PolesManual PDF

TSTOWER FOR POLES
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR

COMMUNICATION POLES
USERS MANUAL
BY
JOHN WAHBA, PH.D., P.ENG., P.E.
MATTHEW MALINOWSKI, P.ENG.
WWW.TOWERSFT.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................11
HARDWARE REQUIRMENTS .....................................................................11
INSTALLING TSTOWER .............................................................................11
DISCLAIMER ...............................................................................................12
Chapter 2 INPUT ........................................................................................... 2-1
EXAMPLE ...................................................................................................... 2-2
START THE PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 2-2
PROJECT DEFINITION ................................................................................................................... 2-3
GEOMETRY DEFINITION.............................................................................................................. 2-4
ANTENNAS DEFINITION .............................................................................................................. 2-7
Antenna Type: ................................................................................................................................ 2-8
POINT LOADS DEFINITION........................................................................................................ 2-11
TRANSMISSION LINES DEFINITION ........................................................................................ 2-13
Transmission Line Type:.............................................................................................................. 2-14
LADDER DEFINITION................................................................................................................ 2-15
Steel Section Type:....................................................................................................................... 2-16
Chapter 3 ANALYSIS.................................................................................... 3-1
CODE DATA .................................................................................................. 3-1
Wind Loads........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
a) ANSI/TIA/EIA-222-F-1996....................................................................................................... 3-1
b) ANSI/ TIA-222-G-2005............................................................................................................. 3-3
c) CSA S37-94 ............................................................................................................................... 3-5
d) CSA S37-01 ............................................................................................................................... 3-6
ANALYSIS THEORY...................................................................................... 3-7
Wind Loads Calculations................................................................................................................... 3-7
Analysis and Capacities ..................................................................................................................... 3-8
Chapter 4 OUTPUT ....................................................................................... 4-1
Pole Displacement ............................................................................................................................. 4-2
Antenna Displacement ....................................................................................................................... 4-3
Loads Output...................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Structural Assessment........................................................................................................................ 4-5
Printout .............................................................................................................................................. 4-7
Export Profile..................................................................................................................................... 4-8
Chapter 5 BASE PLATE ............................................................................... 5-1
Base Plate........................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Chapter 6 SETUP.......................................................................................... 6-1
Material Data ..................................................................................................................................... 6-1
Default Standards, Units & Analysis Engine ..................................................................................... 6-1
Calculation Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 6-2
Selection of Viewers .......................................................................................................................... 6-2
Check License Status ......................................................................................................................... 6-3
Chapter 7 DATABASE MANAGEMENT....................................................... 7-1
Antennas Database............................................................................................................................. 7-1
Non-Dish Antenna Manufacturers............................................................................................... 7-2
Mounts ............................................................................................................................................... 7-5
Antenna Mounts ............................................................................................................................. 7-5
Database Setup................................................................................................................................... 7-6
Steel Database.................................................................................................................................... 7-9
Anchor Rods .................................................................................................................................... 7-9
Anchor Rods Grades..................................................................................................................... 7-10
Database Setup................................................................................................................................. 7-11
TSTower for Poles Users Manual INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
TSTower is a general computer program for the analysis and design of

cantilevered tubular pole structures. Poles can have a round or multiple sided
cross sections. The program will perform the analysis using the United States
applicable code TIA/EIA 222-F, TIA/EIA-222-G (Draft) or the Canadian
equivalent CSA S37-94 and CSA S37-01. Load generation, capacity assessments
follow the applicable codes, and the structural analysis is based on a three-
dimensional beam model.
The program analyzes the pole for all loads and determines the capacity of the
sections. The results are displayed graphically on the screen. This allows the
designer to visually check the adequacy of the design and quickly make
adjustments to achieve the optimum solution. The program allows for a full
printout or a summary printout of the results. A graphical printout of the
profile is also available.
HARDWARE REQUIRMENTS
The following minimum system requirements to run TSTower:
An IBM compatible PC equipped with a Pentium processor

running under Windows 98, 2000, NT or XP
30 MB free disk space
16 MB RAM
14 inch SVGA monitor with (800 x 600 min resolution)
A pointing device, a mouse or graphical tablet configured to work
under windows.
An optional printer that is set from windows
INSTALLING TSTOWER
The TSTower installation is initiated from windows. From start menu choose
run, and choose file setup.exe
The setup program will create a TSTower directory on the hard drive at a
location designated by the user. The user may change the name of the folder in
which the program will copy all necessary files required to run TSTower.
www.towersft.com 11
TSTower for Poles Users Manual INTRODUCTION
Choose the folder name and click OK, the installation program will copy all
necessary files into the different directories of your system. Follow the
program instructions and place the subsequent disks into the disk drive.
At the end of the installation the program will notify you that the installation
was completed successfully. Refer to the purchasers agreement regarding the
number of authorized users allowed to run the program.
DISCLAIMER
Extensive care has been taken during the development and testing of TSTower
program to ensure that both the source code and the underlying engineering
principles comply with standard engineering practice. Should any
discrepancies or possible program errors occur, please notify TowerSoft
immediately.
TOWERSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED OR

OTHERWISE WITH REGARDS TO THE SOFTWARE. BY
USING THE SOFTWARE, THE USER AGREES THAT NEITHER
TOWERSOFT NOR ITS EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR
ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND WHICH IS
CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY THE USE,
PERFORMANCE, MAINTAINANCE, SERVICE OR
CONDITION OF THE SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT WILL
TOWERSOFT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE.
Users comments and suggestions are welcomed. Please forward all your
comments to [email protected].
www.towersft.com 12
TSTower for Poles Users Manual INPUT
Chapter 2 INPUT
TSTower is an analysis software program. The user inputs all the necessary
information required to perform the analysis, the finite element program is run,
and the results are shown in a graphical format on the screen.
For design purpose, the user decides a tentative section and analysis is
performed. The user examines the results of the preliminary selection and
modifies any of the design parameters before reanalyzing the structure. Using
successive runs, the user can quickly arrive at an optimum solution. The
designer makes the choices, interprets the output and has full control on the
design process.
This Chapter illustrates how TSTower work by explaining the input of a typical
example. The input values and results of the example are shown on the figures
in the chapter. This example may not use all the features of the software,
however it gives the user a quick introduction to the main features and the use
of the program. Features available in the program that are not used for this
example are explained in the context.
www.towersft.com 2-1
EXAMPLE
This example is based on a 131.23ft pole, made of 6 sections, with (2)
microwave dishes at an elevation of 98ft and PCS antennas at the top of the
pole. The structure will be analyzed loading as per EIA-222-F.
START THE PROGRAM
When TSTower starts, the data will be initialized with default settings. The
screen will be blank as shown.
Note the status bar at the bottom of the windows showing the following data in
order:
1- The current mode of units (metric or imperial)
2- The applicable code of design (CSA S37-01, CSA S37-94, EIA 222-F, EIA 222-
G (Draft))
3- The problem file name, and path
Select Options from the main menu and from the list choose the required code
and the system of units.
PROJECT DEFINITION
Select Project Data from the Options menu. Type in any identification data
required as shown.
To add data to any box, move the cursor into the box, click inside the box and
type in the data using the keyboard. To change any existing data in an edit
box, delete the entry using the <Del> key or the <Backspace> key.
Alternatively, highlight the existing characters by pressing and dragging the
left mouse button, then type over the existing entry. This is a standard
Windows feature.
GEOMETRY DEFINITION
Select Geometry from the main menu, this will show the Geometry Definition
Window. Initially the window will show default geometry data and the user
changes that to the required parameters.
In this window the user inputs the total height, top diameter of the pole,
bottom diameter and number of sections along the height of the pole (for multi-
sided poles, diameter is considered as the outside dimension between two
opposite flat sides)
Note that the bottom diameter of the pole (or any section of it) cannot be
specified to be less than the top diameter.
Also on the same window the user specifies the number of sides of the cross-
section and the connection type (splice or telescopic).
The following values are the limits for these input fields:
Total Height (5m - 150m)

(10ft 400ft)
Top Diameter (102mm 3000mm)
(4in 120in)
Bottom Diameter (102mm 3000mm)
(4in 120in)
Number of Sections (1 10)
Also, a minimum of 1.0m (3ft) for section length is imposed
Diameter ratio (r) for poles with 16 sides or greater. This is used
for calculation of the wind loads as per EIA-222-F Table 2
Cross-section type and Joint Type can be set for entire structure in Global
Changes box. If this feature is used it will overwrite all previous entries in
Section Data. Note that the bottom section is always set as Flange. The only
other option for bottom section is embedded.
In case the Embedded bottom section is selected the program will require the
entry of Embed. Depth. The default (and minimum) value of embedment
depth is 3 * Bottom Diameter of the bottom section. The embedded joint type
means that the pole is fixed in concrete and the program will not perform the
base plate calculation.
On the same window a table for Section Data is displayed. In this table the
following data is shown for each section of the pole:
Section number (from bottom to top)

Section length (m or ft)
Section overlap (at top) (m or ft)
Section bottom diameter (mm or inches)
Section top diameter (mm or inches)
Section plate thickness (mm or inches)
Cross-section type (Circular, 6,8,10,12,16,18,20,24-sides)
Joint Type (Bottom) (Flange, Telescopic, Embedded)
Section length lock status (Locked or Unlocked)
Section yield stress (MPa or ksi)
Section mass (kg or lbs.)
Based on the total height of the pole and the number of sections, the program
calculates equal section lengths with an overlap length equal to 1.5 * diameter
at that height. The user may change the section length to match the exact
height of the section. Once the section length is changed the new overlap
distance, section bottom diameter, top diameter and section mass is calculated
and displayed accordingly and this section becomes locked (i.e. any future
change to the total pole height is to be distributed equally to the remaining
unlocked sections). At this point the overlap distance may be also changed to
any value greater than 1.5 * diameter.
In this table the user may also specify for each section the plate thickness,
which may be chosen from the available thickness or typed in the field. The
type of cross section may vary from one section to another only if flange type of
connection is chosen.
The user may change Joint Type of a given section within this table. The rule
imposed on this feature, however, requires that in case of mixed Joint Type
sections the Flange Joint sections must be located at the uppermost part of the
pole in other words the program will not permit Telescopic Joint section
above Flange Joint section. The exception to this rule, of course, applies to the
bottom section, which is always flanged or embedded.
ANTENNAS DEFINITION
From the main menu choose Appurtenance and then select Antennas, the
following window is displayed.
In this window the pole elevation is shown along with the plan cross-section at
the marked antenna. To add a new antenna select New and a blank line with
an antenna type (none) is shown. The user inputs the following data as defined
below:
Elevation: Elevation of the center of the antenna marked from

the bottom of the pole and shown in meters or ft.
Type: Type of antenna and can be chosen from the
antennas database available. To choose an antenna click on this
field and an antenna type window will be displayed and the
required type and size is specified.
Azimuth: Antenna beam azimuth measured from the zero

azimuth of the pole and may be referred to as poles north
(specified in degrees).
Radius: Radius is measured from the pole center to the
mounting point of the antenna (m or ft.). Also, note that the pole
radius at that elevation is shown for guidance on the section
drawing.
Mounting Azimuth: angle between the poles north and the
antenna radius measured in the clockwise direction.
Antenna Type:
Click on type in the antenna table and the following window is displayed and
from which the antenna type and size is specified.
For microwave dishes available in the database the following dish types and
sizes are available:
Shielded (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 ft.)

Focal plane (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 ft. with or without radome)
Standard (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 ft. with or without radome)
Grid (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 ft.)
GRIDPAK (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13 ft.)
Also, for microwave antennas the allowable Tilt/Twist is calculated by the

program as a function of frequency, dish diameter and allowable signal
degradation (3 db or 10 db) based on the following formula:
a) For a parabolic reflector with an allowable 10dB signal degradation:
C 10
=
D
b) For a parabolic reflector with an allowable 3dB signal degradation:
C3
=
D
where:
= twist or sway limit, degrees

C10 = 53.1 GHz.ft.deg [16.2 GHz.m.deg]
C3 = 31.0 GHz.ft.deg [9.45 GHz.m.deg]
D = Diameter of dish, ft [m]
= Dish Frequency, GHz.
For Other (Non-Dish Antennas) a variety of Antennas, organized by

manufacturers is available from the database.
Following screen is displayed when the Tab Other is clicked.
The data shown includes all parameters of these antennas necessary for the
program to calculate wind loads and weight effects.
The User may add any type of Non-Dish Antenna to the database using the
Database Management option from the main menu. Refer to Database
Management Chapter for details.
After specifying an antenna, the user may wish to copy it by highlighting the
specific line and click on select and then on Copy. A new line of antenna will
be displayed and the user may edit that line. A similar procedure is used to
delete an antenna.
Loads are calculated for microwave dishes as per Andrews catalogue number
36. Also load calculations for wind loads under different directions are based
on EIA-222-F tables.
Also, from this window the user can define the TX-lines type and number that
are used for this antenna.
POINT LOADS DEFINITION
From the main menu choose Appurtenance and then select Point Loads, the
the point load elevation. To add a new point load select New and input line
with zero values is shown. The user inputs the following data as defined
below:
Description: Text description of the point load. This description

will be displayed on the design profile.
Elevation: Elevation from the bottom of the pole to the center
of the applied load (m or ft.)
Azimuth: angle between the poles north and the point load
radius measured in the clockwise direction (specified in degrees).
Radius: Radius is measured from the pole center to the point
load (m or ft.). Also, note that the pole radius at that elevation is
shown for guidance on the section drawing.
Wind Area (Bare): Bare wind area of the load (antenna)
multiplied by the appropriate force coefficient or drag factor
depending on the shape of the apperuentance (m2 or ft2).
Wind Area (Iced): Iced wind area of the load (antenna)
multiplied by the appropriate force coefficient or drag factor
depending on the shape of the appurentance and the ice accretion
(m2 or ft2).
Weight (Bare): Bare weight of the load (kN or kips)
Weight (Iced): weight of the load including ice (kN or kips)
Comments: A comments field that does not get displayed
on the profile.
TRANSMISSION LINES DEFINITION
From the main menu choose Appurtenance and then select Tx-lines, the
the bottom of the Tx-line. To add a new line or group of lines select New and a
blank line with a line type (none) is shown. The user inputs the following data
as defined below:
Bottom Elevation: Elevation of the bottom of the lines (m or ft.)

Top Elevation: Elevation of the top of the lines (m or ft.)
Type: Type of lines and can be chosen from the tx-lines
database available. To choose line type click on this field and the
required type and size can be specified as explained in the sequel.
No of lines.: Number of lines having the same properties

shown on that line
Azimuth: Group of lines azimuth (specified in degrees).
center of the lines group (m or ft.).
Orient.: angle between the poles north and the lines group
radius measured in the clockwise direction.
No of Shielded Lines: For shielded lines (e.g. inside the pole)
only gravity loads are considered.
Transmission Line Type:

Click on type in the tx-lines table and the following window is displayed and
from which the tx-lines type and size is specified.
The following Transmission Line types are available:
Air-Dielectric
Foam-Dielectric
Elliptical Waveguide
Circular Waveguide
Rectangular Waveguide
Different sizes can be chosen from the description field and the actual size for
the chosen lines is displayed in the size field (mm or in.).
Data for transmission lines mechanical properties are based on Andrews

catalogue number 36.
LADDER DEFINITION
From the main menu choose Appurtenance and then select Ladders, the
the bottom of the ladder. To add a new ladder select New and a blank line
with a rail type, and rung type (none) is shown. The user inputs the following
data as defined below:
Bottom Elevation: Elevation of the bottom of the ladder (m or

ft.)
Top Elevation: Elevation of the top of the ladder (m or ft.)
Width: Width of ladder rungs (mm or in.)
Dist.: Distance (spacing) between rungs (mm or in.)
Azimuth: ladder azimuth (specified in degrees).
center of the ladder (m or ft.).
Orient.: angle between the poles north and the ladders

radius measured in the clockwise direction.
Rung Type: Rung size chosen from available steel sections
database for angles and solid rounds.
Rail Type: Rail size chosen from available steel sections
database for angles and solid rounds.
Steel Section Type:

Click on rail type or rung type in the ladder data table and the following
window is displayed, from which the steel section type and size is specified.
The following steel sections for ladders are available:
Solid Round (SR13, SR16, SR19, SR25, SR50)

(SR.5, SR.625, SR.75, SR1.0, SR2.0)
Angle (L51x51x6, L51x51x13)

(2x2x1/4, l2x2x1/2)
TSTower for Poles Users Manual ANALYSIS
Chapter 3 ANALYSIS
This Chapter explains the input of the code-related data and material data.
Also, the assumptions and the underlying theory of the analysis are explained
in the sequel.
CODE DATA
Wind Loads
From the main menu choose Load Cases, and then he following window will
appear depending on the design standard specified:
a) ANSI/TIA/EIA-222-F-1996
Having the EIA 222-F as the design code, the wind Loads window will be as
shown:
The input data is explained as follows:
Wind Speed: Design wind speed for the structure (m/sec or

mph).
Service Wind Speed: for the calculation of deflections (tilt/twist)
under service load conditions (m/sec or mph).
Ice Thickness: specified ice thickness for the design of the
structure depending on the location (mm or inches).
Start Wind Direction: Starting wind directions from which the
wind loads are considered.
End wind directions: Last wind direction for which the wind
loads are considered
Increment Wind direction: Wind increment in degrees at which
wind loads are calculated. For example, in the above shown
example wind will be considered at the following directions (0,
30, 60, 330)
Elevation above ground: The elevation of the structure base above
ground this is used for wind loads calculations. The height factor
is increased accordingly.
Allowable stress factor: For the structural assessment of the pole,
the allowable stress is increased to 1.33 as per EIA 222-F when
applicable. However, the user has the option to limit the
allowable stress to 1.0
Wind pressure reduction for the case of iced conditions (default is
0.75 as per code).
Options to mark the analysis loading cases for wind only or for
combined case of wind and ice under strength conditions and
service conditions.
b) ANSI/ TIA-222-G-2005
Selecting the ANSI/TIA-222-G as the design code, the wind Loads window will
be displayed as shown:
The input data is explained as follows:
Basic Wind Speed (V): 3-second gust speed for the structure
(m/sec or mph).
Wind Speed with Ice (Vi): 3-second gust speed concurrent with
the design ice at 33 ft above the ground (m/sec or mph).
Serviceability Wind Speed: for the calculation of deflections
(tilt/twist) under service load conditions (m/sec or mph).
Ice Thickness (ti): specified ice thickness for the design of the
structure depending on the location (mm or inches).
example wind will be considered at the following directions (0,
90, 180)
ground this is used for wind loads calculations. The height factor
is increased accordingly.
Structure Class as defined in Table 2-1 of TIA-222-G. Values are 1
through 3 with class 2 as default.
Exposure Category as defined in clause 2.6.5.1 of TIA-222-G.
Options are Exposure B, C or D with Exposure C as default.
Topographic Category as defined in clause 2.6.6.2 of TIA 222-G
ranging from Category 1 through 5 with Category 1 as default.
Option to use survival wind speed as defined in Annex A of the
standards. This option assumes that the wind speed used is a
survival wind speed with Load factors, gust factors and height
factors of 1.0 as per clause A2.3.2.
service conditions.
c) CSA S37-94
Having the CSA S37-94 as the design code, the wind Loads window will be
displayed as shown:
The data for which is explained as follows:
Wind Pressure: Reference wind pressure (q) as per CSA S37-94

Ice thickness: Radial ice thickness for the design
Importance factor: Importance factor as per S37-94
Serviceability factor: Serviceability factor for service load
conditions as per S37-94

window, wind will be considered only from 0 degrees.
ground. This is used for wind loads calculations.
service conditions.
d) CSA S37-01
Having the CSA S37-01 as the design code, the wind Loads window will be
displayed as shown:
In addition to other design parameters explained under S37-94 this window

allows the user to choose the value of Cg as per CSA S37-01. If Cg = 2.0 is
selected, then the program will check if the condition 4.6.2 (a) of S37-01 is
satisfied. If that is the case, then no other checkups are performed and the
program applies Cg = 2.0.
If, however, the condition in clause 4.6.2 (a) is not satisfied then the program
uses the clause 4.6.2 (b) and adds one more loading case (Vortex Shedding) to
the analysis. The calculation of the applied loads in this case is based on the
Supplement to the National Building Code of Canada 1990, Commentary B,
Wind Loads. An important parameter for these calculations is the critical
damping ratio . The Engineer should enter or verify the value of the critical
damping ratio (accessed through the Calculation Parameters sub-menu of the
Setup Menu. The default value is = 0.004.
ANALYSIS THEORY
The analysis is based on three-dimensional beam model with geometrical non-

linear capabilities. Increased moment due to P-delta effects are accounted for
in the analysis. Wind load calculations and analysis are based on the following
assumptions:
Wind Loads Calculations
1. Wind is assumed horizontal and is blowing from a certain direction

throughout the whole pole height.
2. Force coefficients (drag factors) are calculated as per applicable code.
3. Load calculations for multi-sided poles not explicitly spelled out in the
codes (poles with number of sides greater than 16) are based on linear
interpolation between 16-sided poles and circular poles.
4. No shielding is considered on the pole from antennas, Tx-lines, or ladders.
5. Tx-lines and ladders located inside the pole are considered shielded by the
pole.
6. Ice built up is considered uniform on the structure, external tx-lines and

ladders.
7. Wind loads considered on iced structures are reduced as per applicable

code.
8. For wind load calculations, each pole section is discretized into 5 sub-
sections.
9. Loads that are offset from the tower center are applied at the tower center
with the corresponding moments (torsional and bending).
10. Loads that extend beyond the height of the structure are applied at the top
of the structure with the corresponding additional moments (torsional and
bending).
Analysis and Capacities
1. Each pole section is modeled as five elements.
2. Each element is modeled as two-nodded three-dimensional beam elements

with six degrees of freedom at each node.
3. Element properties are calculated based on mid-height dimensions.
4. Pole is considered fixed in all directions at the base.
5. Uniform loads applied to the element are distributed to the top and bottom
element nodes.
6. Capacities are calculated based on applicable codes and the structure is

assessed at each element.
7. Capacities for 8, and 10 sided poles are based on 8 sided equations. Poles
with number of sides greater than 16 sides are based on 16 sided equations.
TSTower for Poles Users Manual OUTPUT
Chapter 4 OUTPUT
In this Chapter the printed and viewable output options for the program are
explained. After the input data phase is completed, the user chooses Run from
the main menu. The program performs the wind load calculations and
executes the structural analysis. From the main menu the user may choose
Results and the following screen is displayed which shows the number of
joints (nodes), number of members (elements), number of wind directions
considered for each load combination, and number of load combinations.
Pole Displacement
The user may view the pole displacement on screen by choosing the Pole Disp.
tab from the Results menu.
On this screen, the user can see the joint number (for this example, the tower
has 3 sections and 5 elements per section, 16 joints), and the elevation at each
joint number, displacements in the orthogonal three directions, rotations and
twist.
Also, on the bottom of the screen, the user may select the load combination for
which results are to be displayed. Load combinations selected from the analysis
menu are shown in the load combination list. Specific wind direction may be
chosen or simply the envelope of the maximum values.
Antenna Displacement
The user may view the antenna displacement at the location of microwave
antennas chosen by clicking on the Antenna Disp. tab from the Results menu.
On this screen, the user can see the antenna number (for this example, the
tower has 2 antenna at 20m elevation), and the elevation at each antenna,
displacements in the orthogonal three directions, rotations and twist.
Loads Output
The user may view the output loads (forces and moments) at each of the
elements by clicking on the Loads tab from the Results menu.
On this screen, the user can see the element number, elevation, shear forces in
both directions, bending moment in the two orthogonal directions and the
twisting moment.
Structural Assessment
The program performs a structural assessment based on the applicable code.
The results are displayed in the format of contour lines based on the usage
factor. In general, a usage factor greater than 1.0 (shown in red) is considered
not to meet the capacity as defined by the code.
On this screen, the user can see the element number, elevation, bending
stresses, shear stresses, total stresses, allowable stress, and the usage ratio
defined as the ratio between the actual maximum stress and the allowable
stress at this elevation.
menu are shown in the load combination list. This screen is calculated only for
the maximum loads of the specific load combination regardless of the wind
direction.
Printout
From the main menu, click on View and Print Results, and the following
screen will be displayed. From this screen the user may choose the required
printout sections by clicking on the corresponding check box.
Note that for analysis including several load combinations and different wind
directions as well the user has the option to select the required sections for
printing and also the desired wind directions. . This may result in a relatively
large number of pages in the printout.
The diagram option allows the user to print a simple profile on which the
project data, design specification, base reactions and pole geometry are printed
in a graphical format. The profile for the example tower is shown in the next
figure.
The resulting print out is a Rich Text File (.rtf) that can be viewed and printed
by either MS Word or Word Pad. The header of the output file will show the
Program information, file information as well as the licensees information.
Export Profile
Select sub-menu Export Profile (*.dxf) from main menu Results.
Following screen will be displayed.
Click on Export DXF file button.
If you have selected DXF viewer you will find additional button View
Profile as shown below.
Attached is printout of the dxf profile from the example.
TSTower for Poles Users Manual BASE PLATE
Chapter 5 BASE PLATE
After the analysis is complete, the user may check the design of the base plate
including the anchor bolts.
From the main menu, choose Connections and then Base Plate and the above
window is displayed. The reactions from the analysis are displayed at the top
portion of the screen and the screen is divided into two frames one for bolts
and the other for plate data.
The bolt data is calculated based on the following:
Tension and compression resulting from base moments is resisted

by bolts and calculated based on the bolt diameter circle
Shear is distributed equally to the number of bolts
The user may change bolt radius, size of bolts and number of
bolts.
The shear load, shear capacity, axial load and axial capacity are
calculated and shown on the bolt data frame.
TSTower for Poles Users Manual BASE PLATE
Bolt assessment is shown based on the combined axial and shear

stresses in the bolts and printed on the bolt data frame
Base Plate
On the base plate window, the user may change the inner base plate diameter
(which is only shown for the output diagram purpose), the outer diameter,
plate thickness, and steel grade.
Based on the number of bolts the program calculates the influence area for each
bolt and the moment is calculated at the intersection between the base plate
and the pole. The bending moment is calculated based on the cantilever
distance from the center of the bolt to the pole edge. Stresses are calculated
based on the plate thickness and the tributary perimeter of the plate. The plate
is assessed as per applicable code and result is shown in the assessment ratio.
TSTower Users Manual SETUP
Chapter 6 SETUP
The program uses defaults based on the selections by user selected options
below:
Material Data
Clicking on Setup from the main menu the material data can be defined. The
user inputs the material density (lbs/ft3 or kg/m3), Youngs modulus (ksi or
MPa) and Poissons ratio.
Also, a weight increment (factor) which can be used to increase dead weight of
structural members to account for connecting hardware (bolts, nuts, etc.),
galvanizing, etc.
Default Standards, Units & Analysis Engine

In this menu, the user may choose to select the default standards used for the
analysis and select also the default units for the analysis, the analysis engine
used for the different types of structures as well as the file path to these
programs.
Calculation Parameters
In this menu, the user may change the equivalent wind area calculations for
non-dish antennas and setup the critical damping ratio for vortex shedding
analysis as required by CSA S37-01.
For non-dish antennas, the user can select the calculation method for the
equivalent wind area of non-symmetric antennas.
Also, on this menu, the user (Engineer) can select the appropriate critical
damping ratio , the entered value impacts the calculations of the Vortex
Shedding effects.
Note: it is possible that the program cannot perform the calculation of the
dynamic effects of vortex shedding (an expression in formula, using square
root of the difference between and C2 * * D2 / M might be negative (Refer
the National Building Code for explanation of the symbols used in the
expression). If that happens then the program will display a warning message
indicating that the reduced value of Cg = 2.0 can be used.
Selection of Viewers
In these sub-menus, the user may select the programs and paths to the different
viewer used by the program. For the .DXF files, .PDF and .RTF files. The user
must select the path to the other 3rd-party programs that can used to open, view
and print such files. An example of these sub-menus is shown below:
Check License Status

In these sub-menus, the user may view the status of the license and the validity
period as shown below:
TSTower Users Manual DATABASE MANAGEMENT
Chapter 7 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
The program uses USER Antenna database for selection of the antennas,
mounts and TX Lines.
Apart from the USER database there is MASTER database (not to be
modified) and REMOTE database or databases, which can be placed in
commonly accessed server and thus shared by different users typically within
the same organization.
The USER and REMOTE databases can be modified by the users.
Antennas Database
From the main menu, click on Database Management and Antennas submenu.
The first group Dish Antennas is non-editable (read only), as it covers

practically all types and sizes of Microwave Dish Antennas.
Non-Dish Antenna Manufacturers
User can add new manufacturers. Such action will create an empty table and
the user will then add records to such table. Deletion of manufacturer will
cause removal of the manufacturer name from the list as well as deletion of a
table of non-dish antennas associated with the manufacturer.
Default database is USER but any other REMOTE database can be selected
(if present) and then the modifications are performed in the selected database.
Once such Remote database is created and located remotely (on a server)
other users can synchronize their local USER database with the REMOTE.
Non-Dish Antennas
To edit or add record for selected table click on Edit Record or Add Record
buttons. Following screen will be displayed.
Changes of entries will become effective after Accept button is clicked.
TX Lines
To add or edit a record click on Add new Record or Edit Record buttons
respectively. Following screen will be displayed.
Changes of entries will become effective after Accept button is clicked.
Mounts
From the main menu, click on Database Management and Mounts submenu.
User may add new manufacturers (as is the case with Non-Dish Antennas) or
delete them.
Antenna Mounts
To add or edit a record click on Add new Record or Edit Record buttons
respectively. Following screen will be displayed.
Perform the editing and press Accept button to update or Cancel

otherwise.
Database Setup
From the main menu, click on Database Management and Database Setup
submenu.
New remote database(s) can be created in three different ways:
Populate from Master Database new remote database will be replicated

from Master Database and then user will indicate the location of the new
database screen showing selection of drives and folders will be
displayed.
Populate from User database new remote database will be replicated

from User Database and then user will indicate the location of the new
displayed.
Get from Remote Location this action will prompt you to select existing
remote database not linked to you computer so far.
Once you selected the remote database it will be displayed in the Remote
Database Location grid and you will have access to it via Database
Management for Antennas or Mounts.
Check Integrity will perform the comparison of the records between selected
remote database and Master Database and display differences.
Delete Link will remove a link between selected remote database and the
program (such database will not be accessible to you).
Synchronize Databases instructions as shown on attached screenshot.
Steel Database
From the main menu, click on Database Management and Steel DB submenu.
For tubular structure (Poles), the user can edit anchor rod sizes as well as
anchor rod grades.
Anchor Rods
In this table the user may view, add, edit or delete a record in the database for
the anchor rod sizes. If a record is selected for editing, the following menu will
show allowing the user to edit these values.
Anchor Rods Grades

By selecting to view the anchor grades from the Anchor rods tab, the following
window will be displayed.
In this window the user may view, add, edit or delete a record in the database
for the anchor rod sizes. If a record is selected for editing, the following menu
will show allowing the user to edit these values.
Database Setup
From the main menu, click on Database Management and then select Steel DB
submenu and then Database Setup the following screen will be displayed.
New remote database(s) can be created in three different ways:
Populate from Master Database new remote database will be replicated

from Master Database and then user will indicate the location of the new
displayed.
Populate from User database new remote database will be replicated

from User Database and then user will indicate the location of the new
displayed.
Get from Remote Location this action will prompt you to select existing
remote database not linked to you computer so far.
Once you selected the remote database it will be displayed in the Remote
Database Location grid and you will have access to it via Database
Management for Steel.
Check Integrity will perform the comparison of the records between selected
remote database and Master Database and display differences.
Delete Link will remove the link between selected remote database and the
program (such database will not be accessible to you).
Synchronize Databases instructions as shown on attached screenshot.

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TSTOWER FOR POLES

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR

TSTower is a general computer program for the analysis and design of

An IBM compatible PC equipped with a Pentium processor

TOWERSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED OR

START THE PROGRAM

Total Height (5m - 150m)

Section number (from bottom to top)

Elevation: Elevation of the center of the antenna marked from

Azimuth: Antenna beam azimuth measured from the zero

Shielded (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 ft.)

Also, for microwave antennas the allowable Tilt/Twist is calculated by the

a) For a parabolic reflector with an allowable 10dB signal degradation:

b) For a parabolic reflector with an allowable 3dB signal degradation:

= twist or sway limit, degrees

For Other (Non-Dish Antennas) a variety of Antennas, organized by

POINT LOADS DEFINITION

Description: Text description of the point load. This description

TRANSMISSION LINES DEFINITION

Bottom Elevation: Elevation of the bottom of the lines (m or ft.)

No of lines.: Number of lines having the same properties

Transmission Line Type:

The following Transmission Line types are available:

Data for transmission lines mechanical properties are based on Andrews

Bottom Elevation: Elevation of the bottom of the ladder (m or

Orient.: angle between the poles north and the ladders

Steel Section Type:

The following steel sections for ladders are available:

Solid Round (SR13, SR16, SR19, SR25, SR50)

Angle (L51x51x6, L51x51x13)

The input data is explained as follows:

Wind Speed: Design wind speed for the structure (m/sec or

The input data is explained as follows:

The data for which is explained as follows:

Wind Pressure: Reference wind pressure (q) as per CSA S37-94

Increment Wind direction: Wind increment in degrees at which

In addition to other design parameters explained under S37-94 this window

The analysis is based on three-dimensional beam model with geometrical non-

Wind Loads Calculations

1. Wind is assumed horizontal and is blowing from a certain direction

2. Force coefficients (drag factors) are calculated as per applicable code.

4. No shielding is considered on the pole from antennas, Tx-lines, or ladders.

6. Ice built up is considered uniform on the structure, external tx-lines and

7. Wind loads considered on iced structures are reduced as per applicable

Analysis and Capacities

1. Each pole section is modeled as five elements.

2. Each element is modeled as two-nodded three-dimensional beam elements

3. Element properties are calculated based on mid-height dimensions.

4. Pole is considered fixed in all directions at the base.

6. Capacities are calculated based on applicable codes and the structure is

Click on Export DXF file button.

Attached is printout of the dxf profile from the example.

Chapter 5 BASE PLATE

The bolt data is calculated based on the following:

Tension and compression resulting from base moments is resisted

Shear is distributed equally to the number of bolts

Bolt assessment is shown based on the combined axial and shear

Default Standards, Units & Analysis Engine

Check License Status