Abstract: Based on the finite element software ANSYS, a beam element model and a refined shell element model of the suspension cable guyed tower was established. The variation of the strain of the members with the loading level are calculated by the above-mentioned two finite element models, and the calculation results of the two models are compared with the full-scale test results. At the same time, the influence of the above-mentioned two models on the overall response of the structure are also compared. The results show that the calculation results of the refined shell element model on the strain of the main and oblique members are in good agreement with the full-scale test results. The calculation results of the beam element model on the strain of the main members also agree well with the full-scale test results. However, there is a relatively large calculation error of oblique members’ strain in beam element model. The above-mentioned two finite element models have little effect on the overall response of the suspension cable guyed tower, but the effect on internal force of the members is relatively large.

Key words: shell element model; beam element model; full-scale test; suspension cable guyed tower