Geometrical Issues on the Structural Analysis of Transmission Electricity Towers Thanks to Laser Scanning Technology and Finite Element Method

Abstract

This paper presents a multidisciplinary approach to reverse engineering and structural analysis of electricity transmission tower structures through the combination of laser scanning systems and finite element methodology. The use of laser scanning technology allows the development of both drawings and highly accurate three-dimensional geometric models that reliably reproduce geometric reality of towers structures, detecting imperfections, and particularities of their assembly. Due to this, it is possible to analyze and quantify the effect of these imperfections in their structural behavior, taking into account the actual geometry obtained, different structural models, and load hypotheses proposed. The method has been applied in three different types of metal electricity transmission towers with high voltage lines located in Guadalajara (Spain) in order to analyze its structural viability to accommodate future increased loads with respect that which are currently subjected.

Keywords

• non-destructive techniques
• structural analysis
• Laser Scanning
• Finite Element Method
• transmission towers
• reverse engineering