Model Tests of Global Stability of Two Types of Lightning Protection Masts under Wind Action

The paper presents results of wind tunnel experiments of wind action on two free-standing lighting protection masts: cantilevered and tripod. Own similarity criteria concerning phenomenon of global stability loss were used in these tests. It was determined whether masts fulfill the requirements of overturning and shift global stability in range of base wind velocities adequate for Poland and different categories of terrain roughness according to the Eurocode [13]. Two possible forms of the loss of the global stability of lighting protection masts in strong wind were considered: overturning a mast and shifting of mast as a whole structures. The measurements were conducted for eight directions of wind attack, five positions of masts on the roof, two settings of the mast for tripod mast and one for cantilevered mast, two categories of terrain roughness. Conducted tests allowed to determine whether it is safe to locate tripod mast in all wind zones in Poland. Cantilevered mast can be located safely in I and II wind zone in Poland.