Experimental validation of a simplified structural design for lattice transmission towers

As demand for large-capacity power transmission grows, the scale of lattice transmission towers is also expanding, which leads to higher maintenance costs, reduced aesthetic appeal, and increasing dissatisfaction among residents. One potential solution to mitigate these issues is the design of geometrically slimmed-down transmission towers. To validate the research on structurally simplified transmission tower designs, full-scale experiments were conducted alongside a computational study to analyze the load-carrying capacity and failure mechanisms of the structure under identical loading conditions. Differences observed between the experimental and computational results in both load-carrying capacity and failure mechanisms prompted an in-depth analysis to identify the causes of these discrepancies. A three-dimensional continuum solid element analysis revealed that flanges connections and joints, which were not considered in the initial design, significantly increase the structure's load-carrying capacity and alter its failure mechanisms. These findings confirm the necessity for further research on the structural behavior of transmission towers, especially considering the effects of flange connections. It was observed that transmission towers composed of hollow circular steel tubes could withstand greater loads than initially anticipated, and the design of the transmission tower with a simplified structural configuration was validated.