Structural assembly formed of composite materials

Abstract

A transmission tower comprising a plurality of legs, each leg being formed of a composite material formed as a pultrusion of reinforcing fibers, a plurality of diagonal members extending between the legs, and a connection plate extending between an end of the diagonal member and the leg, the connecting member being formed of a plurality of layers of fibers and resin, the layers of fibers having differing fiber directions with respect to each other, the connecting member being adhesively secured to the leg and being connected to the diagonal member. The transmission tower is very light and has the requisite strength.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A transmission tower comprising:
 a plurality of legs, each leg being formed of a composite material formed as a pultrusion of reinforcing fibers;   a plurality of diagonal members extending between said legs;   a connection plate extending between an end of one of said diagonal members and said leg, said connecting member being formed of a plurality of layers of fibers and resin, said layers of fiber having differing fiber directions with respect to each other, said connecting member being adhesively secured to said leg and being connected to said diagonal member.   
     
     
         2 . The transmission tower of  claim 1  wherein said diagonal members are connected mechanically to said connection plate. 
     
     
         3 . The transmission tower of  claim 2  wherein said mechanical connection comprises nuts and bolts. 
     
     
         4 . The transmission tower of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing fibers are glass fibers. 
     
     
         5 . The transmission tower of  claim 4  wherein said resin is a polyester resin.