17 Structures, Towers and Poles

17.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the basic input data required and terminology used for
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The industry is currently revising its approach to the general concepts of
tower design. The loadings and related strengths required for overhead line
design have normally been determined by Statutory Instruments, the client’s or
the consulting engineer’s specifications. The international standards applicable
are IEC 60826, ‘Design criteria for overhead lines’, EN 50341 ‘Overhead lines
exceeding 45 kV’ and EN 50423 ‘Overhead electrical lines exceeding AC 1 kV
up to and including AC 45 kV’. IEC 60826 gives clear and straightforward
guidance using many of the graphs and tables directly from BS8100 and in its
National Normative Aspects (NNAs) EN 50341-3-9 points to loading derived
from the same standard for use in the UK. The same criteria are not necessar-
ily applicable in all territories, where, for example, averaging time for wind
speeds may be an issue. See also report IEC/TS 61774 (Overhead lines –
meteorological data for assessing climatic loads).
The newer ENs offer the alternatives of a probabilistic approach to design or
an empirical approach based upon national/local experience. Such issues are
the responsibility of the specialist structural engineer. Therefore this chapter
gives very basic examples to allow the electrical engineer to understand the
fundamental principles and terminology involved rather than the specific
methodologies.
It should also be noted that open-terminal substation equipment support
structures are nowadays being fabricated more and more from aluminium
alloy angle rather than from galvanized steel. The structures may be welded
up and drilled to tight tolerances in the factory. The prefabricated structures
are light weight and may be transported directly to site. Although there is an
initial higher capital materials cost this is largely offset by not having to pro-
vide special corrosion protection finishes. In addition the aluminium alloy
595

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 596 Structures, Towers and Poles

material has a low resistivity. Therefore earth connections from the substation
earth mat to the base of the support structures are normally sufficient.
Additional copper tapes to the ‘earthy ends’ of the insulator supports are not
specifically required.
There is a wide range of applicable standards – Table 17.1 lists a selection.

Table 17.1 A selection of overhead line design standards

Reference Description

IEC 60383 Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V
IEC 60471 Dimensions of clevis and tongue couplings on string insulator
units
IEC 60720 Characteristics of line post insulators
IEC 60797 Residual strength of string insulator units of glass or ceramic
material for overhead lines after mechanical damage to the
dielectric
IEC 60826 Design criteria for overhead transmission lines
IEC/TR 60828 Loading and strength of overhead transmission lines
IEC/TR 61774 Meteorological data for assessing climatic loads for overhead
lines
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EN 12465 Wood poles for overhead lines – durability requirements
EN 12479 Wood poles for overhead lines – signs, methods of
measurement and densities
EN12509 Timber poles for overhead lines – determination of modulus of
elasticity, binding strength, density and moisture content
EN12510 Wood poles for overhead lines – strength grading criteria
EN12511 Wood poles for overhead lines – determination of characteristic
values
EN14229 (see Note 3) Wood poles for overhead lines – requirements
EN 12843 Precast concrete masts and poles
EN 50341 Overhead electrical lines exceeding AC 45 k V. Part 3 covers all
the different National Normative Aspects (NNAs)
EN50423 Overhead lines AC 1 to 45 k V – based on 50341 but provides
specific simplifications or/changes
Eurocode 1 – EN1991 Basis of design and actions on structures; 1991-1-3 covers snow
loads; 1991-2-4 covers wind loads
Eurocode 2 – EN1992 Design of concrete structures – 1992-3 covers concrete
foundations
Eurocode 3 – EN1993 Design of steel structures
Eurocode 7 – EN1997 Geotechnical design
Eurocode 8 – EN1998 Design provision for earthquake resistance of structures
BS1990 Wood poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines
BS3288 – 2 Insulator and conductor fittings for overhead power lines –
specification for a range of fittings. Other parts of this standard
are superseded, or becoming so.
BS7354 Code of practice for the design of high-voltage open-terminal
stations
BS8100 Lattice towers and masts. Part 1 is a Code of practice for loading;
Part 2 is a guide to Part 1; Part 3 is a CoP for strength
assessment of tower and mast members; Part 4 covers the
loading of guyed masts

Notes: 1. See Table 18.1 for standards relating to conductors.

2. A much more extensive schedule of related standards is provided in EN 50341-1.
3. At the time of writing, EN14229 has only been issued as a draft for public comment.

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 Structures, Towers and Poles 597

17.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

17.2.1 Typical parameters

In order to match both the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the

overhead line or substation arrangement the environmental conditions and cli-
matic details must first be collected and analysed. The following parameters
are required (for installations in the EU refer to the Eurocodes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and
8 (EN1991–1998), although where there is conflict EN 50341 prevails):

Maximum ambient shade temperature °C

Minimum ambient shade temperature °C
Maximum daily average temperature °C
Maximum annual average temperature °C
Maximum wind velocity (3-second gust) km/hr
Minimum wind velocity (for line rating km/hr
purposes)
Solar radiation mW/sq m
Rainfall m/annum
Maximum
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Average relative humidity %
Altitude (for insulation level) m
Ice (for loading conditions)
Snow (for loading conditions)
Atmospheric pollution light, medium, heavy, very heavy
Soil type clay, alluvial rock, etc.
Soil temperature at depth of cable laying °C
Soil thermal resistivity °C m/W
Soil resistivity ohm-m
Isokeraunic level thunderstorm days or lightning
flashes to ground per km2
Seismic factor

17.2.2 Effect on tower or support design

17.2.2.1 Wind load

It is normal practice to consider wind loads on structures due to a 3-second

gust that occurs over a 50-year period. This basic wind speed figure is to be
obtained from meteorologists. On overseas work it may be difficult to obtain
data as records may not have been accurately kept over such a period. The wind
load is related to the wind speed in accordance with the code of practice applic-
able to the country where the work is being carried out. In the EU the relevant
information is set out in the NNAs of EN50341 and 50423. It describes
procedures for calculating wind loads on both structures and conductors, with

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