Analysis of mechanical properties of high-voltage transmission towers under foundation settlement conditions

Abstract In this paper, the finite element model (726 nodes, 1805 rods) of a 220 kV-GC21D-ZM3 transmission tower is established based on ANSYS APDL. The mechanical response characteristics of the tower under wind load, ice load, and different foundation settlement conditions are systematically studied. The results show that : (1) Under the action of wind load, the displacement of the tower increases with the increase of height, and the maximum equivalent stress is concentrated in the middle of the tower. (2) The coupling effect of icing load and wind load will significantly increase the stress of the bar, and it is necessary to pay attention to the influence of icing in high-altitude areas. (3) The analysis of foundation settlement shows that the relationship between the stress of key members and the settlement of a single tower foundation is linear (slope 3.7305 MPa/mm). Under the condition of uneven settlement of the double tower foundation, the member reaches the yield stress when the settlement is 37.29 mm. The uneven settlement of the three-tower foundation has the most significant effect on the structural stability, and its critical settlement value is the smallest, and the yield speed is the fastest.