It can model and design lattice towers, such as 5G cell towers, transmission towers, or observation towers, as well as individual tower and mast structures.
It can use a wind simulation program (RWIND) to generate wind loads acting on complex model shapes in a digital wind tunnel.
It can create customizable XML libraries for panel bracing, torque arms, and truss legs.
It can visualize realistic graphics and models with discrete and linear appurtenances drawn to scale.
It can create reports with virtually any output from structure data to loading analysis results to design capacities for members and bolts.
OpenTower Designer by Bentley
This software is a communication tower design software that allows engineers to efficiently design and model towers, such as lattice towers and guyed masts, as well as equipment such as antennas, mounts, and linear appurtenances. Some of the features of this software are:
It can leverage a comprehensive library of panel types and ancillary equipment that enable quick creation of the structure.
It can automatically generate loads for any number of directions with user-defined topographic configurations and quickly perform design checks.
It can design in accordance with U.S., Euro, or Australian design standards with automatic scenario creation by combining geometric layers, equipment grouping, and loading criteria.
It can create a physical model by applying hierarchical modification layers with revision history on top of the base geometry using built-in business logic.
It can design tower foundations for tower legs and guy support points, including pad-pier, drilled pier, guy anchor foundations and mat foundations.
ASMTower by ASMTower
This software is an advanced software designed to rapidly analyze, design, and streamline the preparation of fabrication drawings for telecom towers. It has comprehensive output capabilities based on both graphics and text. Some of the features of this software are:
It can analyze towers according to ANSI/TIA-222-G/H standards with various load combinations.
It can design towers according to AISC 360-10/16 standards with various member types.
It can generate fabrication drawings with detailed dimensions, labels, notes, bills of materials, bolt lists, etc.
It can export drawings to DXF or DWG formats for further editing or printing.
It can import or export models from or to other software such as STAAD.Pro or SAP2000.
TSE Telecom by SAFI
This software is a powerful and comprehensive program for the analysis and design of steel telecommunication structures such as self-supporting towers, monopole towers and guyed masts. It is based on the TSE Tower Structural Engineering software that can analyze and design tower structures related to the power utilities and wind energy industries. Some of the features of this software are:
It can analyze towers according to ANSI/TIA-222-G/H and CSA S37-18 standards with various load cases and combinations.
It can design towers according to AISC 360-10/16, CSA S16-14/19, and EC3 standards with various member types and connections.
It can generate detailed reports with graphical and tabular outputs, including design checks, load diagrams, deflections, stresses, etc.
It can create 3D models with realistic rendering and animation of the structure and equipment.
It can integrate with other software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Structures, etc. for data exchange and collaboration.
Conclusion
Tower design software is a valuable tool for tower engineers who need to analyze and design towers and masts for various purposes and applications. The software reviewed in this article are some of the best options available in the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the specific needs and preferences of the engineer, one of these software may be more suitable than the others. However, regardless of the software chosen, the engineer should always verify the results and follow the applicable codes and standards for tower design.
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