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<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf>Richard Offen, 25/12/06:-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf><EM>'The main advantage of a radial frame is not only
the elegant rope circle, but also that it minimises the effect of the
horizontal forces on the tower generated by the bells'</EM></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf>Radial frames do provide elegant rope circles, but
they don't minimise the horizontal forces generated by the bells. The horizontal
forces from the bells are there in full amount regardless of the type of
frame. What radial frames do is to direct all the horizontal forces through the
centre of the tower, thus eliminating the potential for torsional
forces (twisting action) generated by off-centre horizontal
forces. Most towers are capable of withstanding torsion without
noticeable problems. Radial frames are ideally
suited for 'structurally unusual' towers, eg the Expo belfry and
Basildon's glass tower, or where there is a lot of space. They are clearly
the most structurally sympathetic arrangement available - space
permitting.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf> A wobbly tower doesn't automatically mean a
radial frame is required. A better standard bellframe design can redistribute
the horizontal forces sufficiently to reduce the wobble to an acceptable
degree. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf>Alan Hughes wrote an excellent article on radial frames
for the RW: see 2004, p97 (front cover onwards). There is a photograph in
this article of the Miami bellframe in Whitechapel's works</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#6000bf>Chris Povey</FONT><!--End group email --></DIV></BODY></HTML>