Moment-curvature relationships to estimate deflections and second-order moments in wind-loaded RC chimneys and towers

Second-order moments of considerable magnitude arise in tall and slender RC chimneys and towers subject to along-wind loading, on account of eccentricities in the distributed self-weight of the tower in the deflected profile. An accurate solution to this problem of geometric nonlinearity is rendered difficult by the uncertainties in estimating the flexural rigidity of the tower, due to variable cracking of concrete and the 'tension stiffening' effect. This paper presents a rigorous procedure for estimating deflections and second-order moments in wind-loaded RC tubular towers. The procedure is essentially based on a generalised formulation of moment-curvature relationships for RC tubular towers, derived from the experimental and theoretical studies reported by Schlaich et al. 1979 and Menon 1994 respectively. The paper also demonstrates the application of the proposed procedure, and highlights those conditions wherein second-order moments become too significant to be overlooked in design.