ABSTRACT

Transmission line tower constitute about 28 to 42 percent of the cost of

the transmission power line project. The increasing demand for electricity can
be made more economical by developing different light weight configuration of
transmission line tower. In this study an attempt is made to model, analyze and
design a 220KV transmission line tower using manual calculations. The tower is
designed in wind zone – V with base width 1/5thof total height of the tower.
This objective is made by choosing a 220 KV single circuit transmission line
carried by square base self-supporting tower with a view to optimize the
existing geometry and then analysis of the tower has been carried out as a 2-D
structure. Structure is made determinate by excluding the horizontal members
and axial forces are calculated using method of joints and design is carried out
as per IS 800:2007.

2
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
India has a large population residing all over the country and the
electricity supply need of this population creates requirement of large transmission
and distribution system. Also, the disposition of the primary resources for electrical
power generation viz., coal, hydro potential is quite uneven, thus again adding to the
transmission requirements.
Transmission tower is an integrated system consisting of conductor
system, subsystem, ground wire subsystem and one subsystem for each category of
support structure. Mechanical support of transmission line represents a significant
portion of the cost of the line and they play an important role in the reliable power
transmission. They are designed and constructed in wide variety of shapes, types,
sizes, configuration and materials.
The supporting structure types used in transmission line generally fall
into one of the three categories: lattice, pole and guyed. The supports of high voltage
transmission lines are normally steel lattice towers.
The cost of tower constitutes about quarter to half of the cost of
transmission line and hence optimum tower design will bring in substantial savings.
The selection of an optimum outline together with right type of bracing system
contributes to a large extent in developing an economical design of transmission line
tower.
The height of tower is fixed by the user and the structural designer has
the task of designing the general configuration and member and joint details.
The goal of every designer is to design the best (optimum) systems. But,
because of the practical restrictions this has been achieved through intuition,
experience and repeated trials, a process that has worked well. Power Grid

3
Corporations of India Limited has prescribed the following steps to Optimize the
Design of Power Transmission Lines:-
 Selection of clearances.
 Insulator and insulator string design.
 Bundle conductor studies.
 Tower configuration analysis.
 Tower weight estimation.
 Line cost analysis and span optimization.
 Economic evaluation of line.
In this paper, the sag tension calculation is carried for conductor and
ground wire using parabolic equation. Then different loading format including normal
condition, top conductor broken, earth wire broken condition is evaluated. The wind
loading is calculated on the longitudinal face of the towers and then two dimensional
analysis of the tower is carried out and accordingly the design is completed for
different members.
Transmission line towers are used for supporting the extra high voltage
(EHA) electric transmission lines. These lines also carry very heavy current, to the
turn of several hundred amperes.

4
1.2 TYPES OF TRANSMISSION TOWERS
Following are various types of transmission tower which support electric power
transmission lines:
1.2.1 Based on material:
i. Timber.
a. Wood poles.
b. Wood –H poles.
ii. Concrete.
a. RCC poles.
b. Pre-stressed concrete poles.
iii. Structural steel.
a. Round (or) I-section steel poles.
b. Fabricated steel poles.
c. Flexible towers.
d. Semi flexible towers.
e. Self-supporting wide base towers.
f. Guyed towers.
1.2.2 Based on type and size of loading:
i. Towers with large vertical heads.
a. Single circuit towers.
b. Double circuit towers.
c. Multiple circuit towers.
ii. Towers with mainly horizontal wind loads.
a. Self-supporting towers.
b. Guyed towers.
1.2.3 Based on angle of deviation
i. A – Type tower – angle of deviation 0º to 2º.
ii. B – Type tower – angle of deviation 2º to15º.
iii. C – Type tower – angle of deviation 15º to 30º.
iv. D – Type tower – angle of deviation 30º to 60º.

5
 1.2.4 Based on force applied by the conductor on the cross arms
i. Tangent suspension tower.
ii. Angle tower or Tension tower.

The task of designing a stable tall tower economically is a challenging

job for a structural engineer. The task of design consists of designing:

i. General configuration.
ii. Individual members.
iii. Joint details.

Self-supporting tower or free standing tower are generally square or

rectangular in plan and are supported by four legs, fixed to the base. The towers are
vertical trusses, subjected to wind and seismic loads.

The free standing towers for power transmission have arms to both sides
of the centre line, to carry power transmission lines. These towers are therefore, also
subjected to longitudinal force induced by the wires. These types of towers are used
for high voltage levels (more than 220KV).

1.3 LOADS ON TRANSMISSION LINE TOWERS

The transmission towers are subjected to three loads namely,

a. Vertical loads.
b. Horizontal loads.
c. Longitudinal loads

1.3.1 Vertical loads

a. Weight of tower structure.
b. Weight of insulator strings and fittings.
c. Weight of power conductors.
d. Weight of ground wire.

6
 e. Weight of ice weightings.
f. Weight of maintenance crew with tools.

1.3.2 Horizontal loads

i. Wind load on conductors.
ii. Wind load on ground wire.
iii. Wind load on insulator string.
iv. Wind load on tower structure.
v. Transverse components of tensions in conductors.

1.3.3 Longitudinal loads

i. Unbalanced pull due to a broken conductor.
ii. Unbalanced pull due to a broken ground wire.
iii. Seismic load on wires.
iv. Seismic load on tower structure.
v. Load due to temperature variation.

1.3PARTS OF TRANSMISSION TOWER

Transmission towers have to carry the heavy transmission conductor at a
sufficient safe height from the ground. In addition to that all towers have to sustain all
kinds of natural calamities. So transmission tower designing is an important job.
A power transmission tower consists of the following parts,
1. Peak of transmission tower
2. Cross arm of transmission tower
3. Boom of transmission tower
4. Cage of transmission tower
5. Transmission tower body
6. Leg of transmission tower
7. Stub/Anchor bolt and Base plate assembly of transmission
tower

7
1.4.1 Peak of Transmission Tower

The portion above the top cross arm is called as the peak of transmission
tower. Generally earth shield wire is connected to the tip of this peak. The peak height
depends on the specific angle of shield and clearance of mid span.

1.4.2 Cross Arm of Transmission Tower

Cross arms of transmission tower hold the transmission conductor. The
dimension of cross arm depends on the level of transmission voltage, configuration
and minimum forming angle for stress distribution. Number of cross arms depends
upon the number of circuits in the Transmission line.
1.4.3 Cage of Transmission Tower
The portion between tower body and peak is known as the cage of transmission
tower. This portion of the tower holds the cross arms. The main vertical section of any

8
transmission tower is named as cage. Normally cross section of cage takes square
shape and the shape also depends on the height of the transmission line.

1.4.4 Transmission Tower Body

The portion from bottom cross arms up to the ground level is called
transmission tower body. This portion of the tower plays a vital role for maintaining
required ground clearance of the bottom conductor of the transmission line.

1.4.5 Boom of Transmission Tower

Boom is a rectangular beam of cross section in middle tapered in the
end section and part of a horizontal configuration tower. Normally boom is
connected to lower body to support mechanically to the power conductors.

9
1.5 WEIGHT OF THE TOWER
The weight (W) of the tower may be estimated by comparison with
similar existing tower. Alternatively, it may also be estimated with the help of the
following empirical by Ryle:
W = KH√M KN.
The weight can also be determined by using the following formula
W = cKh(ft2/3+0.41 fv1/2+f12/3)KN.

1.6 FOUNDATION FOR TOWERS

The stability of a tower depends both on the strength as well as stability
of foundations. The foundation for a tower is designed for the following
forces/moments:
i. Downward load on the leg.
ii. Uplift load on leg.
iii. Horizontal thrust.
iv. Over turning moments.

1.7 ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

A transmission tower is a three-dimensional cantilever truss. Its
analysis as a space frame is highly tedious. However, a majority of the forces act only
at its top end. The conventional procedure is to analyze it by resolving the tower in
planar frames.
Here the torsional shear has to be calculated using the following formula,
M
P=
2A

Where,
M – Bending moment.
A – Twisting moment.
The members of the tower are either tension members (or) compression
members. Since the members are slender, secondary stresses are ignored. The various
factors which are to be considered are:

10
 Factor of safety.
 Allowable stress.
 Permissible stress in bolts.
 Slender ratio.

11
 CHAPTER 3

OBJECTIVE
 The design of transmission tower of 220kv current distribution wire.
 Focus of this project is to propose a steel lattice tower for electricity
transmission system.
 Analyse it under various loads there by designing and checking the proposed
member for failures.
 The model of transmission tower is analysed and designed using STAAD.Pro
and Auto CADD
 The stress distribution and load calculation for whole structure is the
combination of loads that can be analysed by the support reactions.

SCOPE
 Transmission line towers are used for supporting the extra voltage (EHA)
electric transmission lines.
 These lines also carry very heavy currents, to the tune of several hundred
amperes.
 It is therefore necessary that these transmission lines should be carried at a
level which is very much higher than the ground level.
 This has necessitated the use of tall towers to support the transmission lines
conductors carrying a combination of EHV and heavy currents.

12
 CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY

Collection of Data

Planning

Analysis in STAAD.Pro

Load Application

Design Calculation

Conclusion

13
 CHAPTER 5

LITERATURE REVIEW

5.1 Y. M. Ghugal , U. S. Salunkhe :

“Analysis and Design of Three and Four Legged 400KV Steel
Transmission Line Towers: Comparative Study”. The present work describes the
analysis and design of two self-supporting 400 KV steel transmission line towers viz
three legged and four legged models using common parameters such as constant
height, bracing system, with an angle sections system are carried out. In this study
constant loading parameters including wind forces as per IS: 802 (1995) are taken into
account.
5.2 V. Lakshmi, A. Rajagopala Rao:

“Effect of medium wind intensity on 21M 132KV Transmission tower”.

In this paper the performance of 21M high 132kV tower with medium wind intensity

is observed. The Recommendations of IS 875-1987, Basic wind speeds, Influence of

height above ground and terrain, Design wind speed, Design wind pressure, Design

wind force is explained in detailed.

5.3 M.Selvaraj, S.M.Kulkarni, R.Ramesh Babu:

“Behavioral Analysis of built up transmission line tower from FRP
pultruded sections”. This paper discusses experimental studies carried out on a X-
braced panel of transmission line tower made from FRP pultruded sections.
Mathematical model of individual members and members in the X-braced panel are
generated using FEM software to study the analytical correlation with the
experiments.
5.4 S.Christian Johnson G.S.Thirugnanam:
“Experimental study on corrosion of transmission line tower foundation
and its rehabilitation”. In this paper, Physical, Chemical and electro chemical
parameters, studied on transmission line tower stubs excavated from inland and

14
coastal areas have been presented. A methodology for rehabilitation of transmission
tower stubs has been discussed.
5.5 F.Albermani and M. Mahendran:
“Upgrading Of Transmission Towers Using Of Diaphragm Bracing
System”. Tower strength improvement was investigated by adding a series of
diaphragm bracing types at mid-height of the slender diagonal members. Analytical
studies showed that considerable strength improvements could be achieved using
diaphragm bracings. They also showed the effects of different types of bracings,
including those of joining the internal nodes of diaphragm members and the location
of diaphragms.

5.6 N.PrasadRao, G.M.Samuel Knight, S.J.Mohan, N. Lakshmanan

“Studies on failure of transmission line towers in testing”. Different
types of premature failures observed during full scale testing of transmission line
towers at Tower Testing and Research Station, Structural Engineering Research
Centre, Chennai are presented. Failures that have been observed during testing are
studied and the reasons discussed in detail. The effect of non-triangulated hip bracing
pattern and isolated hip bracings connected to elevation redundant in “K” and “X”
braced panels on tower behavior are studied.
5.7 G.Visweswara Rao:
“OPTIMUM DESIGNS FOR TRANSMISSION LINE TOWERS”. A
method for the development of optimized tower designs for extra high-voltage
transmission lines is presented in the paper. The optimization is with reference to both
tower weight and geometry. It is achieved by the control of a chosen set of key design
parameters. Fuzziness in the definition of these control variables is also included in
the design process. A derivative free method of nonlinear optimization is incorporated
in the program, specially developed for the configuration, analysis and design of
transmission line towers. A few interesting result of both crisp and fuzzy optimization,
relevant to the design of a typical double circuit transmission line tower under
multiple loading condition, are presented.

15
16
 CHAPTER 6

TOWER CONFIGURATION
Depending upon the requirements of the transmission system, various
line configurations have to be considered ranging from single circuit horizontal to
double circuit vertical structures and with single or V strings in all phases, as well as
any combination of these. The configuration of a transmission line tower depends on
the following factors:
i. The length of the insulator assembly.
ii. The minimum clearances to be maintained between conductors, and
between conductor and tower.
iii. The location of ground wire or wires with respect to the outermost
conductor.
iv. The mid-span clearance required from consideration of the dynamic
behaviour of conductors and lightning protection of the line.
v. The minimum clearance of the lowest conductor above ground level.

The tower configuration is determined essentially by three factors:

a. Tower height.
b. Base-width.
c. Top hamper-width.

6.1 Transmission Line Components:

6.1.1 Transmission Line Tower
The following parameters for transmission line and its components are
assumed from I.S. 802: Part 1: Sec: 1:1995, I.S. 5613: Part 2: Sec: 1:1989.
 Transmission Line Voltage : 220 kV (A. / C.)
 No. of Circuits : Single Circuit
 Right of Way (recommended) : 35, 000 mm
 Tower Configuration : Vertical Conductor Configuration

17
  Angle of Line Deviation
 Bracing Pattern
 Terrain Type Considered
 Cross Arm
 Terrain Category
few obstacles)
 Inclination of the tower legs
 Return Period
 Shielding Angle
 Wind Zone
 Insulator Type
 Basic Wind Speed
 Number of Insulator Discs
 Design Wind Pressure
 Size of Insulator Disc
 Tower Type
 Length of Insulator String
 Tower Geometry
 Creep Effect
: 0 to 2 degrees
: Pratt system
: Plain
: Pointed
: 2 (Normal cross country lines with very
: 70 (with vertical)
: 50 years
: 30°
: 5
: I String
: 50 m/s
: 15
: 793 N/sq.m
: 255 × 145 mm (Skirt Diameter)
: Self-Supporting, Type “A”
: 2,500 mm
: Square Base Tower
: Not Considered

6.1.2 Conductor
A substance or a material which allows the electric current to pass
through its body when it is subjected to a difference of electric potential is known as
Conductor. The properties of the conductor considered here are tabulated in Table1.

Table 1: Mechanical and electrical properties of Conductor

 Conductor material ACSR
 Conductor size 30/7/3.00 mm
 Area of the conductor (for all strands), A 2.6155 cm2
 overall diameter of the conductor (d) 21 mm

18
  Weight of the conductor (w) 0.973 kg/m
 Bearing strength of the conductor (UTS) 9130 kg
 Coefficient of linear expansion (α) 17.73 × 10-6/˚C
 Modulus of elasticity Final (E1) 0.787 × 106kgf/cm2
 Modulus of elasticity Initial (E2) 0.626 × 106kgf/cm2

6.1.3 Earth wire

The earth wire is used for protection against direct lightning strokes and
the high voltage surges resulting there from. There will be one or two earthwire
depending upon the shielding angle or protection angle. The earthwire considered for
transmission line has the following properties as mentioned in Table 2.

Table 2: Mechanical and electrical properties of Earthwire

 Material of earth wire Galvanized steel
 No of earth wire One
 Stranding/wire diameter 7/3.15mm
 Total sectional area 54.55mm2
 Overall diameter 9.45 mm
 Approximate weight 428kg/km
 Calculated D.C. resistance at 20˚C 3.375ohm/km
 Mini UTS 5710 kg
 Modulus of elasticity 19361 kg/mm2
 Coefficient of linear expansion 11.50 × 10-6/˚C
 Maximum allowable temperature 53˚C

6.1.4. Insulator Strings

Insulators are devices used in the electrical system to support the
conductors or to support the conductors carrying at given voltage. The insulators
separate the current carrying conductors of a transmission line from their support

19
structures to prevent the flow of current through the structure to ground and to provide
necessary mechanical support to the conductors at a safer height above the ground
level.

6.2 Sag tension for conductor and ground wire:

Indian standard codes of practice for use of structural steel in over-head
transmission line towers have prescribed following conditions for the sag tension
calculations for the conductor and the ground wire:
 Maximum temperature (75°C for ASCR and 53°C for ground wire) with
design wind pressure (0% and 36%).
 Every day temperature (32°C) and design wind pressure (100%, 75% and
0%).
 Minimum temperature (0°C) with design wind pressure (0% and 36%).
IS 802: part 1:sec 1: 1995 states that conductor/ ground wire tension at
every day temperature and without external load should not exceed 25 % (up to 220
kV) for conductors and 20% for ground wires of their ultimate tensile strength. Sag
tensions are calculated by using the parabolic equations as discussed in the I.S. 5613:
Part 2-Sec: 1: 1989 for both the conductor and ground wire. In this paper, the
consideration of the sag of ground wire as 90% the sag of the conductor at 0°C and
100% wind condition. The sag tension values are mentioned in the Table 3.

Parabolic Equation
𝐿².𝛿2 .𝑞2
2 .𝐸
(F2 – (K – α.t.E)) = 24
(1)

𝐿2 .𝛿 2 .𝑞22 .𝐸
Take, K = F1 – (2)
24𝐹12

Table 3. Sag tension for conductor (ASCR)

Temperature variation °C 0 32 75
Wind variation % 0 0.36 0 0.75 1 0
Tension (Kg) 2282.5 3733 3246.24 3108.3 3416.27 2367.23

20
All tension values are giving F.O.S < 4.So, we consider the minimum tension(tension
for F.O.S = 4.) to find the maximum sagging in all condition.
So, sagging = 5.46m
By increasing 4% of calculated sag we get= 5.46 × 4%= 5.70 m.

6.3 Height of tower:

h1 = minimum permissible ground clearance = 7.1 m (cl=13.1, IS: 5613.2.1)

h2 = sag (maximum) = 5.46 × 1.04 (increase by 4%) = 5.7 m

h3 = minimum clearance between two conductor = 4.9 × 2 m. = 9.8m (cl=7.3.1.1, IS:

5613.2.1)

h4 = vertical distance between earth and top conductor = 7.4 (cl=13.2, IS: 5613.2.1)

Total H = (h1 + h2 + h3 + h4) = 30 m

6.4 WIDTH OF BASE OF THE TOWER

The base width of tower is taken as one-fifth of the total height of the
Height of the tower 30
tower. Base Width = = = 6 m.
5 5

6.5 LENGTH OF MEMBERS

All the members are spaced out at equal lengths in order to increase the
stability of the tower in the body and the cage of the tower respectively.
AB = BC = CD = DE = EF = 3.1185 m.
A’B’ = B’C’ = C’D’ = D’E’ = E’F’ = 3.1185 m.
FG = GH = HI = IJ = JK = 2.54 m.
F’G’ = G’H’ = H’I’ = I’J’ = J’K’ =2.54 m.
KL = K’L =2.45 m.
14.15
BB’ = 2(2.75 − 0.75) ∗ + 1.5 = 5.2 m.
15.3
11.15
CC’ = 2(2.75 − 0.75) ∗ + 1.5 = 4.4 m.
15.3

21
 8.0
DD’ = 2(2.75 − 0.75) ∗ + 1.5 = 3.6 m.
15.3
5.0
EE’ = 2(2.75 − 0.75) ∗ + 1.5 = 2.8 m.
15.3
2.0
FF’ = GG’ = HH’ = II’ = JJ’ = KK’ = 2(2.75 − 0.75) ∗ + 1.5 = 2.0 m.
15.3

6.6 PLAN

6.1 Dimensions of tower in meter

22
 CHAPTER 7

ANALYSIS OF TRANSMISSION TOWER

The modeling of the tower is done as per the dimensions of the members
calculated in the previous chapter. The model of the tower is shown in the figure 7.1.

STAAD.Pro Report
To: From:

Copy to: Date: Ref:

08/10/2018 ca/ Document1
10:36:00

Job Information

Engineer Checked Approved

Name:
Date: 08-Oct-18

Project Name Analysis of electrical Transmission tower.

Structure Type
.Tower SPACE FRAME

Number of Nodes 51 Highest Node 57

Number of
188 Highest Beam 207
Elements
Number of Basic Load Cases 2

23
Number of Combination Load Cases 1
Included in this printout are data for:
All The Whole Structure

Included in this printout are results for load cases :

Type L/C Name

Primary 1 LOAD CASE 1

Primary 2 LOAD CASE 2

COMBINATION 3 COMBINATION LOAD CASE 3

Basic Load Cases

Number Name

1 LOAD CASE 1
2 LOAD CASE 2

Combination Load Cases

Comb. Combination L/C Primary Primary L/C Factor
Name Name
3 COMBINATION 1 LOAD CASE 1 1.00
2 LOAD CASE 2 1.00

24
MAIN DIAGRAM

DISPLACEMENT

25
AXIAL FORCE

TORSION

26
SHEAR FORCE
Shear at Y-direction

Shear at Z-direction

27
BENDING MOMENT
Bending at y - direction

Bending at Z - direction

28
Beam Stress

Support Reactions

29
GRAPHS FOR LOAD CASE 3
Bending moment at Z-direction

Shear at Y-direction

Axial force

30
LOADS ACTING ON THE TOWER
DEAD LOAD

WIND LOAD

31
COMBINATION OF TGE ABOVE LOADS

3D RENDERED VIEW

32
 CHAPTER 8
DESIGN OF TRANSMISSION TOWER

8.1 Wind loads on tower:

Wind loads on all the towers are calculated separately by developing excel
programs by following Indian Standards. For finding the drag coefficients for the
members of triangular tower, the solidity ratio is derived from Table 30 – IS –875
(part 3)-1987 in the similar fashion as prescribed in the IS- 826 (part-1/sec 1) - 1995.

Design Wind Pressure

To calculate design wind pressure on conductor, ground wire, insulator and panels
K0 =1.375 [conversion factor]
K1 =1.0[ risk coefficient]
K2 =1.10[ terrain roughness coefficient]
𝑉𝑏
Reduced wind speed, 𝑉𝑅 =
𝑘0
50
=
1.375

` = 36.3636.
Design wind speed, 𝑉𝑑 = 𝑉𝑅 ∗ 𝐾1 ∗ 𝐾2
= 36.3636 ∗ 1.0 ∗ 1.10
= 40 m/s.
Design wind pressure, 𝑃𝑑 = 0.6 ∗ 𝑉𝑑2
= 0.6 ∗ 402
= 960 N/m²
= 97.86 kg/m²
8.2. Wind Loads on Conductor
Total wind load on conductor,
𝐹𝑤𝑐 =Pd ∗ Cdc ∗ Ae ∗ Gc ∗ space factor
𝐹𝑤𝑐 = wind load on conductor

33
 𝑃𝑑 = 97.86 [design wind pressure ]
𝐶𝑑𝑐 = 1.0[ drag coefficient for conductor]
𝑚2
𝐴𝑒 = 3.16 ∗ 10−2 .
𝑚

𝐺𝑐 = 2.32 [gust response]

Space factor = 0.6
For 100% wind, 𝐹𝑤𝑐 = 97.86 ∗ 1 ∗ 3.16 ∗ 10−2 ∗ 2.32 ∗ 0.6
= 4.3046
For 75% wind, Fwc = 97.86 ∗ 0.75 ∗ 3.16 ∗ 10−2 ∗ 2.32 ∗ 0.6
= 3.2284
For 36% wind, Fwc = 97.86 ∗ 0.36 ∗ 3.16 ∗ 10−2 ∗ 2.32 ∗ 0.6
= 1.5496
8.3 Wind Load on Ground wire
Total Wind load on ground wire,
𝐹𝑤𝑔 =Pd ∗ Cdg ∗ Ae ∗ Gg ∗ space factor
𝑃𝑑 = 97.86 [design wind pressure ]
𝐶𝑑𝑔 = 1.2[ drag coefficient for ground wire]
𝑚2
𝐴𝑒 = 9.45 ∗ 10−3 .
𝑚

𝐺𝑔 = 2.39 [gust response]

Space factor = 0.6
For 100% wind, 𝐹𝑤𝑔 = 97.86 ∗ 1.2 ∗ 9.45 ∗ 10−3 ∗ 2.39 ∗ 0.6
= 1.5913
For 75% wind, Fwg = 97.86 ∗ 0.75 ∗ 9.45 ∗ 10−3 ∗ 2.39 ∗ 0.6
= 0.9946

For 36% wind, Fwg = 97.86 ∗ 0.36 ∗ 9.45 ∗ 10−3 ∗ 2.39 ∗ 0.6
= 0.4774
8.4. Wind Load on Panels
The lateral force due to wind acting at every panel joint is found as a
product of intensity of wind and the exposed area of members of the tower consist of

34
the projected area of the windward force plus fifty percent of plant of the leeward
force. The sizes of the members taken are as

Assuming:
Main leg: ISA 200×200×25 single angle back to back section.
For diagonal bracing: ISA 100×100×8 single angle
Horizontal bracing: ISA 130×130×10 single angle
Cross arm bracing: ISA 90×90×12 single angle
To calculate wind load on panels, Fw=Pd×Cdt×Ae×GT
Where,
Cdt = drag coefficient for panel considered against which the wind is blowing
Ae = effective area of the panel
GT = gust response factor for towers

The wind load on panels for various conditions:

1. Normal operating conditions.

2. Top most power conductor in broken wire condition.
3. Ground wire in broken condition.
The Wind force acting at different panels are shown in Figure 2 and the values are
tabulated.

Under the various conditions

Lateral force Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3
PL 11.17 11.17 5.79
PK 3.965 3.965 3.965
PJ 19.19 9.98 19.19
PI 3.89 3.89 3.89
PH 18.37 18.37 18.37
PG 3.72 3.72 3.72
PF 20.32 20.32 20.32
PE 4.47 4.47 4.47
PD 4.83 4.83 4.83
PC 5.21 5.21 5.21
PB 5.57 5.57 5.57

35
8.5 Stresses in the members of the tower under various conditions:

The transmission line tower as shown in the above figure is

highly indeterminate. The stresses in the various members may be found by
approximate method.

The tower is reduced to a determinate plane frame by

neglecting the horizontal and secondary members. The stresses are determined for the
following conditions:

1. Normal operation conditions.

2. Due to lateral forces under the topmost power conductor broken condition.
3. Due to longitudinal forces under the topmost power conductor broken
condition.
4. Due to lateral forces under the ground wire in broken condition.
5. Due to longitudinal forces under the ground wire in broken condition.

The axial forces in column and diagonal members are

determined by the method of joints and by horizontal equilibrium and these values are
shown in the following table.

The positive value shown indicates tension and the negative

value shown indicates compression for the various members of the tower and greater
value under different conditions are highlighted.

36
STRESESS IN DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THE TOWER

Condi ti ons
Normal Top conductor Earth wi re
Member (KN) broken (KN) broken (KN)
AB 189.81 214.45 245.67
AB' 11.83 23.1 10.29
A'B' -189.8 -214.45 -245.67
A'B -11.83 -23.1 -10.29
BC 178.63 203.37 236.2
BC' 10.36 22.04 8.52
B'C' -178.6 -203.37 -236.2
B'C -10.36 -22.04 -8.52
CD 167.63 192.53 227.56
CD' 9.18 21.45 6.88
C'D' -167.6 -192.53 -227.56
C'D -9.18 -21.45 -6.88
DE 156.5 181.63 219.85
DE' 8.4 21.65 5.35
D'E' -156.5 -181.63 -219.85
D'E -8.4 -21.65 -5.35
EF 144.55 170.04 213.35
EF' 8.28 23.24 3.81
E'F' -144.6 -170.04 -213.35
E'F -8.28 -23.24 -3.81
FG 117.98 140.38 183.8
FG' 26.33 45.27 34.32
F'G' -118 -140.38 -183.8
F'G -26.33 -45.27 -34.32
GH 80.75 96.78 134.65
GH' 24.14 43.51 32.31
G'H' -80.75 -96.78 -134.65
G'H -24.14 -43.51 -32.31
HI 50.43 60.1 92.4
HI' 16.88 35.82 24.87
H'I' -50.43 -60.1 -92.4
H'I -16.88 -35.82 -24.87
IJ 27.41 30.7 57.45
IJ' 14.34 33.71 22.52
I'J' -27.41 -30.7 -57.45
I'J -14.34 -33.71 -22.52
JK 11.61 11.65 29.73
JK' 7 7 14.99
J'K' -11.61 -11.65 -29.73
J'K -7 -7 -14.99
KL 7.12 7.16 20.57
K'L -7.12 -7.16 -20.57

37
8.6 Design of the members of the tower:

In X-type bracings the member which is under tension, due

to lateral load acting in one direction, undergoes compressive force, when the
direction of the lateral load is changed and vice-versa (as in the member force
calculations). Hence, such members are to be designed to resist both tensile and
compressive forces.

The Members used in the Towers are standard Indian Angles of:

1. Main leg: ISA 200×200×25 single angle back to back section.

2. Diagonal and Cross arm bracing: ISA 100×100×8 single angle.
3. Horizontal bracing: ISA 130×130×10 single angle.

The gusset plate is of 20 mm thickness and connection of gusset plate with angles is
shown.

Figure 2: Angles Eccentrically Loaded through Gussets

8.6.1 Design of tension member by limit state method (IS 800:2007)

Tension members are linear members in which axial forces act to cause
elongation (stretch). Such members can sustain loads up to the ultimate load, at which
stage they may fail by rupture at a critical section. The design strength of the tension
member shall be minimum of Tdg, Tdn and Tdb. The charts have been prepared based
on IS 800:2007 for Tension members. The procedure is shown below.

Assumed material properties:

fy = 250 MPa,

38
 fu = 400 MPa,

fub = 410 MPa

8.6.1.1 Design chart for Main leg ISA 200×200×25

Tensile Strength of Single Angle ISA 200 X 200 X 25 (As

per IS 800:2007) with single row bolted connection as shown in Figure 7 (9nos.
20mm dia.). The no of bolts considered for the design of tension members for end
connections is based on minimum no. of bolts required for the full strength of the
angle for Block shear.

20 mm φ bolts

ISA 200*200*25

Design strength due to yielding of gross section

fy∗Ag
Tdg =
γm0

Ag= 9380 mm2 (from steel table), γm0 = 1.1

250∗9380
Tdg = = 2131.818 KN
1.1

Design Strength due to rupture of critical section

e = 40 mm, p = 60 mm

0.9∗fu ∗Anc β∗Ag0 ∗fy

Tdn = ( γml
)+(
γm0
)

25
Anc = [200 − 22 − 2 ] ∗ 25 = 4137.5 mm²

39
 25
Ago = [200 − 2 ] ∗ 25 = 4687.5 mm²

w f b f ∗γm0
β = 1.4 − 0.076 ∗ ( ) ∗ ( u) ∗ ( s ) ≤ ( u ) ≥ 0.7.
t fy Lc fy ∗γml

Lc = 60×8 = 480, bs = 200+140-25 = 315

200 250 315

β = 1.4 − 0.076 ∗ ( )∗( )∗( ) = 1.156 > 0.7
25 410 480

f ∗γm0 410 ∗ 1.1

1.156 < ( u ) =( )= 1.44
fy ∗γml 250 ∗ 1.25

0.9∗4137.5∗410 1.15∗4687.5∗250
Therefore, Tdn = ( )+( ) = 2446.5 KN
1.25 1.1

Design strength due to block shear

The block shear strength Tdb , at an end connection is taken as the smaller of

Avg ∗fy 0.9∗fu ∗Atn

Tdb1 = ( )+( ) Or,
√3∗γm0 γml

0.9∗fu ∗Avn fy ∗Atg

Tdb2 = ( )+ ( )
√3∗γml γm0

Avg = (40+60×8) ×25 = 13000 mm2

Avn = (40+60×8-22×7.5) ×25 = 8325 mm2

Atg = (60×25) = 1500 mm2

Atn = (60-0.5×22) ×25 = 1225 mm2

13000∗250 0.9∗1225∗410
Tdb1 = ( )+( ) = 2067 KN,
√3∗1.1 1.25

0.9∗8325∗410 1500∗250
Tdb2 = ( )+( ) = 1759 KN
√3∗1.25 1.1

Therefore, the block shear strength is Tdb = 1759 KN

40
 Now, Strength of the single angle Tension member should be least of
the above three values (i.e. 2131.81 KN, 2446.5 KN and 1759 KN) which is equal to
1759 KN.

As per our calculation we get that the maximum tension force is in the
leg member of the ground panel which is 245.67 KN

Therefore factored load = 245.67×1.5 = 368.5 KN is lesser than the

above three values. Therefore our design is safe for maximum tension.

8.6.1.2 Design chart for Diagonal member ISA 100×100×8

Tensile Strength of Single Angle ISA 100 X 100 X 8 (As per IS

800:2007) with single row bolted connection as shown in Figure 8 (3nos 16mm dia.).
The no of bolts considered for the design of tension members for end connections is
based on minimum no. of bolts required for the full strength of the angle for Block
shear.

16 mm φ bolts

ISA 100×100×8

Design strength due to yielding of gross section

fy∗Ag
Tdg =
γm0

Ag = 1539 mm2 (from steel table), γm0 = 1.1

250∗1539
Tdg = = 349.7 KN
1.1

41
Design Strength due to rupture of critical section

e = 40 mm, p = 60 mm

0.9∗fu ∗Anc β∗Ag0 ∗fy

Tdn = ( γml
)+(
γm0
)

Anc = (100 – 18 – 8/2) ×8 = 624 mm2

Ag0 = (100 – 8/2) ×8 = 768 mm2

w f b f ∗γm0
β = 1.4 − 0.076 ∗ ( ) ∗ ( u) ∗ ( s ) ≤ ( u ) ≥ 0.7.
t fy Lc fy ∗γml

Lc = 60×2 = 120, bs = 100+44-8 = 136

100 250 136

β = 1.4 − 0.076 ∗ ( )∗( )∗( ) = 0.74 > 0.7
8 410 480

f ∗γm0 410 ∗ 1.1

0.74 < ( u ) =( )= 1.44
fy ∗γml 250 ∗ 1.25

0.9∗624∗410 0.74∗768∗250
Therefore, Tdn = ( )+( ) = 313 KN
1.25 1.1

Design strength due to block shear

The block shear strength Tdb , at an end connection is taken as the smaller of

Tdb1 = ( Avgfy /(√3γm0) + 0.9fuAtn /γm1 ) or,

Tdb2 = (0.9fuAvn /(√3γm1) + fyAtg/γm0 )

Avg = (40+60×2) ×8 = 1280 mm2

Avn = (40+60×2-18×2.5) ×8 = 920 mm2

Atg = (40+18) ×8 = 464 mm2

Atn = (40+18-0.5×18) ×8 = 392 mm2

Tdb1 = ((1280×250)/ (√3×1.1)) + ((0.9×392×410)/1.25) = 283.6 kN

42
Or, Tdb2 = ((0.9×920×410)/ (√3×1.25)) + ((464×250)/1.1) = 262 kN

Therefore, the block shear strength is Tdb = 262 kN

Now, Strength of the single angle Tension member should be least of the above
three values (i.e. 349.7kN, 313kN and 262kN) which is equal to 262kN.

As per the calculation, the maximum tension force is obtained in the diagonal
member of the sixth panel which is 45.27kN

i.e. factored load = 45.27×1.5 = 67.9kN is lesser than the above three values.
Therefore the design is safe for maximum tension.

8.6.2 Design of compression member by limit state method (IS 800:2007)

8.6.2.1 Design chart for Main leg ISA 200×200×25

Length = 3.02 m

K = 0.85

fy = 250 MPa

A = 9380 mm2

r min = 60.5 mm

KL 0.85∗3020
= = 42.43
rmin 60.5

From Table 10 of IS 800:2007, the member belongs to buckling class c.

Therefore, from Table 9(c) of IS 800:2007 the values of fcd are found using KL/r =
42.43 and fy = 250 MPa.

Here,

KL
For, = 40 ≥ fcd = 198 MPa
r

KL
= 50 ≥ fcd = 183 MPa
r

43
 KL
Therefore, for = 42.43
r

fcd = 194.35 N/mm2

Thus, strength of the angle as column

Pd = A ∗ fcd = 9380×194.35 = 1823050 N = 1823 kN

Working load = 1823/1.5 = 1215 kN > 245.67 kN

Therefore, the section is safe for maximum compressive force.

44
CONCLUSION

 The transmission line tower is a statically indeterminate structure and the

manual analysis of such a structure is very complex.
 A rigorous analysis considering three dimensional space actions is quite
difficult. The development and application of computer analysis opened up
a new and practically unlimited possibilities for the exact solution of these
statically indeterminate structures with precise statically analysis of their
three dimensional performance.

 Design of transmission is carried out manually.

 Analysis of the transmission tower is carried out by using STAAD.Pro

package.

 The trial section which is adopted for this analysis is compatible with the
calculated loads.

 The observed nodal displacement, beam displacement, shears, bending,

axial force and support reactions is found by STAAD.Pro.

 The member sizes are compared with those found after their design. The
deflections are found to be negligible.

 Thus the transmission tower designed can be implemented in a successful

manner.

45
REFERENCE

 Dr.Ram Chandra and virendragehlot (2007),” Design of steel structures 2”.

 S.S.Bhavikatti,”Design of steel structures”, I.K.International publishing

house Pvt.Ltd.

 N.Subramanian,”steel structure design and practice”, Oxford University

press.

 Code for Practices:

IS 4091-1967(Foundation design).

IS 802 -1967(Structural steel).

IS 800 -2007(Design of members).

IS 875 -1987(Design loads).

IS 5613 (Design, maintenance & installation).

 Madras state electrical engineers association(1964)”power engineer’s hand

book”.

 Indian electricity rules,1956- rule 76(1)(a).

46