Análise comparativa de normas de dimensionamento de torres de alta tensão face à acção de ciclones

Abstract

The recent occurrences of cyclones in Mozambique, more precisely in the Central and Northern areas of the country, have affected various infrastructures, both public and private, compromising health, education, transport and communication systems. This reality increases the need for studies, review and application of more resilient and sustainable construction technologies and standards. Of the infrastructures affected by the incidence of cyclones (high-intensity winds), electrical current transmission towers, telecommunications towers and wind energy towers can be highlighted as works that require a more in-depth and specialized approach in the assessment of structural performance in the face of cyclones. Tropical cyclones, characterized by intense winds, abundant rain and peaks in barometric pressure, can exert significant forces on towers, posing substantial risks to their structural integrity. As a result, it is essential that design standards and regulations are able to provide a solid basis for the design of resilient towers, capable of withstanding the impacts of these extreme weather events. This study aims to carry out an authoritative comparative analysis of the standards for sizing high voltage electrical energy transmission towers, with particular emphasis on evaluating the structural response to the action of cyclones. To this end, internationally adopted building standards and codes will be examined, with a particular emphasis on design guidelines and requirements that relate to wind loads. Understanding the variations and similarities between standards plays a fundamental role in the progression of best design practices, aiming to design intrinsically safe structures capable of facing the diversities imposed by the increase in the frequency and intensity of climatic events.