In steel tubular towers flange connections are used to assemble two segments of the tower. As an alternative for these fatigue-sensitive joints a new type of friction connection has been investigated both in laboratory and at a production plant where the feasibility study was performed. The specimen used in the feasibility test consists of two tower segments, each about 3m high and 2 m in diameter. The segments are connected by 222 M30 high-strength bolts. The production process and tolerances achieved are briefly explained. The assembling process is modeled using a realistic FEA model to predict the stress in the segments during pretensioning. A simplified FE analysis was performed to assess the influence of the compressive strength of the specimens. This paper presents results of a short parametric study on the influence of the gap between two tower segments exploring possibilities to use higher-strength steel in the towers. Keywords: Finite Element Model, Gap, High Strength Friction Grip Connection, Tubular Steel Tower, Wind Energy Converter