ABSTRACT
This paper examines the effectiveness of a common leg reinforcing method currently used for existing transmission or communication towers that require strengthening. Three commonly used connection arrangements - aligned, alternating, and cruciform - were employed for intermediate connections. The effectiveness and load sharing mechanism between the components of each arrangement were monitored. The results showed that the reinforcing method could increase the load capacity of an existing leg member, with the cruci-form arrangement being the most effective type. However, a significant discovery was that the majority of force transfer to the reinforcing member occurs at the top end joint. Therefore, the design of this joint is critical to the overall capacity of the reinforced legs.
