General
How to import a MS Tower file?
The first three steps are required before you want to import a specific project file
Step 1
Import MS Tower Sections Database Library
DATABASE -> IMPORT MSTOWER SECTIONS LIBRARY ->Open *.asc file
Step 2
Import MS Tower Ancillaries Library
DATABASE -> IMPORT MSTOWER ANCILLARIES LIBRARY ->Open *.lib file
Step 3
Import MS Tower Linear Ancillaries Library
DATABASE -> IMPORT MSTOWER LINEAR ANCILLARIES LIBRARY ->Open *.lib file
Steps 1 to 3 are performed only once. The following steps are required to import specific project files.
Step 4
Import Geometry File
FILE -> IMPORT MSTOWER FILE
Choose geometry file (*.td).
From Options, choose Country, Legs Steel Grade and Bracings Steel Grade
How are foundation loads displayed for self-supported towers?
The software creates a finite element model and calculates reactions at the boundary nodes. Individual maximum leg reactions (Uplift, Download and Shear) are displayed. The software also calculates the global reactions, such as total bending moment, shear load, torque and vertical load.
When designing a tower, how do we verify whether the tower members are adequate?
Designing a tower is an iterative process. After the tower analysis is run, you can check the results in the Member Assessment section. There are graphs that illustrate the maximum member loads compared the member capacities.
You can also inspect the member capacities while editing the members. Buckling length and slenderness ratios are displayed. Compression, Tension and Connection capacities are shown, as well. The relevant reference from the Design Standard is displayed, as well.
How do you ensure that the loading calculations are correct?
Once the tower geometry is defined, the user can verify the following information in the DATA OUTPUT section:
Load Cases
Load Combinations with corresponding partial safety factors / load factors
Wind Pressure and Wind speeds Distribution
Structural Wind Loads for latticed structures based on the individual panel solidity ratios
How are the panel types and secondary bracings defined?
The user has the option to define the panel types for each panel. There are seven panel types (single-braced, Z-braced, X-braced, K-braced, Inverted-K braced, Split-K-braced, Inverted-Split-K braced. There are three types of secondary bracings, face bracing, plan bracings and hip-bracings. For each one of the secondary bracings type there are a multitude of configurations.
How is self-supported tower geometry is defined?
The self-supported towers and guyed towers are made of sections. A section normally has common leg members that ate connected to the leg members of the sections above and below. Each section is divided into panels. A panel is defined vertically between two adjacent bracing and legs intersections.