Simple equations for strength and deformability verification of tubular steel wind turbine towers

Abstract

Simple analytical expressions for a preliminary design of tubular steel wind turbine towers under flexure and shear are proposed. Expressions derived included local buckling effects, shear to moment interaction, ovalization of cross-section and inelastic rotation of foundation. A finite-element analysis with ABAQUS program was also conducted for examination of the ovalization effects and for the whole response of steel tube in flexure.