Effect of ancillaries on the aerodynamic behaviour of freestanding lattice towers

Free-standing lattice towers are structures commonly used in the field of telecommunications, as they support antennas and other equipment necessary for broadcasting as well as signal transmission. Due to their lightness they are particularly sensitive to wind load. An investigation of the influence of antennas as well as linear ancillaries such as ladders and cables has been carried out on the aerodynamic coefficients of a sectional lattice tower model. A series of static wind tunnel tests have been planned and conducted, and three models have been considered. A first model has been tested only considering its structural components (Test 1). Sequentially, linear ancillaries such a ladder and cables (Test 2) and discrete ancillaries such as panel and parabolic antennas (Test 3) were mounted and tested. For each test, aerodynamic data are evaluated at different wind tunnel speeds and angles of attack. The main purpose of the study is to understand the influence of ancillary components on the wind loading of lattice towers.