Effect of Different Bracing Systems on the Performance of Metallic Tower

Abstract

Having multiple destinations, as observation facility, industrial bunkers, equipment bearer (for telecommunication, measurement instruments, etc.), leisure climbing walls or even for specific training of special forces, metallic towers are designed in various forms and dimensions, with different bracing systems. Usually these structures have limited footprint, but with considerable height. The efficiency of bracing systems refers to limiting lateral deformation, but also providing sufficient ductility in order to dissipate a larger energy quantity induced by severe wind gusts or seismic motions. This paper presents a comparative analysis on a steel tower in unbraced frames solution or with different bracing systems, under wind and seismic loadings.