Effects of Corrosion Depth on Wind-Induced Collapse Performance of an Angle Steel Transmission Tower

Zhibin Tu, Jianfeng Yao (), Zhitong Liu, Xing Zhou and Ligang Zhang
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Zhibin Tu: Nanxun Innovation Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
Jianfeng Yao: Nanxun Innovation Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
Zhitong Liu: Nanxun Innovation Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
Xing Zhou: Hangzhou Jiangnan Talent Service Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310012, China
Ligang Zhang: Zhejiang Huayun Power Engineering Design Consulting Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310016, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Transmission towers in coastal and industrial areas have experienced significant corrosion due to prolonged exposure to atmospheric pollutants and saline moisture, which poses a risk to structural safety. To evaluate the impact of corrosion depth on wind-induced collapse performance of an angle steel transmission tower, a survey of 18 angle steel towers in Ningbo, China, was conducted. Finite element models (FEMs) incorporating observed corrosion patterns were developed to analyze natural vibration characteristics and progressive collapse. The collapse modes of both corroded and uncorroded towers were identified, and high-risk failure member was determined. The results indicate that the corrosion depth below the lower cross-arm can be considered representative of the overall corrosion condition of the tower. Torsional natural frequency of the angle steel tower is particularly sensitive to corrosion due to the critical role of diagonal members. Collapse analysis further reveals that moderate corrosion levels can reduce the tower’s wind resistance to below the design threshold, potentially compromising safety under extreme weather conditions. The diagonal member below the lower cross-arm is identified as a high-risk failure component. Strengthening this member, by up-grading from L75×6 to L90×6, can significantly enhance the tower’s tolerance to corrosion.

Keywords: angle steel transmission tower; corrosion depth; vibration features; wind-induced collapse performance; first failure member (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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