Removable guyed mast for mobile phone networks: wind load modeling and structural response

Experimental tests were performed to evaluate forces and aerodynamic coefficients on a typical cable-stayed mast used for removable base stations (so-called raw land sites). The results were obtained using the wind tunnel facility at the University of Perugia. Different prototype-scale models (1:1) representing portions of the structural system were tested, varying the oncoming wind direction and measuring the drag and lift forces. The drag and lift coefficients were calculated in order to obtain a reliable wind load model on the whole structure. The structural response of the raw land site was estimated by numerical calculations using the experimental load model and the results were compared to those obtained using code prescriptions. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed varying the incoming wind direction to evaluate the effect of the lift forces on the structural response.