The Evolution of Dynamic Gust Response Factors for Guyed Towers

Conventional static analysis methods for guyed towers are known to underestimate critical load effects by wind turbulence. Despite the resulting potential for unsafe designs, more rigorous dynamic analyses are not routinely employed due to their greater difficulty. A simplified analysis method is therefore described that accurately predicts the dynamic response of guyed towers to turbulent winds. Based on well defined dynamic characteristics of guyed towers, the method employs a series of static "patch loads" and scaling factors to model the effects of wind acting on the tower. Calibration studies have demonstrated the reliability of this patch load method or a wide range of guyed towers.