Damage Assessment of Transmission Tower Members Based on Image Recognition and Finite Element Analysis

A damage assessment method for transmission tower members based on image recognition and finite element analysis was proposed. For damaged members, based on the images obtained from on-site inspection, combined with edge detection and curve fitting to locate the member contour, the bending and state of members could be quantitatively assessed. This method showed good robustness in complex conditions such as members crossing and existence of gusset plates. For undamaged members, a member importance analysis method was proposed by setting the damage conditions in the finite element model, which could accurately locate the position of associated element. Transmission tower collapse calculation and failure path analysis showed that initial damage to the tower member would change the failure path of transmission tower collapse. The associated elements of damaged elements had the risk of early failure, which further verified the accuracy of the member importance analysis method.