Comparison of structural shapes (Topology) of steel lattice tower according to mechanical efficiency. Case: Main tower heliostat’s field

Abstract

The definition of the topology is an important step in the lattice towers optimization process. With a predefined structural shape,
the final cost will be lower, the construction time´s will be minimized and the structure will have a better functionality. In the different structural shapes conception, loads and structuring criteria are specified. Three different topologies are proposed to the studied case, these ones will be compared to get the best structural shape. Many designs and functionality’s criteria will be used. Other
conditions that will be use are the analysis of horizontal displacement’s, topologies capacity of being modular structures, the size
of their members and the facilities of their transport and montage. The structural form chosen is a lattice tower of hexagonal shape. This is constructed through frames with restricted lateral displacement. This option has the lowest weight between all the options, many construction facilities, an efficient structuration and an easy capacity of being optimized. The election is based in efficiencies criteria, minimum weight and the facilities in the constructive time that a modular system allows. The expressed work in this paper is the first part of a two-phase’s divided project. In the present work it is shown the work of the election of the structural shape of the tower. Later in phase two the result of the first phase will be optimized through the application of the Genetic Algorithm’s Method.