Investigation of wind loads on angle steel columns in lattice structures via force measurement method on members

Abstract

As the demand for precise prediction of fatigue and collapse continues to grow, it is imperative to conduct research on wind load calculation methods for lattice structures using members as the fundamental unit. This study focuses on the tower body of an angle steel lattice structure with a rectangular cross-section. The aerodynamic characteristics of entire segments, column members in lattice structures, and a single angle steel were investigated, along with the aerodynamic interference effects on members within lattice structures. The research findings indicate that drag coefficients cannot universally substitute the SRSS coefficients of column members or a single angle steel across all wind directions. Therefore, considering that the drag coefficient of the column member or single angle steel surpasses 98% of their SRSS coefficients at a wind direction of 45°, a particular skewed wind load factor was defined, and its fitting formula was proposed. Additionally, a calculation method for wind loads on columns within lattice structures was developed, introducing the concepts of SRSS angle and aerodynamic interference factors on members. The comparison among the experimental data, fitting formula, and proposed calculation method, were conducted. To facilitate the practical application, the simplified formulas for both AIF and SRSS were recommended.