Parametric study on the strength and stiffness of FRP meteorological guyed towers

ABSTRACT

The research was conducted to explore the use of advanced materials to design an 81 m FRP guyed tower. Theoretical and experimental works are involved. Several non-linear finite element models were developed to explore the effects of parameters such as cross-section dimensions, cable pre-stressing, and fiber volume fractions on the overall strength and stiffness of the tower. Experimental testing was performed to define the material properties. Results indicate that an increase of fiber volume fraction from 40.6 to 65% leads to a reduction of 13.5% in the deflection when tower cables were not pre-stressed and 22.9% when cables are pre-stressed.

KEYWORDS:

• Guyed tower
• finite element method
• fiber-reinforced polymer
• cable pre-stressing
• ANSYS

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided byManitoba Hydro, and the NSERC Wind Energy Strategic Network (WESNet).