Compressive strength of solid round steel members strengthened with rods or angles

Abstract

Results of an experimental investigation of the compressive strength of solid round steel bracing members of lattice communication towers strengthened with rods or angles are presented in this paper. The reinforcing rods or angles were connected to the bracing members with clamps or U-bolts. The sizes of reinforcing members were in accordance with industry practice. Finite element models that used a modified static Riks method were built to compute the compressive strength of the members. The results from finite element analysis agree closely with the experimental failure loads. On the basis of the test results and the finite element analysis, a simplified design procedure is proposed to determine the compressive strength of solid round bracing members strengthened with rods or angles.Key words: angles, compressive strength, lattice tower, reinforcement, rods, bracing member, strengthening.