Dynamic Response Evaluation of a Super-Tall Tower via Endurance Time Method

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of a super-tall tower is evaluated through Milad Tower in Tehran, Iran, as a case study. The structure is a 435 meters tall telecommunication tower and is structurally studied in this paper. For this purpose, linear endurance time (ET) method and time history (TH) analysis are used to compare the results and focus on the structure's dynamic properties and behavior. The analyses are performed on a finite element model with SAP2000 and Abaqus software. Assumptions in linear modeling are investigated, including shell or solid element type and mesh sizing. Furthermore, the model is verified with experimental modal data. Performance-based analysis is performed according to ASCE41; the tower’s behavior and strength capacity is evaluated for different tower elevations. The scaling method effect on the response of the structure is demonstrated to have a major role. The Endurance Time method as a simplified and alternative analysis tool is exerted to estimate the structure's significant responses and compared to ground motions with different spectrums. Results show that the ET method can adequately estimate the results in comparison with the TH method.

Keywords

• performance-based design
• scaling
• super-tall tower
• endurance time method
• seismic analysis