referenced by multiple jobs but unless named after the job will
not
one be saved in the
user-defined MST file. The file may contain more than
panel.
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Profile Block
This block provides the data used to generate the node coordinates and
member connectivity of the tower. Panels are described in order, from
the top of the tower.
The block contains descriptions of the face bracing, plan bracing, hip
bracing, and cross-arms. Section property numbers may be assigned to
the various types of members in each panel; the property number for a
member type need not be specified again unless there is a change. Panel
widths need to be input only at the bend points; intermediate widths will
then be interpolated automatically.
PROFILE
FACES nface
WBASE wbase
DBASE dbase
RLBAS rlbas
PANEL nn HT hpanl [TW bpanl] [scale]
BOLT class nbolt [bolt_id] class nbolt [bolt_id]...
[BOLTY class nbolt [bolt_id] class nbolt [bolt_id]..]
FACE ftype [SPACE s1 .. ns@sm .. sn]...
[F1 f1 F2 f2]...
[NTR ntr] [ND nd] [NPL npl]...
[D] [INV] [LEFT]...
[LEG leg BR1 br1 BR2 br2 BR3 br3...
H1 h1 H2 h2 R1 r1 .. R9 r9]...
[LA la] [LB lb] [LC lc] [LD ld] [XDISC]
[FACEY ftype [SPACE s1 .. ns@sm .. sn]...
[F1 f1 F2 f2]...
[NTR ntr] [ND nd] [NPL npl]...
[D] [INV] [LEFT]...
[LEG leg BR1 br1 BR2 br2 BR3 br3...
H1 h1 H2 h2 R1 r1 .. R9 r9]
[MCAP class c1 c2 c3]
PLAN ptype [PB1 pb1 PB2 pb2 PB3 pb3 ..]...
[F1 f1 F2 f2] [locn] [NORST list]
HIP htype [NTR ntr] [ND nd] [HP1 hp1] [HP2 hp2]...
[NORST list]
CROSS ctype [X | Y] [SPAN span] | [SL sl | SR sr]...
[RL rl] [RR rr] [CR1 cr1 CR2 cr2 ..]
PANEL ..
END
where:
FACES Keyword.
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rlbas RL at tower base with respect to the ground level at the site.
The nodes at the bottom of the legs will have this value as their
Z coordinate.
PANEL Keyword.
nn Panel number.
HT Keyword.
hpanl Panel height.
TW Keyword.
tw Width at top of panel, for the face normal to the X axis. If not
given, this value will be interpolated.
TD Keyword, optional, used for rectangular towers.
tw Width of the top of the panel, for the face normal to the Y axis.
If not given, it will be interpolated.
scale Optional keyword pertaining to variable dimensions F1 and F2:
FR
F1 and F2 are factors; the actual dimensions are obtained by
multiplying a length as shown on the panel diagram.
LE
F1 and F2 are lengths.
If omitted, fractional scaling, FR is assumed.
BOLT Keyword.
class Member class, one of the following member types:
LEG
Leg members.
BR BR1..BR4
Bracing in the face.
H H1 H2
Horizontal in the face.
R R1..R9
Face redundant.
PB PB1..PB10
Plan bracing.
HP HP1..HP10
Hip bracing.
CR CR1..CR10
Cross-arm members.
If a mnemonic without a numeric suffix is used, all members of
the class will have the number of bolts specified.
nbolt The number of bolts in the end connection of the member –
zero for welded connections.
You may use as many class/nbolt pairs as are necessary.
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FACE Keyword.
ftype Face bracing pattern type. User-defined panels must have their
names prefixed with the “@” character; e.g. @XYZ refers to a
user-defined panel XYZ. UDPs may have names with a
maximum of 8 characters and must have been referenced in the
COMPONENT block.
SPACE Keyword.
s1..sn List of spacings for XM, DM, DLM, DRM, DMH, KXM, and
XDM type face bracing.
ns@sm Shorthand way of indicating that a multiple panel has a number
of identical spacings:
ns
Number of identical spacings.
@
Keyword.
sm
Value of identical spacing.
F1,F2 Keywords.
f1,f2 Factors used to locate nodes for some bracing types. The use of
these factors is shown on the individual bracing diagrams.
NTR,ND Keywords.
ntr,nd Number of levels of triangle and diagonal braces, respectively,
in some face and hip brace patterns.
NPL Keyword.
npl Bracing pattern in part of a portal or cranked K face.
D Keyword – used with XDM bracing.
LEFT Keyword – used with DM bracing.
INV Keyword, used with KB, KBP, KM, KMA, KMG, KMGA,
KMGD, KMH, KMHA, KMV, KVH3, and KVS3, indicating
that the panel is to be inverted.
LEG Keyword.
leg Section property number for leg members.
BRn Keyword.
brn Section property number for brace members, type n, where n is
a digit from 1 to 3.
Hn Keyword.
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identified in properties
in plan. The sequence, anti-clockwise fromof
of the leg members legthe
A tower
when may
viewed
be
assigned individually if they are not symmetrical. In any case, a
non-zero property must follow the LEG keyword.
XDISC Optional keyword indicating that the X bracing is
discontinuous at the intersection point. Triangulated plan
bracing or a horizontal member stiff enough to provide restraint
must be provided.
MCAP Keyword.
class Member class, as described above under BOLT.
c1,c2,c3 User defined member capacity, kN or kips.
c1 Capacity of member in compression.
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PLAN Keyword.
ptype Plan bracing pattern type.
PBn Keyword.
pbn Section property number for plan bracing member, type n,
where n is a value from 1 to 10. The property numbers for all
plan braces will be set to this value if the numeric suffix is
omitted from the keyword.
F1,F2 Keywords.
f1,f2 Factors used to locate nodes for some bracing types. The use of
these factors is shown on the individual bracing diagrams.
HIP Keyword.
htype Hip bracing pattern type.
NTR, ND Keywords.
ntr, nd Number of levels of triangle and diagonal braces, respectively,
in some hip brace patterns.
HPn Keyword.
hpn Property number for hip bracing, type n. The property
numbers for all hip braces will be set to this value if the
numeric suffix is omitted from the keyword.
NORST Keyword.
list List of integers, 1–10, giving the suffix number of members
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CROSS Keyword.
ctype Cross-bracing pattern type.
X,Y Keywords indicating that the cross-arms are to be attached to
the X or Y faces of the tower. If not specified the cross-arms
will be attached to the Y faces; i.e. they will project to the left
and right when viewed from the direction of the X axis.
SPAN Keyword.
span Total span of symmetrical cross-arm. If the cross-arm is not
symmetrical, separate left-hand and right-hand “half” spans
must be specified.
SL Keyword.
sl Left-hand “half” span of the cross-arm. Viewed from the
positive X axis direction if attached to the Y faces, or viewed
from the positive Y axis direction if attached to the X faces.
SR Keyword.
sr Right-hand “half” span of the cross-arm.
RL Keyword.
rl Rise of left-hand “half” span of the cross-arm when viewed as
described above.
RR Keyword.
Each panel must have one set of face braces and optionally one set of hip
bracing and one or two sets of plan and/or cross-arm braces.
Redundant members are pin-ended. All other members are assumed to
be rigidly connected.
Any member assigned a property number of zero will be deleted. For
example an “X” face panel with H1 = 0 is identical to an “X0” panel.
You must ensure that the deletion of members does not result in an
unstable structure.
When inverting panels, it may be necessary to delete the horizontal
member in either the inverted panel or the panel on which it is mounted,
if the two horizontals are not sub-divided in identical fashion.
“C” nodes (reference nodes), which define member orientation, are
allocated in the plane of the face or hip for all members except H1 and
H2 type members, where the “C” node is in the direction of the global
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“Z” axis; i.e. for face members apart from H1 and H2, and hip braces,
the member “y” axis lies in the plane of the hip or face. Orientation
keywords may be applied to the section definition (see “Sections Block”,
below) if the section is to be rotated.
If a member class mnemonic is used without a numeric suffix all
members of the class will have the number of bolts (or member
capacities) specified. For example, if all redundants in a panel use the
same bolting, specify: BOLT R nbolt [bolt-id]
Bracing patterns and the location of different member types are shown
on the bracing diagrams. Some face panels, such as XTR and KTR, are
shown with asymmetrical redundants. In these cases, the arrangement of
redundants on the left-hand part of the diagram applies to the X faces of
the tower while that on the right-hand side applies to the Y faces.
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Supports Block
This block is optional and may be used to modify the default support
conditions of full fixity for all supports except for masts where the legs
join at a single pinned support point.
SUPPORTS
{COORD x y z | LEG abcd}...
{PINNED|FIXED [BUT {releases|springs}]}
..
END
where:
COORD Keyword.
x y z Coordinates of a node that is to be restrained.
LEG Keyword.
abcd Leg number in the form of a compact list using the characters
A, B, C, or D. Leg A is in the positive X-Y quadrant. The other
legs are identified in sequence, anti-clockwise from leg A when
viewed in plan; e.g. AC would indicate that the support
conditions apply to legs A and C.
PINNED Keyword indicating that the node is pinned; i.e., it is free to
rotate but all translational degrees of freedom are restrained.
FIXED Keyword indicating that the node is completely fixed; i.e., all
degrees of freedom are restrained.
BUT Keyword used with FIXED to indicate that some degrees of
freedom are to be released or have spring restraints.
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Guys Block
This block pertains to guyed masts only and is used to specify the library
containing the properties of guy wires and their arrangement on the mast.
GUYS
LIB lib
XB xb YB yb ZB zb XT xt YT yt Zt zt NO no ANGL angl...
TO to KT kt LIB guy_id
END
where:
LIB Keyword.
lib Name of library containing guy data. It is assumed that the
library is located in the data folder unless the name is prefixed
with “P:” or “L:”. “P:” indicates that the library is in the
program folder and “L:” indicates that it is in the library folder.
XB Keyword.
xb Global X coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
YB Keyword.
yb Global Y coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
ZB Keyword.
zb Global Z coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
XT Keyword.
xb Global X coordinate of the upper end of the guy.
YT Keyword.
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The first guy in the group will span between (xb, yb, zb) and (xt, yt, zt),
and if no is greater than 1, additional cables will be automatically
generated at an angular increment of angl anti-clockwise about the
vertical axis of the mast. Guys can be generated only where they are
radially symmetrical about the vertical axis of the mast. For example,
guys that have their anchor points at different levels because of a sloping
site have to be input singly.
Usually, guys are input as single members. A guy may also be input as a
number of segments to accommodate changes in properties or to allow
an insulator to be positioned along its length. In this case, you should
input the segments of guy sequentially, commencing at the anchor point
and working up to the mast shaft with the coordinates of the lower end
of one segment being set equal to those of the upper end of the preceding
segment. The segments of guy may be generated as described above.
Sections Block
This block specifies the section library and nominates the section to be
used for each section property number.
SECTIONS
LIBR libr IFACT fact
n sname [X|Y] [CONNECT con] [BH bh] [FY fy] [FU fu]
..
END
where:
LIBR Keyword.
libr Name of library containing section data. It is assumed that the
library is located in the data folder unless the name is prefixed
with “P:” or “L:”. “P:” indicates that the library is in the
program folder and “L:” indicates that it is in the library folder.
IFACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the section Ixx and Iyy will be multiplied on
extraction from the library. When you specify a low value the
tower will approach the condition of a space truss with pin-
ended members. This is convenient for analysing as a space
frame, with sufficient continuity across the joints to avoid
mathematical instabilities due to coplanar nodes, but without
generating significant bending moments.
n Section property number.
sname Name of library section.
X Y Keywords used to indicate the orientation of the section with
respect to the member y axis:
X The section XX axis is aligned with the member y axis.
Y The section YY axis is aligned with the member y axis.
Use of these keywords will allow you to correctly orient
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The orientation of the section is the cross-section axis (XX or YY) that is
coincident with the member y axis (see diagram below).
ORIENTATION OF SECTION
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NSP Keyword.
nsp Number of shear planes. This value needs to be specified only
if the number of shear planes in the bolted joint differs from the
default values used in the member checking modules. Bolts are
assumed to have a single shear plane for all sections except
compound sections, DAL, DAS, CBB, and QAN, where the
bolts are in double shear.
LJ Keyword.
lj Length of the line of bolts in the joint, in mm or in. This value
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and
theseplies.
mustNobe checks are carried
separately out on
considered. In the strengthitof
particular, is gusset plates,
important thatsothe
compression capacity of overlapped gusset plates or “eccentrically
connected cleats” should be checked. These often occur where hollow
section compression members are connected to a gusset plate.
In tension joints the bolts are checked for the applied forces plus
specified prying – flange plates and welds are not checked.
A bolt data file called Bolts is included in the program folder. You may
copy its contents to TD files using Copy and Paste commands in MsEdit.
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Guy Library
The guy library is a text file containing data giving the dimensions and
structural characteristics of wire ropes used as guys. The guy library
supplied with MStower is MS_Guy.lib, which may be modified if
required.
The structure of the guy library file is:
GUYS
guy-id d m ac e alpha fu ntype
..
END
where:
GUYS Keyword.
guy-id String of 1 to 16 characters used to identify the guy ropes.
d Diameter of guy rope, mm.
m Mass per unit length, kg/m.
ac Effective cross-sectional area, mm2.
e Modulus of elasticity, N/mm2.
alpha Coefficient of thermal expansion, per °C.
fu Ultimate tensile stress, N/mm2.
ntype Guy type, based on Table 4.1 of BS 8100 Part 1:
1. T4.1(b) Circular sections and smooth wire.
2. T4.1(c) Fine strand cable.
3. T4.1(d) Thick strand cable.
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Steel Poles
A steel pole may be input using the following menu command:
Tower >
Build Tower >
Make Tower Data File >
Steel Pole Data
In the Steel Pole Data dialog box you may choose parameters to define
the pole. Permitted shapes include circular, square, or polygonal sections
with 8, 12, 16, or 20 sides. Each panel is assumed to be a single length of
circular cylinder or a tapered tube made up of a single width of steel
plate. These panels will be further sub-divided before output to the tower
data file.
Note: Not all pole shapes available in MStower are covered by the
various codes that deal with poles.
In the next dialog box, data is input for each panel starting at the top of
the pole. You may change panel heights, plate thicknesses, and yield
strengths. Diameters have to be entered for the top of the pole and at
bend points only. All other diameters are interpolated by MStower.
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Once the data has been accepted MStower generates a TD file complete
with a SECTION block and a section library for the pole. The menu
command:
Tower >
Build Tower >
Edit Tower Data
may be selected to inspect the generated data file. Note that for poles
“FACES 1” is specified in the TD file.
The TD file for a tapered pole made up of two 6m high pieces is shown
below:
TITL1 Pole Example
TITL2
UNITS 1
PROFILE
FACES 1
WBASE 0.600
RLBAS 0.000
PANEL 1 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 1 R1 22
PANEL 2 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 2 R1 22
PANEL 3 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 3 R1 22
PANEL 4 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 4 R1 22
PANEL 5 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 5 R1 22
PANEL 6 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 6 R1 22
PANEL 7 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 7 R1 22
PANEL 8 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 8 R1 22
PANEL 9 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 9 R1 22
PANEL 10 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 10 R1 22
PANEL 11 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 11 R1 22
PANEL 12 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 12 R1 22
PANEL 13 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 13 R1 22
PANEL 14 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 14 R1 22
PANEL 15 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 15 R1 22
PANEL 16 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 16 R1 22
PANEL 17 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 17 R1 22
PANEL 18 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
FACE SH1 LEG 18 R1 22
PANEL 19 HT 0.6000 TW 0.6000
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SUPPORT
COORD 0.0 0.0 0.0 FIXED
END
EOF
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Poles may also be input directly with the text editor. There should be a
large enough number of panels to accurately represent the wind load,
which is modelled by node forces applied to the axial nodes.
TD File Examples
Example 1
The example below shows the TD file statements required to generate a
pyramidal face panel with two sets of cross-arms.
PANEL 1 HT 1.372 TW 0
FACE X0 LEG 1 H1 0 BR1 0
CROSS CT SPAN 6 RISE 7 CR1 10 CR2 12
CROSS CT SPAN 8
PANEL 3 HT 1.575
FACE XDM SPACE .788 .787 D
CROSS CT1 SPAN 8.32 CR1 10 CR2 12 CR3 15 CR4 16
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Example 2
A square tower with different bracing patterns on the X and Y faces is
created in the example below. The legs of the tower are sub-divided
automatically to suit the bracing. Only members at the front are
rendered.
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0
RLBAS 0.0
PANEL 1 HT 3.5 TW 3
FACE K1
FACEY K2
END
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Example 3
This example shows a rectangular tower with different bracing patterns
on the X and Y faces. Only members at the front are rendered.
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0
DBASE 3.0
RLBAS 0.0
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Example 4
The example below is a single circuit tower; the upper part of the tower
is rectangular while the lower section is square. The upper panels do not
have bracing defined for the Y faces and are thus incomplete. They must
be converted to UDPs and edited graphically.
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 8.0
DBASE 8.0
RLBAS 0.0
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This example shows part of a tower with plan bracing at the top and at
the level of the X bracing intersection points. Only the members forming
the plan bracing are rendered.
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0
DBASE 4.0
RLBAS 0.0
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X Face Panels
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K Face Panels
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W Face Panels
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SH3, SH4
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Plan Bracing
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Hip Bracing
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Cross-Arms
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7:User-Defined Panels
General
While MStower has an extensive set of standard panels, there will be
times when some variant will be required to model a particular panel.
MStower allows you to create your own panels – user-defined panels, or
UDPs, for just this purpose. Unlike standard panels, which are scaled to
the dimensions specified in the tower data file, UDPs once created are of
fixed size.
Although data for the UDP is contained in a text file which may be
edited, the most expeditious way of creating a UDP is to start by
building a tower with standard panels that are as close to the final
configuration as possible, and then to extract and graphically edit a panel
as required. MStower has facilities (see “8:Graphics Input for UDPs” on
page 127) that allow UDPs to be created and manipulated using a CAD-
like interface. For most UDPs you will never need to edit the text file.
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panel widths are used to locate the UDP in the tower and to allow any
standard panels that are above or below the UDP to be correctly scaled.
Unlike standard panels, user-defined panels cannot be scaled.
Wind-only members attract wind load and are included in the analysis
but are not regarded as providing any structural restraint to other
members. The strength of wind-only members is not checked.
UDPs
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UDPs
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Select the UDP File to Graphics command and the dialog box below
will be shown. Select the UDP to be edited and proceed as if part way
through making a UDP.
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Step 1
* Have MStower job (TOWR for example) and Microstran job (MICRO
for example) in the same data folder. Do not use the same name for both
jobs.
Step 2
* Open the Microstran job in Microstran.
* Export an archive file using the name of the MStower job
(TOWR for example).
* Close the Microstran job.
Step 3
* Edit the archive file in Microstran and change the name of the
Microstran library to that of the MStower library, e.g. change “Ukw.lib”
to “Uk.lib”.
Step 4
* Open the MStower job in MStower.
Step 5
* Select the command:
Tower >
Build Tower >
User Defined Panels >
Graphical Edit
* Select the command:
Files >
Import >
Archive File
to import the Towr.arc file.
* Delete members not in the UDP.
* Define member classes.
* Select the command:
Tower >
Build Tower >
User Defined Panels >
Graphics to UDP File
* Check that UDP file name is Towr.udp.
* Input the UDP name and UDP type.
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Step 6
* Edit tower data file, add UDP to COMPONENT block in usual way,
and rebuild tower.
* Fix any problems that are apparent.
* Save.
Step 7
* Repeat steps 5 and 6 to extract further UDPs from the Microstran
archive.
COMPONENT
UDP1
UDP2
..
END
Here, the name of the file containing the UDPs is omitted and MStower
assumes them to be in a file named Job.udp, where “Job” is the name of
the job. When the job is saved the UDP file will be saved automatically
with it. Also, if the job is renamed in a Save As operation the UDP file
will be renamed.
It is not mandatory for the UDP file to be named after the job. For
example, if you have a number of towers all with a particular panel that
is a UDP you may place the UDP in a file not named after the job and it
may then be referenced by any number of jobs. The main advantage of
this is that the UDP needs to be created only once. Any changes to the
UDP
If the will applyare
changes tonot
all jobs that for
required use all
thetowers
panel when those jobs
referencing are rebuilt.
the UDP you
must make the changes in a copy of the UDP file and change the
references in the COMPONENT block of each tower that is to use the
modified UDP.
Note: Only UDPs in a file named after the job are automatically saved
when the job is saved.
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General
Graphics Input is the most efficient input method of inputting a user-
defined panel. It involves “drawing” a structure on the screen using the
mouse or keyboard, and it includes many simple graphical operations,
such as copying, moving, rotating, sub-dividing, and erasing. More
powerful graphical operations include intersection, extrusion, and
transforming coordinates. In effect, MStower’s graphical input capability
is an intelligent CAD system customized for the task of entering
structure data.
GRAPHICS INPUT
You may find that the few hours required to become proficient at
graphical input will be well rewarded by much increased productivity in
creating and editing UDPs.
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Note: Many MStower commands involve the use of the context menu.
This is a menu, which is specific to the current operation, that appears
when you right-click (press the right mouse button). For example, when
you are drawing a series of members, after clicking on the Draw
Members button (the one with the pencil), you click the location of each
node, and to finish the operation, you right-click and select Break Line
or End Line on the context menu. Also, after you have selected nodes or
members for any operation, you right-click and choose OK or Cancel on
the context menu.
Basic Drawing
Graphics Input is started by selecting Tower > Build Tower > User-
Defined Panels > Graphics Edit . You will also be in Graphics Input
mode when you import an existing UDP by selecting Tower > Build
Tower > User-Defined Panels > UDP To Graphics .
To start drawing a UDP, click on the toolbar button. This is the same
as selecting the Structure > Draw Members command from the main
menu. Notice the tooltip “Draw Members” that appears when the mouse
cursor crosses this button.
As you initiate the Draw command several things happen:
1. The toolbar button displays in the depressed state, indicating that
MStower is in DRAW mode.
2. “DRAW” is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the
MStower window.
3. The prompt area of the status bar (on the left) displays the
instruction “Click on first point or enter coordinates”.
4. The cursor becomes a cross.
You may now click anywhere in the main window or enter coordinates
from the keyboard to locate the “A” node of the first member. Notice
that once the first point is specified the prompt changes to “Click on end
point or enter coordinates; press SPACE BAR to break line”. Select
another point and you will have drawn the first member. This point is the
“B” node of the first member and the “A” node of the next member. You
may continue selecting points to define new members.
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Coordinate Systems
You may input coordinates in rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical
coordinate systems, using standard syntax or AutoCAD syntax. The
format of the coordinate string is described below for each syntax.
STANDARD SYNTAX
• Rectangular coordinates
“X Y Z”, where
coordinates “X”,
of the “Y”, and “Z” are respectively, the X, Y, and Z
point.
• Cylindrical coordinates
“C radius theta h”, where “radius”, “theta”, and “h” are respectively,
the radius, horizontal angle, and height of the point.
• Spherical coordinates
“S radius theta phi”, where “radius”, “theta”, and “phi” are
respectively, the radius, horizontal angle, and vertical angle of the
point.
Trailing zero coordinates do not have to be entered. For example, the
point (3,0,0) may be entered as “3”. Coordinates must be separated by a
space or a comma. Coordinates relative to the last point are preceded by
“R” or “r”. No separator is required after the “R” or “r”.
AUTOCAD SYNTAX
• Rectangular coordinates
“X Y Z”, where “X”, “Y”, and “Z” are respectively, the X, Y, and Z
coordinates of the point.
• Cylindrical coordinates
“radius < theta h”, where “radius”, “theta”, and “h” are respectively,
the radius, horizontal angle, and height of the point. The last two
values must be separated by a space or a comma.
• Spherical coordinates
“radius < theta < phi”, where “radius”, “theta”, and “phi” are
respectively, the radius, horizontal angle, and vertical angle of the
point.
Coordinates relative to the last point are preceded by “@”. No separator
is required after the “@”.
Breaking the Line
Press the space bar or right-click and choose Break Line on the context
menu. Notice that the cursor, the status bar, and the button show that
MStower is still in Draw mode. You may now click a new node that is
not connected to the last by a member.
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When drawing in this mode the cursor snaps to a nearby member end or
mid-point. Most graphical input is done in this snap mode. When starting
a new structure you cannot enter Mid/End snap mode because there are
no members to snap to.
Intersection Snap Mode (INTR)
When drawing in this mode the cursor snaps to a nearby intersection of
two or more members. A new node is automatically introduced at the
intersection point if there is not already a node there. When starting a
new structure you cannot enter Intersection snap mode until there are at
least two members.
Perpendicular Snap Mode (PERP)
In this mode the cursor snaps to the point on a target member that makes
the new member perpendicular to the target member. When starting a
new structure you cannot enter Perpendicular snap mode until there is at
least one member.
Orthogonal Snap Mode (ORTH)
In this mode you can only draw members in a global axis direction.
Nearest Snap Mode (NEAR)
In this snap mode the cursor snaps to the point on a target member that is
nearest to the cursor location.
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Cursors
MStower displays various cursors at different times, depending upon
what is happening. These cursors are shown below:
Key concept.
Cursor Description
Command mode. MStower is waiting for you to select a command
from the menu, click a toolbar button, or select a node or member (the
cursor changes as soon as you select a node or member).
Drawing mode. MStower is waiting for you to click an end of a
member. Look at the right of the status line to determine which snap
mode is in effect. You may use the Structure > Drawing Settings
command or the context menu to change the snap mode without
leaving the current drawing command.
Member selection mode. MStower is waiting for you to select one or
more members by clicking on them or enclosing them in a selection
box. If you drag a selection box from left to right, cut members are
excluded. Dragging from right to left includes cut members.
Node selection mode. MStower is waiting for you to select one or
more nodes by clicking on them or enclosing them in a selection box.
This cursor appears when you are selecting a zoom window or
panning. When zooming, drag from one corner to the diagonally
opposite corner of the rectangle you want to zoom to. When panning,
click on any part of the structure and drag to the new location for that
part.
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Shortcut Keys
MStower permits the use of shortcut keys to some commands. Shortcut
keys are also known as accelerator keys. Below is a complete list of
MStower’s shortcut keys:
Shortcut Command
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+X Cut
Ctrl+V Paste
Ctrl+Z Undo
Ctrl+Y Redo
F5 Redraw
Ctrl+A Select All
Delete Erase Members
Home Zoom Extents/Limits
Viewpoint Left
Viewpoint Right
Viewpoint Up
Viewpoint Down
Space Break Line
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The OK button in this dialog box is disabled. You may use the dialog
box to check properties but you will not be able to change them.
The OK button in this dialog box is disabled. You may use the dialog
box to check properties but you will not be able to change them.
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Extrusion
There is a check box for “Extrude nodes” in each of the Linear Copy,
Polar Copy, and Reflect dialog boxes. When you perform a copy
Key concept. operation you may “extrude” each copied node into a series of members
– in other words, there will be a string of new members lying on the path
traced out by each node involved in the copy operation. The member x
axis is aligned with the direction of extrusion.
Interrupting Commands
The diagram below shows the View toolbar, normally docked at the top
of the MStower window.
VIEW TOOLBAR
DRAW TOOLBAR
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Firstly, a member is added to represent the stretch vector . All the nodes
to be transformed are highlighted. Node 2 is selected as the fixed node.
If you inadvertently click on the wrong node when selecting the fixed
node or the start of the stretch vector, you can abort the command by
selecting the start of the stretch vector as the end point also.
The Stretch command could be used to input tower cross-arms as a
parallel chord truss, which is later tapered, as in the example above.
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The commands on the View > Limit menu allow you to restrict activity
to a selected part of the structure. The rest of the structure may be greyed
out or hidden from view. This has the advantage that the view you are
working on is uncluttered by irrelevant detail and the rest of the structure
is inaccessible while Limit is in effect.
The Limit > Window command, , was used to select one segment of
the tower
click in the diagram
and uncheck Show below.
OutsideToLimits
hide the
. rest of the structure right-
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* Check the box to provide a skeleton block for UDPs and remove
checks from all other options. The tower width must be defined at bend
points only. In this case, input a top width of 2m for the first panel and
zero for the remaining panels. MStower interpolates all intermediate
widths.
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COMPONENT
$ TODO - udp list goes here
END
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0000
RLBAS 0.0000
$ TODO:
$ Remove '$' and replace '?' with appropriate
$ section numbers in following PANEL blocks.
PANEL
FACE1X HT
$ 2.000 TW ?2.000
LEG ? BR1 H1 ?
PANEL 2 HT 2.500
FACE X $ LEG ? BR1 ? H1 ?
PANEL 3 HT 4.000
FACE K $ LEG ? BR1 ? H1 ?
PANEL 4 HT 4.000
FACE K $ LEG ? BR1 ? H1 ?
END
END
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BUILT TOWER
Note that the Draw and Attributes toolbars on the right of the screen are
disabled at this stage.
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The panel should now appear as shown below (for clarity, node and
member numbers are not shown). Notice that when the cursor hovers
over a node or member a “data tip” will be displayed. On the original
members the data tip has an indication of member class (LEG, HOR,
etc.) but on the new members this is absent.
and click on the new members; right-click to confirm the selection. Now
choose class Redundant, sub-class R1.
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* The UDP file is displayed in the text editor, MsEdit, so you can make
the necessary changes:
COMPONENT
P3
END
PANEL 3 HT 4.000
$ FACE K $ LEG ? BR1 ? H1 ? R1 ?
FACE @P3
Here, the FACE K line has been commented out with the $ character but
retained in the file to indicate the panel type used as the basis for the
UDP.
* Save the edited TD file and close MsEdit.
* Rebuild the tower and inspect to ensure that the UDP is as required.
* If the UDP must be modified select the command
Tower > Build Tower > User Defined Panels > UDP File to Graphics
and select the UDP to be modified (P3 in this case).
* After making any necessary modification select the command
Tower > Build Tower > User Defined Panels > Graphics to UDP File
If the UDP file already exists a message box is displayed…
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Tower Faces
The faces of the tower are numbered 1, 2, 3 (and 4 for rectangular
towers) in an anti-clockwise direction with face 1 normal to the positive
X axis. The locations of face ancillaries are specified by reference to the
face numbers.
Towers With Cross-Arms
The wind resistance of a tower is generally computed as a function of the
solidity of the faces of the tower. Members internal to the body of the
tower are ignored in the determination of solidity. Members external to
the body of the tower, such as cross-arms may be taken into account by
adding face ancillaries to appropriate panels or by specifying an
EXTERN factor for wind load cases.
The weight of the all members, including cross-arms and any encrusting
ice is taken into account in DL and ICE load cases respectively.
Parameters Block
PARAMETERS
ANGN an
[CODE code]
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ASCE795
Use the rules of ASCE 7-95. These wind rules are the same as
those in Philippines NSCP C101-01.
IS875
Use the rules of IS 875 Part 3 1987.
BNBC
Use the rules of the Bangladesh National Building Code.
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VICE Keyword.
vi Wind speed to be used with WL + ICE cases for TIA-222-G.
CLASS-G Keyword.
class Tower classification, TIA-222-G Table 2-1, I=1, II=2, III=3.
TOPCAT-G Keyword.
topcat Topographic category, integer 1-4, as defined in
TIA-222-G p. 13.
OVERLAP Keyword.
n Overlap flag; 0 if overlap between bracing and leg members is
not to be taken into account; 1 otherwise. If overlap is taken
into account, the computed wind resistance will be smaller, but
computation time will be marginally longer. Overlap will be
taken into account if flag is omitted.
GRAV Keyword.
grav Gravitational acceleration in Z direction. If omitted, an
acceleration of -9.81 m/sec² or –32.2 ft/sec² will be used in
computing gravitational loads from masses.
RHO Keyword.
rho Density of air at the reference temperature. If omitted, a value
of 1.22 kg/m3 or 0.075 lb/ft3 will be used.
RPSERV Keyword.
rpserv Return period in years. Used for calculation of tower and
ancillary rotations to BS8100. Ignored for other codes.
SDAMP Keyword.
sdamp Damping for structure and foundation. This value depends on
the type of structure and its connections and the type of
foundation. Values are given in various codes.
ADAMP Keyword.
adamp Aerodynamic damping.
TDAMP Keyword.
tdamp Total damping, the sum of structural and aerodynamic
damping.
FREQ Keyword.
freq Frequency in Hertz for the first mode of vibration of the tower
or pole.
DMULT Keyword.
dmult Dynamic multiplier. Used in some cases to account for the
dynamic sensitivity of a pole or tower.
CDMIN Keyword.
cdmin Minimum drag coefficient to be used in assessing the wind load
on a tubular pole. This may be used where fittings and
attachments on a pole make the pole aerodynamically rougher
than the bare pole.
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Damping
British codes BS 8100, BS 6399, and ILE TR7 use the logarithmic
decrement of damping, δ. Other codes use the ratio of the actual
damping to the critical damping, ζ, where
δ = 2π ζ / √(1 – ζ2)
Basic Velocity
The definition of the basic velocity vb depends on the code being used.
AS 1170.2 VR , regional 3 second gust wind speed for required return
period, Fig. 3.1 and Table 3.1.
AS 3995 Vu, basic wind speed for ultimate limit state Fig. 2.2.
It is important that the basic velocity used in the tower data file is
consistent with the specified code. The figures and tables referred to
above are in the particular code. Meteorological specialists may need to
be consulted for sites for sites in other locations.
It is also important that the wind speeds conform to the requirements of
the code being used. Non-standard descriptions of wind speeds such as
“operational”, “survival”, or “extreme” are not used in any code
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Note: The table on p. 225 of TIA-222-G and Fig. A.1 of BS 8100 Part 1
may assist in the conversion of wind speeds.
Terrain Block
This block is used to specify the variation of terrain factor with wind
direction around the tower. The data required depends on the loading
code being used.
The TERRAIN block for BS 8100 Part 1 is as follows:
TERRAIN
ANGLE angle TCAT tcat [Kd kd] [KR kr] [HH hh]...
[BETAH betah] [XLEE xlee]
END
where:
ANGLE Keyword.
angle Wind angle in degrees east of north.
TCAT Keyword.
tcat Terrain category in Arabic numerals. Intermediate terrain
categories may be given as a decimal, e.g. 2.5.
KR Keyword.
kr Terrain roughness factor. Interpolated from BS 8100 Table 3.1
if not specified.
KD Keyword.
kd Wind direction factor. Interpolated from BS 8100 Fig. 3.2 if not
specified. If ice is present a maximum value of 0.85 will be
used.
HH Keyword.
hh Height of hill above general terrain, in m or ft. Assumed to be
zero if not specified.
BETAH Keyword.
betah Effective slope of hill , in degrees. Assumed to be zero if not
specified.
XLEE Keyword.
xlee Downwind distance from the crest of the hill to tower site, in m
or ft. Assumed to be zero if not specified.
ABT Keyword.
abt The altitude of the general terrain in this direction. If defined
this value will be used to apply an altitude correction to the
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sd Direction
value will factor (BS 8100from
be interpolated Part 4Table
Cl. 3.1.5).
1 of BSIf 8100
not specified a
Part 4. If
ice is present a maximum value of 0.85 will be used.
DSEA Keyword.
ds Distance from the sea, in km or miles.
DTWN Keyword.
dt Distance to edge of town in windward direction, in km or
miles. Zero for country terrain.
XO Keyword.
xo Upwind spacing of permanent obstructions from mast, in m or
ft.
HO Keyword.
ho General level of rooftops, in m or ft.
HE Keyword.
he Effective height of topographic feature above general ground
level in upwind direction, in m or ft.
LU Keyword.
lu Length of upwind slope in wind direction, in m or ft.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance of site from top of crest, in m or ft.
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XO Keyword.
xo Upwind spacing of permanent obstructions from mast, in m or
ft.
HO Keyword.
ho General level of rooftops, in m or ft.
HE Keyword.
he Effective height of topographic feature above general ground
level in upwind direction, in m or ft.
LU Keyword.
lu Length of upwind slope in wind direction, in m or ft.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance of site from top of crest, in m or ft. Use
positive values to indicate that the site is downwind of the crest
and negative values to indicate that the site is upwind.
ABT Keyword.
abt Altitude base for terrain in this direction.
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MD Keyword.
md Wind direction multiplier. If not specified, a value will be
interpolated from Table 3.2 of AS 1170.2.
H Keyword.
h Height of feature, in m or ft.
LU Keyword.
lu Horizontal distance upwind from the crest of the feature to a
level half the height below the crest, in m or ft.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance upwind or downwind from the structure to
the crest of the feature, in m or ft. Use positive values to
indicate that the site is downwind of the crest and negative
values to indicate that the site is upwind.
MSH Keyword.
msh Shielding multiplier, 4.3 of AS1170.2. If not defined, 1.0 will
be used.
MLEE Keyword.
mlee Lee multiplier, 4.4.3 of AS1170.2. If not defined, 1.0 will be
used.
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The wind velocity multiplier may be used to modify the specified basic
wind velocity if the site conditions are such that the basic wind velocity
is judged to vary with direction. The basic wind velocity for a particular
direction will be determined as the product ( md × vb). If not defined in
the terrain block md will be taken as 1.0.
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level half the height below the crest, in m or ft. See Fig 6.2.9 in
BNBC.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance upwind or downwind from the structure to
the crest of the feature, in m or ft. Use positive values to
indicate that the site is downwind of the crest and negative
values to indicate that the site is upwind.
The wind velocity multiplier may be used to modify the specified basic
wind velocity if the site conditions are such that the basic wind velocity
is judged to vary with direction. The basic wind velocity for a particular
direction will be determined as the product ( md × vb). If not defined in
the terrain block md will be taken as 1.0.
VF Keyword.
vfact Velocity factor at height z. The actual velocity is:
Vz = Vb × gamma-v × vfact
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..
END
PVEL_GUY
ZF z VF vfact
..
END
If PVEL_MAST and PVEL_GUY blocks are defined a number of “patch”
load cases will be generated as described in this chapter.
A user defined velocity profile may be used where the terrain is more
complex than can be modelled adequately by the topographic models in
the code. Only a single user defined profile is allowed and will be used
for all wind directions.
Where the tower is mounted on top of a building, its elevation in the
wind stream may be modelled by setting the value of RLBAS in the
tower data file the distance of the tower base above ground level, as in
the following diagram. This does not take account of any change in the
velocity profile caused by the presence of the building.
VELOCITY PROFILE
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ZREF Keyword.
zref Location of the origin from which the Z coordinates of the
named nodes are measured. Valid values are:
zr
Z coordinate in m or ft.
TOP
Keyword indicating that the Z coordinates of the nodes are
measured from the topmost node of the tower. Nodes will have
negative Z coordinates.
BTM
Keyword indicating that the Z coordinates of the nodes are
measured from the lowest node in the tower.
name An alphanumeric string of characters. It is limited to 8
characters and must not be recognizable as a number.
X Keyword.
x X coordinate of the node, in m or ft.
Y Keyword.
y Y coordinate of the node, in m or ft.
Z Keyword.
z Z coordinate of the node, relative to the origin defined by
ZREF, in m or ft. If ZREF has not been defined the Z
coordinate will be relative to the global origin.
The node list establishes node number aliases that may replace a node
number anywhere in the TWR file. The aliases may be useful where
modifications to the geometry results in node numbers changing, for
example, when the tower is being studied for strengthening or a number
of different bracing patterns are being considered. If a family of
transmission towers is being designed the node list could define the
loading points with only the ZREF parameter being changed as
extensions are added.
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Note: You may obtain the member number for a guy from the data tip
that appears when the cursor is placed on it, with the Query > Member
Data command, or by double-clicking on it.
Any EXTERN factor defined with wind load data will take precedence
over factors defined in an EXTERNAL block.
Loads Block
This block describes the load cases that are to be computed. Each
primary load case consists of a CASE description, a specification for a
wind, dead, or ice load, and optionally, additional node loads that are to
form part of that load case. Combination load cases consist of a CASE
description and a number of load case references and factors.
All loads on the tower should be described in the LOADS block.
LOADS
CASE..
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CASE..
Wind, dead, ice, earthquake, or miscellaneous load
Additional node loads
Additional member temperatures
..
CASE..
Combination load case
..
END
where:
ANGLX Keyword.
wangx Angle in degrees (anti-clockwise) from the global X axis. It is
recommended that wind direction be specified with respect to
the tower X axis rather than as a bearing (clockwise from
north). The latter is included for compatibility with prior
versions of MStower.
ANGLE Keyword.
wangn Angle in degrees (clockwise) from geographic north.
ICE Keyword indicating that ice is to be considered for this case.
NOICE Keyword indicating that ice is not to be considered for this
case.
BARE Keyword indicating that wind load is to be computed for the
bare tower, i.e., the tower without any ancillaries.
CROSS Keyword indicating that MStower is to generate sub-load cases
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ZGUST Keyword.
z1 Height above ground level.
ZGUST2 Keyword.
z2 Height above ground level.
GFACT Keyword.
gf Factor by which wind forces between z1 and z2 will be
multiplied.
If the MEAN wind speed is being used the basic wind load case lcase
contains the loads due to the mean hourly wind applied to the equivalent
bare tower. This is followed by sequentially numbered sub-cases, the
first containing the fluctuating component of the wind load on the large
ancillaries, and the second the sum of the mean hourly loads on the
tower and ancillaries.
The CROSS wind load cases are required additional sub-cases containing
the loads due to cross-wind on the equivalent bare tower and the
fluctuating component of the cross-wind on the ancillaries are generated.
If the GUST wind speed is being used, the along-wind loads on the large
ancillaries are accumulated into the basic wind load case and no
additional sub-loads are formed. You must leave gaps in the numbering
of wind load cases to accommodate the sub-cases; a difference of 10
between successive cases is sufficient and convenient.
The SMEAR keyword used in previous versions to compute the uniform
load on guys for BS 8100 Part 4 patch load cases is no longer required.
The optional data item ZGUST z1 .. GFACT gf may be used to:
• Modify the wind loads over a section of the tower when dealing
with a tower that is Eiffelized.
• Model the variation of the gust response factor with height for
dynamically sensitive towers when computing wind loads to
AS 3995 or AS 1170.
• Model patch load cases for masts when using TIA-222-G.
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1. On each
on the span
span of the mast
between column
the mast basebetween
and the adjacent
first guy guy levels (and
level).
2. Over the cantilever, if relevant.
3. From midpoint to midpoint of adjacent spans.
4. From the base of the mid-height of the first guy level.
5. From the mid-height of the span between the penultimate and top
guy to the top guy if no cantilever is present, but including the
cantilever, if relevant.
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For BS 8100, the patch loads are derived from equivalent velocity
profiles derived from the equations in Cl. 5.3.2.2 and Cl. 5.3.2.3 for the
mast and guy, respectively.
If specified, the various wind profiles needed to form patch load cases
will be obtained as follows:
If patch loading
numbering is specified,
of successive windyou must
load andleave a sufficient
combination loadgap in the
cases to
accommodate the sub-cases that will be generated. The total structural
response for the mean wind and patch cases is computed in accordance
with BS 8100 Part 4 Cl. 5.3.2.4.
Patch loading for other codes may be input using the optional WL
parameters ZGUST z1 .. GFACT gf to specify sections of the mast
over which the wind load is to be modified.
Dead Loads
DL [BARE] [GUYS]
where:
DL Keyword signifying a dead load case. The weight of all
ancillaries will be included in the load case.
BARE Keyword. If present, the dead load is computed for the tower
structure only, without ancillaries.
GUYS Keyword. If present, the dead load of the guys only will be
computed. For use with TIA-222-G, where different load
factors are applied to the guys and shaft of the mast.
Ice Loads
ICE DENS dens {WIND|NOWIND} [BARE] [UNICE list]
where:
ICE Keyword signifying a gravity load due to icing of the tower.
The weight of ice coating structural members and ancillaries
will be taken into account.
DENS Keyword.
dens Specific weight of ice, in kN/m3 or lb/ft3.
WIND Keyword indicating presence of wind.
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Miscellaneous Loads
Load cases not falling into one of the above categories may be included
as miscellaneous loads. These could include construction, maintenance,
or similar loads.
MI
NDLD list FX fx FY fy FZ fz
..
where:
MI Keyword.
NDLD See “Additional Node Loads”, below.
load case.
NDLD list FX fx FY fy FZ fz
where:
NDLD Keyword.
list The nodes to which the forces are to be applied, in one of the
following forms:
n1 n2 .. nn
A list of node numbers.
n1 TO n2 INC n3
Includes n1 to n2 in steps of n3.
ALL
All nodes.
FX FY FZ Keywords indicating direction of force.
fx fy fz Forces in the global X, Y, Z directions, respectively, in kN or
kips.
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Uniform Acceleration
EQ {ACCEL|GACCEL} X x Y y Z z
where:
EQ Keyword.
ACCEL Keyword indicating that acceleration values are in absolute
units of either m/sec2 or ft/sec2.
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X Y Keywords.
x y Components of the vector defining the direction of the
eathquake.
VSM Keyword.
vsm Seismic shear multiplier.
KE Keyword.
ke Seismic force distribution component. Default values are 1.0
for structures having a fundamental frequency of 2 Hz and
higher, 2.0 for structures with a fundamental frequency of 0.4
Hz or less, and by linear interpolation for frequencies between
0.4 and 2.0 Hz.
FT Keyword.
ft Seismic force factor at top of structure.
The total seismic shear, Vs, is obtained as the product of vsm and the
weight of the structure.
The seismic force at the top of the structure is (ft × Vs) with the
remainder of the seismic force being distributed over the height of the
structure according to the formula:
Fsz = wz hz ke / Sum (wi hi ke ) × Vs (1 – ft)
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eathquake.
F1 Keyword.
f1 Fundamental frequency of the tower in the direction of the
earthquake.
SDS Keyword.
sds Design spectral response acceleration at short periods.
SD1 Keyword.
sd1 Design spectral response acceleration at a period of 1.0 sec.
I Keyword.
i Importance factor, 1.5 if not specified.
R Keyword.
r Response modification coefficient – 3.0 for self-supporting
latticed towers, 2.5 for latticed guyed masts, 1.5 for tubular
pole structures.
The equivalent modal analysis procedure uses the equations of Cl. 2.7.8
of EIA-222-G.5.
Each earthquake load case will normally be used in at least two
combination load cases with positive and negative factors.
where:
COMBIN Keyword.
lcase Load case reference number. This must be a load case reference
numbers specified in a CASE record – do not refer to sub-cases
generated for groups of large ancillaries or cross-winds or patch
load cases.
factor Factor by which the loads in lcase are to be multiplied.
Panel Block
The panels into which the tower is divided are defined by listing nodes at
the panel boundaries in order from the top of the tower. The Z
coordinates of these nodes will be used when determining the panel to
which projected areas of member and ancillaries are allocated. The list of
nodes may extend over one or more lines. If the PANEL block is not
specified panel heights will be obtained from the Job.TWM file,
generated by the tower builder. The PANEL block is not usually
required.
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ANCILLARY AXES
Linear Ancillaries
Linear ancillaries are items such as wave-guides, feeders and the like.
Usually they are either attached to the face of the tower or contained
within the body of the tower. The following data is required:
LINEAR LIB libr
name XB xb YB yb ZB zb [XT xt] [YT yt] ZT zt...
[SELF] LIB lname [FACT fact] [SHADE shade]...
[SHADY shady] ANG anga
..
where:
LINEAR Keyword.
LIB Keyword.
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ang Angle between the “x” axis of the ancillary and the X axis of
the tower measured clockwise from the X axis.
Face Ancillaries
These are ancillaries mounted on the faces of the tower and consisting of
small items whose wind resistances will be added to that of the panel of
the face to which they are attached.
FACE
name FACE flist ZA za MASS mass CN cn...
AREA area AICE aice {FLAT|CYL}
..
where:
FACE Keyword.
name Identifier for the ancillary – 1-16 characters, not recognizable
as a number.
FACE Keyword.
flist List of faces to which ancillaries of this type are attached, as a
concatenated string of the digits 1, 2, 3, and 4, with no
embedded spaces, e.g. 13 means the ancillaries are on faces 1
and 3.
ZA Keyword.
za Z coordinate of the mounted level of the ancillary, in m or ft.
MASS Keyword.
mass Mass of the ancillary, in kg or lb.
CN Keyword.
cn Drag coefficient for wind normal to the face to which the
ancillary is attached.
AREA Keyword.
area Projected area of the ancillary on the face of the tower, in m 2 or
ft2.
AICE Keyword.
aice Surface area that can be coated with ice, in m 2 or ft2. The
volume of ice is obtained by multiplying this area by the
thickness of ice.
FLAT Keyword indicating that the ancillary is to be considered as
sharp edged.
CYL Keyword indicating that the ancillary is to be considered as
cylindrical.
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Large Ancillaries
These are discrete ancillaries too large to be considered as “face-
mounted” ancillaries, usually positioned on the face of the tower or
external to the tower.
LARGE LIB libr
name XA xa YA ya ZA za LIB lname...
[FACT fact] [SHADE shade] ANG ang...
[{AMASS|TMASS}] [ATTACH nlist]
..
where:
LARGE Keyword.
LIB Keyword.
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TMASS Keyword.
mass Mass, in kg or lb, with the following meanings depending on
which keyword it follows:
AMASS Additional mass, to be added to the library mass.
TMASS Total mass, to be used instead of the mass in the
library.
ATTACH Keyword.
nlist List of nodes to which the ancillary is attached. If attachment
data is omitted, the program will allocate the forces from the
ancillary to leg nodes closest to the level of the ancillary. The
forces of the ancillary will be transferred into the tower by a
statically equivalent set of forces on the listed nodes.
Resistances
Resistance, either
sections of the additive
tower. or total, if
For example may be usedoftoa model
a section thecompletely
tower is loading on
clad in panels, it may be more accurate to use an overall resistance for
this section that to use a sum of the loads on individual panels and
section of the tower. The data required is:
RESISTANCE
name ZB zb ZT zt [ARES|TRES|BRES] res
..
where:
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RESISTANCE Keyword.
name Identifier for the ancillary, 1-16 characters, not recognizable
as a number.
ZB Keyword.
zb Z coordinate of the lowest extent of the resistance relative to
the base of the tower, in m or ft.
ZT Keyword.
zt Z coordinate of the topmost extent of the ancillary relative to
the base of the tower, in m or ft.
ARES Keyword indicating that the wind load from the resistance is
to be added to that computed from other ancillaries or section
of the tower that occur in the range zb to zt.
TRES Keyword indicating that the wind load from the resistance is
to be total wind load occurring on the section of the tower in
the range zb to zt.
BRES Keyword indicating that resistance is due to tower body
including linear ancillaries. Thus, total resistance is the
BRES resistance plus that of large ancillaries.
res List of resistances/m for the set of directions around the
tower. Resistance must be entered in directions anti-
clockwise from the X axis as follows:
Square towers and monopoles
0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 degrees.
Triangular towers
0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 degrees.
Insulators
These may be used to separate sections of a multi-segment guy. They are
described as:
INSULATORS
name NODE node AREA area AICE aice...
MASS mass CN cn
..
where:
INSULATORS Keyword.
name Identifier for the insulator – 1-16 characters, not
recognizable as a number.
NODE Keyword.
node Node number at which the insulator is located.
AREA Keyword.
area Projected area of the insulator, in m2 or ft2. It is assumed that
the projected area is the same for all angles of wind
incidence.
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AICE Keyword.
aice Surface area that can be coated with ice, in m 2 or ft2. The
volume of ice is obtained by multiplying this area by the
thickness of ice.
MASS Keyword.
mass Mass of the insulator, in kg or lb.
CN Keyword.
cn Drag coefficient, assumed to be the same for all angles of
wind incidence.
Note: You may obtain the node number for an insulator from the data
tip that appears when the cursor is placed on it, with the Query > Node
Data command, or by double-clicking on it.
Output
The following tables of intermediate results computed by the loading
module are written to a loading log file and may be viewed by selecting
the File > List/Edit > Loading Log command or printed by selecting
the File > Print > Loading Log command.
Velocity Table
The input and computed parameters used in computing the velocity
profile and the variation of velocity with height above the base of the
tower are reported.
Member/Face Table
Each member is allocated to a tower face and its projected length in the
face is reported. Leg members will belong to two faces while internal
members, such as hip and plan bracing, will not belong to any face. The
length of bracing members that intersect leg members is adjusted for the
overlap between the IP and the edge of the leg member if the overlap
flag in the PARAMETERS block is set to 1.
Face Results
The area of each panel, its solidity ratio, and drag coefficient, the
resistance of ancillaries, shielding factor, Sf, and the normal resistance of
the face as a single frame are reported for each face.
Resistance Table
The effective resistance, Re1 and Re2, and the total wind resistance,
Rwt, for the specified wind angle are reported, along with the total mass
(structural and ancillary) of each panel. The factor determining whether
the equivalent static method is valid is also reported.
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BS 8100
The velocity, VB, should be specified as MEAN.
MStower uses the general method of BS 8100 for computing the wind
resistance of towers. This method allows for towers with faces that are
asymmetrical, either structurally or due to their complement of
ancillaries. It also allows the resistance to be computed for any wind
incidence angle. When using the general method, the resistance of the
single frame comprised in each face is computed, along with shielding
If BS 8100 Part 1 is specified with a mean hourly wind speed, each wind
load case will consist of:
1. A load case containing forces on the equivalent bare tower due to
the mean wind.
2. A sub-load case containing forces on the large ancillaries due to the
mean wind multiplied by the gust factor appropriate to each
ancillary’s size and height above ground level.
3. A sub-load case containing the sum of the mean wind loads on the
tower and ancillaries.
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MStower computes and applies gust factors to member forces for the
cases of wind on the bare equivalent tower, adds in the member forces
due to gust wind on the ancillaries, and then recomputes the combination
cases.
Note: The above applies only where mean wind speeds are used. If gust
wind speeds are used the loads on large ancillaries will be computed
separately and added to the loads on the equivalent bare tower before
output. No additional sub-cases will be produced.
AS 3995
When AS 3995 is specified MStower uses the general method as
described above but with single frame drag coefficients that give overall
drag coefficients
the program equal tothe
to maintain those in Table
ability 2.2.8.2
to deal of AS 3995.
with towers This allows
that are
asymmetrical or composed of mixed section shapes. It also allows wind
forces to be computed for angles of incidence other than face and corner.
For a tower carrying large dishes, the critical wind may occur at some
other angle, which may vary from member to member.
AS 1170
When AS 1170 is specified wind forces are computed as the sum of the
wind load on the tower structure and that on the linear and large
ancillaries. The area of face ancillaries is added to that of panels in
computing solidity ratios. The drag force on ancillaries is multiplied by
an interference factor, K IN, whose magnitude depends on the solidity of
the tower and location and type of ancillary.
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EIA/TIA-222-F
The wind velocity, VB, should be the fastest mile wind speed. No
modifying keyword (MEAN or GUST) is required. Unless a user-defined
profile is used, the velocity profile will be computed in accordance with
Cl. 2.3.3. A TERRAIN block is not required.
When EIA-222 is specified, MStower uses the general method as
described above but with modifications to coefficients that give overall
drag coefficients equal to those derived from Section 2.3 of EIA/TIA-
222-F for the wind directions specified in Table 2. This allows the
program to maintain the ability to deal with towers that are asymmetrical
or composed of mixed section shapes. It also allows wind forces to be
computed for any incidence angle instead of just face and corner wind.
For
othera angle,
tower carrying large
which may dishes,
vary from the critical
member towind may occur at some
member.
All wind loads, including any NDLD forces specified in a WL case, are
multiplied by a gust response factor determined in accordance with Cl.
2.3.4.
TIA-222-G
The wind velocity, VB, should be the 3-second gust wind speed. No
modifying keyword (MEAN or GUST) is required. MStower computes the
solidity of each face from the projected area of members and those linear
ancillaries that are within the face zone. The solidity of the most
windward faces is then used in computing the EPA (equivalent projected
area or resistance) of each panel of the tower.
All wind loads, including any NDLD forces specified in a WL case, are
multiplied by a gust response factor determined in accordance with Cl.
2.6.7.
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Computation of Deflections
BS 8100
Cl. 5.2.5 of BS 8100 Part 1 gives two serviceability criteria that may be
used. The gust-factoring process in MStower V6 modifies the
deflections for wind load cases and sub-load cases to provide deflections
that may be used in clauses (a) and (b) of Cl. 5.2.5. After gust-factoring
the deflections for towers are:
Base WL case (see 1 above):
[ (1 + GB) DTE + (1 + GA) DAW ] (SP / γV )2
Mean wind load case (see 3 above):
DMW (SP / γV)2
where:
GB Gust factor for leg loading at the base of the tower.
DTE Deflection for hourly mean wind on the equivalent bare tower.
GA Gust factor for ancillaries.
DAW Deflection for hourly mean wind on large ancillaries.
SP Probability factor computed from BS 6399 Part 2 Annex D for
serviceability return period. See RPSERV in Parameter block.
γV Partial safety factor on wind speed.
DMW Deflection for hourly mean wind on tower and ancillaries.
The gust-factored deflections from the base wind load case will be used
to update any combination load case that references a wind load case.
The gust-factored deflections are in a form that may be more readily
used in Cl. 3.3.2 of the code.
For masts, the gust-factored deflections are the deflections from the
analysis multiplied by the factor (S P / γV)2.
Other Codes
If the wind speed for serviceability differs from that used in member
checking, additional serviceability combinations will be required. In
these load cases the load factor applied to the wind load component must
be multiplied by the square of the ratio of the service wind speed to the
basic wind speed.
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BS 8100
There is no codified method of taking dynamic effects into account. The
code recommends a spectral analysis if the equivalent static factor is
above 1.0. This type of analysis requires specialist knowledge and
experience. It is not available in Mstower. If necessary, such effects may
be accounted for by applying increased factors to wind loads in
combination load cases.
AS 3995
For towers, dynamic effects are taken into account by applying gust
response factors, GS, specified in Cl. 2.3.8 of the code, to the wind forces
obtained by applying the design mean wind speed. The gust response
factor varies over the height of the tower. A number of load cases may
be required for each wind direction to model the variation in gust
response factor. The codified method is not applicable to guyed masts.
The following data is required in the PARAMETERS block:
FREQ freq
TDAMP tdamp
The program computes the value of the gust response factor at the height
of each panel top and for each WL case outputs a table of these factors in
the loading log and also in the file Job.gfa, where “Job” is the job name.
To use them you will need to create sufficient WL cases for each wind
direction to model the variation of the gust response factor with height:
CASE n WL direction1
WL ANGLX ang1 .. ZGUST zgust1 GFACT gfact1
CASE n+1 WL direction1
WL ANGLX ang1 .. ZGUST zgust2 GFACT gfact2
CASE
WL n+2
ANGLXWL direction1
ang1 .. ZGUST zgust3 GFACT gfact3
..
The program will multiply all wind forces above level zgust by
gfact.
Each combination load case that references a wind load will have to be
expanded in a similar fashion.
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AS 1170
For towers, dynamic effects are taken into account by applying dynamic
response factors, CDYN, specified in Section 6 of the code to the wind
forces from applying the design wind speed. The dynamic response
factor varies over the height of the tower. A number of load cases may
be required for each wind direction to model the variation in the dynamic
factor. The codified method is not applicable to guyed masts.
The following data is required in the PARAMETERS block:
FREQ freq
TDAMP tdamp
The program computes the value of the dynamic response factor at the
height of each panel top and for each WL case outputs a table of these
factors in the loading log and also in the file job.GFA. To use them you
will need to create sufficient WL cases for each wind direction to model
the variation of the gust response factor with height:
CASE n WL direction1
WL ANGLX ang1 .. ZGUST zgust1 GFACT gfact1
CASE n+1 WL direction1
WL ANGLX ang1 .. ZGUST zgust2 GFACT gfact2
CASE n+2 WL direction1
WL ANGLX ang1 .. ZGUST zgust3 GFACT gfact3
..
The program will multiply all wind forces above level zgust by
gfact.
Each combination load case that references a wind load will have to be
expanded in a similar fashion.
EIA-222-F
There is no codified method of taking account of the dynamic
amplification of wind loads. If necessary, such effects may be accounted
for by applying increased factors to wind loads in combination load
cases.
TIA-222-G
There is no codified method to take account of the dynamic
amplification of wind loads. If necessary, such effects may be accounted
for by If
cases. applying increased frequency
the fundamental factors to wind loads
and total in combination
damping loadin the
are defined
PARAMETERS block, the gust effect factor will be computed in
accordance with 6.7.8 of SEI/ASCE 7-02.
ASCE 7
For towers, dynamic effects may be taken into account by applying a
gust effect factor, G, that allows for a resonant effect in the response as
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set out in the Commentary of the code. The codified method is not
applicable to guyed masts.
The following data is required in the PARAMETERS block:
FREQ freq
TDAMP tdamp
The program will compute and use a gust effect factor that takes account
of the dynamic effects.
IS 875
For towers, dynamic effects may be taken into account by applying a
gust factor, G, specified in Section 8, to the mean load. The codified
method is not applicable to guyed masts.
The following data is required in the PARAMETERS block:
FREQ freq
TDAMP tdamp
The program will compute and use a gust effect factor that takes account
of the dynamic effects.
BNBC
For towers, dynamic effects may be taken into account by applying a
gust factor, Gbar, specified in Section 8, to the load computed from the
fastest mile wind speed. The codified method is not applicable to guyed
masts.
ILE TR7
The loads from the design wind are multiplied by a factor that is a
function of the pole natural frequency, height, and damping ratios.
The following data is required in the PARAMETERS block:
[FREQ freq]
SDAMP
[ADAMPsdamp
adamp]
[TDAMP tdamp]
The program will compute and use a gust effect factor that takes account
of the dynamic effects. The parameters enclosed in square brackets are
optional; if not input they will be computed by the program.
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Ancillary Libraries
Ancillary libraries are text files containing blocks of data giving the
dimensions and drag characteristics of ancillary items. Separate libraries
are used for large ancillaries and linear ancillaries. The libraries remain
text files and unlike the section library, do not require further processing
before use.
The libraries supplied with MStower are called Ms_lin.lib and
Ms_anc.lib. Because of the wide variety of ancillaries, there is no doubt
that you will have to add information to the libraries. It is recommended
that the distribution libraries are not modified. Instead, for each project,
you may copy the distribution versions to libraries with names of your
choice. All changes should then be made to the project libraries.
where:
name Name by which the antenna is referenced in the TWR file.
coeff Name of set of coefficients to be used in calculating the
projected area and wind resistance of the antenna.
dim Reference dimension, in m, the dish diameter or height, used in
computing forces and moments about the antenna axes and the
BS 8100 gust factor for the antenna.
mass Mass of the ancillary, in kg.
af Frontal area of the antenna, in m 2.
asf Side area of antenna, in m2. This will be used to compute the
projected area of the antenna at different angles if the projected
area coefficients are zero. In this case, the projected area will
be computed as:
af × cos² (angle) + asf × sin² (angle)
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aice Surface area of a the antenna that may be coated with ice, in
m2. Used in computing the weight of ice on an iced antenna.
zref Z dimension from the antenna origin for wind loads and the
level of the antenna in the TWR file, in m. Usually, either the
centerline of radiation or the mounting level of the antenna.
xcg Horizontal offset from the antenna origin to the center of
gravity of the un-iced antenna, in m.
xicg Horizontal offset from the antenna origin to the center of
gravity of a uniform ice coating on the antenna, in m.
fcx Correction factor to be applied to drag coefficient for drag force
along the axis of the antenna.
fcy Correction factor to be applied to drag coefficient for horizontal
drag force normal to the axis of the antenna.
fzm Correction factor to be applied to drag coefficient for yawing
moment (twisting about the vertical axis of the antenna).
ishape Shape code for the antenna, used to select a symbol for
plotting.
sx,sy,sz Scale factors for icon graphics.
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Cmy Coefficient for moment about the antenna “y” axis, i.e. the
pitching moment.
Cmz Coefficient for moment about the antenna “z” axis, i.e. the
yawing moment.
The forces and moments at the origin of the antenna are given by:
Fx = 0.5 ρ × Cfx × Af × V2
Fy = 0.5 ρ × Cfy × Af × V2
Fz = 0.5 ρ × Cfz × Af × V2
Mx = 0.5 ρ × Cmx × a × Af × V2
My = 0.5 ρ × Cmy × a × Af × V2
Mz = 0.5 ρ × Cmz × a × Af × V2
where “a” is a lever-arm.
If necessary, the coefficients for the angle of wind incidence are
interpolated from the coefficients table. All dimensions and forces for an
antenna are measured in the ancillary axes, a set of right-handed
orthogonal axes (see diagram in “Ancillary Block” on page 171).
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Drag Coefficients
The drag coefficients are contained in the ancillary library in a separate
COEFFICIENTS block, which may contain any number of sets of
coefficients:
COEFFICIENTS
coeff FACT fact...
ang afact Cfx Cfy
..
END
where:
coeff Name of set of drag and projected area coefficients.
FACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the coefficients in the table must be multiplied
so that when used with kg and meter units, the resulting forces
and moments are in N and N.m.
ang Angle of wind incidence to which drag coefficients apply.
afact Area angle factor. The projected area on a plane normal to the
angle of wind incidence is obtained as:
af × afact
Cfx Coefficient for drag along the “x” axis of the ancillary.
Cfy Coefficient for side force along the “y” axis of the ancillary.
The forces and moments at the origin of the ancillary are given by:
FX = 0.5 ρ × Cfx × Af × V²
FY = 0.5 ρ × Cfy × Af × V²
If necessary, the coefficients for the angle of wind incidence are
interpolated from the coefficients table. All dimensions and forces for an
antenna are measured in the ancillary axes, a set of right-handed
orthogonal axes (see diagram in “Ancillary Block” on page 171).
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10:CAD Interface
General
The CAD interface is an integral part of MStower that offers the
capability of exporting 3-D data to a CAD system, forming the basis for
a CAD drawing. This function is selected with the File > Export > CAD
DXF command. Structure information is exchanged by means of an
AutoCAD DXF.
Note: You can use the Windows Paste command to transfer any part of
an MStower image into CAD.
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The file
“Job” is will be createdjob
the MStower in name.
the data
Atfolder with
present, thecommand
this name Job.sdn, where
will transfer
only the structural geometry and section sizes to the SDN file.
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GRADES
250L0 250
300 300
350 350
C250 C250
C350 C350
C450 C450
C450L0 C450L0
43 43A
50 50B
END
SECTIONS $ AS sections
$ MStower Xsteel
690UB140
690UB125 UB690*140
UB690*125
610UB125 UB610*125
610UB113 UB610*113
610UB101 UB610*101
530UB92.4 UB530*92
530UB82.0 UB530*82
460UB82.1 UB460*82
460UB74.6 UB460*74
460UB67.1 UB460*67
410UB59.7 UB410*60
410UB53.7 UB410*54
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11:Analysis
General
MStower offers a number of static and dynamic analysis options, each of
which employs exhaustive consistency checking and highly efficient
equation solution procedures. The analysis engines used in MStower are
derived from those used in Microstran, a widely-used and extremely
versatile program for analysing and designing structural frameworks in
steel and reinforced concrete.
Linear Elastic Analysis is a first-order elastic static analysis in which
non-linear effects are ignored and the stiffness equations are solved for
only the primary load cases. Solutions for combination load cases are
obtained by superposition of the solutions for the primary load cases.
Non-Linear Analysis is a second-order elastic analysis, which enables
you to take into account the non-linear actions arising from the
displacement of loads
members subjected to (the
axialP- ∆ effect),
forces (the the change in
P-δ effect), flexural
and stiffness of
the shortening of
members subjected to bending (the flexural shortening effect). Non-
linear analysis is an iterative procedure in which the behaviour at each
step is controlled by a number of parameters. Each selected case,
whether a primary or combination load case, must be solved separately,
as superposition of results cannot be used. Members defined as tension-
only will be checked at each iteration and included or excluded
accordingly.
Elastic Critical Load Analysis calculates the frame buckling load
factor, λ c, for selected load cases and computes the corresponding
member effective lengths for each load case.
Dynamic Analysis
structure and computes
the associated the natural
mode shapes.vibration frequencies
The dynamic ofthe
loads on the
structure due to earthquake or other support acceleration may then be
assessed using the response spectrum method.
The Profile Optimizer is used in all analyses to minimize analysis time
and storage requirements. Nodes and members can therefore be
numbered for maximum convenience in data generation and
interpretation of results.
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Method
MStower uses the well-documented direct stiffness method of analysis in
which the global stiffness matrix, [K], is assembled from the stiffness
contributions of individual members. For large structures, [K] can be
quite large and is stored on disk in blocks sized to maximize the use of
available memory and to minimize solution time. Load vectors, P, are
formed from the applied loads and node displacements, u, are
determined by solving the equation:
P = [K] u
The forces in each member are then determined by multiplying the
member stiffness matrix by the appropriate terms of the displacement
vector, resolved into member axes.
Consistency Check
MStower performs an automatic check of all input data prior to analysis.
The consistency check will detect a range of modelling problems related
to geometry and loading. Data errors and warnings are shown in the
Output window and are also written to the error report, which can be
listed and printed using options on the File menu.
Accuracy
All analyses use double-precision arithmetic to minimize the loss of
precision inherent in the many arithmetic operations required for solving
large, complex structural models. After the decomposition of the [K]
matrix MStower reports the maximum condition number , a measure of
the loss of precision that has occurred during the solution. For “well-
conditioned” structural models (those in which little numerical precision
is lost) the condition number will be less than 10 4. If the condition
number exceeds this value you should treat the results with caution and
look for evidence of “ill-conditioning”. For example, the large
displacement of a node or group of nodes may indicate that the structure
is acting, to some extent, as a mechanism, and the results could be
meaningless.
An important independent check on the accuracy of the solution is
provided by the node equilibrium check. At unrestrained nodes the sum
of all the member end actions is compared to the sum of external forces
acting on the node. Any difference is a force residual , the out-of-balance
force. The maximum residual is reported to the screen after the analysis.
The maximum residual should be considered in conjunction with the
magnitudes of the applied loads in assessing the adequacy of the
solution.
Note: A satisfactory equilibrium check, by itself, is not sufficient to
ensure an accurate solution – the condition number must also be
satisfactory.
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Second-Order Effects
The most important second-order effects taken into account in non-linear
analysis are the P-Delta effect (P-∆ ) and the P-delta effect (P-δ
). These
are discussed in detail below.
P-∆ AND P-δ EFFECTS
Node Axial
Coordinate Force Analysis Type
Update Effects
NO NO Linear elastic analysis with tension-only or
compression-only members taken into
account. This can be achieved for any load
case by selecting linear analysis
YES NO Analysis includes the effects of
displacement due to sidesway but not
changes in member flexural stiffness due to
axial force. These settings will usually
yield satisfactory results for pin-jointed
structures.
NO YES Full account is taken of the effects of axial
force on member flexural stiffness while
the effects of node displacement are
approximated by a sidesway correction in
the stability function formulation. These
settings
time withnormally give minimum
second-order solution
effects taken into
account.
YES YES This is the default analysis type, which
provides the most rigorous solution for all
structure types.
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Flexural Shortening
Flexural shortening, also called bowing, is the reduction in chord length
caused by bending. If the ends of the member are completely restrained
against axial movement very high tensions may develop with transverse
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Non-Linear Members
Analysis of structures containing tension-only, or cable members
requires non-linear analysis. At the conclusion of each analysis step, all
members nominated as tension-only or compression-only are checked
and either removed from or restored to the model for the next analysis
step, according to their deformation. If the removal of non-linear
members causes the structure to become unstable, no solution is
possible.
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The ability to use different analysis types is used for obtaining results for
both linear and non-linear analysis in a single pass. This may be
necessary where the model includes members to be designed to different
codes with different analysis requirements.
In general, only “realistic” load cases should be selected for non-linear
analysis – there is no point in analysing a wind load case because this
load will never exist in isolation. This is particularly important for
structures containing cable elements where realistic loads including self
weight are required to determine the equilibrium position of each cable,
and a solution may not be possible for load cases containing only some
load components.
Note: The settings in this dialog box will be lost if you subsequently
perform a linear analysis. In this case, the analysis type flag (S/L/N) will
be unconditionally set to Linear. You must reinstate the analysis type
flag if you revert to non-linear analysis.
.
NON-LINEAR ANALYSIS PARAMETERS
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default value of 1.
• Iterations per load step
The maximum number of analysis iterations for each load step. This
parameter is used to stop the analysis if convergence is taking an
excessive time. The default value is 50, but larger values are often
applicable for very flexible structures or models containing large
numbers of cable elements.
• Relaxation factor
The relaxation factor is applied to incremental displacement
corrections during analysis. The optimum value for the relaxation
factor depends on the type of the structure. As a general rule,
structures which “soften” under load (i.e., displacements increase
disproportionately
between 1.0 and 1.2 with load)
while have anwhich
structures optimum relaxation
“harden” underfactor
load
have an optimum relaxation factor as low as 0.85. Caution is
recommended in changing the relaxation factor from the default
value of 1.0; if the relaxation factor is too far from optimum the
analysis may require an excessive number of iterations for
convergence or it may not converge at all.
• Oscillation control
This control facilitates convergence when the solution oscillates
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Instability
Instability detected during linear analysis is usually due to modelling
problems and some of the common causes of these are discussed
elsewhere.
Because a non-linear analysis considers the effects of axial force on
member stiffness it is able to detect a range of instability that linear
analysis cannot. For example, non-linear analysis may detect buckling of
individual members or of the whole frame. The manner in which a
structure is modelled and the analysis parameters used can have some
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Select
box Analyse > Elastic Critical Load from the main menu. The dialog
below is displayed for you to select the required load cases. Usually,
only combination load cases required for design are selected.
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modes may
localized be of interest
buckling if lower modes are inhibited or represent
behaviour.
When the analysis is finished a summary of results appears in the
analysis window. The summary shows for each selected load case the
critical load factor and the most critical member with associated k
values.
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Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic analysis computes the frequencies and mode shapes of the
natural vibration modes of the structural model. Only the mass and
stiffness of the model are considered in computing natural frequencies
and mode shapes. Static load cases are ignored. The frame mass is
computed automatically and modelled as node masses. Member masses
are computed automatically as the product of the cross-sectional area and
the mass density. The masses of ancillary equipment are taken into
account by masses lumped at attachment nodes.
Select the Analyse > Dynamic command to start dynamic analysis.
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Dynamic Modes
After completing a dynamic analysis it is important to check the mode
shapes to ensure that you have the required dynamic modes. MStower
computes all dynamic modes, including torsional modes. The easiest
way to examine the results is to display an animated view of the
computed mode shapes.
The diagram below shows the mode shape computed for the first mode
in dynamic analysis of the TWEX5 example.
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1. Set up load cases and perform the static (linear) analysis. The
earthquake load cases are empty – results from the response
spectrum analysis will be added automatically.
2. Select dynamic analysis, set the number of modes, and check Verify
eigenvalues and Response spectrum analysis.
3. Select the first RSA primary case (105 in the above example).
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4. For each earthquake load case you must enter parameters to
determine the response spectrum direction and the number of modes
to be considered. The direction factors determine the direction of the
support acceleration in terms of components in the global axis
directions. These components will be reduced to a unit vector before
being used. The number of modes must be sufficient to satisfy the
earthquake code requirement that 90% (typically) of the seismic
mass is accounted for. It must not be greater than the number of
modes computed during dynamic analysis (Step 2, above).
5. For each earthquake load case damping ratios are specified. The
“Complete Quadratic Combination” method (CQC) for combining
modal responses is used to determine the peak response. This is
equivalent to the “Square Root of the Sum of Squares” (SRSS)
method if all modal damping ratios are zero.
6. For each earthquake load case a response spectrum curve and
scaling factor must be specified. The response spectrum curve is
chosen from a list of names of digitized response spectrum curves
contained in file Response.txt (described below). You may edit the
response spectrum curves or add new ones using the Configure >
Edit Response Spectra command. Response spectrum curves are
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7. After Steps 3-6 have been completed for each earthquake case, the
dynamic analysis proceeds. On completion, select the Analyse >
Response Spectrum command to scale the computed actions and
combine them
greyed out with
on the the static
menu analysis
until all results (note
the necessary that this item
preconditions for is
response spectrum analysis have been completed). The total
reactions (base shears) are displayed for each earthquake case and
you now enter scale factors for each case. The spreadsheets referred
to above will assist you in computing scale factors to comply with
code requirements.
MStower now adds the results from the response spectrum analysis to
the static analysis results. Earthquake load cases may now be treated as
any other load case for the display and reporting of results and for
design.
If loads are computed to BS 8100, select Tower > Gust Factor to apply
gust factors to wind loads.
The complete procedure must be repeated if either the static or dynamic
analysis is re-run.
Note: The displaced shape represents the peak values of the
displacement during the earthquake event. There are no negative values.
Interpretation of the results should take this into account.
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Note: After running response spectrum analysis you should look at the
dynamic analysis log file, which contains important data including mass
participation factors.
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Errors
There are some types of error that only become evident during analysis
and it is not possible for the consistency check to warn of this type of
error before the analysis commences. For example, if a structure is
unstable because some part of it actually forms a mechanism, analysis
will be terminated and an error message will be displayed on the screen.
The error message is of the form:
STRUCTURE UNSTABLE AT NODE nnnnn DOF f
where:
nnnnn = The node number at which instability was detected.
f = The DOF number, as shown in the table below, in which there
was found to be no resistance to displacement.
the form:
EXCESSIVE DISPLACEMENTS
A solution can sometimes be obtained in cases like this by adjusting the
analysis parameters but it is preferable to model very flexible tension
members as cables.
The above error message may also be obtained where the automatic
deletion of tension-only bracing members during non-linear analysis
renders a structure unstable.
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12:Member Checking
General
This chapter describes the MStower modules for checking the strength
of members in latticed towers and masts in accordance with the rules set
out in the following codes.
Towers and Masts
• BS 8100 Part 3
• BS 449
• ASCE 10-90
• ASCE 10-97
• EIA-222-F
• TIA-222-G
• AS 3995
• IS 802
Monopoles
• Institution of Lighting Engineers Technical Report 7 (ILETR7)
• ASCE Manual 72
• BS5950 Part 1
• AS 4100
• EIA-222-F
• TIA-222-G
The member checking modules use data generated by the tower builder,
loading modules, and the results of the static analysis.
Important Note:
Good engineering practice requires fully triangulated bracing in tower
structures. Non-triangulated bracing relies on the flexural stiffness of the
brace in one tower face to provide restraint to the brace in an adjacent
face. In some cases this may be satisfactory but in general it will not
provide the same degree of restraint offered by a fully triangulated
system; in particular, under corner winds the braces in adjacent faces can
have approximately equal compression forces and they will provide little
or no mutual restraint.
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Operation
Start the code checking module by selecting the appropriate code from
Loading Parameters
It is of the greatest importance to use loading parameters that are
consistent with the code being used for checking the capacity of
members. Loading parameters required for each design code are listed
below. These lists are not exhaustive and should not be used as a
replacement for the relevant code.
BS 8100 Part 3
CODE BS8100 or BS8100P4 or BS8100A1
VB Mean hourly (MEAN)
PSF-V From Part 1 or Part 4 of BS 8100
PSF-M From Part 1 or Part 4 of BS 8100 or as amended in Part 3
Combination for compression:
γDL × DL + WL
BS 449
CODE BS8100
VB 3 sec. gust (GUST)
PSF-V 1.0
PSF-M 1.0
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EIA-222-F
CODE EIA222
VB Fastest mile
Combination for compression:
DL + WL
TIA-222-G
CODE TIA222G
VB 3 sec. gust (GUST)
Combination for compression:
1.2×DL + 1.6×WL
AS 3995 AS1170
CODE
VB 3 sec. gust (GUST)
Combination for compression:
DL + WL
IS 802
CODE IS875
VB 3 sec. gust (GUST)
Combination for compression:
DL + 1.5×WL
ILE TR7
CODE ILETR7
VB Mean hourly from BS 6399 Part 2
PSF-M 1.15
SDAMP Logarithmic decrement of damping for structure
Combination for compression:
DL + 1.25×WL
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ILETR7 is for cantilevered (unguyed) poles only. The wind loads will
incorporate the response factor and size factor from Figures 1 and 2 in
ILETR7. Guyed poles should be checked using BS 5950, see below.
BS 5950
CODE BS6399
VB Mean hourly from BS 6399 Part 2
PSF-M 1.0
SDAMP Logarithmic decrement of damping for structure
Combination for compression:
1.2×DL + 1.4×WL
AS 4100
CODE AS1170
VB 3 sec. gust (GUST)
SDAMP Damping ratio for structure
Combination for compression:
1.2×DL + WL
Design Loads
Axial loads are taken from the results of the analysis (and any
subsequent gust-factoring) for legs, braces, and horizontals.
Secondary or redundant members are used to stabilize primary load
carrying members. Codes specify hypothetical forces that the redundant
system should be able to resist, usually as a percentage of the load
carried by the member being stabilized. The percentage may be fixed, or
it may be dependent on the slenderness of the stabilized member.
Previous versions of MStower checked all redundant members for the
full stabilizing force. For face members MStower V6 applies the
stabilizing force transversely to the member and distributes it through
the redundant systems using a truss analysis. No distribution is done for
redundants, such as hip and plan bracing that are not part of the tower
faces. Stabilizing forces are determined as follows:
BS 8100 Part 3
Two cases are considered, as described in Section 5.4 (a) and (b) of
Part 3.
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The factors used to determine the stabilizing forces for face redundants
are printed in the detailed design report.
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Bolts
Bolts are checked for shear on the bolt and bearing on the member using
the rules in accordance with Section 8. If any of the dimensions x, y, and
z are not specified or set to zero, the checking module assumes that these
are equal to or greater than the minimums specified in the code to allow
an ultimate bearing strength of 2.0 × (D.T.fy) to be attained.
Report
For each panel in the tower, the report lists the member number, the
classification (leg, brace, etc.), the section size and yield strength, the
most critical load case, the K value, the slenderness ratio, and whether it
is about the x-x, y-y, v-v axes, the axial design force, the capacity and
the ratio of design load to capacity.
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most critical load case, the effective length factor, the slenderness ratio
and whether it is about the x-x, y-y, v-v axes, the axial design force, the
actual and permissible stresses (and whether a wind overstress factor is
included), and the ratio of the actual to permissible stresses.
An expanded version of the report more suitable for detailed checking of
the results for particular members is available. This report may be quite
large.
Restrictions
This version of MStower has the following restrictions:
• Members are checked for axial force only.
• No check is made on “man-load” on horizontal or near-horizontal
members.
• Joint capacities are not checked.
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Report
For each panel in the tower, the report lists the member number, the
classification (leg, brace, etc.), the section size and yield strength, the
most critical load case, the sub-clause of Section 3.3.4 of AS 3995 used
in determining the effective slenderness ratio, the effective slenderness
ratio and whether it is about the x-x, y-y or v-v axes, the axial design
force, the capacity, and the ratio of design load to capacity.
An expanded version of the report more suitable for detailed checking of
the results for particular members is available. This report may be quite
large.
Restrictions
This version of MStower has the following restrictions:
• Members are checked for axial force only.
• No check is made on “man-load” on horizontal or nearly horizontal
members.
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Bolts are checked for shear and bearing using the rules of Cl. 6.3.2
(4.3.2) and Cl. 6.4 (4.4). No checks are made on edge distance or
spacing requirements.
Report
For each panel in the tower, the report lists the member number, the
classification (leg, brace, etc.), the section size and yield strength, the
most critical load case, the sub-clause of Section 5.7.4 (3.7.4) used in
determining the effective slenderness ratio, the effective slenderness
ratio, and whether it is about the x-x, y-y or v-v axes, the axial design
force, the capacity and the ratio of design load to capacity.
An expanded version of the report more suitable for detailed checking of
the results for particular members is available. This report may be quite
large.
Restrictions
This version of member checking to ASCE 10 has the following
restrictions:
• Members are checked for axial force only.
• No check on “man-load” on horizontal or nearly horizontal
members is made.
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command
Note and may
that there be printedfacilities
are extensive with the for
Fileformatting the command.
> Print File design
report using the File > Page Setup command.
The report files are automatically deleted when the job is closed.
The member check reports are created in the data folder and are named:
Job.rpt – summary report
Job.rp2 – detailed report,
where “Job” is the job name. You may save a steel design report file by
dragging it to another folder using Windows Explorer.
See “14:Reports” on page 239.
Steel Detailing
Information may be exported in SDNF format for transfer to third-party
steel detailing programs (e.g. Xsteel). Refer to “Exporting a Steel
Detailing Neutral File” on page 192.
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General
MStower refers to one or more steel section libraries for information
required for analysis and checking of members. Section library files may
be in the program folder, the data folder, or in an optional designated
library folder (see “Folders” on page 10). The library name is prefixed in
TD files with P:, D:, and L:, respectively, for these folders. The File >
Configure > General > Library File Folder command allows you to
select the library folder.
You may edit any steel section library using the File > Configure >
Section Library Manager command or the File > Configure > Edit
Section Library command. New section libraries may also be created.
The File > Configure > Library Viewer command is convenient for
viewing library contents files, in addition to ancillary and guy library
files.
Section Library
MStower’s library files must have no more than 8 characters in their file
name and have the file name extension “lib” (e.g. As.lib, Uk.lib). They
cannot be listed, printed, or edited. For each library file there is a
corresponding source file, an ordinary text file having a file name
extension “asc”. Library source files may be manipulated by the Section
Library Manager or a text editor.
Section Name
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38 VU 60º channel
Steel Grades
MStower does not use steel grades. The library contains two yield stress
values for each section – if the second is not used it is input as zero.
Residual Stress Code
Some design codes (e.g. AS 4100) require information about the level of
residual stresses in a section. This is provided by the parameter
designated “f”. It is also used to distinguish between cold-form and hot-
rolled sections with the same design type (e.g. Schifflerized angles).
f Section Type
1 Stress relieved
2 Hot-rolled
3 Cold-formed
4 Lightly welded
5 Heavily welded
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Then you enter the name of a new library in this folder or choose the
name of an existing library. Valid library source files have no more than
8 characters in the file name (excluding the .asc file name extension).
You may edit any library After you have selected the destination library, either an existing library
source file supplied but it is source file or a new one, the dialog box below is displayed. A tree view
preferable to copy it to a of the destination library, empty if new, is shown on the right while all
new library and edit that –
available library source files are shown on the left. Each library may be
otherwise, you will lose
expanded to show the sections contained.
your changes when you next
update library files.
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Compiling a Library
When you click the Save button you can initiate the compilation of the
library source file into an MStower library. Click Yes in the dialog box
below to do this.
The library compiler reads and interprets the library source file and
writes an MStower library file. The value of any section property value
input as zero is computed automatically provided sufficient dimensions
for the calculation have been input.
component.
Note: You should be careful when directly editing a library source file
not to introduce errors. It is safer to use Section Library Manager.
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Library Viewer
The File > Configure > Library Viewer command allows you to see
several library files simultaneously. This is helpful when editing TD
files, allowing you to refer to section, ancillary, and guy libraries in
several locations.
The Library Viewer window displays the names all text files in the
Program, Data, and Library folders. To open any of the listed files in a
new MsEdit window, double-click on its name.
LIBRARY VIEWER
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14:Reports
Report Types
MStower can create report files at several stages during the building,
loading, analysis, and checking of a tower. Commands for printing or
displaying reports show the dialog box below, in which there is a button
for each available report. If the button is disabled it means that the report
file does not yet exist. Each report is discussed in this chapter. Input
files, such as the TD and TWR files may also be displayed or printed
from this dialog box.
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Input/Analysis Report
The Input/Analysis report is obtained at any stage by selecting the
Reports > Input/Analysis command. The dialog below then allows you
to select the items you require in the report.
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Error Report
The Error report file, containing a list of geometry errors, is created
automatically when errors are detected prior to analysis. The
Analysis > Check Input command will also create this report file when
errors are detected.
Error Report File
Microstran consistency check
Job: "XM3H" checked on 31-OCT-05 12:48:44
------------------------------------------
Error: member 1 property 111 undefined
Error: member 2 property 111 undefined
Error: member 3 property 111 undefined
Error: member 4 property 111 undefined
Error: member 25 property 8 undefined
Error: member 26 property 8 undefined
Error: member 41 property 111 undefined
Error: member 42 property 111 undefined
Error: member 43 property 111 undefined
Error: member 44 property 111 undefined
Shortest member: 25, length: 1.2673
Longest member: 126, length: 3.5830
24 error(s), 0 warning(s)
----- end of report -----
Static Log
The static log is a file created during linear or non-linear analysis that
lists several analysis parameters, including the condition number, a
measure of the numerical quality of the analysis.
Dynamic Log
The dynamic log is a file created during dynamic analysis that lists
several analysis parameters, including the natural vibration mode
frequencies.
Design Summary
The design
member summary
checking report file
operation contains
including a summary
those of the
performed results of any
by the
Member Check > Reactions and
Member Check > Ancillary Rotations commands.
It reports the critical load case and condition for the various member
classes in each panel. It also contains a table of quantities and may note
any geometric or other problems encountered during the checking
process. Where possible, symbols similar to those in the particular code
of practice to which the check is done are used in the report.
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Reaction Report
The reaction report file is created by the
Member Check > Reactions command and appended to the Design
Summary report. It contains the reactions at the tower supports in the
global axes and also transformed into the direction of the individual leg
axes.
Rotation Report
The rotation report file is created by the
Member Check > Ancillary Rotations command and appended to the
Design Summary report. It is in two sections:
• A rotation envelope giving maximum rotations about the global axes
for the selected load cases. These rotations are computed by
considering the displacement of a plane through the leg nodes at the
top of each panel.
• The rotation of each large ancillary for each selected load case. The
rotations are computed by considering the displacement of a plane
through the first three attachment nodes and are given in the axes of
the ancillary.
The tabulated rotations are those due to deflection of the tower. They do
not account for any deflection in the ancillary mounting items.
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15:Examples
General
Use the following procedure to run an MStower job:
1. Start MStower (see “Starting MStower” on page 11).
2. Select the File > Open command and in the dialog box browse to
the Examples folder (see “Folders” on page 10). Choose one of the
example jobs, say TWEX1, and then click the Open button. The
tower should now be displayed – if not, select the Tower > Build
Tower > Process Tower Data File command
3. Select the Tower > Build/Load/Analyse command.
4. Close the analysis window when it displays “Linear analysis
completed”.
5. If checking to BS 8100 select the Tower > Gust Factor command.
6. Select the appropriate design code on the Member Check menu. If
checking to BS 8100, select only the first load case of each set of
combinations as the results of the gust factoring and square root of
the sum of the squares is written to this case.
7. Select the Results > Design Ratios command and the structure will
be displayed with overstressed members colored red.
8. To display the results of the member checking select the File >
List/Edit command and then click either the Summary or Detailed
button. The selected report file will now be displayed in the MsEdit
text editor. You may use the File > Print Preview command to see
each page of the report, exactly how it will appear when printed.
To run a mast job, proceed as set out above but when the Analysis Load
Cases dialog box appears select Case 100 and all combination load
cases. When the Non Linear Analysis Parameters dialog box is displayed
click OK to accept the default values. The non linear analysis required
for masts takes longer than linear analysis.
To run an existing MStower Version 4 job select the File > New
command, confirm the job file folder, enter the job name and then
proceed from Step 3, above.
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EXAMPLE TOWERS
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TWEX1
This example is a plain tower for checking to BS 8100.
TWEX1
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TD File – TWEX1
TITL1 TWEX1
TITL2
UNITS 1 $ Metric units ----------------------------
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 2.000
RLBAS 0.0000
$ Section 1 ------------------------------------------
PANEL 2 HT 1.000
FACE DL0 LEG 1 BR1 5
PANEL 3 HT 1.000
FACE DR LEG 1 BR1 6 H1 6
PLAN PL1A PB1 0 PB2 4 PB3 0
BOLT LEG 4 M16-8 BR 1 M16-8 H 1 M16-8 PB 1 M16-8
$ Section 2 ------------------------------------------
PANEL 4 HT 1.000
FACE DL LEG 2 BR1 6 H1 8
BOLT LEG 0
PANEL 5 HT 1.000
FACE DR LEG 2 BR1 6 H1 8
PLAN PL1A PB1 0 PB2 4 PB3 0
PANEL 6 HT 1.000
FACE DL LEG 2 BR1 6 H1 0
PANEL 7 HT 1.000
FACE DR LEG 2 BR1 6 H1 0
PANEL 8 HT 1.000
FACE DL LEG 3 BR1 7 H1 0
BOLT LEG 4 M16-8
$ Section 3 ------------------------------------------
PANEL 9 HT 1.500
FACE K LEG 3 BR1 5 H1 8
BOLT LEG 0
PANEL 10 HT 1.500
FACE K LEG 3 BR1 5 H1 8
PLAN PL1A PB1 0 PB2 4 PB3 0
PANEL 11 HT 2.000
FACE K LEG 3 BR1 7 H1 8
BOLT LEG 4 M20-82 $ Bolts in double shear
END
SECTIONS
$ BRACING
END
BOLTDATA
END
END
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$ STATION
$ HEIGHT
$ NGR SP
$ MAP No
$ STRUCTURE
$ TYPE:-
$ MANUFACTURERS:-
$ ANCILLARIES Drg
$ Amendments
$
$ CAD REF
$ STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS :-
$
PARAMETERS
ANGN 45.0
CODE BS8100 $ Wind profile to this code
ICE RO 0.0 RW 0.0 $
ALTOP
PSF-V 0
1.20 $
$ Site + tower height
PSF-M 1.20 $
VB 30.0 MEAN $ Site wind speed - mean hourly for BS 8100
OVERLAP 1
END
TERRAIN
ANGLE 0 TCAT 2 $ HH 0.0 BETAH 0.0 XLEE 0.0
END
LOADS
CASE 100 Weight of tower plus ancillaries
DL
$ TODO - any additional NDLDs go here
END
ANCILLARIES
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15:Ancillary Programs
CTIDATA
CTIDATA generates a tower data (TD) file from a prototype TWR file
and Cti.csv database file.
To run CTIDATA from the main menu select the
Tower > Load Tower > Process Ancillary DB File command.
This command will not be available unless a tower geometry has been
built and the CSV file exists in the data folder.
The prototype TWR file, Ctistd.twr must be present in the data folder
and the geometry of the structure must have been created.
A tower loading file is output.
When CTIDATA is run a number of dialog boxes are presented for you
to choose codes and enter parameters that will be substituted into a copy
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COMPONENT 45
EXTERNAL 162
GUYLIST 161
GUYS 54
Index LOADS 162
MATERIAL 58
NODENAME 160
PANEL 170
PARAMETERS 148
PROFILE 46
PVEL_GUY 160
PVEL_MAST 160
SECTIONS 55
A SUPPORTS 53
TERRAIN 153
ACCEL keyword 168
Accelerator keys 133 Title 45
VELOCITY 159
Additional member temperatures
BOLT keyword 47
167
BOLTDATA block 58
Additional node loads 167
Boundary 139
AICE keyword 174, 178
Break line 129
ALTOP keyword 150
BRES keyword 177
AMASS keyword 175
Buckling 204
Analyse menu 26
Analysis
Buckling 204 C
Dynamic 207
Elastic critical load 204 Cable 200
Linear 197 CAD DXF 191
Non-linear 197 CN keyword 178
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Menus 21 167
MI keyword
K Miscellaneous loads 167
K face panels 84 Modifying a UDP 123
KXM face panel 103 Monopole 104
KXM2 face panel 103 MsEdit 236
MTMP keyword 168
Multiple selection 136
L
Lambda 204 N
Large ancillaries 171, 175
LARGE keyword 175 NDLD keyword 167
Launch 13 NODE keyword 119, 177
LIB keyword 54, 172, 175 Node properties 135
NODENAME block 160
LIBR keyword 55
Library NOICE keyword 163
Ancillary 186 Non-linear analysis 197
Section 229 NOPATCH keyword 164
Library Viewer 237 NOWIND keyword 167
Limit 138
Linear analysis 197 O
Linear ancillaries 171, 172
LINEAR keyword 172 OK/Cancel toolbar 35
Loads Orientation 57
Output 178
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U
UDP example 140
UDP file 39
UDP file names 125
UDP from Microstran 124
UDP keyword 118
Unequal leg length 123
UNICE keyword 164, 167
Units 40
V
VB keyword 150
VELOCITY block 159
Velocity
View menutable
23178
View toolbar 32
W
W face panels 96
Web update 20
WIND keyword 166
Wind load cases 163
Wind resistance 179
Window 138
Window menu 30
X
X face panels 79
XDM face panel 99
XDMA face panel 99
XM face panel 98
XMA face panel 98
Xsteel 192, 228
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