A Review of Research on Supported Transmission Line Tower Failure Studies: Analysis, Tower Testing and Retrofitting

Premature failure of transmission towers due to extreme weather conditions and inadequate design methods have severe socio-economic implications. This study presents a state-of-the-art review of the research work related to failure of self-supported lattice steel transmission towers. Selected articles from literature were divided into broad categories namely—failure analysis techniques, joint slippage effects, retrofitting and investigations of failure due to earthquakes and high intensity winds. The former three aspects mentioned above are chosen for review in this paper since the latter two are very broad aspects by themselves. A systematic literature review has been conducted based 76 research articles after filtering from reputed journals. Advanced analysis involving computational models based on nonlinear formulations and modern finite element software and their potential to reduce the need for full-scale prototype testing have been highlighted. A description of the studies available on retrofitting techniques for transmission towers for intervention against impending tower failures—diaphragm and leg member retrofitting techniques and studies on retrofitting connections are also discussed. Key conclusions from the study that highlight the most useful findings from the various studies, limitations of the current study and directions for future research have been established.