Reducing wind loads on monopoles to provide increased capacity without structural reinforcement

A method for reducing wind load on a polygonal monopole, comprising:

• fabricating a multiplicity of truncated conical sections that each comprise a plurality of segmented pieces that attach together to form a telescoping member, and wherein the telescoping member has an upper fixed joint at its upper end and a lower telescoping joint at its lower end, and wherein the multiplicity of truncated conical sections, when overlapped, form an elongated telescoping shroud;
• and
• sequentially securing together the multiplicity of truncated conical sections around the polygonal monopole, without providing structural connection to a foundation of the monopole, with the telescoping joint of an upper conical section overlapping an adjacent fixed joint of a lower truncated conical section.

Wind load reduction apparatus for use in reducing wind loads on a polygonal monopole, comprising:

• a multiplicity of connected, segmented, truncated conical shrouds that each telescope from top to bottom to encase the monopole and provide a relatively smooth conical outer surface, wherein an inner surface of each truncated conical shroud contacts the polygonal monopole, each truncated conical shroud comprising a fixed joint formed at its top and a telescoping joint formed at its bottom, and wherein the telescoping joint of an upper truncated conical shroud overlaps the fixed joint of an adjacent lower truncated conical shroud.