Computer-aided optimum design of steel tubular telescopic pole structures

Abstract

This paper presents a computer-aided approach for the optimum design of steel tubular telescopic pole structures. The author's experience in steel pole structure's design is implemented in a computer program called ODAPS (optimum design and analysis of pole structures). Although several other computer programs exist for the analysis and design of steel tubular pole structures, they are limited to cases where dimensions are pre-defined by the user. Different from these conventional programs, the developed program is able to automatically design the pole structure having the lightest weight that satisfies the limits states criteria within given geometrical boundary conditions. Simple equations and charts for the design of poles of different steel grade and having different length, subjected to various point loads at their top, are obtained using this program. It is possible to obtain economical designs for pole structures subjected to a specified loading using these equations or charts.