Structural Performance evaluation of flood light poles in Cricket stadium to Wind Force

Abstract

Floodlights poles are the key structural elements of present-day cricket stadiums; they offer sufficient light in night matches and are vulnerable to severe wind forces over the service period. Due to their high and slender structure, such structures are susceptible to undue movement along the lateral direction, likely to change structural stability, maintenance and working safety. This paper assesses the structural behaviour of a tapered steel floodlight pole under varying wind-loading conditions using the techniques of finite element analysis. A typical pole geometry, material properties, arrangement of the light platform, and support conditions are assumed to model a typical stadium installation. The calculation of wind loads is made according to the requirements of the IS 875 (Part 3): 2015, and the structural analysis is conducted with the help of STAAD. Pro in a variety of design wind-speed cases. The main assessment criteria chosen is maximum lateral displacement and the secondary measures are maximum equivalent stress, base shear, base bending moment, and factor of safety to determine the overall structural response. The findings are that the lateral displacement increases gradually with wind speed, as the maximum displacement is at the top of the floodlight pole. The calculated stresses do not exceed the material yield limit and the factor of safety is within specifications to all loading conditions. The results show that the suggested structural design has sufficient wind resistance and practical advice in the safe design and performance evaluation of cricket stadium floodlight poles that is subjected to the wind loading.