Dynamic Failure Mode Analysis for a Transmission Tower-Line System Induced by Strong Winds

Abstract

The prevailing approach to the wind resistance design of transmission towers is rooted in the quasi-static method. However, this methodology faces criticism for neglecting tower-line coupling dynamics. Despite efforts to boost structural wind resilience, the research on tower failure mechanisms, especially under extreme winds considering tower-line coupling, is limited. To address this gap, the wind-induced dynamic failure modes of the transmission tower-line system are investigated in this paper. The consistent discrete random flow generation method is employed to simulate the fluctuating wind field for transmission lines. Incorporating the compressive buckling mode of angle steel, the plastic hinge model of the frame element is employed to simulate mechanical nonlinearity. A typical transmission tower-line system is concerned, with a finite element model established for a three-tower, four-line coupled configuration. The findings reveal that the wind-induced collapse of the transmission tower is directly triggered by the buckling failure of the compressed main members, with the vulnerable section located beneath the lower cross-arm. The transmission tower experiences bidirectional bending and compression instability under an unfavorable wind direction. In contrast, the traditional pushover collapse modes of the transmission tower cannot fully capture the characteristics of the collapse failure, mainly due to the ignorance of the transverse wind force action induced by the coupling effect. This research underscores the importance of incorporating lateral dynamic considerations into transmission tower designs and advocates for optimizing strategies to mitigate wind-induced collapse modes.

Keywords

• transmission tower-line
• wind load
• wind-induced vibration response
• collapse failure
• plastic hinge