Analysis of communication tower with different heights subjected to wind loads using TIA-222-G and TIA-222-H standards

Due to advancements in telecommunications, towers need special attention in terms of the analysis and design under wind loads. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) in 2005 released a standard “TIA-222-G” which has gained a widespread reference for the analysis and design of communication towers. In 2018, TIA released the latest standard TIA-222-H. The latest TIA-222-H standard has some additional features, e.g. limit states for analysis of mounting systems, enhanced climber safety requirements, construction-related loading, etc. To date, not many studies are available describing how much change in member axial forces occurs with the tower height while using the latest standard for analysis. This study’s main objective is to provide guidelines for wind load calculation on tower body, appurtenances, and other structures and compare the member axial forces induced by the wind loads on different tower heights (40, 60, and 80 m) as per TIA-222-G and TIA-222-H standards. The procedure presented in the paper about the design calculations of wind load is a useful guide for structural engineers involved in the analysis and design of communication towers. The analysis results showed that the member axial forces increased by 22% to 37%, which can assist the practitioner in more optimized design.