What Are the Main Purposes of Guy Wires?
These wires add stability to tall structures by connecting the tower to the ground. The heights of structures that require guy wires depend on the type of structure and local building requirements. For example, in Woodland, California, the municipal code requires guy wires to support all four sides of communication towers measuring 10 feet or higher in intervals of 10 feet. Consulting local requirements is best when choosing the number and type of guy wires to use for upright structures.
The extra strength and stability provided by guy wires enable the construction of towers hundreds of feet high. Permanent guy strands keep towers and poles upright against many forces. Some forces include high winds or the forces of power lines that can add weight to the sides of poles they run between.
However, guy wires don’t always have to be used permanently. Some applications include using guy strands to support and stabilize sections of high-rise buildings during construction or to keep heavy loads lifted by cranes stable. Another temporary use is for tree support — trees may need guy wires to support them until they grow taller to hold themselves upright.
Whether used temporarily or permanently, guy wires protect structures from leaning or falling down, which enhances the safety of the surrounding area.