V.G. Shukhov Radio Tower – history, current state and prospects

Abstract

The Moscow Radio Tower was erected in 1922 and is an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation, a monument of architecture and engineering. The tower consists of six sections, each about 25 m high. The frame of the sections is a hyperboloid structure, the principle of which was developed by V.G. Shukhov at the end of the XIX century and is still used worldwide in the design and construction of tower structures. The technical inspections carried out confirmed the emergency condition of the Moscow Radio Tower. The results of laboratory studies have shown the heterogeneity of the strength and chemical characteristics of steel, its non-weldability and cold breakage. Analysis of the development of defects over time revealed that the condition of the tower is deteriorating. The performed emergency measures exclude a sudden collapse, but do not eliminate the emergency condition of metal structures. Taking into account the need for urgent restoration work with the elimination of the emergency condition of the tower, the development of project documentation began in 2023. The design assignment provides for the maximum possible preservation of the original elements. When carrying out the project, it should be taken into account that it is impossible to remove individual elements without completely unloading the entire structure. All elements of the tower that have mechanical or corrosion damage that reduces the cross-section even in certain sections are not repairable and must be replaced with new ones. When reusing existing elements, it will be technically difficult to carry out the reverse assembly with the necessary accuracy.