MsTower Analyzes Latticed Steel Towers

General
MsTower is a specialized program that assists in the analysis and checking of latticed steel communication
and power transmission towers and guyed masts. MsTower contains options for defining the geometry,
loading, analysis, plotting of input, results, and member checking.
Loading may be computed in accordance with:
BS 8100:Part 1 1986.
BS 8100:Part 4 1995
CP3 Chapter 5
AS 3995-1994
Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990.
EIA/TIA-222-F-1996.
Member capacities may be checked against the requirements of:
BS 8100:Part 3 (DD133:1986)
BS 449
AS 3995-1994.
ASCE 10-90 1991
EIA/TIA-222-F-1996
Towers, which may be of three or four sides, are assembled by combining a series of standard face, plan, hip
and cross-arm panels. The tower profile is defined by giving the height of individual panels and the width at
"bend" points. All other widths are obtained by interpolation. The range of standard panels is being regularly
increased with over 100 different panel types available at present. A number of the standard panels are
parameterised so that the user may readily modify the configuration.
If a suitable standard panel is not available the system accepts "user defined panels" (UDP). While these
require much more data than a standard panel, they allow the system to be used for virtually any tower
configuration. A UDP may consist of anything from a few members that make up half a face panel to a full
three-dimensional section of the tower; the program carries out all the necessary replications and geometric
transformations.
The result of the tower building process is a complete MsTower data file, Job.MST, where "job" is the
MsTower job name.
The loading module of MsTower computes loads due to self-weight, ice, and wind on the tower. As well as
computing wind loads on the bare tower the program is able to take account of a wide range of ancillary
items found on communication towers.
Ancillaries are classified into the following categories:
Linear ancillaries, normally within the body of the tower and consisting of items such as ladders,
feeders and wave-guides.
Face ancillaries, attached to the face of the tower and consisting of small items such as minor
antennae, gusset plates and platforms.
Large ancillaries, mounted out from the face of the tower and consisting of large dishes whose wind
resistance is significant compared with that of the structural members of the tower.
Insulators, located between the segments of multi-segment guys.
Ancillary libraries containing data describing the physical and drag characteristics of a wide range of
antennae types are provided with MsTower. The libraries are plain text files and may be easily added to by
users. For a dish antenna the library would typically include its diameter, mass, location of centre of gravity,
surface area that may be coated with ice, and its projected area and a drag coefficients for a range of angles
of incidence.
The use of six drag coefficients (axial and sideways drag, lift, rolling, yawing and pitching moments) for
each angle of incidence enables the characteristics of any antennae to be described and for all forces on the
antennae to be computed automatically.
The use of ancillary libraries simplifies the preparation of the data needed to compute the loads on the
tower. To fully describe an antenna the following data is required - its library reference, its location on the
tower and its bearing. MsTower will extract all other data from the library, interpolating as necessary,
compute the forces (dead load, ice-load and wind loads) acting on the antenna and transfer them into the
tower as a set of statically equivalent forces.
To assist in checking of input data MsTower displays the tower and all linear and large ancillaries. As well
as the visual display, any ancillary may be queried by "picking" with the graphics cursor to obtain its
identification, location, library reference and other pertinent data.
Wind forces may be computed using either gust or mean wind velocity. In the latter case, the member forces
for wind load cases are increased after analysis using gust factors computed in accordance with BS 8100.
For masts, patch wind loading cases may be computed and combined in accordance with BS 8100:Part 4.
The strength of members may be checked against the rules of the codes listed above, with the results
available as a summary report giving the critical load case and condition or a larger detailed report suitable
for checking the computations for each member. The results of the member check may be shown as a
graphic display with the colour in which a member is displayed depending on its maximum load/capacity
ratio.
Foundation reactions and ancillary rotations may also be reported.
Acknowledgement
Initial development of sections of MsTower was done under contracts with the Independent Broadcasting
Authority, Eastern Electricity, British Telecom, and the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Particular recognition is due to Mr M J Lambert of the Independent Broadcasting Authority who initiated
this work.
Enhancement Record
Version 3.1
New menu introduced.
TWR file format revised.
Terrain blocks introduced.
Linear and large ancillary libraries introduced.
32 bit version of programs introduced.
Additional standard panels introduced.
Gust and Mean keywords added to TWR file.
Graphical input of UDPs introduced.
Version 3.15
Screen querying of linear ancillary, large ancillary, and ancillary groups introduced with graphical
representation of larger ancillaries.
Ancillary libraries extended to include Andrew information.
HP Laser printers as plotters now supported.
Postscript format available for output files.
Ancillary deflections and rotations calculated.
Foundation reactions calculated.
Cross wind and Bare option added.
Total mass and additional mass of ancillaries in TWR file.
XIP, plan bracing at intersection point of face bracing.
Optional Velocity Profile.
Version 4
Masts including catenary cables to BS 8100:Part 4 and AS 3995.
Additional standard panels.
Named node block introduced.
Supports block.
Version 4.1
EIA/TIA-222-F-1991.
ASCE 10-90 1991 (Manual 52).
Bolt checking to DD133/BS5950.
Deflections/rotations.
Version 4.15
Manual re-set in MSWord.
Examples revised.
Partial safety factors for materials now applied at member checking stage.
Utility programs TDForm, MAKASC and LAZER2R included.
Database utilities added for special customers.
Bolt data file included.
Version 4.20
Shade factor introduced for linear and large ancillaries.
Job.OUT file enhanced for results checking.
Version 4.21
Tension-only members now available in UDPs; non-linear analysis module required.
Version 5.00
Re-developed in Win32 code. Menus and graphics rewritten for the Windows environment; context menus
introduced. Ancillary display improved; split view with ancillary labelling. Database recognition and
automatic loading from CSV files. Enhanced metafile export of views. Non-linear analysis convergence
parameters added. Smear loading for wind on guys. UDP input completely revised. Support for DOS
operating system discontinued.
Generation of TD and TWR files. Multi-segment guys and guy insulators supported. Asymmetrical ice
loading added. Bolt checking to AS 3995, EIA-222, and ASCE 10-90 added.
CTIDATA
Function:
Generation and or update of a tower data file from a prototype TWR file and Cti.CSV database file.
Usage:
From the main menu select the Tower > Load Tower > Process Ancillary DB File command.
This command will not be available unless a tower geometry has been built and the CSV file exists in the
data folder.
The prototype TWR file, Ctistd.TWR must be present in the data folder and the geometry of the structure
must have been created.
A tower loading file is output.
When CTIDATA is run a number of dialog boxes are presented for you to choose codes and enter
parameters that will be substituted into a copy of the prototype TWR file.
A set of wind angle and load combinations is entered for generation of a new LOADS block. All wind load
directions are referred to the tower X axis, simplifying the generation of face and corner winds. Any or all
face or corner wind directions may be chosen. In addition, for triangular towers, winds parallel to faces may
also be chosen.
Any large ancillary data in the prototype file is replaced with data derived from the CSV file.
If the tower loading file exists before CTIDATA is run, only the large ancillary data will be replaced. The
PARAMETERS and LOADS blocks will be unchanged and previously existing ancillary loads will be commented
out and remain in the file for possible future reference.
Arrangements may be made to customize this program to user requirements.

Example 3 Space Truss
Example 3 is the top section of a high communications tower. It is modelled as a space truss (i.e. all
rotational DOF deleted).
EXAMPLE 3 SPACE TRUSS
A common problem with this type of structure is the presence of coplanar nodes. Coplanar nodes have no
out-of-plane stiffness because all attached members lie in a plane. Coplanar nodes will give rise to zero
stiffness errors during the analysis or a large condition number, with extremely large displacements for the
unrestrained DOF. In this example, a number of "redundant" members have been added to the structure to
provide out-of-plane support to nodes that would otherwise have been coplanar. A coplanar node may also
be removed by deleting the DOF normal to the plane (if the plane is normal to a global axis) or by
restraining the node with weak springs.
The structure is shown in the accompanying MSTower graphical output. Note in the rendered view that the
legs of the tower are oriented with the corners of the angles outwards. The section orientation codes can be
seen on some MEMB records of the archive file. These are required only for detailing the analysis is not
affected by the orientation of the section.
The report shows the analysis results (for a range of nodes and members) for Case 3 , the combination load
case.
Archive File
* SPACE TRUSS EXAMPLE
* TAKEN FROM TOWER 40HBJ101
*
*
VERS 4
TYPE 4
VERT 2
UNIT 1 m kN t C
NODE 261 -1.0000 107.0000 1.0000 111111

NODE 262 1.0000 107.0000 1.0000 111111
NODE 263 1.0000 107.0000 -1.0000 111111
NODE 264 -1.0000 107.0000 -1.0000 111111
NODE 265 -1.0000 108.5000 1.0000 000111
NODE 266 1.0000 108.5000 1.0000 000111
NODE 267 1.0000 108.5000 -1.0000 000111
NODE 268 -1.0000 108.5000 -1.0000 000111
NODE 269 -1.0000 110.0000 1.0000 000111
NODE 270 1.0000 110.0000 1.0000 000111
NODE 271 1.0000 110.0000 -1.0000 000111
NODE 272 -1.0000 110.0000 -1.0000 000111
NODE 701 .0000 107.0000 1.0000 111111
NODE 702 1.0000 107.0000 .0000 111111
NODE 703 .0000 107.0000 -1.0000 111111
NODE 704 -1.0000 107.0000 .0000 111111
NODE 705 .0000 110.0000 1.0000 000111
NODE 706 1.0000 110.0000 .0000 000111
NODE 707 .0000 110.0000 -1.0000 000111
NODE 708 -1.0000 110.0000 .0000 000111
MEMB 66 261 265 X 4 1 000000 000000

MEMB 67 265 269 X 4 1 000000 000000
MEMB 133 262 266 X 4 1 000000 000000 01
MEMB 134 266 270 X 4 1 000000 000000 01
MEMB 200 263 267 X 4 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 201 267 271 X 4 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 267 264 268 X 4 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 268 268 272 X 4 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 578 261 701 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 579 701 262 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 580 701 265 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 581 701 266 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 582 265 705 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 583 705 266 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 584 269 705 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 585 705 270 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 608 262 702 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 609 702 263 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 610 702 266 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 611 702 267 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 612 266 706 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 613 267 706 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 614 270 706 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 615 706 271 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 638 263 703 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 639 703 264 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 640 703 267 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 641 703 268 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 642 267 707 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 643 268 707 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 644 271 707 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 645 707 272 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 668 264 704 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 669 704 261 Y 7 1 000000 000000 10
MEMB 670 704 268 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 671 704 265 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 672 268 708 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 673 265 708 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 674 272 708 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 675 708 269 Y 7 1 000000 000000 11
MEMB 798 705 708 Y 7 1 000000 000000
MEMB 799 705 706 Y 7 1 000000 000000
MEMB 800 707 708 Y 7 1 000000 000000
MEMB 801 707 706 Y 7 1 000000 000000
MEMB 976 701 702 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 977 702 703 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 978 703 704 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 979 704 701 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 980 702 704 Y 8 1 000000 000000
MEMB 981 706 708 Y 8 1 000000 000000
PROP 4 LIBR Asw 100X100X10EA Y

1.8100E-03 .0000 .0000 5.6200E-08 1.7000E-06 1.7000E-06
8.6700E-04 .0000 .0000 1.1200E-08 4.5500E-07 4.5500E-07
7.4800E-04 .0000 .0000 9.3700E-09 2.9600E-07 2.9600E-07
MATL 1 2.000E+08 3.000E-01 7.850E+00 1.080E-05
CASE 1 WIND AND DEAD LOADS

NDLD 261 4.450 -1.388 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 262 .000 -1.388 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 263 .000 -1.388 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 264 4.450 -1.388 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 269 4.450 -3.595 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 270 .000 -3.595 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 271 .000 -3.595 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 272 4.450 -3.595 .000 .000 .000 .000
CASE 2 ANTENNA LOADS

NDLD 270 7.440 -1.079 .000 .000 .000 .000
NDLD 272 7.440 -1.079 .000 .000 .000 .000
CASE 3 CASE 1 + CASE 2

COMB 1 1.000
COMB 2 1.000
END
General
This chapter describes the MsTower modules for checking the strength of members in latticed towers and
masts in accordance with the rules set out in the following codes:
BS 8100:Part 3 (DD 133:1986)
BS 449
AS 3995-1994
ASCE 10-90 1991
EIA-222-F-1996
The member checking modules use data generated by the tower builder, loading modules, and the results of
the static analysis.
Operation
Start the code checking module by selecting the appropriate code from the Member Check menu.
The report may be limited by selecting classes of members to be checked and setting the report limit on the
ratio of design load/capacity.
Two forms of report are produced, a summary report and a detailed report. They may be viewed or printed
by selecting File > List/Edit and File > Print, respectively.
The load/capacity ratios (stress ratios for BS 449) may be displayed graphically by selecting Results >
Design Ratios.
Design Loads
Axial loads are taken from the results of the analysis (and any subsequent gust-factoring) for legs, braces,
and horizontals.
Members such as face redundants and hip and plan bracing normally stabilize the load carrying members of
the structure and usually attract small or negligible analysis forces. These are designed using the greater of:
The force computed from the analysis.
2.5% (1.5% for EIA-222-F) of the axial force in the members they stabilize.
Member Checks to BS 8100: Part 3 (DD 133)
Code Type
BS 8100 is a limit states code. The capacity of members at the strength limit state is checked.
Structural Configuration and Buckling Lengths
MSTower uses output from the tower builder (in which the tower data is assembled from a list of panel
types and dimensions) to determine the nature of a member and its configuration related to the rules set out
in Section 5 of DD 133 to determine buckling lengths.
If the face has cross bracing that is not braced against out-of-plane buckling, the forces in both diagonals are
determined so that the critical L/r ratios and design capacities may be assessed in accordance with Cl. 5.3.3
of DD 133.
Selection of Buckling Curves
Buckling curves are selected in accordance with the rules in Section 6.5 of DD 133, using member
classification and continuity information generated during tower building. Unless otherwise specified in the
tower data file, the checking module assumes that legs, braces, and horizontals are connected with two or
more bolts and that redundants and plan and hip bracing are connected with single bolts.
Calculation of Ultimate Member Stresses
The ultimate stress of the member is calculated from the rules in Section 6 of DD 133. If the section is not
one tabulated in DD 133 the reference stress is determined by application of the rules for hot-rolled angles to
any elements of the section that have an unsupported free edge.
Bolts
Bolts are checked for shear on the bolt and bearing on the member using the rules in accordance with
Section 9. If any of the dimensions x, y, and z are not specified or set to zero, the checking module assumes
that these are equal to or greater than the minimums specified in the code to allow an ultimate bearing
strength of 2.0×(D.T.fy) to be attained.
Report
For each panel in the tower, the report lists the member number, the classification (leg, brace, etc.), the
section size and yield strength, the most critical load case, the sub-clause of DD 133 Section 6.5 used in
selecting the buckling curve, the slenderness ratio, and whether it is about the x-x, y-y, v-v axes, the axial
design force, the capacity and the ratio of design load to capacity.
An expanded version of the report, more suitable for detailed checking of the results for particular members
is available. This report may be quite large.
Restrictions
This version of MSTower has the following restrictions:
Members are checked for axial force only.
No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or nearly horizontal members.

The value of K used in computing the non-dimensional slenderness of tubular members is taken as 1.0.
Member Checks to BS 449

Code Type
BS 449 is a permissible stress design code. The stresses in members at service conditions are checked.
types and dimensions) to determine the nature of a member and its configuration related to the end bolting
arrangement to determine effective length factors.
Calculation of Permissible Member Stresses
The permissible stress in the member is calculated from the formulae in Appendix B of BS 449, with a user-
supplied wind overstress factor applied if the member forces due to wind loads increase the member forces
due to other causes.
Bolts
At present, bolted joint checks are not implemented for this code.
Report
For each panel in the tower, the report lists the member number and classification (leg, brace, etc.), the
section size and yield strength, the most critical load case, the effective length factor, the slenderness ratio
and whether it is about the x-x, y-y, v-v axes, the axial design force, the actual and permissible stresses (and
whether a wind overstress factor is included), and the ratio of the actual to permissible stresses.
An expanded version of the report more suitable for detailed checking of the results for particular members
Restrictions
No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or near-horizontal members.
Joint capacities are not checked.
Member Checks to AS 3995

Code Type
AS 3995 is a limit states code. The capacity of members at the strength limit state is checked.
types and dimensions) to determine the nature of a member and its configuration related to the rules set out
in Appendix H of AS 3995 to determine buckling lengths.
If the face has cross bracing that is not braced against out-of-plane buckling at the intersection point, the
forces in both diagonals are determined so that the critical L/r ratios and design capacities may be assessed
in accordance with Figure H2 of AS 3995.
Effective Slenderness Ratio
Effective slenderness ratios are determined in accordance with Section 3.3.4 of AS 3995, using member
classification and continuity information generated during tower building. Unless otherwise specified in the
tower data file, the checking module assumes that legs, braces, and horizontals are connected with two or
more bolts and that redundants and plan and hip bracing are connected with single bolts.
Calculation of Ultimate Member Strength
The capacity of a member is calculated from the rules of Section 3.3 for angles in compression and with AS
4100 for other sections in compression and all sections in tension.
Bolts
Bolted are checked for shear and bearing using the rules of AS 3995 Cl. 3.5.4. No checks are made on the
detailed requirements of Cl. 3.5.4.6.
Report
section size and yield strength, the most critical load case, the sub-clause of Section 3.3.4 of AS 3995 used
in determining the effective slenderness ratio, the effective slenderness ratio and whether it is about the x-x,
y-y or v-v axes, the axial design force, the capacity, and the ratio of design load to capacity.
NOTE: In conformity with common international practice, the rectangular axes for ALL sections are
nominated as x-x and y-y. For symmetrical sections these axes are also the principal axes. For angles the
minor principal axis is nominated as v-v.
Restrictions
No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or nearly horizontal members.

Member Checks to ASCE 10-90 1991
Code Type
ASCE 10-90 is a limit states code. The stresses in members at the strength limit state are checked.
The checking module uses output from the tower builder (in which the tower data is assembled from a list of
panel types and dimensions) to determine the nature of a member and its configuration related to the
recommendations set out in the Commentary to the ASCE "Guide for Design of Steel Transmission Towers"
Second Edition (1988), to determine buckling lengths.
If the face has cross bracing that is not braced against out-of-plane buckling at the intersection point, the
forces in both diagonals are determined so that the critical L/r ratios and allowable stresses may be assessed
in accordance with Example 7 of the design guide.
Effective slenderness ratios KL/r are determined in accordance with Section 5.7.4 of ASCE 10-90, using
member classification and continuity information generated during tower building. Unless otherwise
specified in the tower data file, the checking module assumes that legs, braces, and horizontals are
connected with two or more bolts and that redundants and plan and hip bracing are connected with single
bolts.
Calculation of Allowable Stresses
The allowable stresses are calculated from the rules of Section 5.6 for compression members and Section
5.10 for tension members. Flexural stresses are not checked.
Bolts
Bolts are checked for shear and bearing in using the rules of Cl. 6.3.2 and Cl. 6.4. No checks are made on
edge distance or spacing requirements.
Report
section size and yield strength, the most critical load case, the sub-clause of Section 5.7.4 of ASCE 10-90
used in determining the effective slenderness ratio, the effective slenderness ratio, and whether it is about
the x-x, y-y or v-v axes, the axial design force, the capacity and the ratio of design load to capacity.
Restrictions
This version of member checking to ASCE 10-90 has the following restrictions:
No check on "man-load" on horizontal or nearly horizontal members is made.

Member Checks to EIA-222-F 1998
Code Type
EIA-222-F is an allowable stress code. The stresses in members under service loads are checked.
The checking module uses output from the tower builder (in which the tower data is assembled from a list of
panel types and dimensions) to determine the nature of a member and its configuration related to the
recommendations set out in the Commentary to the ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice
No. 52 "Guide for Design of Steel Transmission Towers" Second Edition (1988), to determine buckling
lengths.
If the face has cross bracing that is not braced against out-of plane buckling at the intersection point, the
forces in both diagonals are determined so that the critical L/r ratios and allowable stresses may be assessed
in accordance with Example 7 of the design guide.
Effective slenderness ratios KL/r are determined in accordance with the rules of ASCE Manual 52 using
member classification and continuity information generated during tower building. Unless otherwise
specified in the tower data file, the checking module assumes that legs, braces, and horizontals are
connected with two or more bolts and that redundants and plan and hip bracing are connected with single
bolts.
Calculation of Allowable Stresses
The allowable stresses, including any appropriate wind overstress factors, are calculated from the rules of
Section 3. Flexural stresses are not checked.
Bolts
Bolts are checked for shear and bearing using the rules in Chapter J of the AISC "Specification for
Structural Steel in Buildings 1989". No checks are made on edge distance or spacing requirements.
Report
section size and yield strength, the most critical load case, the sub-clause of Manual 52 used in determining
the effective slenderness ratio, the effective slenderness ratio and whether it is about the x-x, y-y or v-v axes,
the axial design force, the capacity, and the ratio of design load to capacity.
Restrictions
This version of member checking to EIA-222-F has the following restrictions:

No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or nearly horizontal member.
Obtaining Design Results

After checking members the results may be displayed or reported in a number of ways:
Use the Results > Design Ratios command to display design results with members color-coded to
show the percentage of member capacity actually utilized in the critical load case. With this display,
all members that have failed a design check are shown in a shade of red.
Use the Query > Design Member command to show a summary of design results in the output
window for any selected member.
The design reports may be previewed with the File > Print Preview command and may be printed
with the File > Print File command. Note that there are extensive facilities for formatting the design
report using the File > Page Setup command.
The report files are automatically deleted when the job is closed.
The member check reports are created in the data folder and are named:
Job.RPT summary report

Job.RP2 detailed report,
where "Job" is the job name. You may save a steel design report file by dragging it to another folder using
Windows Explorer.
Steel Detailing
Information may be exported in SDNF format for transfer to third-party steel detailing programs (e.g.
Xsteel). Refer to Exporting a Steel Detailing Neutral File.
Editing the Steel Section Library

The File > Configure > Edit Section Library command allows you to add section properties and material
properties to library files or to generate new library files. Library files have the file name extension
"LIB" (e.g. As.LIB, Uk.LIB) and cannot be listed, printed, or edited. For each library file, a corresponding
source file contains the data from which the library file is generated. Library source files are ordinary text
files having a file name extension of "ASC" (e.g. As.ASC, Uk.ASC).
On selecting the above command, a dialog box is displayed for you to choose one of the library source files.
These are displayed with a prefix, "Prog:", "Data:", or "Libr:", indicating the folder in which it is located.
The MsEdit program then starts for you to edit the selected file. When you close MsEdit a message box asks
if you want to make the library file. Answer Yes for MsTower to create the new library file.
Data required for the section library is:
ltype lvers
title
nu u1 u2 u3 u4
S dt name d1 ... dn f y1 y2
...
...
where:
ltype Library type, always 6.

lvers Version, always 1.
title Library description.
nu Number of conversion factors, always 4.
u1 Number of mm in units used to give the
dimensions of the section.
u2 Number of mm in units used to give the derived
properties of the section. In UK libraries,
dimensions are normally in mm while derived
properties are in cm, so
u1 = 1.0 and
u2 = 10.0.
u3 Number of kg/m in units used to give the
mass/unit length of the section.
u4
Number of N/mm2 (MPa) in units used to give
the yield strengths of the section.
S Character "S", in the first column of the line.
dt Design type, tabulated below.
name Section name, not more than 15 character, with
no embedded spaces.
d1..dn Section data, consisting of section properties
and dimensions. Each design type requires a
different set of data, as tabulated below.
f Always 0.
y1 Yield strength for normal grade steel.
y2 Yield strength for high strength steel.
Note that the library type, title, and conversion factors must be on the first, second, and third lines,
respectively of the file. They will normally be present and will not require editing. You must ensure that any
data you enter is in units consistent with those of the rest of the library.
The format of the library source file is specified for each design type in the tables below. There are template
records in the library source file to help you add new data correctly. The value of any section property input
as zero is computed automatically provided sufficient dimensions for the calculation have been input. In
these calculations, fillets and chamfers are neglected. For compound sections, dimensions are for a single
component.
Design Type
1 TFB Taper flange beam
2 UB, WBUniversal beam or welded beam
3 UC, WC Universal column or welded column
4 RHS Rectangular hollow section
5 SHS Square hollow section
6 CHS Circular hollow section
7 PFC Parallel flange channel
8 Tee Tee section
9 EA Equal angle
10 UA Unequal angle
11 DAL Double angles, long legs together
12 DAS Double angles, short legs together
16 STA Starred angles
22 QAN Quad angles
13 UBP Universal bearing pile
17 TFC Taper flange channel
18 Rod Round
19 Bar Rectangular bar
20 CTT Double channels, toes together
21 CBB Double channels, back-to-back
24 CA DuraGal cold-formed angle
25 CC DuraGal cold-formed channel
30 *** Section with analysis properties only
The section mnemonic is embedded in the section name and, for a library section, is the only part of the
name that may be alphabetic. Every section in a section category must have the same section mnemonic.
During the design process you specify the kind of sections that may be selected by entering one or more
section mnemonics (see above). The section mnemonics that are entered are used to extract design candidate
sections from the library.
The available types of compound section are shown in the diagram below.
COMPOUND SECTIONS
Key to Section Library Parameters Part 1 of 3

DT Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 TFB A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
2 UB A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
3 UC A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
4 RHS A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
5 SHS A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
6 CHS A Ax J Ix rx Zx tw M D Sx
7 PFC A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zyt
8 T A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zxs rx ry Zy
9 EA A Ax J Ix rx Zx t M D Sx
10 UA A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
11 DAL A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
12 DAS A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
13 UBP A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
14 CB A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
15 CC A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
16 STA A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
17 TFC A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zyt
18 ROD A Ax J Ix M D f y1 y2
19 BAR A Ax Ay J Ix Iy M D B f
20 CTT A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
21 CBB A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
22 QAN A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Zx rx ry Zy
30 *** A Ax Ay J Ix Iy
DT Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DT Type 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
1 TFB M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
2 UB M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
3 UC M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
4 RHS M D B tw Sx Sy f y1
5 SHS M D B tw Sx Sy f y1
6 CHS f y1 y2
7 PFC M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
8 T M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
9 EA cy ex Iu Zu1 ru Iv Zv1 rv tan f
10 UA M D B t Sx Sy cx cy ex ey
11 DAL Sx Sy M D B t g sp rv f
12 DAS Sx Sy M D B t g sp rv f
13 UBP M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
14 CB M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
15 CC M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
16 STA Sx Sy M D B t g sp rv f
17 TFC M D B tf tw RR DF Sx Sy Iw
18 ROD
19 BAR y1 y2
20 CTT Sx Sy M D B tf tw g sp ry
21 CBB Sx Sy M D B tf tw g sp ry
22 QAN Sx Sy M D B t g sp rv f
30 ***
DT Type 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
DT Type 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
1 TFB f y1 y2
2 UB f y1 y2
3 UC f y1 y2
4 RHS
5 SHS
6 CHS
7 PFC cy Zyw ey f y1 y2
8 T cx Zxf f y1 y2
9 EA y1 y2
10 UA Iu Zu1 ru Iv Zv2 rv tan f y1 y2
11 DAL y1 y2
12 DAS y1 y2
13 UBP f y1 y2
14 CB f y1 y2
15 CC f y1 y2
16 STA y1 y2
17 TFC cy Zyw ey f y1 y2
18 ROD
19 BAR
20 CTT f y1 y2
21 CBB f y1 y2
22 QAN y1 y2
30 ***
DT Type 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Legend I Section
A = Gross area
Ax = Shear area
Ay = Shear area
J = Torsion constant
Ix = Second moment of area
Iy = Second moment of area
rx = Radius of gyration
ry = Radius of gyration
Zx = Elastic modulus
Zy = Elastic modulus
M = Mass per unit length
D = Depth
B = Breadth
tf = Flange thickness
tw = Web thickness
RR
= Root radius
DF = Depth between fillets
Sx = Plastic modulus
Sy = Plastic modulus
Iw = Warping constant
f = Residual stress code
y1 = Yield normal strength steel
y2 = Yield high strength steel
Legend Channel
cy = Distance to center of area

ey = Distance to shear center
Zyt = Elastic modulus toe
Zyw = Elastic modulus web
Legend Tee
cx = Distance to center of area

Zxs = Elastic modulus stem
Zxf = Elastic modulus flange
Legend Angle
D = Length of long leg

B = Length of short leg
t = Thickness
cx = Distance to center of area
cy = Distance to center of area
ex = Distance to shear center
ey = Distance to shear center
Iu = Second moment of area major
Iv = Second moment of area minor
ru = Radius of gyration
rv = Radius of gyration
Zu1 = Elastic modulus toe
Zv1 = Elastic modulus heel
Zv2 = Elastic modulus toe
tan = Tangent of angle to principal axes
Legend Compound Sections
g = Gap between component sections

sp = Stitch bolt or packer spacing
Editing Ancillary & Guy Libraries
The File > Configure > Ancillary/Guy Library command allows you to add additional ancillaries or guys
to these libraries. There are template records in each library to help you add new data correctly.
On selecting the above command, a dialog box is displayed for you to choose one of the library source files.
These are displayed with a prefix, "Prog:", "Data:", or "Libr:", indicating the folder in which it is located.
The MsEdit program then starts for you to edit the selected file.
The data required in each of these library types is set out in Guy Library and Ancillary Libraries.
The examples in this chapter are presented to illustrate specific features of MSTower. Examples have been
chosen to include several common problem areas in modelling, especially node restraint conditions and
member releases.
For all examples the archive file is presented as a complete record of the input data. It is possible to enter
data by creating the archive file but it is not usually the most convenient input method. Many common
structures can be described easily with Standard Structures Input (see Error! Reference source not found.
on page Error! Bookmark not defined.). Report presentations have been varied to demonstrate different
features of the report generator. A wide variation of formats is possible by modifying the default values in
the Page Setup dialog box (see Error! Reference source not found. on page Error! Bookmark not
defined.).
General
MSTower offers a number of static and dynamic analysis options, each of which employs exhaustive
consistency checking and highly efficient equation solution procedures. The analysis engines used in
MsTower are derived from those used in Microstran, a widely used and extremely versatile program for
analysing and designing structural frameworks in steel and reinforced concrete.
Linear Elastic Analysis is a first-order elastic static analysis in which non-linear effects are ignored and the
stiffness equations are solved for only the primary load cases. Solutions for combination load cases are
obtained by superposition of the solutions for the primary load cases.
Non-Linear Analysis is a second-order elastic analysis, which enables you to take into account the non-
linear actions arising from the displacement of loads (the P- effect), the change in flexural stiffness of
members subjected to axial forces (the P- effect), and the shortening of members subjected to bending (the
flexural shortening effect). Non-linear analysis is an iterative procedure in which the behaviour at each step
is controlled by a number of parameters. Each selected case, whether a primary or combination load case,
must be solved separately, as superposition of results cannot be used. Members defined as tension-only will
be checked at each iteration and included or excluded accordingly.
Elastic Critical Load Analysis calculates the frame buckling load factor, c, for selected load cases and
computes the corresponding member effective lengths for each load case.
Dynamic Analysis computes the natural vibration frequencies of the structure and the associated mode
shapes. The dynamic loads on the structure due to earthquake or other support acceleration may then be
assessed using the response spectrum method.
The Profile Optimizer is used in all analyses to minimize analysis time and storage requirements. Nodes
and members can therefore be numbered for maximum convenience in data generation and interpretation of
results.
More:
Method
Consistency Check
Accuracy
Method
MSTower uses the well-documented direct stiffness method of analysis in which the global stiffness matrix,
[K], is assembled from the stiffness contributions of individual members. For large structures, [K] can be
quite large and is stored on disk in blocks sized to maximize the use of available memory and to minimize
solution time. Load vectors, P, are formed from the applied loads and node displacements, u, are determined
by solving the equation:
P = [K] u
The forces in each member are then determined by multiplying the member stiffness matrix by the
appropriate terms of the displacement vector, resolved into member axes.
Consistency Check
MSTower performs an automatic check of all input data prior to analysis. The consistency check will detect
a range of modelling problems related to geometry and loading. Data errors and warnings are shown in the
output window and are also written to the error report, which can be listed and printed using options on the
File menu.
Accuracy
All analyses use double-precision arithmetic to minimize the loss of precision inherent in the many
arithmetic operations required for solving large, complex structural models. After the decomposition of the
[K] matrix MSTower reports the maximum condition number, a measure of the loss of precision that has
occurred during the solution. For "well-conditioned" structural models (those in which little numerical
precision is lost) the condition number will be less than 104. If the condition number exceeds this value you
should treat the results with caution and look for evidence of "ill-conditioning". For example, the large
displacement of a node or group of nodes may indicate that the structure is acting, to some extent, as a
mechanism, and the results could be meaningless.
An important independent check on the accuracy of the solution is provided by the node equilibrium check.
At unrestrained nodes the sum of all the member end actions is compared to the sum of external forces
acting on the node. Any difference is a force residual, the out-of-balance force. The maximum residual is
reported to the screen after the analysis. The maximum residual should be considered in conjunction with
the magnitudes of the applied loads in assessing the adequacy of the solution.
Note: A satisfactory equilibrium check, by itself, is not sufficient to ensure an accurate solution the
condition number must also be satisfactory.
MsTower will choose the appropriate method of analysis when Tower > Analyse is selected. Linear
analysis will be used unless the tower contains tension-only members or guys (cables).
Linear Elastic Analysis

Linear elastic analysis cannot be performed if there are any tension-only or cable members in the model. An
error message will be displayed if you attempt linear analysis of a model containing these member types.
All load cases are analysed when you choose linear analysis. Results for combination load cases are
determined by superposition of the results of the component primary load cases.
Note: If you perform a non-linear analysis and then a linear analysis, the settings in the Select Analysis
Type dialog box will be lost (see Selecting Load Cases for Non-Linear Analysis). Performing a linear
analysis sets the analysis type flag to L (linear).
Non-Linear Analysis
Non-Linear Analysis (also called second-order analysis) performs an elastic analysis in which second-order
effects may be considered. The different second-order effects are described below.
Non-linear analysis uses a multi-step procedure that commences with a linear elastic analysis. The load
residuals, computed for the structure in its displaced position and with the stiffness of members modified,
are applied as a new load vector to compute corrections to the initial solution. Further corrections are
computed until convergence occurs.
There is no single method of iterative non-linear analysis for which convergence is guaranteed. It may
therefore be necessary to adjust the analysis control parameters in order to obtain a satisfactory solution.
The solution may not converge if the structure is subject to gross deformation or if it is highly non-linear.
This may be the case as the elastic critical load is approached.
Note: You should not attempt to use non-linear analysis to determine elastic critical loads. Results of non-
linear analysis should be treated with caution whenever the loading is close to the elastic critical load.
More:
Second-Order Effects
Running a Non-Linear Analysis
Troubleshooting Non-Linear Analysis
Second-Order Effects
The most important second-order effects taken into account in non-linear analysis are the P-Delta effect (P-
) and the P-delta effect (P- ). These are discussed in detail below.
P- AND P- EFFECTS
You may independently include or exclude these two major effects. Different combinations of the P- and
P- settings affect the operation of non-linear analysis as set out in the table below.
Node Axial
Coordinate Force Analysis Type
Update Effects
NO NO Linear elastic analysis with
tension-only or compression-only
members taken into account. This
can be achieved for any load case
by selecting linear analysis
YES NO Analysis includes the effects of
displacement due to sidesway but
not changes in member flexural
stiffness due to axial force. These
settings will usually yield
satisfactory results for pin-jointed
structures.
NO YES Full account is taken of the
effects of axial force on member
flexural stiffness while the effects
of node displacement are
approximated by a sidesway
correction in the stability function
formulation. These settings
normally give minimum solution
time with second-order effects
taken into account.
YES YES This is the default analysis type,
which provides the most rigorous
solution for all structure types.
More:
Node Coordinate Update P-Delta Effect
Axial Force Effects P-delta Effect
Changes in Fixed-End Actions
Non-Linear Members
Node Coordinate Update P-Delta Effect
The P-Delta effect (P- ) occurs when deflections result in displacement of loads, causing additional bending
moments that are not computed in linear analysis. P- is taken into account either by adding displacement
components to node coordinates during analysis or by adding sidesway terms to the stability functions used
to modify the flexural terms in the member stiffness matrices. Either small displacement theory or finite
displacement theory may be used with node coordinate update. As shown in the diagram below, finite
displacement theory takes into account the rotation of the chord of the displaced member in computing the
end rotations and the extension of the member. Only where large displacements occur would the use of
finite displacement theory produce results different from those obtained with small displacement theory.
SMALL AND FINITE DISPLACEMENT THEORIES
Axial Force Effects P-delta Effect
The bending stiffness of a member is reduced by axial compression and increased by axial tension. This is
called the P-delta effect (P- ) and is taken into account by adding beam-column stability functions to the
flexural terms of the member stiffness matrices. Member stiffness matrices therefore vary with the axial load
and are recomputed at every analysis iteration. The stability functions are derived from the "exact" solution
of the differential equation describing the behaviour of a beam-column. The additional moments caused by
P- are approximated in some design codes by the use of moment magnification factors applied to the
results of a linear elastic analysis.
Changes in Fixed-End Actions
Member fixed-end actions may change between successive analysis iterations owing to displacement of the
member and variations in its flexural stiffness caused by axial force. MSTower automatically recalculates
the fixed-end actions at each analysis iteration and updates the load vector accordingly.
Non-Linear Members
Analysis of structures containing tension-only, or cable members requires non-linear analysis. At the
conclusion of each analysis step, all members nominated as tension-only or compression-only are checked
and either removed from or restored to the model for the next analysis step, according to their deformation.
If the removal of non-linear members causes the structure to become unstable, no solution is possible.
Running a Non-Linear Analysis
Selecting Load Cases for Non-Linear Analysis
Non-Linear Analysis Parameters
Selecting Load Cases for Non-Linear Analysis
Non-linear analysis lets you specify the load cases to be analysed and the analysis type (linear or non-linear)
to be used for each.
For non-linear analysis a load vector is formed for each load case to be solved, whether a primary load case
or a combination load case. There is no need to analyse any load cases for which results are not required.
On selecting the Analyse > Non-Linear command, the following dialog box is displayed so you may
specify the load cases to be analysed and the analysis type. In the Type column, load cases are identified as
Primary or Combination. The second character is a code that specifies whether the load case is to be
processed with Linear analysis or Non-linear analysis, or is to be ignored (Skipped).
SELECTING LOAD CASES

FOR NON-LINEAR ANALYSIS
The ability to use different analysis types is used for obtaining results for both linear and non-linear analysis
in a single pass. This may be necessary where the model includes members to be designed to different codes
with different analysis requirements.
In general, only "realistic" load cases should be selected for non-linear analysis there is no point in
analysing a wind load case because this load will never exist in isolation. This is particularly important for
structures containing cable elements where realistic loads including self weight are required to determine the
equilibrium position of each cable, and a solution may not be possible for load cases containing only some
load components.
Note: The settings in this dialog box will be lost if you subsequently perform a linear analysis. In this case,
the analysis type flag (S/L/N) will be unconditionally set to Linear. You must reinstate the analysis type flag
if you revert to non-linear analysis.
Non-Linear Analysis Parameters
The next dialog box determines the type of non-linear analysis that will be performed for load cases selected
for non-linear analysis.
NON-LINEAR ANALYSIS PARAMETERS
The dialog box contains the following items:
Node coordinate update (P- )

This flag is set if node coordinates are to be updated at each analysis step. It is automatically set for
structures containing cable elements. The default setting is on.
Small/finite displacement theory

If the node coordinate update flag has been set, either small or finite displacement theory must be
selected. Small displacement theory is the default setting.
Axial force effects (P- )

If this flag is set member stiffnesses are modified at each analysis step. The default setting is on.
Residual / displacement
Specifies the criterion to be used for convergence of the solution. Residual uses a function of the
maximum out-of-balance force after analysis. When Displacement is selected, convergence is checked
by comparing the convergence tolerance against a generalized measure of the change in displacement
between successive iterations. For a satisfactory solution there must be acceptably small changes in
the displacement and the residual must be of a low value. The default setting is Residual.
Displacement control
Increasing the setting of this control will assist convergence in situations where displacements appear
to diverge with successive analysis iterations, or for structures that are initially unstable but become
stable as they displace under load. You normally leave this control at minimum and only increase the
setting if difficulties are encountered in solution.
Convergence tolerance
This value determines when the analysis has converged, determined by checking the change in the
convergence criterion between successive analysis cycles. Too small a value will prolong the solution
time and may even inhibit convergence. The default value is 0.0005.
No. load steps

You may apply loads in a stepwise fashion which may assist in obtaining a solution for flexible
structures by keeping displacements small at each load increment. This parameter is usually left at its
default value of 1.
Iterations per load step

The maximum number of analysis iterations for each load step. This parameter is used to stop the
analysis if convergence is taking an excessive time. The default value is 50, but larger values are often
applicable for very flexible structures or models containing large numbers of cable elements.
Relaxation factor
The relaxation factor is applied to incremental displacement corrections during analysis. The optimum
value for the relaxation factor depends on the type of the structure. As a general rule, structures which
"soften" under load (i.e., displacements increase disproportionately with load) have an optimum
relaxation factor between 1.0 and 1.2 while structures which "harden" under load have an optimum
relaxation factor as low as 0.85. Caution is recommended in changing the relaxation factor from the
default value of 1.0; if the relaxation factor is too far from optimum the analysis may require an
excessive number of iterations for convergence or it may not converge at all.
Oscillation control
This control facilitates convergence when the solution oscillates owing to the removal and restoration
of tension-only or compression-only members. The default setting is off.
As the analysis proceeds, the analysis window displays key information for each selected load case. At each
analysis iteration the maximum values of residual and displacement are displayed in correct user units. Note
that at this stage the values shown are from the most critical degree of freedom, i.e., residuals may be either
forces or moments, and displacements may be either translations or rotations.
Troubleshooting Non-Linear Analysis
It is possible to perform a successful linear analysis for structures that are incapable of resisting the imposed
loads. Non-linear analysis is a more complete simulation of the behaviour of a structure under load and the
procedure will often fail to provide a solution where a linear analysis succeeds. This may occur, for
example, if some compression members are slender and buckle. Where non-linear analysis fails to converge,
the following tips may be helpful:
Make sure that a linear analysis can be performed. If not, troubleshoot the linear analysis before
continuing with the non-linear analysis.
Is a full non-linear analysis necessary? If the only significant non-linear effect is the presence of
tension-only or compression-only members, set the analysis type to L for these load cases. In other
cases, a successful analysis may result if either node coordinate update or axial force effects can be
excluded.
Examine the analysis log file. It contains information about members that have become ineffective
because of slenderness or member type. Note that members in this file are referred to by index rather
than label. The member index number is the serial number of the member in the archive file (not the
member number).
Perform an elastic critical load analysis to check the frame buckling load. If it is greater than the
imposed load non-linear analysis is not possible.
Is the structure too flexible? Remove excessive member end releases (pins). Sometimes, in diagnosing
convergence problems, it is helpful to remove ALL releases and reinstate them in stages.
Adjust non-linear analysis parameters.

Elastic Critical Load Analysis
Elastic Critical Load (ECL) Analysis (also referred to as stability, or buckling analysis) performs a rational
buckling analysis of the model to compute the elastic critical load factors ( c) and the associated buckling
modes. Member effective lengths can also be determined from the elastic critical load.
The buckling behaviour depends on the distribution of loading on the frame and buckling parameters are
computed separately for each load case to be considered. The buckling load factor for any load case is the
factor by which the axial forces in all the members must be multiplied to cause the structure to become
unstable (lateral torsional buckling of individual members is not taken into account). The elastic critical load
of the structure is a function of the elastic properties of the structure and the pattern of loading.
The effective length of a member is defined as the length of an ideal pin-ended strut whose Euler load is the
axial load in the member when the structure is at its critical load. The effective length may be expressed as a
factor multiplying the actual member length (k). The effective length factor is calculated separately for each
of the member principal axes for each load case. A load factor of less than 1.0 for any load case indicates
that the structure is unstable under the applied loading.
A linear elastic analysis is often used for the initial analysis, but non-linear analysis must be used when the
structure contains non-linear members. For most structures the load factor will not be influenced greatly by
the type of initial analysis and a linear analysis is recommended in order to reduce the overall solution time.
Restraints affecting the flexural buckling behaviour of the structure must be included in the structural model.
For example, if out-of-plane buckling behaviour is to be considered for a plane frame, the frame would have
to be modelled as a space frame with nodes located at the positions of lateral restraints (restraint can be
introduced only at nodes).
Elastic critical load analysis is not recommended for structures containing cable elements because of the
highly non-linear nature of structures of this type.
More:
Selecting Load Cases for ECL Analysis
Analysis Control Parameters
Why Does ECL Analysis Give Such High k Factors?
Selecting Load Cases for ECL Analysis
Select Analyse > Elastic Critical Load from the main menu. The dialog box below is displayed for you to
select the required load cases. Usually, only combination load cases required for design are selected.
SELECTING LOAD CASES
FOR ECL ANALYSIS
After selecting load cases, the dialog box shown below appears. The settings in this dialog box determine
the type of elastic critical load analysis that will be performed.
ECL ANALYSIS PARAMETERS
Initial analysis
The initial analysis determines the distribution of axial forces to be used for the elastic critical load
analysis. It is normally Linear but should be Non-linear if the structure contains tension-only,
compression-only, or cable members.
Tolerance
The tolerance is the relative accuracy to which the load factor is required. Too small a value will
prolong the solution time. The default value is 0.01.
Max. load factor

The search for the elastic critical load will terminate if the load factor exceeds this limiting value. The
default value is 1000.
No. modes
The number of buckling modes to be computed for each selected load case. Normally, only the first
mode is required, though higher modes may be of interest if lower modes are inhibited or represent
localized buckling behaviour.
When the analysis is finished a summary of results appears in the analysis window. The summary shows for
each selected load case the critical load factor and the most critical member with associated k values.
Why Does ECL Analysis Give Such High k Factors?
The effective length of a given member in a frame is the length of an equivalent pin-ended member whose
Euler load equals the buckling load of the frame member. The effective length factors, kx and ky, are factors
by which we multiply the actual length of the member in order to obtain the effective lengths for buckling
about the section XX and YY axes, respectively. When designing the frame member by traditional methods,
we take account of the stiffness of connected members to obtain the effective length and then we consider it
as if it were an isolated member of an appropriate length. We could then determine the axial load required to
cause column buckling in this equivalent member.
ECL analysis allows us to determine the frame buckling load factor for a given load case. Frame buckling
occurs when the axial forces for the given load case are factored to the point where the frame collapses.
Display the buckling mode shape of the frame and you can see how the frame buckles. Frame buckling for a
given load case is usually a complex interaction of several members there is not necessarily any one
member that causes the buckling of the frame. In this situation, if we apply our definition of effective length,
we find that the effective length of a given member for a given load case is the length of an equivalent pin-
ended member whose Euler load equals the load in that member when frame buckling occurs. Thus, any
member carrying a small axial load at frame buckling will have a large effective length. Also, the effective
length of a member will vary from one load case to another. It is only where a member could be said to be
critical (i.e. participating to a very large degree in the buckling mode), that the effective length factor could
be compared with the value used in traditional methods.
In general, traditional effective length factors relate to the buckling load of the member being considered
whereas the effective length factor computed by ECL analysis relates to frame buckling.
Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic Analysis computes the frequencies and mode shapes of the natural vibration modes of the
structural model. Only the mass and stiffness of the model are considered in computing natural frequencies
and mode shapes. Static load cases are ignored. The frame mass is computed automatically and additional
mass that is to be taken into account may be modelled as node masses. Member masses are computed
automatically as the product of the cross-sectional area and the mass density. Additional node masses may
be input as required. The unit used for mass must be consistent with the force and length units.
Select the Analyse > Dynamic command to start dynamic analysis.
More:
Dynamic Modes
Dynamic Analysis Example

After selecting load cases, the dialog box shown below appears. The settings in this dialog box determine
the type of dynamic analysis that will be performed.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PARAMETERS
No. modes
The number of natural frequencies and mode shapes that can be computed is limited by the number of
dynamic degrees of freedom, and, for large structures, by the amount of available memory. Solving
for a large number of modes is usually not warranted.
Tolerance
This is the tolerance to be used in determining the convergence of eigenvalues. If the value is too
small, convergence may not be possible or an excessive number of iterations may be required. If the
value is too large, the eigenvalues found may not be the lowest. The default value is 0.00001.
Verify eigenvalues
Check this box if you wish to verify that no eigenvalues have been skipped in the computation (see
above).
Lumped mass / Consistent mass

The mass matrix may be computed using either a consistent mass or lumped mass formulation. The
consistent mass matrix has a firmer theoretical basis but gives rise to a global mass matrix that is
similar in shape and size to the global stiffness matrix, requiring greater storage and computational
effort than the lumped mass matrix, which leads to a diagonal global mass matrix
Initial state load case

Non-linear behaviour is not taken into account in dynamic analysis but it is possible to specify a load
case that defines the initial state. For example, a leeward cable in a guyed mast subjected to wind load
may be slack. If the corresponding load case is specified as the initial state load case, the slack cable
will be eliminated from the analysis. The default value is zero.
Response spectrum analysis

You must check this box if you wish to proceed to a response spectrum analysis after the dynamic
analysis.
Dynamic Modes
After completing a dynamic analysis it is important to check the mode shapes to ensure that you have the
required dynamic modes. MsTower computes all dynamic modes, including torsional modes. The easiest
way to examine the results is to display an animated view of the computed mode shapes.
Note: You can add low-mass "semaphore" members to visualise torsional modes.
Dynamic Analysis Example
The diagram below shows the mode shape computed for the first mode in dynamic analysis of the TWEX5
example.
NATURAL MODE SHAPE
Response Spectrum Analysis

The Response Spectrum Analysis is used to determine peak displacements and member forces due to
support accelerations using the response spectrum method. The spreadsheets AS1170_4.xls (see
http://www.microstran.com/as1170_4.htm) and Nzs4203.xls (see http://www.microstran.com/nzs4203.htm)
set out detailed procedures for performing response spectrum analysis complying with the design codes AS
1170.4 and NZS 4203, respectively.
More:
Running a Response Spectrum Analysis
Response Spectrum Curves
Running a Response Spectrum Analysis

The procedure for performing a response spectrum analysis is:
1. Set up static analysis load cases and perform the static analysis. The earthquake load cases are empty
results from the response spectrum analysis will be added automatically.
2. Select dynamic analysis and check Response spectrum analysis.
3. You are next prompted to identify the load cases that are to be used for the results of the response
spectrum analysis. There will be one such load case for each earthquake direction being considered.
4. For each earthquake load case you must enter parameters to determine the response spectrum
direction and the number of modes to be considered. The direction factors determine the direction of
the support acceleration in terms of components in the global axis directions. These components will
be reduced to a unit vector before being used. The number of modes must be sufficient to satisfy the
earthquake code requirement that 90% (typically) of the seismic mass is accounted for. It must not be
greater than the number of modes computed during dynamic analysis (Step 2, above).
5. For each earthquake load case damping ratios are specified. The "Complete Quadratic Combination"
method (CQC) for combining modal responses is used to determine the peak response. This is
equivalent to the "Square Root of the Sum of Squares" (SRSS) method if all modal damping ratios are
zero.
6. For each earthquake load case a response spectrum curve and scaling factor must be specified. The
response spectrum curve is chosen from a list of names of digitized response spectrum curves
contained in file Response.txt (described below). You may edit the response spectrum curves or add
new ones using the Configure > Edit Response Spectra command.
7. After Steps 3-6 have been completed for each earthquake case, the dynamic analysis proceeds. On
completion, select the Analyse > Response Spectrum command to scale the computed actions and
combine them with the static analysis results (note that this item is greyed out on the menu until all
the necessary preconditions for response spectrum analysis have been completed). The total reactions
(base shears) are displayed for each earthquake case and you now enter scale factors for each case.
The spreadsheets referred to above will assist you in computing scale factors to comply with code
requirements.
MsTower now adds the results from the response spectrum analysis to the static analysis results. Earthquake
load cases may now be treated as any other load case for the display and reporting of results and for design.
Note: The displaced shape represents the peak values of the displacement during the earthquake event.
There are no negative values. Interpretation of the results should take this into account.
Response Spectrum Scale Factor
The scale factor used in Step 6, above is used to multiply the spectral acceleration values to give the actual
support acceleration to be used in the analysis. Many codes give spectral accelerations in a normalized form
that have to be multiplied by site acceleration factors. For convenience, file Response.txt uses normalized
spectral values.
The results of the static analysis are updated with the results of the response spectrum analysis. As this
process takes place, the sum of the reactions for each dynamic load case will be displayed and you may
enter factors that will be used to scale the results to ensure compliance with codes that require minimum
base shears (Step 7, above). The factor should be based on the base shear in the direction of the support
acceleration. Note that the values given for the reactions are the sum of absolute values, as the methods used
to combine individual modal responses result in loss of sign.
The results for each dynamic load case are inserted in the results files for the previously defined empty load
cases. Any combination case that refers to the dynamic case is updated by adding the specified dynamic
case, factored as specified. By updating combination cases instead of computing them completely from the
results of primary cases, any non-linearity in the previously computed results is preserved. However, the
static analysis must be repeated if the dynamic analysis is to be amended.
Note: After running response spectrum analysis you should look at the dynamic analysis log file, which
contains important data including mass participation factors.
Response Spectrum Curves

The digitized data for the response spectrum curves must be entered into the file Response.TXT. The
Response.TXT file resides in the library folder. This is a text file that may be edited by the user to add
additional response spectrum data. The format of each set of data in the file is as follows:
Name
T(1) Sa(1)
T(2) Sa(2)
T(3) Sa(3)
.....
T(n) Sa(n)
END
where:
Name String of alphanumeric characters used to identify

each curve.
T(n) Period in seconds for the nth point on the curve.
Sa(n) Spectral acceleration for the nth point on the
curve. The spectral accelerations may be in
normalized form or as absolute accelerations with
a scale factor, described previously, being used to
effect any required conversion.
END Keyword indicating the end of data for this curve.
Errors
There are some types of error that only become evident during analysis and it is not possible for the
consistency check to warn of this type of error before the analysis commences. For example, if a structure is
unstable because some part of it actually forms a mechanism, analysis will be terminated and an error
message will be displayed on the screen. The error message is of the form:
STRUCTURE UNSTABLE AT NODE nnnnn DOF f
where:
nnnnn = The node number at which instability was

detected.
f = The DOF number, as shown in the table below,
in which there was found to be no resistance to
displacement.
Sometimes in linear elastic analysis a modelling problem may manifest itself as gross linear or angular
displacement. This kind of problem may not be obvious in the member force plots but may be evident in the
plot of displaced shape. Modelling problems of this type can usually be fixed by the addition of one or more
node restraints to inhibit the gross displacement.
In non-linear analysis very large displacements can occur in the analysis of structures containing very
flexible tension members. If displacements are sufficiently large the analysis will be terminated with a
message of the form:
EXCESSIVE DISPLACEMENTS
A solution can sometimes be obtained in cases like this by adjusting the analysis parameters but it is
preferable to model very flexible tension members as cables.
The above error message may also be obtained where the automatic deletion of tension-only bracing
members during non-linear analysis renders a structure unstable.
General
The CAD Interface is an integral part of MsTower that offers the capability of exporting 3-D data to a CAD
system, forming the basis for a CAD drawing. This function is selected with the File > Export > CAD DXF
command. Structure information is exchanged by means of an AutoCAD DXF.
Note: You can use the Windows Paste command to transfer any part of an MsTower image into CAD.
Exporting a CAD DXF

Each member center-line is represented by a single LINE entity in the DXF. The section shape may also be
represented by a number of planes. The section shapes may be curtailed at member ends to avoid
overplotting at the intersections.
On selecting the File > Export > CAD DXF command the dialog box below is displayed.
CAD DXF EXPORT PARAMETERS
The DXF contains only an Entities section without a drawing header. In AutoCAD, you may import the file
with the "DXFIN" command and then use the "ZOOM E" command to fill the screen with the drawing. The
limits may then be adjusted as required.
You may suppress hidden lines and render the drawing in AutoCAD.
Exporting a Steel Detailing Neutral File

Select File > Export > SDNF to create a file that can be imported into a steel detailing program that
recognizes the SDNF format (e.g. Xsteel). The file will be created in the data folder with the name Job.SDN,
where "Job" is the MsTower job name. At present, this command will transfer only the structural geometry
and section sizes to the SDN file.
Windows Clipboard Operations
MsTower facilitates use of the Windows clipboard for transfer of images to CAD programs by using the
Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF) for the Windows clipboard when you select the View > Copy command.
In programs such as AutoCAD, you can then use the Paste command to directly insert an image of the main
MsTower view. Pressing the Print Screen key on the keyboard writes a Windows bitmap to the clipboard.
Both of these formats may be pasted into Microsoft Word documents.
General
This chapter describes the operation of the MSTower loading module in computing loads on the tower and
ancillaries in accordance with the requirements of:
BS 8100:Part 1 1986.
BS 8100:Part 4 1995.
CP3 Chapter 5.
AS 3995-1994.
Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990.
EIA/TIA-222-F-1991.
Loading types include dead load, ice load (with and without wind), node loads, wind loading on the
structure, its ancillaries, feeders, and attachments, and temperature loads.
Tower loading represented as node loads are computed for wind acting at any angle to the tower, with and
without icing of members, as well as gravity loads due to self weight and icing. Additional node forces may
be specified for any primary load case. Combination load cases may also be defined.
Code partial safety factors may be specified directly or as factors in combination load cases.
Tower Faces
The faces of the tower are numbered 1, 2, 3 (and 4 for rectangular towers) in an anti-clockwise direction
with face 1 normal to the positive X axis. The locations of face ancillaries are specified by reference to the
face numbers.
Towers With Cross-Arms
Although the structure may have cross-arms, their presence is ignored when allocating members to faces and
in the subsequent computation of wind loads. Additional face ancillaries should be added to the appropriate
panels to account for the wind resistance of the cross-arms. The weight of the cross-arms and any encrusting
ice is taken into account in DL and ICE load cases respectively.
The Tower Loading (TWR) File

Data describing the tower loading is entered into a free-format text file called Job.TWR, where "Job" is the
job name. A tower loading file may be generated by selecting Tower > Load Tower > Make Tower
Loading File. A series of dialog boxes will be displayed for you to select the loading code and various
parameters. The resulting TWR file will require some editing to customize it to the particular tower you are
modelling.
The data is organized into logical blocks:
1. Parameters block.
2. Terrain block.
3. Velocity profile block (optional).
4. Named node block (optional).
5. Guy list block (optional).
6. Loads block.
7. Panel block (optional).
8. Ancillaries block.
Each block commences with a keyword identifying the block and terminates with the keyword END. The
keyword EOF is used to terminate the file. Each data block is described in this chapter.
More:
Parameters Block
Terrain Block
Velocity Profile Block
Named Node Block
Guy List Block
Loads Block
Wind Load Cases
Guyed Mast Patch Loadings
Dead Loads
Ice Loads
Miscellaneous Loads
Additional Node Loads
Additional Member Temperatures
Combination Load Cases
Panel Block
Ancillary Block
Parameters Block
PARAMETERS
ANGN an
[CODE code]
[ICE RO ro RW rw]
[ALTOP alt]
[PSF-V gamma-v]
[PSF-M gamma-m]
VB vb [{MEAN|GUST}]
[OVERLAP n]
[GRAV grav]
[RHO rho]
END
where:
ANGN Keyword.
an The angle, in degrees, measured anti-clockwise
from the X axis to geographic north.
CODE Keyword.
code Character string indicating the code rules to be
followed in computing the wind and other
loading:
BS8100
Use the rules of BS 8100:Part 1 1986.
BS8100P4
Use the rules of BS 8100:Part 4 1995.
MER
Use the rules of the Malaysian Electricity
Supply Regulations 1990 See note below.
AS3995
Use the rules of AS 3995-1994.
EIA222
Use the rules of EIA/TIA-222-F-1991.
If omitted, the rules of BS 8100 Part 1 will be

used. Unless specified otherwise all code
references are to BS 8100.
ICE Keyword.
RO Keyword.
ro Radial ice thickness, mm or inches, in the
absence of wind (Fig. 3.9 in BS 8100).
RW Keyword.
rw Radial ice thickness, mm or inches, in presence
of wind (Fig. 3.9 in BS 8100).
ALTOP Keyword.
alt Altitude of tower top, in m or ft. Used to
determine basic ice thickness (Cl. 3.5.2 in BS
8100).
PSF-V Keyword.
gamma-v Partial safety factor on wind speed and ice
thickness (Fig 2.1 in BS 8100).
PSF-M Keyword.
gamma-m Partial safety factor on design strength (Fig. 2.1
in BS 8100).
VB Keyword.
vb Basic wind velocity in m/sec or ft/sec (Fig. 3.1
in BS 8100).
MEAN Keyword indicating that vb is the mean hourly
wind speed.
GUST Keyword indicating that vb is the gust wind
speed.
OVERLAP Keyword.
n Overlap flag; 0 if overlap between bracing and
leg members is not to be taken into account; 1
otherwise. If overlap is taken into account, the
computed wind resistance will be smaller, but
computation time will be marginally longer.
Overlap will be taken into account if flag is
omitted.
GRAV Keyword.
grav Gravitational acceleration in Z direction. If
omitted, an acceleration of -9.81 m/sec² will be
used in computing gravitational loads from
masses.
RHO Keyword.
rho Density of air at the reference temperature. If
omitted, a value of 1.22 kg/m3 will be used.
Note: If code is specified as MER the following default values will be used unless otherwise specified:
gamma-v = 1.0
gamma-m = 1.0
rho = 1.2 kg/m3
vb = 26.82 m/s
Terrain Block
This block is used to specify the variation of terrain factor with wind direction around the tower. The data
required depends on the loading code being used.
The TERRAIN block for BS 8100 Part 1 is as follows:
TERRAIN
ANGLE angle TCAT tcat [Kd kd] [KR kr] [HH hh]...
[BETAH betah] [XLEE xlee]
...
END
where:
ANGLE Keyword.
angle Wind angle in degrees (clockwise) from
geographic north.
TCAT Keyword.
tcat Terrain category in Arabic numerals.
Intermediate terrain categories may be given as
a decimal, e.g. 2.5.
KR Keyword.
kr Terrain roughness factor. Interpolated from BS
8100 Table 3.1 if not specified.
KD Keyword.
kd Wind direction factor. Interpolated from BS
8100 Fig. 3.2 if not specified. If ice is present a
maximum value of 0.85 will be used.
HH Keyword.
hh Height of hill above general terrain, in m or ft.
Assumed to be zero if not specified.
BETAH Keyword.
betah Effective slope of hill , in degrees. Assumed to
be zero if not specified.
XLEE Keyword.
xlee Downwind distance from the crest of the hill to
tower site, in m or ft. Assumed to be zero if not
specified.
The TERRAIN block for BS 8100:Part 4 is as follows:
TERRAIN
ANGLE angle [SD sd] DSEA ds DTWN dt...
[XO xo HO ho HE he LU lu X x]
...
END
where:
ANGLE Keyword.
angle Wind angle in degrees east of north.
SD Keyword.
sd Direction factor (BS 8100:Part 4 Cl. 3.1.5). If
not specified a value will be interpolated from
Table 1 of BS 8100:Part 4. If ice is present a
maximum value of 0.85 will be used.
DSEA Keyword.
ds Distance from the sea, in km or miles.
DTWN Keyword.
dt Distance to edge of town in windward direction,
in km or miles. Zero for country terrain.
XO Keyword.
xo Upwind spacing of permanent obstructions from
mast, in m or ft.
HO Keyword.
ho General level of rooftops, in m or ft.
HE Keyword.
he Effective height of topographic feature above
general ground level in upwind direction, in m
or ft.
LU Keyword.
lu Length of upwind slope in wind direction, in m
or ft.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance of site from top of crest, in
m or ft.
The TERRAIN block for AS 3995-1994 is as follows:
TERRAIN
ANGLE angle TCAT tcat [MD md H h LU lu X x] reg
...
END
where:
ANGLE Keyword.
angle Angle in degrees (clockwise) from geographic
north.
TCAT Keyword.
tcat Terrain category in Arabic numerals.
Intermediate terrain categories may be given as
a decimal, e.g. 2.5.
MD Keyword.
md Wind direction multiplier. If not specified, a
value will be interpolated from Table 2.2.5 of
AS 3995.
H Keyword.
h Height of feature, in m or ft.
LU Keyword.
lu Horizontal distance upwind from the crest of the
feature to a level half the height below the crest,
in m or ft.
X Keyword.
x Horizontal distance upwind or downwind from
the structure to the crest of the feature, in m or
ft.
reg Regional code A1, A2, A3, A4, B, C, or D, as
defined in Fig. 2.2 of AS 3995.
No TERRAIN block is required for the Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations.
Terrain factors for up to eight directions may be entered. If necessary, intermediate values will be obtained
by interpolation. If there is no variation in terrain with angle, enter a single set of values for angle zero.
The TERRAIN block may be omitted, in which case a terrain category of 1 will be assumed (tcat = 1). The
TERRAIN block will be ignored if a user defined velocity profile is specified.
Velocity Profile Block
This optional block may be used to specify a velocity profile that takes precedence over any profile that may
be computed from the code terrain rules.
VELOCITY
ZF z VF vfact
...
END
where:
ZF Keyword.
z Height above ground level at which velocity
factor is specified, in m or ft.
VF Keyword.
vfact Velocity factor at height z. The actual velocity
is:
Vz = Vb × gamma-v × vfact
The velocity profile should be entered in increasing order of height.
Additional wind profiles may be defined for determining patch loads on masts:
PVEL_MAST
ZF z VF vfact
...
END
PVEL_GUY
ZF z VF vfact
...
END
If PVEL_MAST and PVEL_GUY blocks are defined a number of "patch" load cases will be generated as
described in this chapter.
VELOCITY PROFILE
Named Node Block
Up to 40 nodes may be "named" by being assigned an alphanumeric tag:
NODELIST [ZREF {zr|top|btm}]

name X x Y y Z z
...
END
where:
ZREF Keyword.
zr Z coordinate of the origin of the nodes in the
following list of nodes, in m or ft.
TOP Keyword indicating that Z coordinate of the
origin is the top of the tower.
BTM Keyword indicating that Z coordinate of the
origin is the base of the tower.
name An alphanumeric string of characters. It is
limited to 8 characters and must not be
recognizable as a number.
X Keyword.
x X coordinate of the node, in m or ft.
Y Keyword.
y Y coordinate of the node, in m or ft.
Z Keyword.
z Z coordinate of the node, relative to the origin
defined by ZREF, in m or ft. If ZREF has not been
defined the Z coordinate will be relative to the
global origin.
The node list establishes node number aliases that may replace a node number anywhere in the TWR file.
The aliases may be useful where modifications to the geometry results in node numbers changing, for
example, when the tower is being studied for strengthening or a number of different bracing patterns are
being considered. If a family of transmission towers is being designed the node list could define the loading
points with only the ZREF parameter being changed as extensions are added.
Guy List Block
This optional block allows you to group a number of guys together and to refer to them by name when
considering asymmetrical ice loading in ice and wind load cases. Up to eight lists of guys may be input:
GUYLIST
name g1 ... gn
...
END
where:
name An alphanumeric string of characters. It is

limited to 8 characters and must not be
g1..gn List of member numbers for the guys in this list.
A particular guy may belong to more than one list.
Note: You may obtain the member number for a guy from the data tip that appears when the cursor is placed
on it, with the Query > Member Data command, or by double-clicking on it.
Loads Block
This block describes the load cases that are to be computed. Each primary load case consists of a CASE
description, a specification for a wind, dead, or ice load, and optionally, additional node loads that are to
form part of that load case. Combination load cases consist of a CASE description and a number of load case
references and factors.
All loads on the tower should be described in the LOADS block.
LOADS
CASE ...
Wind, dead, ice, or miscellaneous load
Additional node loads
Additional member temperatures
CASE ...
Wind, dead, ice, or miscellaneous load
Additional node loads
Additional member temperatures
...
CASE ...
Combination load case
...
END
Each load case must start with the line:
CASE lcase title
where:
lcase 1-5 digit load case reference number.

title Load case title up to 50 characters.
Wind Load Cases
WL {ANGLE wangn | ANGLX wangx} [{ICE|NOICE}]...
[BARE] [CROSS] [{PATCH|NOPATCH}] [SMEAR]
[UNICE list]
where:
ANGLE Keyword.
wangn Angle in degrees (clockwise) from geographic
north.
ANGLX Keyword.
wangx Angle in degrees (anti-clockwise) from the
global X axis.
ICE Keyword indicating that ice is to be considered
for this case.
NOICE Keyword indicating that ice is not to be
considered for this case.
BARE Keyword indicating that wind load is to be
computed for the bare tower, i.e., the tower
without any ancillaries.
CROSS Keyword indicating that MSTower is to
generate sub-load cases in the cross wind
direction.
PATCH Keyword indicating that patch load cases will be
generated for guyed masts.
NOPATCH Keyword indicating that patch load cases will
not be generated for guyed masts.
SMEAR Keyword indicating that patch wind load on
guys will be "smeared" over the length of the
guys according to the rules of ENV1993-3-
1:1997, Para A.4.3.2.3.
UNICE Keyword.
list Name of a guy list defined in the GUYLIST
block. The guys nominated in this list will have
wind loads applied to the bare guy, not to the
iced diameter of the guy.
If the MEAN wind speed is being used the basic wind load case lcase contains the loads due to the mean
hourly wind applied to the equivalent bare tower. This is followed by sequentially numbered sub-cases, the
first containing the fluctuating component of the wind load on the large ancillaries, and the second the sum
of the mean hourly loads on the tower and ancillaries.
The CROSS wind load cases are required additional sub-cases containing the loads due to cross-wind on the
equivalent bare tower and the fluctuating component of the cross-wind on the ancillaries are generated.
If the GUST wind speed is being used, the along-wind loads on the large ancillaries are accumulated into the
basic wind load case and no additional sub-loads are formed. You must leave gaps in the numbering of wind
load cases to accommodate the sub-cases; a difference of ten between successive cases is sufficient and
convenient.
Guyed Mast Patch Loadings
For a guyed mast, the program will generate a set of patch load sub-cases as defined in BS 8100:Part 4 Cl.
5.3.2.2. These are:
1. On each span of the mast column between adjacent guy levels (and on the span between the mast base
and the first guy level).
2. Over the cantilever, if relevant.
3. From midpoint to midpoint of adjacent spans.
4. From the base of the mid-height of the first guy level.
5. From the mid-height of the span between the penultimate and top guy to the top guy if no cantilever is
present, but including the cantilever, if relevant.
For BS 8100, the patch loads are derived from equivalent velocity profiles derived from the equations in Cl.
5.3.2.2 and Cl. 5.3.2.3 for the mast and guy, respectively.
For AS 3995, the mean hourly wind profile is used with segments of gust wind profile forming the load
patches. If patch loads are not required, the wind profile specified in the PARAMETERS block will be used.
If specified, the various wind profiles needed to form patch load cases will be obtained as follows:
VELOCITY Mean wind profile.

PVEL_MAST Patch wind profile on mast.
PVEL_GUY Patch wind profile on guys.
Formation of patch sub-cases may be prevented by using the keyword. NOPATCH when specifying the wind
load.
If patch loading is specified, you must leave a sufficient gap in the numbering of successive wind load and
combination load cases to accommodate the sub-cases that will be generated.
Dead Loads
DL [BARE]
where:
DL Keyword signifying a dead load case. The

weight of all ancillaries will be included in the
load case.
BARE Keyword. If present, the dead load is computed
for the tower structure only, without ancillaries.
Ice Loads
ICE DENS dens {WIND|NOWIND} [BARE] [UNICE list]
where:
ICE Keyword signifying a gravity load due to icing

of the tower. The weight of ice coating
structural members and ancillaries will be taken
into account.
DENS Keyword.
dens
Specific weight of ice, in kN/m3 or lb/ft3.
WIND Keyword indicating presence of wind.
NOWIND Keyword indicating absence of wind.
BARE Keyword indicating that ice load is computed
for the tower structure only without ancillaries..
UNICE Keyword.
list Name of a guy list defined in the GUYLIST
block. The guys nominated in this list will not
have ice applied.
Miscellaneous Loads
Load cases not falling into one of the above categories may be included as miscellaneous loads. These could
include construction, maintenance, or similar loads.
MI
NDLD list FX fx FY fy FZ fz
...
where:
MI Keyword.
NDLD.. See "Additional Node Loads", below.
Additional Node Loads

Additional node loads may specified for any wind load, dead load, or ice load case.
NDLD list FX fx FY fy FZ fz
where:
NDLD Keyword.
list The nodes to which the forces are to be applied,
in one of the following forms:
n1 n2 ... nn
A list of node numbers.
n1 TO n2 INC n3
Includes n1 to n2 in steps of n3.
ALL
All nodes.
FX FY FZ Keywords indicating direction of force.
fx fy fz Forces in the global X, Y, Z directions,
respectively, in kN or kips.
Additional Member Temperatures
Additional member temperatures may be specified for any wind load, dead load, or ice load case.
MTMP list TEMP t
where:
MTMP Keyword.
list The members to which the temperatures are to
be applied, in one of the following forms:
m1 m2 ... mn
A list of node numbers.
m1 TO m2 INC m3
Includes m1 to m2 in steps of m3.
ALL
All members.
TEMP Keyword.
t Centroidal temperature. Transverse temperature
gradients will be set to zero.
In addition to being used to model the effects of temperature change, MTMP loads may be used to simulate a
broken guy, by specifying a temperature increase sufficient to make the guy slack.
Combination Load Cases
COMBIN lcase factor
...
where:
COMBIN Keyword.
lcase Load case reference number. This must be a
load case reference numbers specified in a CASE
record do not refer to sub-cases generated for
groups of large ancillaries or crosswinds or
patch load cases.
factor Factor by which the loads in lcase are to be
multiplied. The factor may be used to apply
different partial safety factors on dead load or
ice densities to the primary load cases that are
being combined.
Panel Block
The panels into which the tower is divided are defined by listing nodes at the panel boundaries in order from
the top of the tower. The Z coordinates of these nodes will be used when determining the panel to which
projected areas of member and ancillaries are allocated. The list of nodes may extend over one or more
lines. If the PANEL block is not specified panel heights will be obtained from the Job.TWM file, generated by
the tower builder. The PANEL block is not usually required.
Ancillary Block
This block is used to describe the ancillaries attached to the tower. Data for each ancillary is given on a
separate line as a series of keywords and numeric items. Ancillary libraries, containing the dimensions and
other properties of ancillaries, are used to reduce the amount of data required.
Ancillaries are sub-divided into the following types:
Linear ancillaries.
Face ancillaries.
Large ancillaries.
Insulators
ANCILLARIES
ANCILLARY AXES
More:
Linear Ancillaries
Face Ancillaries
Large Ancillaries
Insulators
Linear Ancillaries
Linear ancillaries are items such as wave-guides, feeders and the like. Usually they are either attached to the
face of the tower or contained within the body of the tower. The following data is required:
LINEAR LIB libr

name XB xb YB yb ZB zb [XT xt] [YT yt] ZT zt ...
[SELF] LIB lname [FACT fact] [SHADE shade] ...
[SHADY shady] ANG anga
...
where:
LINEAR Keyword.
LIB Keyword.
libr Name of library containing linear ancillaries. It
is assumed that the library is located in the data
folder unless the name is prefixed with "P:" or
"L:". "P:" indicates that the library is in the
program folder and "L:" indicates that it is in the
library folder.
name Identifier for the ancillary, 1-16 characters, not
XB Keyword.
xb X coordinate of the base of the ancillary, in m or
ft.
YB Keyword.
yb Y coordinate of the base of the ancillary, in m or
ft.
ZB Keyword.
zb Z coordinate of the base of the ancillary relative
to the base of the tower, in m or ft.
XT Keyword.
xt X coordinate of the top of the ancillary, in m or
ft. If not entered, the X coordinate of the base of
the ancillary is used.
YT Keyword.
yt Y coordinate of the top of the ancillary, in m or
ft. If not entered, the Y coordinate of the base of
the ancillary is used.
ZT Keyword.
zt Z coordinate of the top of the ancillary relative
to the base of the tower, in m or ft. This value
must be entered.
SELF Keyword indicating that the linear ancillary is
self-supporting. The mass of the ancillary will
be allocated to panels when computing the
equivalent static factor but its self weight will
not be added to the tower when computing DL
cases. If omitted, the weight of the ancillary will
be added to that of the tower.
LIB Keyword.
lname Name of ancillary in library 1-16 characters.
FACT Keyword.
fact Number of ancillaries of this type at this
location.
SHADE Keyword.
shade Coefficient used to factor exposed area of a
linear ancillary.
SHADY Keyword.
shady Coefficient used to factor exposed area of linear
ancillaries for wind the "y" direction.
ANG Keyword.
ang Angle between the "x" axis of the ancillary and
the X axis of the tower measured clockwise
from the X axis.
Face Ancillaries
These are ancillaries mounted on the faces of the tower and consisting of small items whose wind
resistances will be added to that of the panel of the face to which they are attached.
FACE
name FACE flist ZA za MASS mass CN cn ...
AREA area AICE aice {FLAT|CYL}
...
where:
FACE Keyword.
name Identifier for the ancillary 1-16 characters, not
FLIST Keyword.
flist List of faces to which ancillaries of this type are
attached, as a concatenated string of the digits 1,
2, 3, and 4, with no embedded spaces, e.g. 13
means the ancillaries are on faces 1 and 3.
ZA Keyword.
za Z coordinate of the mounted level of the
ancillary, in m or ft.
MASS Keyword.
mass Mass of the ancillary, in kg or lb.
CN Keyword.
cn Drag coefficient for wind normal to the face to
which the ancillary is attached.
AREA Keyword.
area Projected area of the ancillary on the face of the
tower, in m2 or ft2.
AICE Keyword.
aice
Surface area that can be coated with ice, in m2
or ft2. The volume of ice is obtained by
multiplying this area by the thickness of ice.
FLAT Keyword indicating that the ancillary is to be
considered as sharp edged.
CYL Keyword indicating that the ancillary is to be
considered as cylindrical.
Large Ancillaries
These are discrete ancillaries too large to be considered as "face-mounted" ancillaries, usually positioned on
the face of the tower or external to the tower.
Large ancillaries are described:
LARGE LIB libr

name XA xa YA ya ZA za LIB lname ...
[FACT fact] [SHADE shade] ANG ang ...
[{AMASS|TMASS}] [ATTACH nlist]
...
where:
LARGE Keyword.
LIB Keyword.
libr Name of library containing large ancillaries. It is
assumed that the library is located in the data
library folder.
name Identifier for the ancillary 1-16 characters, not
XA Keyword.
xa X coordinate of the ancillary, in m or ft.
YA Keyword.
ya Y coordinate of the ancillary, in m or ft.
ZA Keyword.
za Z coordinate of reference level of the ancillary
relative to the base of the tower, in m or ft. If an
antenna, the reference level is usually the center
of radiation.
LIB Keyword.
lname Name of ancillary in library 1-16 characters.
FACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the library dimensions and
areas of the ancillary are multiplied. If not
given, a value of 1.0 is used.
SHADE Keyword.
shade Coefficient used to factor exposed area of a
large or linear ancillary.
ANG Keyword.
ang Bearing of the ancillary, the clockwise angle
between north and the negative "x" axis of the
ancillary.
AMASS Keyword.
TMASS Keyword.
mass Mass, in kg or lb, with the following meanings
depending on which keyword it follows:
AMASS Additional mass, to be added to the
library mass.
TMASS Total mass, to be used instead of the
mass in the library.
ATTACH Keyword.
nlist List of nodes to which the ancillary is attached.
If attachment data is omitted, the program will
allocate the forces from the ancillary to leg
nodes closest to the level of the ancillary. The
forces of the ancillary will be transferred into
the tower by a statically equivalent set of forces
on the listed nodes.
An ampersand, "&", may be used at the end of a line to indicate that the data for an ancillary extends to the
next line.
If the mean wind speed is being used, the gust factor for each large ancillary will be computed and the
product of the gust factor and the mean hourly loads will be accumulated to form a single sub-load case for
each wind load case.
Insulators
These may be used to separate sections of a multi-segment guy. They are described as:
INSULATORS
name NODE node AREA area AICE aice ...
MASS mass CN cn
...
where:
INSULATORS Keyword.
name Identifier for the insulator 1-16 characters,
not recognizable as a number.
NODE Keyword.
node Node number at which the insulator is located.
AREA Keyword.
area
Projected area of the insulator, in m2 or ft2. It
is assumed that the projected area is the same
for all angles of wind incidence.
AICE Keyword.
aice
Surface area that can be coated with ice, in m2
or ft2. The volume of ice is obtained by
multiplying this area by the thickness of ice.
MASS Keyword.
mass Mass of the insulator, in kg or lb.
CN Keyword.
cn Drag coefficient, assumed to be the same for
all angles of wind incidence.
Note: You may obtain the node number for an insulator from the data tip that appears when the cursor is
placed on it, with the Query > Node Data command, or by double-clicking on it.
Output
The following tables of intermediate results computed by the loading module are written to a loading log file
and may be viewed by selecting the File > List/Edit > Loading Log command or printed by selecting the
File > Print > Loading Log command.
Velocity Table
The input and computed parameters used in computing the velocity profile and the variation of velocity with
height above the base of the tower are reported.
Member/Face Table
Each member is allocated to a tower face and its projected length in the face is reported. Leg members will
belong to two faces while internal members, such as hip and plan bracing, will not belong to any face. The
length of bracing members that intersect leg members is adjusted for the overlap between the IP and the
edge of the leg member if the overlap flag in the PARAMETERS block is set to 1.
Face Results
The area of each panel, its solidity ratio, and drag coefficient, the resistance of ancillaries, shielding factor,
Sf, and the normal resistance of the face as a single frame are reported for each face.
Resistance Table
The effective resistance, Re1 and Re2, and the total wind resistance, Rwt, for the specified wind angle are
reported, along with the total mass (structural and ancillary) of each panel.
The factor determining whether the equivalent static method is valid is also reported.
Method
The program uses the procedures set out in Section 4.4 of BS 8100 for the computation of resistances.
If the mean-hourly wind speed is being used and if large ancillaries are specified in a wind load case, the
wind loads on the equivalent shielded tower will be computed and additional sub-load cases will be
generated for each wind direction for the large ancillaries. This case will contain the sum of the gust-
factored wind loads on the large ancillaries.
If the gust wind speed is being used, the loads on the equivalent shielded tower and large ancillaries are
computed separately and added together to form a single load case before being output.
More:
BS 8100
CP3 Chapter 5
AS 3995
Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990
EIA/TIA-222-F
BS 8100 Gust Factor Correction
BS 8100
The velocity, VB, should be specified as MEAN.
MsTower uses the general method of BS 8100 for computing the wind resistance of towers. This method
allows for towers with faces that are asymmetrical, either structurally or due to their complement of
ancillaries. It also allows the resistance to be computed for any wind incidence angle. When using the
general method, the resistance of the single frame comprised in each face is computed, along with shielding
factors and Kth. The resistance of the complete tower is built up from these values. Methods of computing
drag coefficients of panels made of flat and circular sections (both sub-critical and super-critical) are also
given. BS 8100 also uses a simpler method for symmetrical towers, whereby the resistance for the complete
tower can be determined from drag factors for the overall tower.
If a panel contains ancillaries, the projected area of the ancillary is used when computing panel solidity
ratios and single panel drag coefficients. The wind forces on the ancillary are then computed using the drag
coefficients from the ancillary library and a statically equivalent set of node loads is applied to the nodes to
which the ancillary is attached.
CP3 Chapter 5
The velocity, VB, should be specified as GUST.
When wind loading to CP3 Ch. 5 is to be calculated, the wind load code entry should be left blank and the
three second gust wind speed should be specified. It is also necessary to define a wind velocity profile in a
VELOCITY block as no equation is given for this in CP3 Ch. 5. In the absence of a VELOCITY block the
velocity profile in BS 8100 will be used.
AS 3995
The velocity, VB, should be specified as GUST.
When AS 3995 is specified, MsTower uses the general method as described above but with single frame
drag coefficients that give overall drag coefficients equal to those in Table 2.2.8.2 of AS 3995. This allows
the program to maintain the ability to deal with towers that are asymmetrical or composed of mixed section
shapes. It also allows wind forces to be computed for angles of incidence other than face and corner. For a
tower carrying large dishes, the critical wind may occur at some other angle, which may vary from member
to member.
If loads are being computed for a mast, MsTower will use code-defined mean and gust wind profiles in
computing patch load cases.
Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990
If the code in the PARAMETERS block is specified as MER (Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations), the
program uses the formulae and methods of BS 8100, but with the following differences:
Wind velocity is constant over the full height of the tower. A velocity equal to the product of the basic
wind velocity and the partial safety factor on wind speed is used.
A solidity ratio of 0.1 is used to determine the single frame drag coefficient (BS 8100 Fig. 4.5). When
used with the wind velocity specified in the regulations this gives a wind pressure of 810 N/m2 on the
projected area of a face made up of flat sided members.
The effective shielding factor in C1.4.4.1 of BS 8100 is taken as 0.5, giving an additional 405 N/m2 on the
leeward face.
EIA/TIA-222-F
The wind velocity, VB, should be the fastest mile wind speed. No modifying keyword (MEAN or GUST) is
required. Unless a user defined profile is used, the velocity profile will be computed in accordance with Cl.
2.3.3. A TERRAIN block is not required.
When EIA222 is specified, MSTower uses the general method as described above but with modifications to
coefficients that give overall drag coefficients equal to those derived from Section 2.3 of EIA/TIA-222-F for
the wind directions specified in Table 2. This allows the program to maintain the ability to deal with towers
that are asymmetrical or composed of mixed section shapes. It also allows wind forces to be computed for
any incidence angle instead of just face and corner wind. For a tower carrying large dishes, the critical wind
may occur at some other angle, which may vary from member to member.
All wind loads, including any NDLD forces specified in a WL case, are multiplied by a gust response factor
determined in accordance with Cl. 2.3.4.
MSTower is unable to compute patch loading for EIA-222 unless specific velocity profile tables are entered.
BS 8100 Gust Factor Correction
If BS 8100:Part 1 is specified with a mean hourly wind speed, each wind load case will consist of:
1. A load case containing forces on the equivalent bare tower due to the mean wind.
2. A sub-load case containing forces on the large ancillaries due to the mean wind multiplied by the gust
factor appropriate to each ancillary's size and height above ground level.
3. A sub-load case containing the sum of the mean wind loads on the tower and ancillaries.
MSTower computes and applies gust factors to member forces for the cases of wind on the bare equivalent
tower, adds in the member forces due to gust wind on the ancillaries, and then recomputes the combination
cases.
Note: The above applies only where mean wind speeds are used. If gust wind speeds are used the loads on
large ancillaries will be computed separately and added to the loads on the equivalent bare tower before
output. No additional sub-cases will be produced.
Ancillary Libraries
Ancillary libraries are text files containing blocks of data giving the dimensions and drag characteristics of
ancillary items. Separate libraries are used for large ancillaries and linear ancillaries. The libraries remain
text files and unlike the section library, do not require further processing before use.
The libraries supplied with MsTower are called Lin.LIB and Anc.LIB. Because of the wide variety of
ancillaries, there is no doubt that you will have to add additional information to the libraries. It is
recommended that the distribution libraries are not modified. Instead, for each project, you may copy the
distribution versions to libraries with names of your choice. All changes should then be made to the project
libraries.
Note: Ancillary libraries use metric units.
The structure of an ancillary library file is:
ANCILLARY
<geometric data for ancillaries>
...
END
COEFFICIENTS
<drag and projected area coefficients>
...
END
More:
Large Ancillary Library
Linear Ancillary Library
Drag Coefficients
Large Ancillary Library
The ANCILLARY block in the large ancillary library contains the following data for each ancillary type:
name coeff dim mass af asf aice zref xcg xicg...

fcx fcy fzm ishape
where:
name Name by which the antenna is referenced in the

TWR file.
coeff Name of set of coefficients to be used in
calculating the projected area and wind
resistance of the antenna.
dim Reference dimension, in m, normally the dish
diameter, used in computing forces and
moments about the antenna axes and the BS
8100 gust factor for the antenna.
mass Mass of the ancillary, in kg.
af
Frontal area of the antenna, in m2.
asf
Side area of antenna, in m2. This will be used to
compute the projected area of the antenna at
different angles if the projected area coefficients
are zero. In this case, the projected area will be
computed as:
af × cos²(angle) + asf × sin²(angle)
aice Surface area of a the antenna that may be coated
with ice, in m2. Used in computing the weight
of ice on an iced antenna.
zref Z dimension from the antenna origin for wind
loads and the level of the antenna in the TWR
file, in m. Usually, either the centerline of
radiation or the mounting level of the antenna.
xcg Horizontal offset from the antenna origin to the
center of gravity of the un-iced antenna, in m.
xicg Horizontal offset from the antenna origin to the
center of gravity of a uniform ice coating on the
antenna, in m.
fcx Correction factor to be applied to drag
coefficient for drag force along the axis of the
antenna.
fcy Correction factor to be applied to drag
coefficient for horizontal drag force normal to
the axis of the antenna.
fzm Correction factor to be applied to drag
coefficient for yawing moment (twisting about
the vertical axis of the antenna).
ishape Shape code for the antenna, used to select a
symbol for plotting.
The drag coefficients are contained in the ancillary library in a separate COEFFICIENTS block, which may
contain any number of sets of coefficients:
COEFFICIENTS
coeff FACT fact
ang afact Cfx Cfy Cfz Cmx Cmy Cmz
...
END
where:
coeff Name of set of drag and projected area

coefficients.
FACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the coefficients in the table
must be multiplied so that when used with kg
and meter units, the resulting forces and
moments will be in N and N.m.
ang Angle of wind incidence for which drag
coefficients apply.
afact Area angle factor. The projected area on a plane
normal to the angle of wind incidence is
obtained as:
af × afact
Cfx Coefficient for drag along the "x" axis of the
antenna.
Cfy Coefficient for side force along the "y" axis of
the antenna.
Cfz Coefficient for lift force along the "z" axis of the
antenna.
Cmx Coefficient for moment about the antenna "x"
axis, i.e. the rolling moment.
Cmy Coefficient for moment about the antenna "y"
axis, i.e. the pitching moment.
Cmz Coefficient for moment about the antenna "z"
axis, i.e. the yawing moment.
The forces and moments at the origin of the antenna are given by:
Fx= 0.5 × Cfx × Af × V2
Fy= 0.5 × Cfy × Af × V2

Fz= 0.5 × Cfz × Af × V2
Mx= 0.5 × Cmx × dim. × Af × V2
My= 0.5 × Cmy × dim. × Af × V2
Mz= 0.5 × Cmz × dim. × Af × V2
where "dim." is a lever-arm.
If necessary, the coefficients for the angle of wind incidence are interpolated from the coefficients table. All
dimensions and forces for an antenna are measured in the ancillary axes, a set of right-handed orthogonal
axes (see diagram in Ancillary Block).
Linear Ancillary Library
The ANCILLARY block in the linear ancillary library contains the following data for each ancillary:
name coeff mass af asf
where:
name Name by which the antenna is referenced in the

TD file.
coeff Name of set of drag curves to be used for the
antenna. Use NONE if the standard drag
coefficients given in BS 8100 are to be used.
mass Mass of the ancillary per unit length, in kg/m.
af Frontal are of the antenna, in m²/m.
asf Side area of antenna. This will be used to
compute the projected area of the antenna at
different angles if the projected area coefficients
are zero. In this case, the projected area will be
computed as:
af × cos²(angle) + asf × sin²(angle)
aice Surface are of the antenna that may be coated
with ice, in m²/m. Used in computing the weight
of ice on an iced antenna.
shape An integer code indicating the ancillary shape,
used in computing the thickness of ice coating:
0 = Cylindrical.
1 = Sharp-edged flat section.
Drag Coefficients
The drag coefficients are contained in the ancillary library in a separate COEFFICIENTS block, which may
contain any number of sets of coefficients:
COEFFICIENTS
coeff FACT fact
ang afact Cfx Cfy
...
END
where:
coeff Name of set of drag and projected area

coefficients.
FACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the coefficients in the table
must be multiplied so that when used with kg
and meter units, the resulting forces and
moments are in N and N.m.
ang Angle of wind incidence to which drag
coefficients apply.
afact Area angle factor. The projected area on a plane
normal to the angle of wind incidence is
obtained as:
af × afact
Cfx Coefficient for drag along the "x" axis of the
ancillary.
Cfy Coefficient for side force along the "y" axis of
the ancillary.
The forces and moments at the origin of the ancillary are given by:
FX= 0.5 × Cfx × Af × V²
FY= 0.5 × Cfy × Af × V²
If necessary, the coefficients for the angle of wind incidence are interpolated from the coefficients table. All
dimensions and forces for an antenna are measured in the ancillary axes, a set of right-handed orthogonal
axes (see diagram in Ancillary Block).
General
Graphics Input is the most efficient input method of inputting a user defined panel. It involves "drawing" a
structure on the screen using the mouse or keyboard, and it includes many simple graphical operations, such
as copying, moving, rotating, sub-dividing, and erasing. More powerful graphical operations include
intersection, extrusion, and transforming coordinates. In effect, MsTower's graphical input capability is an
intelligent CAD system customized for the task of entering structure data.
GRAPHICS INPUT
Many MsTower users have found that the few hours required to become proficient at graphical input have
been be well rewarded by vastly increased productivity in creating and editing UDPs.
Basic Drawing
Graphics Input is started by selecting Tower > Build Tower > User Defined Panels > Graphics Edit. You
will also be in Graphics Input mode when you import an existing UDP by selecting Tower > Build Tower
> User Defined Panels > UDP To Graphics.
To start drawing a UDP, click on the toolbar button. This is the same as selecting the Structure > Draw
Members command from the main menu. Notice the tooltip "Draw Members" that appears when the mouse
cursor crosses this button.
As you initiate the Draw command several things happen:
1. The toolbar button displays in the depressed state, indicating that MsTower is in DRAW mode.
2. "DRAW" is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the MsTower window.
3. The prompt area of the status bar (on the left) displays the instruction "Click on first point or enter
coordinates".
4. The cursor becomes a cross.
You may now click anywhere in the main window or enter coordinates from the keyboard to locate the "A"
node of the first member. Notice that once the first point is specified the prompt changes to "Click on end
point or enter coordinates; press SPACE BAR to break line". Select another point and you will have drawn
the first member. This point is the "B" node of the first member and the "A" node of the next member. You
may continue selecting points to define new members.
Keyboard Entry of Coordinates
There are many situations where the most convenient way to enter a new node is to type the coordinates. As
soon as you start to type, a dialog box appears to accept your input.
DIALOG BOX FOR ENTERING COORDINATES
Coordinate Systems
You may input coordinates in rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical coordinate systems, using standard
syntax or AutoCAD syntax. The format of the coordinate string is described below for each syntax.
STANDARD SYNTAX
Rectangular coordinates
"X Y Z", where "X", "Y", and "Z" are respectively, the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the point.
Cylindrical coordinates
"C radius theta h", where "radius", "theta", and "h" are respectively, the radius, horizontal angle, and
height of the point.
Spherical coordinates
"S radius theta phi", where "radius", "theta", and "phi" are respectively, the radius, horizontal angle,
and vertical angle of the point.
Trailing zero coordinates do not have to be entered. For example, the point (3,0,0) may be entered as "3".
Coordinates must be separated by a space or a comma. Coordinates relative to the last point are preceded by
"R" or "r". No separator is required after the "R" or "r".
AUTOCAD SYNTAX
Rectangular coordinates
"X Y Z", where "X", "Y", and "Z" are respectively, the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the point.
Cylindrical coordinates
"radius < theta h", where "radius", "theta", and "h" are respectively, the radius, horizontal angle, and
height of the point. The last two values must be separated by a space or a comma.
Spherical coordinates
"radius < theta < phi", where "radius", "theta", and "phi" are respectively, the radius, horizontal angle,
and vertical angle of the point.
Coordinates relative to the last point are preceded by "@". No separator is required after the "@".
Breaking the Line
Press the space bar or right-click and choose Break Line on the context menu. Notice that the cursor, the
status bar, and the button show that MsTower is still in Draw mode. You may now click a new node that is
not connected to the last by a member.
Ending the Line
Right-click and choose End Line on the context menu. Notice the cursor change to the standard arrow. This
indicates that the command is finished. The status bar and the button also show that MsTower is no longer in
Draw mode.
The Drawing Snap Mode

Initially, the status bar displays NONE for the snap mode. This means that the coordinates of any node
defined by clicking the mouse will be indeterminate to some extent, because the degree of accuracy with
which you can position the mouse is limited. Practically, therefore, the snap mode NONE is rarely used.
The first few nodes are usually specified by grid points or entry of coordinates. Thereafter, the Mid/End
snap mode is usually used.
Grid Snap Mode (GRID)
In Grid mode the status bar displays GRID. Grid spacing is initially 1 unit in each global axis direction but
you may change it with the Structure > Drawing Settings > Grid Spacing command. When the grid is
displayed the cursor snaps to the nearest grid point. Thus, with the mouse, you can only draw members
from one grid point to another. Enter coordinates to specify a point that is not on the grid.
Mid/End Snap Mode (MEND)
When drawing in this mode the cursor snaps to a nearby member end or mid-point. Most graphical input is
done in this snap mode. When starting a new structure you cannot enter Mid/End snap mode because there
are no members to snap to.
Intersection Snap Mode (INTR)
When drawing in this mode the cursor snaps to a nearby intersection of two or more members. A new node
is automatically introduced at the intersection point if there is not already a node there. When starting a new
structure you cannot enter Intersection snap mode until there are at least two members.
Perpendicular Snap Mode (PERP)
In this mode the cursor snaps to the point on a target member that makes the new member perpendicular to
the target member. When starting a new structure you cannot enter Perpendicular snap mode until there is at
least one member.
Orthogonal Snap Mode (ORTH)
In this mode you can only draw members in a global axis direction.
Nearest Snap Mode (NEAR)
In this snap mode the cursor snaps to the point on a target member that is nearest to the cursor location.
Changing the Snap Mode "On the Fly"

A very convenient feature is the ability to change the snap mode during a draw operation. For example, you
may click the start point of a new member at the end of another while in Mid/End snap mode and then
change to Grid snap mode to select the end point. Right-click to display the context menu with its selection
of snap modes (see diagram at the beginning of this chapter).
The Drawing Plane

The drawing plane is a plane on which nodes are located when you draw in either the Grid or NONE snap
modes. For example, when drawing in Grid snap mode with default settings, the drawing plane is X-Y at an
offset of zero along the Z axis. This means that all new nodes drawn in Grid or null snap mode have a Z
coordinate of zero. Changing the view with any of the Front View, Back View, Right View, Left View, or
Top View commands automatically changes the drawing plane so that it is parallel to the view plane.
Use the Structure > Drawing Settings > Drawing Plane command to change the drawing plane as
required. If you change the view or the drawing plane so that it (the drawing plane) is at right angles to the
view plane (the plane of the screen) you may see the warning message shown below and you may not be
able to click a new point.
WARNING THAT DRAWING PLANE

IS PERPENDICULAR TO SCREEN
Automatic Removal of Duplicate Nodes and Members

At various stages during graphical input operations, MSTower removes any duplicate nodes or members
that are detected. The first node or member to be drawn will remain and any that are superimposed will be
removed automatically. This behaviour has two significant consequences:
Overlapping nodes and members in copy operations are ignored.
In drawing members, you may draw over an existing member instead of breaking the line.
Cursors
MSTower displays various cursors at different times, depending upon what is happening. These cursors are
shown below:
Cursor Description
Command mode. MSTower is waiting for you to
select a command from the menu, click a toolbar
button, or select a node or member (the cursor
changes as soon as you select a node or member).
Drawing mode. MSTower is waiting for you to
click an end of a member. Look at the right of the
status line to determine which snap mode is in
effect. You may use the Structure > Drawing
Settings command or the context menu to change
the snap mode without leaving the current drawing
command.
Member selection mode. MSTower is waiting for
you to select one or more members by clicking on
them or enclosing them in a selection box. If you
drag a selection box from left to right, cut members
are excluded. Dragging from right to left includes
cut members.
Node selection mode. MSTower is waiting for you
to select one or more nodes by clicking on them or
enclosing them in a selection box.
This cursor appears when you are selecting a zoom
window or panning. When zooming, drag from one
corner to the diagonally opposite corner of the
rectangle you want to zoom to. When panning,
click on any part of the structure and drag to the
new location for that part.
Generally, when you have finished a command, MSTower allows you to repeat the command until you
cancel the command by right-clicking. For example, when you select the Structure > Erase Members
command, the cursor changes, you then select members you want to erase and confirm the selection by
right-clicking and choosing OK on the context menu. The member selection cursor is still displayed,
allowing you to choose more members to erase. To terminate the command, right-click, and the standard
arrow cursor will reappear.
Many commands are interruptible. This permits you to adjust the view during a command. When drawing
members in a large model, for example, having clicked the "A" node of a member, you may need to zoom in
to another region of the structure before clicking the "B" node.
Shortcut Keys
MSTower permits the use of shortcut keys to some commands. Shortcut keys are also known as accelerator
keys. Below is a complete list of MSTower's shortcut keys:
Shortcut Command
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+X Cut
Ctrl+V Paste
Ctrl+Z Undo
Ctrl+Y Redo
F5 Redraw
Ctrl+A Select All
Delete Erase Members
Home Zoom
Extents/Limits
Viewpoint Left
Viewpoint Right
Viewpoint Up
Viewpoint Down
Space Break Line
The effect of pressing a shortcut key depends on the context. For example, pressing Delete usually deletes
selected members, but in a dialog box it may delete text.
Selecting Nodes and Members

In MSTower, when you choose a command, you usually select the nodes or members that are the object of
the command. This may be done in several ways:
Clicking each node or member in turn. Clicking again on a node or member deselects it.
Dragging a selection box that encloses the nodes or members to be selected. "Dragging a selection
box" means clicking (with the left mouse button) a point away from the nodes or members to be
selected, then dragging the mouse until the selection box encloses the necessary nodes or members,
and finally, releasing the left mouse button. Note that when the selection box is dragged from right to
left, a "crossing window" appears, which selects not only members enclosed by the box but also
members cut by the sides of the box.
Clicking a selection box. This is similar to dragging a selection box but instead of clicking, dragging,
and releasing the mouse button, you click two points to define diagonally opposite corners of the
selection box.
All members may be selected by Ctrl+A (see "Shortcut Keys", above).
In all cases, you confirm the selection by right-clicking and choosing OK on the context menu.
Right-Clicking on Nodes and Members

MSTower fully implements the Windows protocol for right-clicking on objects to obtain a pop-up of related
commands. This provides an alternative method of operation:
1. Select node(s) or member(s).

2. Right-click to choose required operation on context menu.
Right-clicking on a node will cause this context menu to appear:
NODE CONTEXT MENU
Double-clicking on a node is the same as selecting Properties on this pop-up menu.
The following pop-up menu appears when you right-click on a member:
MEMBER CONTEXT MENU
Double-clicking on a member is the same as selecting Properties on this menu.
The Node Properties Dialog Box

The dialog box shown below appears when you double-click a node or select Properties after right-clicking
a node.
NODE PROPERTIES DIALOG BOX
The OK button in this dialog box is disabled. You may use the dialog box to check properties but you will
not be able to change them.
The Member Properties Dialog Box

The dialog box shown below appears when you double-click a member or select Properties after right-
clicking a member.
MEMBER PROPERTIES DIALOG BOX
The OK button in this dialog box is disabled. You may use the dialog box to check properties but you will
not be able to change them.
Properties Dialog Boxes with Multiple Selection

You may select several nodes or members, then right-click and choose Properties on the context menu. The
dialog box will display common properties of the selected group of nodes or members. Blank edit boxes
indicate that the corresponding value is not the same for all of the multiple selection.
Extrusion
There is a check box for "Extrude nodes" in each of the Linear Copy, Polar Copy, and Reflect dialog boxes.
When you perform a copy operation you may "extrude" each copied node into a series of members in
other words, there will be a string of new members lying on the path traced out by each node involved in the
copy operation. The member x axis is aligned with the direction of extrusion.
Interrupting Commands
The diagram below shows the View toolbar, normally docked at the top of the MSTower window.
VIEW TOOLBAR
Most commands may be interrupted in order to change the view by clicking on one of these buttons. This is
helpful in many situations, for example, when drawing a member, and the view required for displaying the
"B" node is different from that in which the "A" node is visible. You may interrupt graphical commands to
rotate the view, zoom in to a congested area of the model, or pan the view, as required.
You may also interrupt commands by clicking buttons on the Display toolbar, shown below.
DRAW TOOLBAR
The Stretch Command

The Structure > Move > Stretch command applies a linear transformation to the coordinates of selected
nodes. The prompts in the status bar guide you through the necessary steps in this command:
Select nodes
Select node as fixed point
Select node as start point of stretch vector
Select node as end point of stretch vector
An example is illustrated below, where the top chord nodes of a truss are "stretched" to introduce a uniform
slope from one end to the other.
Firstly, a member is added to represent the stretch vector. All the nodes to be transformed are highlighted.
Node 2 is selected as the fixed node.
Nodes 12 and 13 are selected to define the stretch vector. The diagram below shows the truss on completion
of the command.
If you inadvertently click on the wrong node when selecting the fixed node or the start of the stretch vector,
you can abort the command by selecting the start of the stretch vector as the end point also.
The Stretch command could be used to input tower cross-arms as a parallel chord truss, which is later
tapered, as in the example above.
The Limit Command
VIEW > LIMIT > WINDOW
The commands on the View > Limit menu allow you to restrict activity to a selected part of the structure.
The rest of the structure may be greyed out or hidden from view. This has the advantage that the view you
are working on is uncluttered by irrelevant detail and the rest of the structure is inaccessible while Limit is
in effect.
The Limit > Window command was used to select one segment of the tower in the diagram below. To
hide the rest of the structure right-click and uncheck Show Outside Limits.
LIMIT > WINDOW
When the Limit command is in effect, clicking this button , (equivalent to the View > Zoom >
Extents/Limits command) will zoom the view so that the full structure and the limited part alternately fill
the screen.
The Limit > Boundary command may used to select a part of the tower using a selection polygon.
Clicking the Full View button reverses the effect of the Limit command.
General
While MsTower has an extensive set of standard panels, there will be times when some variant will be
required to model a particular panel. MsTower allows you to create your own panels user defined panels,
or UDPs, for just this purpose. Unlike standard panels, which are scaled to the dimensions specified in the
tower data file, UDPs once created are of fixed size.
Although data for the UDP is contained in a text file which may be edited, the most expeditious way of
creating a UDP is to start by building a tower with standard panels that are as close to the final configuration
as possible, and then to extract and graphically edit a panel as required. MsTower has facilities (see General)
that allow UDPs to be created and manipulated using a CAD-like interface. For most UDPs you will never
need to edit the text file.
The UDP File

Data for user defined panels must be included in one or more separate UDP files. The file names are
specified in the COMPONENT block of the tower data file. The data may represent a full face, a half face, a
quarter of a section of the tower, a pair of adjacent faces, or a complete three dimensional section of the
tower, depending on which is most convenient for describing the panel. MsTower will generate the
complete panel. The data for the user defined panel is:
UDP udp HT ht TW tw BW bw
{PLANE | HALF | QUART | ADJA | 3DIM}
NODE
n x y z
...
MEMB
m ia ib ic mp mm pina pinb code
...
END
where:
UDP Keyword.
udp Name of user defined panel as used in the
COMPONENT block of the tower data file..
HT Keyword.
ht Height of panel. This should be the height of the
panel between its points of attachment to the
panels above and below. It is not necessarily the
maximum overall height of the panel.
TW Keyword.
tw Top width of the panel; i.e. the width of the
panel at the level at which it attaches to the
panel above. If not given, the width of the tower
at this level will be interpolated.
BW Keyword.
bw Base width of the panel; i.e. the width of the
panel at the level at which it attaches to the
panel below. If not given, the width of the tower
at this level will be interpolated.
PLANE Keyword indicating that the data applies to a
plane face that is to be used to generate a full
face panel. The panel lies in the Y-Z plane with
all X coordinates zero.
HALF Keyword indicating that the data applies to half
a plane face lying in the YZ plane with all X
coordinates zero.
QUART Keyword indicating that the data applies to two
adjacent half panels disposed about the leg in
the positive X and negative Y quadrant.
ADJA Keyword indicating that the data applies to two
adjacent faces. This is used for panels where the
adjacent faces differ. The positive X and
positive Y faces should be defined.
3DIM Keyword indicating that the data applies to a
full three-dimensional section of the tower.
NODE Keyword.
n Node number.
x X coordinate of node.
y Y coordinate of node.
z Z coordinate of node. The points of attachment
to the panel immediately below should have Z
coordinates of zero.
MEMB Keyword.
m Member number.
ia Node number of the "A" end of the member.
ib Node number of the "B" end of the member.
ic Reference or "C" node. Face members, such as
legs and braces, should have a node in the plane
of the face as their reference node. This is of
particular importance for legs that have
staggered face bracing and for face braces such
as unequal angles that must have a particular
orientation.
mp Section property number. The section must be
defined in the SECTIONS block of the TD file.
mm Material number, usually 1.
pina Pin code for "A" end of member, a six character
string of 0s and 1s. From the left, 1s represent
force releases for Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz,
respectively.
pinb Pin code for "B" end of member.
code Member type code:
LEG Leg member.
BRC Brace member, other than XBR or KBR.
XBR X brace, symmetrically braced.
KBR K brace, symmetrically braced.
HOR Horizontal member.
HBR Hip brace.
PBR Plan brace. This code applies only to the
internal members of plan bracing. Any plan
brace member in the face of the tower must be
classified as HOR.
RED Redundant member.
CRM Cross-arm main member
TBR Tension only bracing.
The dimensions of the UDP are taken from its coordinates. The height and panel widths are used to locate
the UDP in the tower and to allow any standard panels that are above or below the UDP to be correctly
scaled. Unlike standard panels, user defined panels cannot be scaled.
UDPs
UDPs
Making A UDP Using Graphics Input

The simplest way to make a UDP is to generate a tower using standard panels that are close in configuration
to the required panel, and then to use graphical input to extract the panel and make any necessary
modifications. MsTower has commands to convert this to a UDP, but the component references must be put
into the tower data (TD) file using the editor.
To use this module effectively you must use the Structure > Attributes > Material Number command to
set the material number for members as follows:
LEG 100 Leg members.

BRC 200 Bracing, other than X braces or K braces.
XBR 300 X braces.
KBR 400 K braces.
HOR 500 Horizontals (redundants).
HBR 600 Hip braces.
HST 700 Hip stays.
PBR 800 Plan braces.
RED 900 Redundant or secondary members.
CRM 1100 Main members of cross-arms.
TBR 1200 Tension-only bracing (requires non-linear
analysis).
During the conversion to a UDP the material number of a member is used to determine its class. The
material number in the UDP will be set to the units value of the material number (or 1 if this is zero). The
name of the UDP and its type (PLANE, HALF etc.) will be requested. The HT, TW, and BW will be filled
in but should be checked, particularly in the case of cross-arms.
If the UDP contains leg members, the HT, TW, and BW values will be determined by examining the
coordinates of those nodes that are on legs. The Z coordinates of all nodes will be adjusted so that the lowest
"leg node" has a Z coordinate of zero. If the UDP does not contain leg members, the HT value will be set to
zero and no adjustment will be made to the Z coordinates.
UDP Example
Below is a step-by-step procedure for making a UDP:
Step 1 Create Tower
Create a tower (using panels similar to those required) using theTower > Build Tower > Make Tower
Data File command.
MAKE TOWER DATA FILE COMMAND
List all the sections required at the bottom of the tower data file.
Display the tower looking along either the X or Y axis and select the Tower > Build Tower > User
Defined Panels > Graphical Edit command. This will enable the menu items that allow graphical editing
and input.
Step 2 Erase Members
Select the Structure > Erase Members command. Delete all the tower except the panel you wish to use as
a template. You may drag a selection box to select groups of members or pick individual members. Note
that bottom horizontal members in a panel normally should be deleted as they will overlap the horizontal
members in the top of the panel below in the final tower.
Step 3 Draw New Members and Input Attributes
Select the Structure > Drawing Settings >Middle/End command.
Select the Structure > Draw Members command and draw in the members required.
Select the Structure > Attributes > Section Number command and assign section numbers to all the
members.
Select the Structure > Reference Node/Axis command and confirm the orientation of any members
not matching the defaults.
Select the Structure > Material Number command and enter the material number corresponding to
the member type shown in the table above.
SECTION ORIENTATION COMMAND
Step 4 Make UDP
Select the Graphics To UDP File command.
GRAPHICS TO UDP FILE COMMAND
If the message box below appears you have not entered valid material numbers to set the member types in
the UDP. Return to Step 3 and complete the assignment of material numbers.
MATERIAL NUMBER ERROR
Step 5 Complete UDP Details
Complete the entries for the UDP name and UDP type in the dialog box shown below.
UDP DETAILS
Step 6 Edit TD File

Select the Tower > Build Tower > Edit Tower Data File command and enter the lines marked below as $
NEW and $ CHANGE.
EDITING THE TD FILE
Step 7 Process TD File
After modifying the Job.TD file and saving the modifications, select the Tower > Process Tower Data File
command and then check the structure visually.
Modifying An Existing UDP
UDP TO GRAPHICS COMMAND
Select the UDP To Graphics command and the dialog box below will be shown. Select the UDP to be
edited and proceed as if part way through making a UDP.
SELECTING UDP FOR GRAPHICAL EDITING

Towers With Unequal Length Legs
At times, to save earthworks, towers built on sloping sites will have their leg supports at different levels.
This can be modelled in MsTower by using a UDP for the lowest panel. However, as the algorithm used in
the loading module requires the legs to have the same foundation level, the shorter legs of the UDP must be
extended with "dummy" leg members to give the same foundation level as the longest leg.
Supports will be required at the true foundation level and also at the base of the dummy extensions. These
may be specified within the SUPPORTS block as described previously.
Index Face Panels
Index Plan Bracing
Index Hip Bracing & Cross-Arms
Index D & V Face Panels
X Face Panels
K Face Panels
M Face Panels
W Face Panels
XMA Face Panel
DM Face Panel
DMH Face Panel
DLM & DRM Face Panels
KXM Face Panel
XDMA Face Panel
Plan Bracing
Hip Bracing
Cross-Arms
General
Data describing the tower geometry is entered into a free-format text file called Job.TD, where "Job" is the
job name. A rudimentary tower data file may be generated by selecting the Tower > Build Tower > Make
Tower Data File command. The dialog box shown below appears for you to enter the basic geometric
parameters.
GEOMETRY PARAMETERS DIALOG BOX
You may then enter details for each panel in this dialog box.
PANEL DETAILS DIALOG BOX
The resulting tower data file is shown below. It must now be customized for the particular tower you are
modelling. The file will be displayed in the MsEdit text editor when you select the File > List/Edit File
command and then choose "TD".
TITL1 Test tower

TITL2
UNITS 1
PROFILE
FACES 4
WBASE 4.0000
RLBAS 0.0000
PANEL 1 HT 1.000 TW 1.000

FACE X $ LEG ? BR1 ? H1 ?
PANEL 2 HT 1.000 TW 1.000

PANEL 3 HT 1.000 TW 1.000

PANEL 4 HT 1.000 TW 1.000

END
SECTIONS
LIBR P:UK IFACT 0.1 $ 1.00
1 EA200X200X16
2 EA150X150X10
3 EA100X100X8
4 EA70X70X6
END
BOLTDATA
$ TODO - bolt data goes here - format of bolt data:
$ [ X x Y y Z z NSP nsp LJ lj ]
END
END
RUDIMENTARY TOWER DATA FILE
The Tower Data (TD) File

The tower data file is organized into logical blocks:
1. Title block.
2. Component block.
3. Profile block.
4. Supports block.
5. Guys block.
6. Sections block.
7. Material block.
8. Bolts block.
Each block commences with a keyword identifying the block and terminates with the keyword END. The
keyword EOF is used to terminate the file. Each data block is described in this chapter.
More:
Title Block
Component Block
Profile Block
Supports Block
Guys Block
Sections Block
Material Block
Bolt Data Block
Guy Library
Title Block
TITL1 titl1
TITL2 titl2
UNITS units
where:
TITL1 Keyword.
titl1 First line of job title.
TITL2 Keyword.
titl2 Second line of job title.
UNITS Keyword.
units Integer value indicating system of units being
used 1 or 4.
1 = SI units.
4 = US units.
Component Block
Although MsTower provides a comprehensive range of panel types, there may be times when you wish to
define additional panel types. This block allows you to reference a file containing panel data to be included
in the tower.
COMPONENT
udp file
...
END
where:
udp Name (1-8 characters) of a user-defined panel.

file Name of file containing the data for the user-
defined panel. The file may contain more than
on user defined panel. It is recommended that
the UDP file have the same name as the job. It
must have the file name extension "UDP".
Profile Block
This block provides the data used to generate the node coordinates and member connectivity of the tower.
Panels are described in order, from the top of the tower.
The block contains descriptions of the face bracing, plan bracing, hip bracing, and cross-arms. Section
property numbers may be assigned to the various types of members in each panel; the property number for a
member type need not be specified again unless there is a change. Panel widths need to be input only at the
bend points; intermediate widths will then be interpolated automatically.
PROFILE
FACES nface
WBASE wbase
RLBAS rlbas
PANEL nn HT hpanl [TW bpanl] [scale]
BOLT class nbolt [bolt_id] class nbolt [bolt_id]...
FACE ftype [SPACE s1 ... ns @ sm ... sn]...
[F1 f1 F2 f2]...
[NTR ntr] [ND nd] [NPL npl]...
[D] [INV] [LEFT]...
[LEG leg BR1 br1 BR2 br2 BR3 br3...
H1 h1 H2 h2 R1 r1 ... R9 r9]...
[LA la] [LB lb] [LC lc] [LD ld]
PLAN ptype [PB1 pb1 PB2 pb2 PB3 pb3 ...]...
[F1 f1 F2 f2] [locn]
HIP htype [NTR ntr] [ND nd] [HP1 hp1] [HP2 hp2]
CROSS ctype [X | Y] [SPAN span] | [SL sl | SR sr]...
[RL rl] [RR rr] [CR1 cr1 CR2 cr2 ...]
PANEL ...
END
where:
FACES Keyword.
nface Number of faces in the tower, either 3 or 4.
WBASE Keyword.
wbase Base width of tower; i.e., the base width of
the lowest panel.
RLBAS Keyword.
rlbas RL at tower base with respect to the ground
level at the site. The nodes at the bottom of
the legs will have this value as their Z
coordinate.
PANEL Keyword.
nn Panel number.
HT Keyword.
hpanl Panel height.
TW Keyword.
bpanl Width at top of panel. If not given, this value
will be interpolated.
scale Optional keyword pertaining to variable
dimensions F1 and F2:
FR
F1 and F2 are factors; the actual dimensions
are obtained by multiplying a length as shown
on the panel diagram.
LE
F1 and F2 are lengths.
If omitted, fractional scaling, FR is assumed.

BOLT Keyword.
class Member class, one of the following member
types:
LEG
Leg members.
BR BR1..BR3
Bracing in the face.
H H1 H2
Horizontal in the face.
R R1..R9
Face redundant.
PB PB1..PB10
Plan bracing.
HP HP1..HP10
Hip bracing.
CR CR1..CR10
Cross arm members.
If a mnemonic without a numeric suffix is

used, all members of the class will have the
number of bolts specified.
nbolt The number of bolts in the end connection of
the member.
You may use as many class/nbolt pairs as

are necessary.
bolt_id Optional character string, used to identify the
bolt in the BOLTDATA table.
FACE Keyword.
ftype Face bracing pattern type. User defined
panels must have their names prefixed with
the "@" character; e.g. @XYZ refers to a user
defined panel XYZ. UDPs may have names
with a maximum of 8 characters and must
have been referenced in the COMPONENT block.
SPACE Keyword.
s1..sn List of spacings for XM, DM DLM,
DRM ,DMH, KXM and XDM type face
bracing.
ns @ sm Shorthand way of indicating that a multiple
panel has a number of identical spacings:
ns
Number of identical spacings.
@
Keyword.
sm
Value of identical spacing.
F1,F2 Keywords.
f1,f2 Factors used to locate nodes for some bracing
types.
NTR,ND Keywords.
ntr,nd Number of levels of triangle and diagonal
braces, respectively, in some face and hip
brace patterns.
NPL Keyword.
npl Bracing pattern in part of a portal or cranked
K face.
D Keyword used with XDM bracing.
LEFT Keyword used with DM bracing.
INV Keyword, used with KB, KBP, KM, KMA,
KMG, KMGA, KMGD, KMH, KMHA,
KMV, KVH3, and KVS3, indicating that the
panel is to be inverted.
LEG Keyword.
leg Section property number for leg members.
BRn Keyword.
brn Section property number for brace members,
type n, where n is a digit from 1 to 3.
Hn Keyword.
hn Section property number for horizontal
members, type n, where n is a digit from 1 to
2.
Rn Keyword.
rn Section property number for redundant or
secondary bracing members, type n, where n
is a digit from 1 to 9.
All property numbers for a particular member

class may be set by using the keyword
without a numeric suffix; e.g. BR will set BR1,
BR2, and BR3.
LA,LB,LC,LD Keywords.
la,lb,lc,ld Section property numbers for leg A, B, C, and
D, respectively. Leg A is in the positive X-Y
quadrant and the other legs are identified in
sequence, anti-clockwise from leg A when
viewed in plan. The properties of the leg
members of the tower may be assigned
individually if they are not symmetrical. In
any case, a non-zero property must follow the
LEG keyword.
PLAN Keyword.
ptype Plan bracing pattern type.
PBn Keyword.
pbn Section property number for plan bracing
member, type n, where n is a value from 1 to
10. The property numbers for all plan braces
will be set to this value if the numeric suffix
is omitted from the keyword.
F1,F2 Keywords.
f1,f2 Factors used to locate nodes for some bracing
types.
locn Optional character string indicating the
vertical location of plan bracing in the current
panel. If omitted, the plan bracing will be
placed at the top of the face panel. Must be
one of:
TOP
Top of the face panel.
BTM
Bottom of the face panel. This may be
required with certain inverted face panels or
type "M" face bracing.
XIP
The level of the intersection of cross brace
members in the face.
MID
The mid-height of the face.
CROSS Keyword.
ctype Cross bracing pattern type.
X,Y Keywords indicating that the cross-arms are
to be attached to the X or Y faces of the
tower. If not specified the cross-arms will be
attached to the Y faces; i.e. they will project
to the left and right when viewed from the
direction of the X axis.
SPAN Keyword.
span Total span of symmetrical cross-arm. If the
cross-arm is not symmetrical, separate left-
hand and right-hand "half" spans must be
specified.
SL Keyword.
sl Left-hand "half" span of the cross-arm.
Viewed from the positive X axis direction if
attached to the Y faces, or viewed from the
positive Y axis direction if attached to the X
faces.
SR Keyword.
sr Right-hand "half" span of the cross-arm.
RL
Keyword.
rl Rise of left-hand "half" span of the cross-arm
when viewed as described above.
RR Keyword.
rr Rise of right-hand "half" span of the cross-
arm.
CRn Keyword.
crn Section property number for cross-arm
member, type n, where n is a value from 1 to
10. The property numbers for all cross-arm
members will be set to this value if the
numeric suffix is omitted from the keyword.
If a mnemonic without a numeric suffix is used, all members of the class will have the number of bolts
specified. Bracing patterns and the location of different member types are shown on the bracing diagrams.
Some face panels, such as XTR and KTR, are shown with asymmetrical redundants. In these cases, the
arrangement of redundants on the left-hand part of the diagram applies to the X faces of the tower while that
on the right-hand side applies to the Y faces.
Note: The number of bolts in the ends of members is used in strength checking modules to determine
buckling curves or effective slenderness ratios. If the number of bolts is not specified MsTower will assume
that all members are single-bolted except for legs, face bracing, and horizontals that are assumed to have
two or more bolts. Normally, the bolt specification will be entered in the first panel; it is only necessary to
enter changes (if any) in subsequent panels. The bolts themselves will not be checked unless bolt_ids are
defined in BOLT statements and bolt information is defined in a BOLTDATA block.
Only one set of face, plan, and hip bracing may be specified for any panel. Up to two sets of cross-arms may
be specified in a panel to allow panels at the top of power transmission towers where twin earth peaks occur
with normal cross-arms.
Redundant members are pin-ended. All other members are assumed to be rigidly connected.
Any member assigned a property number of zero will be deleted. For example an "X" face panel with H1 =
0 is identical to an "X0" panel. You must ensure that the deletion of members does not result in an unstable
structure.
When inverting panels, it may be necessary to delete the horizontal member in either the inverted panel or
the panel on which it is mounted, if the two horizontals are not sub-divided in identical fashion.
"C" nodes, which define member orientation, are allocated in the plane of the face or hip for all members
except H1 and H2 type members, where the "C" node is in the direction of the global "Z" axis; i.e. for face
members apart from H1 and H2, and hip braces, the member "y" axis lies in the plane of the hip or face.
Orientation keywords may be applied to the section definition (see "Sections Block", below) if the section is
to be rotated.
The example below shows the TD file statements required to generate a pyramidal face panel with two sets
of cross-arms.
PANEL 1 HT 1.372 TW 0
FACE X0 LEG 1 H1 0 BR1 0
CROSS CT SPAN 6 RISE 7 CR1 10 CR2 12
CROSS CT SPAN 8
PANEL 2 HT 3.13 TW 1.6
FACE XDM SPACE .788 .787 .788 .787 D LEG 1 H1 2 BR1 2
PANEL 3 HT 1.575
FACE XDM SPACE .788 .787 D
CROSS CT1 SPAN 8.32 CR1 10 CR2 12 CR3 15 CR4 16
PANEL EXAMPLE
Plan bracing is located as shown in the diagram below.
LOCATION OF PLAN BRACING
Supports Block
This block is optional and may be used to modify the default support conditions of full fixity for all supports
except for masts where the legs join at a single pinned support point.
SUPPORTS
{COORD x y z | LEG abcd} ...
{PINNED|FIXED [BUT {releases|springs}]}
...
END
where:
COORD Keyword.
x y z Coordinates of a node that is to be restrained.
LEG Keyword.
abcd Leg number in the form of a compact list using
the characters A, B, C, or D. Leg A is in the
positive X-Y quadrant. The other legs are
identified in sequence, anti-clockwise from leg
A when viewed in plan; e.g. AC would indicate
that the support conditions apply to legs A and
C.
PINNED Keyword indicating that the node is pinned; i.e.,
it is free to rotate but all translational degrees of
freedom are restrained.
FIXED Keyword indicating that the node is completely
fixed; i.e., all degrees of freedom are restrained.
BUT Keyword used with FIXED to indicate that some
degrees of freedom are to be released or have
spring restraints.
releases List of degrees of freedom to be released. One
or more of:
FX FY FZ MX MY MZ
springs List of degrees of freedom that are to be
restrained by springs, with the corresponding
spring constant. One or more of the following
pairs:
KFX kfx KFY kfy KFZ kfz KMX kmx

KMY kmy KMZ kmz
Guys Block
This block pertains to guyed masts only and is used to specify the library containing the properties of guy
wires and their arrangement on the mast.
GUYS
LIB lib
XB xb YB yb ZB zb XT xt YT yt Zt zt NO no ANGL angl...
TO to KT kt LIB guy_id
END
where:
LIB Keyword.
lib Name of library containing guy data. It is
library folder.
XB Keyword.
xb Global X coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
YB Keyword.
yb Global Y coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
ZB Keyword.
zb Global Z coordinate of the lower end of the guy.
XT Keyword.
xb Global X coordinate of the upper end of the guy.
YT Keyword.
yb Global Y coordinate of the upper end of the guy.
ZT Keyword.
zb Global Z coordinate of the upper end of the guy.
NO Keyword.
no Number of guys in this group.
ANGL Keyword.
angl Angle between successive guys in the group, in
degrees.
TO Keyword.
to Initial guy tension, in kN or kips. The unstrained
length of the guy will be adjusted so that when
stretched between the undisplaced end nodes,
the maximum tension in the guy will equal this
value. The still air tension will be less than the
initial tension due to the elastic shortening of the
shaft of the mast.
KT Keyword.
kt Guy connection efficiency factor.
LIB Keyword.
guy_id Character string of 1 to 16 characters used to
identify the guy in the guy library. The
properties of the guy required for analysis and
design will be taken from the guy library.
The first guy in the group will span between (xb, yb, zb) and (xt, yt, zt), and if no is greater than 1,
additional cables will be automatically generated at an angular increment of angl anti-clockwise about the
vertical axis of the mast. Guys can be generated only where they are radially symmetrical about the vertical
axis of the mast. For example, guys that have their anchor points at different levels because of a sloping site
have to be input singly.
Usually, guys are input as single members. Guys may also be input as a number of segments to
accommodate changes in properties or to allow an insulator to be positioned along its length. In this case,
you should input the segments of guy sequentially, commencing at the anchor point and working up to the
mast shaft with the coordinates of the lower end of one segment being set equal to those of the upper end of
the preceding segment. The segments of guy may be generated as described above.
Sections Block
This block specifies the section library and nominates the section to be used for each section property
number.
SECTIONS
LIBR libr IFACT fact
n sname [X|Y] [CONNECT con] [BH bh] [FY fy]
...
END
where:
LIBR Keyword.
libr Name of library containing section data. It is
library folder.
IFACT Keyword.
fact Factor by which the section Ixx and Iyy will be
multiplied on extraction from the library. When
you specify a low value the tower will approach
the condition of a space truss with pin-ended
members. This is convenient for analysing as a
space frame, with sufficient continuity across
the joints to avoid mathematical instabilities due
to coplanar nodes, but without generating
significant bending moments.
n Section property number.
sname Name of library section.
X Y Keywords used to indicate the orientation of the
section with respect to the member y axis:
X The section XX axis is aligned with the
member y axis.
Y The section YY axis is aligned with the
member y axis.
Use of these keywords will allow you to

correctly orient asymmetrical sections. For
example, if an unequal angle is used in the face
of the tower, orientation Y will result in the long
leg of the angle being parallel to the face,
whereas orientation X will result in the long leg
being normal to the face of the tower. Note that
the member y axis is not altered by the use of an
orientation keyword. See diagram below.
CONNECT Keyword.
con Single-character mnemonic indicating the
connected element of the section:
C Concentrically connected (default).
L Long leg of angle.
S Short leg of angle.
F Flange of I, H, or T section.
W Web of I, H, or T section.
It is important that you specify the connected

element for each section. If omitted, MsTower
assumes the member is concentrically
connected, giving a higher strength than it may
actually have.
BH Keyword.
bh Effective width of bolt holes, in mm or inches,
in the connected element, taking into account
any staggering of holes,
FY Keyword.
fy Yield stress of the section. It may be either a
numerical value, in N/mm2 (MPa) or Kips/in2,
or, a single-character mnemonic indicating the
yield strength to be taken from the section
library:
N Normal yield stress (default).
H High yield stress.
N and H yield strengths correspond to the "y1"

and "y2" yield strengths in the MsTower section
libraries. In UK libraries, these will normally be
based on Grade 43 and Grade 50 steel,
respectively.
The orientation of the section is the cross-section axis (XX or YY) that is coincident with the member y axis
(see diagram below).
ORIENTATION OF SECTION
Compound Angle Sections
The MsTower section library will accept compound angle sections.
The compound section types most commonly found in towers and suggested mnemonics are:
Type 11: DAL Double angles, long legs together.
Type 12: DAS Double angles, short legs together.
Type 16: STA Double angles, starred or cruciform.
Type 22: QAN Four angles, cruciform.
These are shown in the diagram below.

COMPOUND ANGLES
The data to be entered in the section library source file (Lib.ASC, where "Lib" is the library name) is as
follows:
$ Properties of compound section Component dimensions

$ <-------------------------------> <-------------->
$ A Ax Ay J Ix Iy Rx Ry Zx Sx Sy M D B t g sp rv f y1 y2
S 11 DAL200x100x10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 100 10 10 600 0 0 275 365
S 12 DAS200x100x10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 100 10 10 600 0 0 275 365
S 16 STA100x100x12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 12 10 500 0 0 275 365
S 22 QAN100x100x12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 12 10 500 0 0 275 365
The properties, A Ax...M are those of the compound section. Any properties with zero values, as shown
above, are computed automatically from the dimensions of the component angles neglecting any toe and
root radii.
Component dimensions and properties are as follows:
D Length of the vertical leg of the angle (parallel

to the section YY axis) the long leg for
unequal angles.
B Length of the horizontal leg of the angle
(parallel to the section XX axis) the short leg
for unequal angles.
t Thickness of the angle.
g Gap between the component angles.
sp Stitch bolt or packer spacing. 0 = continuously
connected.
rv Minimum radius of gyration of the component
angle.
f Reserved, currently zero.
Y1 Normal yield stress (N).
Y2 High yield stress (H).
Units, which vary from library to library, are specified on the second line of the library source file. Section
dimensions and geometric properties are normally in mm or inch units. However, in some UK libraries,
derived properties may be in the more customary cm units.
When adding to a library, it is recommended that you follow a similar naming convention to that used by a
similar section already in the particular library. The section name must not exceed 15 characters in length
and the alphabetic mnemonic, which may be anywhere in the name, should not be longer than 4 characters.
For example, "DAS200x100x10", "EA4.5x4.5x5/16", "65x65x5.0SHS", and "180UB16.1" are permissible
sections names.
Material Block
This block is optional. It is used to change the default values of the material used for the tower or the shaft
of a mast.
MATERIAL
E e PR pr DENS dens ALPHA alpha
END
where:
E Keyword.
e
Young's modulus (2.05 N/mm2 or 29000
kips/in2).
PR Keyword.
pr Poisson's ratio (0.3).
DENS Keyword.
dens
Mass density (7 850 kg/m3 or 490 lb/ft3).
ALPHA Keyword.
alpha Coefficient of thermal expansion (12.0E-6 per °
C or 5.9E-6 per °F).
The default material properties are shown above in brackets.
Note: Material properties for guys are obtained from the specified guy library.
Bolt Data Block
This block specifies bolt diameters, grades, and other data required in checking the capacity of bolted end
connections.
BOLTDATA
bolt_id grade D d AS as FY fy FU fu FV fv ...
FV_EIA fv_eia FV_ASCE fv_asce ...
[X x] [Y y] [Zz z] [NSP nsp] [LJ lj]
...
END
where:
E Keyword.
bolt_id String of 1 to 8 characters used to identify the
bolt type in the BOLT statement in the PANEL
data above.
D Keyword.
d Nominal bolt diameter, in mm or inches.
AS Keyword.
as Cross-sectional area of the bolt effective in
shear, in mm2 or in2.
FY Keyword.
fy
Yield stress of bolt, in N/mm2 (MPa) or
kips/in2.
FU Keyword.
fu
Ultimate tensile stress of bolt, in N/mm2 (MPa)
or kips/in2.
FV Keyword.
fv
Shear strength of bolt, in N/mm2 (MPa) or
kips/in2, used when checking bolts to AS 3995;
capacities to this code are strength limit state.
FV_EIA Keyword.
fv_eia
kips/in2, used when checking the capacity of
bolted joints to EIA-222-F; capacities to this
code are based on working stress.
FV_ASCE Keyword.
fv_asce
kips/in2, used when checking the capacity of
bolted joints to ASCE 10-90; capacities to this
code are strength limit state.
X Keyword.
x Distance between end of the member and first
bolt parallel to the axis of the member, in mm or
in. If omitted, the member checking program
assumes that code requirements are met.
Y Keyword.
y Distance between line of bolts and edge of
member at right angles to the axis of the
member, in mm or in. If omitted, the member
checking program assumes that code
requirements are met.
Z Keyword.
z Spacing between bolts parallel to the axis of the
member, in mm or in. If omitted, the member
checking program assumes that code
requirements are met..
NSP Keyword.
nsp Number of shear planes. This value needs to be
specified only if the number of shear planes in
the bolted joint differs from the default values
used in the member checking modules. Bolts are
assumed to have a single shear plane for all
sections except compound sections, DAL, DAS,
CBB, and QAN, where the bolts are in double
shear.
LJ Keyword.
lj Length of the line of bolts in the joint, in mm or
in. This value is required only for codes that
reduce the strength of long joints. If omitted, the
strength will not be reduced.
Bolted joint capacities can be checked only in conjunction with a member check. This has been
implemented for all codes other than BS449.
A bolt data file called "Bolts" is included in the program folder. You may copy its contents to TD files using
Copy and Paste commands in MsEdit.
Guy Library
The guy library is a text file containing data giving the dimensions and structural characteristics of wire
ropes used as guys. The library may be modified if required.
The structure of the guy library file is:
GUYS
guy-id d m ac e alpha fu ntype
...
END
where:
GUYS Keyword.
guy-id String of 1 to 16 characters used to identify the
guy ropes.
d Diameter of guy rope, mm.
m Mass per unit length, kg/m.
ac
Effective cross-sectional area, mm2.
e
Modulus of elasticity, N/mm2.
alpha Coefficient of thermal expansion, per °C.
fu
Ultimate tensile stress, N/mm2.
ntype Guy type, based on Table 4.1 of BS 8100:Part 4:
1. T4.1(b) Circular sections and smooth wire.
2. T4.1(c) Fine stranded cable.
3. T4.1(d) Thick stranded cable.
Note: The guy library uses metric units.

Data Files
The tower is described in data files by the minimum number of key dimensions and a description of the
types of panel in the tower. Panel types are described by mnemonics of one to four characters. Panels may
be selected from a set of built-in face, plan, hip, and cross-arm patterns or may be defined by the user.
The following data files are used:
Job.TD
The tower data file.
Job.UDP
An optional file containing the description of non-standard or user-defined panels.
Job.TWR
The tower loading file.
It may be convenient to copy the data files from an existing MsTower job and edit these, rather than creating
them from the beginning. This may be done by opening the existing job and selecting the File > Save Copy
As command to create the new job.
The data files are text files, usually created and edited with the built-in text editor, MsEdit. Data is set out in
blocks identified by keywords. Blank lines may be used as required to improve the readability of the file.
The "$" character may be used to introduce comments; the "$" character and all text following on that line
are ignored as input data. Individual items of data may be separated by one or more blank spaces. Each line
of data must be no longer than 80 characters.
The following conventions are used to describe the input data:
Square brackets are used to indicate optional data items. A and B may be omitted in this example:
...[ A ] [ B ]...
Braces are used to indicate where a choice must be made from a list of items. Items may be shown
vertically, or horizontally when separated by vertical bars. For example:
...{ item 1 }...

{ item 2 }
{ item 3 }
or
...{ item 1 | item 2 | item3 }...
One of the items must be chosen.
An ellipsis indicates that the data description in this manual is continued on the next line. Unless otherwise
noted, the data in the file must be on one line.
The "&" character at the end of a line indicates that the data continues on the next line.
Note: Parentheses, braces, and ellipses do not appear in the tower data files.
More:
Units
Axes
Sections
Member Checking
Units
MsTower accepts two sets of units:
Metric using meters, kilonewtons, tonnes, and degrees Celsius, with some data items being input
and/or reported in the more customary units of mm and kg.
US using feet, kips, kip.sec2/ft, and degrees Fahrenheit, with some data items being input and/or
reported in the more customary units of inches and pounds.
Entries in the ancillary and guy libraries are required in metric units.
Axes
The vertical axis of the tower is parallel to the global Z axis. The X and Y axis of the tower lie in the
horizontal plane and do not need to be aligned with the geographic north. The X axis is always normal (in
plan) to one face of the tower.
Sections
All sections in the tower must be described in an MsTower section library file. Dimensions and properties
are automatically extracted to compute surface and projected areas when calculating ice and wind loads and
for determining member capacities.
Member Checking
You must ensure that wind velocities and other factors used to compute loads are consistent with the code
method chosen to check member strengths.
BS 8100:Part 3, AS 3995, and ASCE10-90 are limit states codes, whereas BS449 and EIA/TIA-222-F use
permissible stresses.
Errors
After assembly of the tower, MsTower checks for the following conditions:
Overlaid Members And Unconnected Nodes
These occur when a node is coincident with a member but not connected to it. When this occurs it is usually
at the junction between panels and happens either because a horizontal has not been deleted or because of an
incompatibility between panels. For example if a PL1 plan brace is used with an X face brace the PB1
member will overlay the H1 member. The duplicated member will not be detected by the assembly process
because of the mid-side node in PB1. A list of such members will be displayed.
Floating Members
These are members that are not connected to the structure. If not removed they will result in errors during
analysis. They can result if members are deleted; for example if PL1 plan bracing is used with XO face
bracing and the PB1 member is deleted, the internal plan bracing members will not be connected to the
tower. A list of such members will be displayed.
You may readily locate overlaid and floating members using MsTower screen plots. Select the Show >
Members command and then enter the list of offending members. The full tower will now be displayed with
the listed members highlighted. You may zoom to inspect the members more closely and determine the
reason for the error. The TD or UDP file should be modified as necessary.
Section Checks
The tower builder does a number of sensibility checks as the tower is assembled and reports on the
following:
Section usage whether the section is used as a leg, brace, or other type of member.
Whether the connection code is appropriate to the section type.
Whether a bolt-hole width has been specified for bolted members. There are also preliminary range
checks on the magnitude.
You may inspect the above reports by clicking the Build tab on the output window.
Layout
The diagram below shows the layout of the MsTower screen. Commands may be initiated from the main
menu, any toolbar, or a context (pop-up) menu. The main menu comprises a menu bar, each item of which
gives access to a drop-down menu. Some items on drop-down menus lead to sub-menus. Each toolbar button
usually corresponds to a command accessible from the main menu. Context menus, which appear when you
click the right mouse button, contain a selection of commands from the main menu. This chapter lists all the
commands available on the main menu and all toolbars.
LAYOUT OF MSTOWER WINDOW
File Menu Commands
FILE MENU
The File menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
New Creates a new job.
Open Opens an existing job.
Close Closes the current job.
Save Saves the current job using the same file
name.
Save As Saves the current job to a specified file name
and changes the name of the current job
accordingly.
Save Copy Saves a copy of the current job to a specified
As file name.
Delete Deletes job files, optionally keeping source
files.
List/Edit File Opens the selected file with the MsEdit text
editor for viewing or editing.
Page Setup Change the printing options.
Print Displays the selected file on the screen, as it
Preview would appear printed.
Print File Prints the selected file.
Export Writes MsTower data to a file for input to
another program. Also used for saving job in
the form of a MsTower Archive file.
Configure Configuration of program capacity, section
library, material library, colors, intermediate
file folder, and timed backup interval. Also
used for editing of section and material
libraries and dynamic response spectra.
Recent Job Selects recently used job.
Exit Exits MsTower
View Menu Commands
VIEW MENU
The View menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Toolbars Shows or hides the toolbars.
Status Bar Shows or hides the status bar.
Redraw Redraws the current view.
Limit Select a part of the structure by one of several
available methods. Unselected parts are
shown in light grey or hidden.
Full Redraws the current view so that it fills the
window.
Zoom Change the scale of the view or select a
rectangular part of the view to fill the display
window.
Pan Displace the view by the selected distance.
Viewpoint Change the orientation of the structure in the
view by selecting a new viewpoint.
Copy Copy view to Windows clipboard in EMF
format.
Print Displays the view as it would appear printed
Preview
Print View Print the view.
Display Select options for displaying node numbers,
Options member numbers, etc.
Ancillary Specify whether ancillaries will be sorted by
Sort Order serial number or height.
Model View Displays a rendered 3-D interactive view of
the tower model.
Tower Menu Commands
TOWER MENU
The Tower menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Build Tower Opens the tower data (TD) file for
editing and processing. Includes
graphical creation of user defined
panels.
Load Tower Opens the tower loading (TWR) file
for editing and processing.
Analyse Analyses the tower.
Gust Factor Applies gust factoring to wind forces in
tower members.
Build/Load/Analyse Runs all the previous items
sequentially.
Member Checking Menu Commands
MEMBER CHECKING MENU
The Member Checking menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
BS 8100 Part 3 Checks members to the rules of BS
8100 Part 3.
BS 449 Checks member to the rules of BS
449.
AS 3995 Checks member to the rules of AS
3995.
ASCE 10-90 Checks member to the rules of ASCE
10-90.
EIA-222-F Checks member to the rules of EIA-
222-F.
Reactions Reports tower reactions.
Ancillary rotations Reports ancillary rotations.
Structure Menu Commands

STRUCTURE MENU
The Structure menu becomes active only when graphically inputting a UDP. It offers the following
commands:
Command Action
Draw Members Draw members or input node coordinates.
Erase Members Erase selected members.
Select All Selects all members, including any that
may not be visible.
Drawing Snap modes for drawing members, grid
Settings spacing etc.
Attributes Input attributes of the structure, such as
restraints, section numbers, etc.
Move Move a node, move members, rotate
members, stretch nodes.
Copy Linear copy, polar copy, reflect members.
Sub-divide Sub-divide selected members into a
number of equal parts.
Insert Node Insert a new node in a member.
Intersect Insert new node(s) at intersection of
selected members.
Curve Sub-divide a member into a number of
segments whose ends lie on an arc.
Arc/Helix Create members with ends lying on arc or
helix.
Renumber Renumber nodes and members (sort or
compact).
Analyse Menu Commands

ANALYSE MENU
The Analyse menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Check Input Check structure and load data (normally
automatic).
Linear Perform linear analysis (first-order).
Non-Linear Perform non-linear analysis (second-
order).
Elastic Critical Determine frame buckling load factors
Load and buckling mode shapes.
Dynamic Determine natural frequencies and mode
shapes.
Response Add response spectrum and static analysis
Spectrum results.
Results Menu Commands
RESULTS MENU
The Results menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Select Load Cases Select load cases for display of loads or
results.
Select Natural Select modes for display of vibration
Modes mode shapes.
Select Buckling Select modes for display of buckling
Modes mode shapes.
Undisplaced Display structure in undisplaced
Shape position.
Member Actions Display bending moment, shear force,
axial force, torque, or displaced shape.
Natural Modes Display vibration mode shapes.
Animate Modes Show each currently displayed mode
(natural or buckling) in alternate
extreme positions. Press the space bar to
show the next mode, Esc to cancel.
Buckling Modes Display buckling mode shapes.
Design Ratios Display results of member design check
with colors representing range of design
ratios. The legend in the output window
shows the range of values represented
by each color.
Reports Menu Commands
REPORTS MENU
The Reports menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Input/Analysis Create report on structure and current
analysis results.
Show Menu Commands
SHOW MENU
The Show menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Section Highlight members with specified section
number.
Material Highlight members with specified material
number.
Member Type Highlight members of specified type
(tension-only etc.).
Nodes Highlight members connected to specified
nodes.
Members Highlight specified members.
Master Nodes Show master nodes.
Slave Nodes Show slave nodes.
Node Masses Show all nodes with non-zero added mass.
Design Show all defined design members.
Members
Cancel Cancel current "Show" selection.
Query Menu Commands
QUERY MENU
The Query menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
Node Data List data for selected node (coordinates,
restraint, etc.).
Node List displacements for selected node.
Displacements
Support Reactions List reactions for selected (support)
node.
Master Node List slave nodes for selected master
node.
Slave Node List constraints for selected slave node.
Member Data List member data for selected member.
Member List displacements for selected
Displacements member.
Member Forces List member forces for selected
member.
Node Loads List loads for selected node.
Member Loads List loads for selected member.
Design Member Highlight design member containing
selected member.
Note: Query data is displayed in the output window.
Window Menu Commands
WINDOW MENU
The Window menu offers the following commands, which enable you to arrange multiple views in the
application window:
Command Action
Cascade Arranges windows in an overlapped fashion.
Tile Arranges windows side-by-side.
Horizontally
Tile Vertically Arranges windows above and below.
Output Show or hide the output window.
Window
Window All open windows are listed. Clicking one of
these will move the focus to the selected
window.
Help Menu Commands
HELP MENU
The Help menu offers the following commands:
Command Action
MsTower Help Display the Help Topics dialog box.
Topics This has three tabs, Contents, Index,
and Find, so you can easily find help
topics.
What's This? Display help for clicked buttons,
menus, and windows.
Tip of the Day Show Tip of the Day.
About MsTower Display details about this copy of
MsTower and system resources. Also
contains links to Internet.
Main Toolbar Commands
MAIN TOOLBAR
The Main toolbar offers the following commands:
Open a new job.
Open an existing job. MsTower displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the
desired file. This command is for opening an existing job one for which there is already a job.MST
file, where "job" is the name of the job as it was saved.
Save the job with its current name.
Print the view; i.e. print a picture showing the current view of the structure. Use the File > Print
command to print a file.
Print preview; i.e. display exactly how the graphics will be printed. Use the File > Preview command
to preview a file.
View Toolbar Commands
VIEW TOOLBAR
The View toolbar offers the following commands:
Display front view.
Display right view.

Display top view.
Display oblique view.
Move viewpoint to left.
Move viewpoint to right.
Move viewpoint up.
Move viewpoint down.
Zoom to extents/limits of structure. If the View > Limit command is in effect, clicking this button
alternately displays the full structure and the limited part of the structure.
Zoom in.
Zoom out.
Zoom to selected window.
Pan.
Show the output window.
Display Toolbar Commands
DISPLAY TOOLBAR
The Display toolbar offers the following commands:
Display node symbols.
Display of node numbers.
Display member numbers.
Display section numbers.
Display supports.
Display pins.
Display rendered view of members.
Display annotation of loads.
Display annotation of member force or displacement diagrams.

Increase scale for plotting loads, member forces, or displaced shape.
Decrease scale for plotting loads, member forces, or displaced shape.
Help Toolbar Commands
HELP TOOLBAR
The Help toolbar offers the following commands:
Context ("What's This?") help. The cursor changes to a pointer with a question mark that may be
clicked on any toolbar button to provide a pop-up help window.
Help About MsTower. MsTower version and configuration details includes links to Internet.
Draw Toolbar Commands
DRAW TOOLBAR
The Draw toolbar is available during graphical input of UDPs only. It offers the following commands:
Draw members.
Erase members.
Move members.
Copy members.
Reflect members.
Sub-divide members.
Rotate members.
Display grid points and set Grid snap mode.
Set Middle/End snap mode.

Set Intersection snap mode.
Attributes Toolbar Commands
ATTRIBUTES TOOLBAR
The Attributes toolbar offers the following commands:
Input section numbers.
Input member releases.
Input member orientation reference node/axis.
Results Toolbar Commands
RESULTS TOOLBAR
The Results toolbar offers the following commands:
Display undisplaced structure.
Select load cases for display.
Display applied loads.
Display member actions. You must turn on this "switch" before you are able to select member forces
for display.
Display axial force, Fx.
Display shear force, Fy.
Display shear force, Fz.
Display torque, Mx.
Display bending moment, My.
Display bending moment, Mz.

Display displaced structure.
Display natural vibration modes.
Display buckling modes.
Display design ratios. Design ratios are displayed graphically with different colors representing
distinct ranges of values for the percentage of code capacity. For example, members shown bright red
are loaded in excess of 110% of the design code capacity.
Display member force envelope.
Animate modes (natural or buckling). Each mode is displayed in turn. Press the space bar to move to
the next mode or Escape to exit mode animation.
OK/Cancel Toolbar Commands
OK/CANCEL TOOLBAR
The OK/Cancel toolbar is an alternative to the context menu for confirming or cancelling selections. Display
or hide it with the View > Toolbars command. This toolbar is not displayed initially.
Extra Buttons Toolbar Commands
EXTRA BUTTONS TOOLBAR
The Extra Buttons toolbar contains a number of buttons that may be added to other toolbars during
customization. It is not displayed initially. The buttons available are:
Display back view.
Display left view.
Display y axis for all members.
Polar copy.
Intersect members.
Insert node.
Redraw (F5).
Selecting Which Toolbars Are Displayed

You may easily determine the toolbars that are displayed with the View > Toolbars command. This
displays the dialog box shown below. All checked toolbars are displayed.
TOOLBARS DIALOG BOX
You may also choose the new flat style for toolbars (the "cool" look) or large buttons (these may be
preferable at high screen resolutions). Any toolbar that has been customized may be reset to the original
configuration by selecting it and then clicking the Reset button.
Customizing Toolbars
As well as being dockable, toolbars in MsTower are customizable in two ways.
Firstly, while pressing the Alt key you may drag any button to any position on the same or another toolbar.
If you drag a button to a new position not on a toolbar, it will disappear.
Secondly, you may click the Customize button in the Toolbars dialog box (View > Toolbars command).
This displays the Customize property sheet. Clicking the New button creates a new empty toolbar with any
specified name. On the Commands tab you may now select any existing toolbar and drag its buttons onto the
new toolbar (or any other toolbar).
CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS
Installing MsTower
The Setup program will install MsTower on your computer. Usually, Setup will begin when you insert the
CD. If Setup does not begin automatically you must perform these steps:
Click on the Windows Start button and select Run.
Browse to the Setup program on the distribution CD.
Execute the Setup program.
Setup will guide you through the installation process, prompting you for a name for the program folder (the
default is C:\Mstower), and then copying the required files to the hard disk. Any required fonts will be
installed if they are not already installed.
Hardware Lock
Most systems are supplied with a hardware lock that must be plugged into a printer port before you can start
MsTower. Additional information on the hardware lock is supplied on a data sheet.
An extra installation disk is provided for Windows NT/2000 and network systems. Additional setup
procedures are described on the associated data sheet.
Folders
The Setup program will establish a number of folders under the specified MsTower folder. If you use the
default name the folders as displayed in Windows Explorer will look like this:
MSTOWER FOLDERS
Folder Comment
Name
Mstower MsTower folder you can choose this name
during installation. "Mstower" is the default.
.....Data Default data folder you can open MsTower
files in other folders if you wish.
.....Drivers Folder for hardware lock drivers, network
lock drivers, and documentation files. This
folder is created optionally during
installation. For a network installation the Net
folder contains additional files.
.....Examples Example files useful for testing and
learning.
.....Program All MsTower program files, library files, and
Help files.
Library File Folder
You may use the File > Configure > General > Library File Folder command to specify a folder for
library files anywhere on the computer or in the Network Neighborhood. Files in this folder will be accessed
when you refer to a library file with the "L:" prefix. Using the "P:" prefix will cause MsTower to look in the
Program folder for library files. Library file references that do not have a prefix cause MsTower to look in
the data folder for library files.
Temporary File Folder
By default, MsTower writes intermediate data to the Windows temporary file folder. This is usually most
satisfactory for all types of installation. You may, however, use the File > Configure > General >
Temporary File Folder command to specify a different folder anywhere on the computer or in the Network
Neighborhood.
Starting MsTower
The Setup program creates an MsTower item on the Windows Programs menu (click Start, then
Programs). Click on this item to start MsTower .
If you have not previously used MsTower you should start with some of the examples supplied with
MsTower to familiarize yourself with the operation of the principal menu and toolbar items (see Example 3
Space Truss). To run an example, use the File > Open command and click on the required file in the
dialog box.
You may open any existing MsTower job with the File > Open command. To start a new job based on an
old job, open the old job and save a copy with another name using the File > Save Copy As command. You
may now close the old job and open the new copy by selecting its name from the most recently used list on
the File menu.
Note the following powerful Help features, which make it easier for you to use MsTower:
There are tooltips on all toolbar buttons. Move the mouse cursor over the button for a moment and a
little pop-up window displays the function of the button.
There is a prompt displayed on the left side of the status bar (at the bottom of the MsTower window)
whenever the cursor is positioned over a toolbar button or a menu item. Look here for prompts while
you are performing input operations.
Context-sensitive help is available for all toolbar buttons by clicking the button. Once you have
clicked this button, move the new cursor to any item and click.
Context-sensitive (pop-up) help is available in dialog boxes. Some items in dialog boxes also have
tooltips.
Use the Help > MsTower Help Topics command to display the Help Topics dialog box. With this, you can
browse the table of contents, look through an index, or search all Help topic keywords.
Right-Clicking Away from Any Part of the Tower

When you right-click in the main window, away from any node or member, the pop-up menu below
appears.
MAIN CONTEXT MENU
This provides a very convenient alternative to the main menu for many commands. In effect, you can
perform some operations in three different ways. For example, you can display the section number on all
members by clicking a button on the Display toolbar, by selecting the View > Display Options command,
or by right-clicking and then selecting Section Numbers.
How to Make a Shortcut on the Desktop

To make a shortcut to MsTower on your desktop (the background that is visible when no programs are
running), right-click on the desktop, select New > Shortcut, and in the Create Shortcut dialog box browse to
the Mst.exe file in the MsTower program folder. Set the "Start in" folder to the MsTower data folder. Enter
MsTower for the name of the shortcut, and click the Finish button.
Note: Many MsTower commands involve the use of the context menu. This is a menu, which is specific to
the current operation, that appears when you right-click (press the right mouse button). For example, when
you are drawing a series of members, after clicking on the Draw Members button (the one with the pencil),
you click the location of each node, and to finish the operation, you right-click and select Break Line or
End Line on the context menu. Also, after you have selected nodes or members for any operation, you
right-click and choose OK or Cancel on the context menu.
Launch with Double-Click

MsTower job files (Job.MST, where "Job" is the job name) should be identified in Explorer with a
distinctive icon. It is convenient to be able to double-click on one of these files in Explorer to start MsTower
with the job. To do this, the MST file type must be associated with MsTower.
The association between MsTower and the MST file type may be established when MsTower is installed.
You may also establish the association with the procedure set out below.
Here are the steps necessary to make MsTower launch with a double-click:
In Explorer select the View > Folder Options or View > Options command.
Select the File Types tab.
In the list box search for the MsTower job file type, which may be shown as "MST File" or "MsTower
Document". If found, select this file type and click the Remove button. Close the dialog box.
In Explorer browse to the MsTower data folder and double-click on any MsTower job file (if the file
name extension "MST" is not visible you may see it by right-clicking and checking the properties of
the file).
The Open With dialog box appears. Click on the Other button and browse to Mst.exe in the MsTower
program folder.
In the Description box type "MsTower Job File" and click OK.
In Explorer select the View > Folder Options or View > Options command.
Select the File Types tab, then select "MsTower Job File" in the list box and click the Edit button.
Click the Change Icon button and then select the second icon.
Click OK to close the Edit File Type dialog box.
Click OK to close the Folder Options dialog box.
Now, check that you have successfully set up your system by browsing to an MsTower job file and double-
clicking.
Configuration
The first time you start MsTower it will run in a partial screen window. Maximize the Window (use the
button next to the X button at the top right of the MsTower window) and the system will thereafter start in a
full-screen window.
Toolbars may be activated or de-activated using the View > Toolbars command and they may also be
floated or moved to different locations on the main Window if desired ("docked"). Toolbar buttons may be
dragged from one toolbar to another while the Alt key is held down. Chapter 3 contains more information
on how you can customize the toolbars.
The File > Configure command allows you to set program parameters such as colors, default library files
and design codes, and maximum job size. The default settings for maximum job size will be sufficient for
the majority of jobs. Increasing limits unnecessarily can result in slightly reduced operating speed.
FILE > CONFIGURE
Steel Section Libraries

A source file is supplied with each steel section library. The source file is a text file with the file name
extension "ASC" and the corresponding library file has a file name extension of "LIB" (e.g. Asw.asc,
Asw.lib). To make a new library, copy an existing source file to a file with a new name and modify it as
required. Use the File > Configure > Edit Library command to modify a library (see Editing the Steel
Section Library). It is recommended that you do not modify the standard library supplied with MsTower it
is preferable to copy it to a file with a different name and then modify that.
Steel section libraries used with DOS versions of MsTower are compatible with those used by Windows
versions (V5.0 and later).
Data from Earlier Versions

MsTower V5 is file-compatible with V3 and V4. All data files (TD, TWR, UDP) and section and ancillary
libraries from V3 and V4 are compatible with MsTower V5.
Technical Support
MsTower technical support is available by telephone, fax, and e-mail. Use the Help > About MsTower
command to display the serial number, the exact version number, and the configuration of your software.
This information is required when you ask for technical support. In addition, the Help About dialog box
contains hot-links directly to the MsTower Home Page on the Internet and to e-mail Support.
HELP ABOUT MSTOWER
The MsTower Web site is a useful source of additional information and provides a facility that allows
licensed users to download updates to the software.

MsTower Analyzes Latticed Steel Towers

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MsTower Analyzes Latticed Steel Towers

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General

Loading may be computed in accordance with:

Malaysian Electricity Supply Regulations 1990.

Member capacities may be checked against the requirements of:

ASCE 10-90 1991

Ancillaries are classified into the following categories:

Insulators, located between the segments of multi-segment guys.

Foundation reactions and ancillary rotations may also be reported.

New menu introduced.

TWR file format revised.

Terrain blocks introduced.

Linear and large ancillary libraries introduced.

32 bit version of programs introduced.

Additional standard panels introduced.

Gust and Mean keywords added to TWR file.

Graphical input of UDPs introduced.

Ancillary libraries extended to include Andrew information.

HP Laser printers as plotters now supported.

Postscript format available for output files.

Ancillary deflections and rotations calculated.

Foundation reactions calculated.

Cross wind and Bare option added.

Total mass and additional mass of ancillaries in TWR file.

XIP, plan bracing at intersection point of face bracing.

Optional Velocity Profile.

Masts including catenary cables to BS 8100:Part 4 and AS 3995.

Additional standard panels.

Named node block introduced.

ASCE 10-90 1991 (Manual 52).

Bolt checking to DD133/BS5950.

Manual re-set in MSWord.

Utility programs TDForm, MAKASC and LAZER2R included.

Database utilities added for special customers.

Bolt data file included.

Shade factor introduced for linear and large ancillaries.

Job.OUT file enhanced for results checking.

Tension-only members now available in UDPs; non-linear analysis module required.

A tower loading file is output.

Arrangements may be made to customize this program to user requirements.

EXAMPLE 3 SPACE TRUSS

NODE 261 -1.0000 107.0000 1.0000 111111

MEMB 66 261 265 X 4 1 000000 000000

PROP 4 LIBR Asw 100X100X10EA Y

MATL 1 2.000E+08 3.000E-01 7.850E+00 1.080E-05

CASE 1 WIND AND DEAD LOADS

CASE 2 ANTENNA LOADS

CASE 3 CASE 1 + CASE 2

BS 8100:Part 3 (DD 133:1986)

ASCE 10-90 1991

The force computed from the analysis.

Structural Configuration and Buckling Lengths

Selection of Buckling Curves

Calculation of Ultimate Member Stresses

This version of MSTower has the following restrictions:

Members are checked for axial force only.

No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or nearly horizontal members.

Member Checks to BS 449

Structural Configuration and Buckling Lengths

Calculation of Permissible Member Stresses

This version of MSTower has the following restrictions:

Members are checked for axial force only.

No check is made on "man-load" on horizontal or near-horizontal members.

Joint capacities are not checked.