Sustainability Study of Telecommunication Towers: Comparing Lattice 4-Legged with 3-Legged Structures Under Increased Equipment Load Tenancy Ratios

Abstract

The Rapid expansion of telecommunication infrastructure necessitates the optimization of tower designs for sustainability and structural integrity. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of lattice 4-legged and 3-legged self-supported telecommunication towers under increasing equipment load tenancy ratios. Using finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS 2025 R1 workbench software design modeler to develop the 2D models of tower structures, modal analysis is performed to assess the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and critical stress points. Static structural analysis is performed to assess the tower equipment tenancy load ratios impact on Total deformation, directional deformation along the X-axis, and direct stress. The study results indicated that the 4-legged lattice steel tower structure design model exhibited higher natural frequencies, 12% greater than the 3-legged lattice steel tower structure design model, which showed enhanced stiffness and sustainability. The study also indicated 3-legged lattice steel tower structure design model exhibited increased stress concentration at XBX bracing joints, with 16% greater total deformation than the 4-legged lattice steel tower structure design model. The 4-legged tower design offered better and superior mechanical stability with lower potential failure risks. This study research findings will provide important engineering knowledge to policymakers in the telecommunication industry for infrastructure sustainability and safety