The Shukhov's Tower is a broadcasting tower in Moscow designed by Vladimir Shukhov. The 160m high free-standing steel structure was built in the period of 1920–1922, during the Russian Civil War. It is a hyperboloid structure (hyperbolic steel gridshell).
Due to its lattice structure, the steel shell of the Shukhov radio-tower experiences minimum wind load (the main hazard for high-rising buildings). The tower sections are single-cavity hyperboloids of rotation made of straight beams, the ends of which rest against circular foundations.
The tower is located a few kilometers south of the Moscow Kremlin, but is not accessible to tourists.
It is interesting that during the installation there was a breakdown when lifting the section of the tower. Shukhov was sentenced to death (with stay of execution till the fulfillment of all construction works) for this breakdown. At that time Shukhov was 68 years old and among his genius projects were the first Russian oil pipeline, the first Russian tankers-barges, buildings with the supports in the form of lattice shells). They did not shoot him, they gave him the medal.
Shukhov tower now recognized by international experts as one of the highest achievements of engineering, it is 88 years old and was never restored..
Site about Shukhov and his works, in English.
Google map.
Posted by Irina.
