[Bell Historians] Re: Radial Frames

[Chris Povey]

Richard Offen, 25/12/06:-
'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'

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.

 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. 

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


Chris Povey           
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