Evaluation of analytical modeling methods for a lattice transmission structure

Structural analyses and tests were performed at the Transmission Line Mechanical Research Center (TLMRC) on a Houston Lighting and Power Company (HL&P) 138 Kv lattice transmission tower. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the applicability of different modeling techniques for the test structure. Four analytical models were assembled, differing in element type and configuration, and analyzed for each of two load cases that produced failures in tests. The test and analytical results were then compared to evaluate the most reliable model configuration. The comparison yielded one model configuration that provided acceptable results for each load case. However, the agreement between test and analysis for each model varied with respect to the applied load case. It was determined that coupling of specific modeling techniques and load configurations may yield greater confidence in analytical results.