Comparative Study of the Normative Requirements for the Design of a Lattice Pylon: Case of A 225 kV Transmission Line

Abstract

It is undeniable that a correct estimate of the loads likely to affect a structure throughout its useful life is the key to any design. Moreover, a thorough knowledge of the parameters used to estimate these loads makes it possible to refine the calculations while giving a certain confidence to the designer. This is why this paper presents a comparative study of some standards directly affecting the wind loads applied to the components of electrical power transmission lines (in particular the standards NF EN 50341-1: 2012, DIN VDE 0210-2011 and IEC 60826 - 2003) and the resistance of the latter to the various forces which are transmitted in the bars (ASCE 10 and NF EN 50341-1:2001). To carry out this work, it was first a question of analyzing and understanding each dimensioning standard, then of visualizing the global environment of the different calculation rules, emphasizing the reason underlying the choice of a specific standard, and finally comparing these standards from the data of a specification. Regarding wind loads, it generally emerges that the DIN VDE 0210: 2011 standard is the most suitable for dimensioning because it gives the lowest load values. As for the verification of the stability of the structure, the comparison between the ASCE 10 and NF EN 50341-1:2001 standards for a triangle arming pylon of a 225 kV line showed that for the same work rate (97 %), the busiest bar has the dimensions 150 cm x 150 cm x 14 mm and 140 cm x 140 cm x 14 mm respectively for the ASCE 10 and NF EN 50341-1:2001 standards; which amounts to a saving of 13.44 kg in terms of mass and 8829.81 FCFA in terms of cost.