TOWER DETAILING ISSUES

[stosh56]

We have designed a relatively short (12 foot tall) "tapered" tower (similar to an oil rig). We will mount a device at the top of this structure. <br>
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What complicates the issue is the tower was drawn in 2-D in an assembled state, essentially with no true views. Therefore, we are trying to "deconstruct" the assembly to obtain true length and position of angles and holes.<br>
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I am familiar with the "drop and rotate" method of finding true length of an edge. Is there a useful method for projecting the centers of bolt holes on a surface of the 3" L-channel angle that makes up the tower structure?<br>
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I have found some rather complicated explainations in Mechanical Drafting textbooks.

 

[MikeVV]

Does your assembly view have a scale that you can use? If it does, you can determine the geometry. If not, you will be left with a proportionality constant that cannont be "guessed." Also, does the assembly drawing have two views or just one? Two will be required to define the 3d structure. Do any towers exist that you can measure in the field? Is the eq angle 3" member steel and defined per an AISC standard? If so, you can reconstruct the geometry with some accuracy, if not - you've got to get the details. Another option might be to make your attachment hardware in a way that allows for field drilling of the attachment holes / fasteners. Is welding an option?

 

[MikeVV]

Additional reply - any 3D CAD package will help in reconstructing the geometry...