Wind loads on square lattice towers with tubular members based on wind tunnel test and numerical simulation

The square lattice tower with tubular members (SLTTM) is widely used in civil engineering. Wind load is the primary factor affecting the stability of these structures. This paper presents the wind loads of the SLTTM at different Reynolds numbers (Re) through wind tunnel testing and large eddy simulation (LES). A series of wind tunnel tests with four segment models were first conducted to discuss the effects of wind direction, turbulence intensity, and solidity ratio on the aerodynamic force under low and subcritical Reynolds numbers. The LES method was subsequently employed to determine the aerodynamic force coefficient at Re = 191–1.34 × 106 in both the smooth and uniform turbulent wind fields. The results from wind tunnel tests indicate that the mean and fluctuating drag coefficients at low Reynolds numbers are somewhat different from those at subcritical Reynolds numbers. The solidity ratio and wind direction exert a notable influence on the mean drag coefficient, whereas their impact on the fluctuating drag coefficient is relatively minimal. As the turbulence intensity increases, both the mean and fluctuating drag coefficients exhibit a notable rise. The results of the LES at Re = 191–1.34 × 106 show that an increase in turbulence intensity can markedly elevate the fluctuating drag coefficient. However, the effect on the mean drag coefficient is found to depend on the Reynolds number range. The Reynolds number effect on the mean and fluctuating drag coefficients of the SLTTM may be primarily attributed to the members without and with a shielding effect, respectively.