Back to results

Virginia Tech

Finite Element Analysis of the Seismic Behavior of Guyed Masts

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Seismic design of guyed masts, commonly used in the broadcasting and telecommunications industries, has not been fully addressed in the United States. There is no specific design code, and only a limited amount of research has been reported on the subject. This research investigates the behavior of guyed masts incorporating synthetic ropes as guys, with a particular focus on the effect of snap loads on the mast behavior. This is the third phase of a multi-stage project aimed at analyzing the potential for Snapping-Cable Energy Dissipators (SCEDs) to minimize lateral response in structures. A finite element model of a 120-m-tall guyed mast was developed with the commercial program ABAQUS. The three-dimensional behavior of the mast was observed when subjected to two ground motion records: Northridge and El Centro. Three orthogonal earthquake components were input, two horizontal and one vertical. A series of parametric studies was conducted to determine the sensitivity of the response to guy pretension, which is a measure of the potential slackness in the guys during response. Additionally, the studies examined the effects of guy stiffness, mast properties, and directionality of input motion. Deflections, bending moments, guy tensions, and base shears were examined. The results were used to characterize the trends in the structural response of guyed masts. The level of slackness in the guys changed the behavior, and the lessons learned will be used to continue research on the application of SCEDs in structures.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Civil Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Civil Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2005

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Hensley, Gregory Martin
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Plaut, Raymond H.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Sotelino, Elisa D.
  • Roberts-Wollmann, Carin L.

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-07062005-161028
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/33900

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Hensley, Gregory Martin. Finite Element Analysis of the Seismic Behavior of Guyed Masts. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/33900