The effects of ice loading on a communications tower or structure are caused
by more than just the weight of the ice. Buildup around the Antenna or Conductor increases the surface area (see Area - Circle, Area - Rectangle), thus increasing its Wind resistance. For example, a round antenna rod 2 foot long with a 1 inch
diameter has an equivalent flat plate area of 2 in. x 12 x 2/3 = 16 sq-inches (the
2/3 factor is used because round surfaces are considered to have wind resistance
equivalent to 2/3 that of a flat surface). If the same antenna rod were
covered by ½ inch of ice, the diameter would become 2 inches, doubling the
equivalent flat area of the rod and thereby doubling the Lateral Thrust on the antenna.