A guyed mast is a tall thin vertical structure that receives support from guy lines.
Guyed masts are frequently used for radio masts. The mast can either support aerials (for VHF and UHF) mounted at its top, or the entire structure itself can function as an antenna (for VLF, LF, MF and HF); this is called a mast radiator. In the latter case, the mast needs to be insulated from the ground. They can also be used to support all types of wire aerials (for VLF, LF, MF and HF).
Sailing masts, the masts that support the sails on sailboats, are very typically guyed masts.
Guyed masts can also be used as the tops of free standing towers. A famous tower of this type is the Gerbrandy Tower.
Guyed masts are sometimes also used for meteorological measurements at certain heights above ground level. Sometimes they are used as pylons, although their usage in agricultural areas is problematic because anchor foundations handicaps ploughing. A very special use is the BREN Tower.
Famous quotes containing the word mast:
“What do we plant when we plant the tree?
We plant the ship that will cross the sea,
We plant the mast to carry the sails,
We plant the planks to withstand the gales—
The keel, the keelson, and beam and knee—
We plant the ship when we plant the tree.”
—Henry Abbey (1842–1911)