Downbursts pose a recognized threat to transmission line networks in South-east Queensland, and many other regions around the world. However, when assessing the structural adequacy of transmission line structures, design codes assume that an atmospheric boundary layer profile provide the basis of wind loading in the design process. Such assumptions may be leaving transmission networks exposed to an unquantified level of threat to a meteorological event that will likely cause the most severe loading on the structure during its lifetime. An analytical/stochastic method of simulating downburst winds has been used to explore the quasi-static loading conditions that occur during downbursts. These are presented in comparison to several existing transmission tower design codes, and the implications with regard to the structural adequacy of transmission line structures is discussed.
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