Guidelines for Transmission Line Structural Loading

Procedures are provided for the selection of design loads and load factors based on the latest research and state-of-the-art design techniques. This selection has an effort on the reliability and economy of the line. A load and resistance factor design (LRFD) procedure is presented. Prevailing practice and most state law require that transmission lines be designed, at a minimum, to meet the requirements of the current edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). The report outlines the concepts of probability based design. The nature and variability of loads (including dead loads, climate, accidents, and construction and maintenance loads) are reviewed. The basic formula for wind force is presented. Special wind consideration such as tornadoes, hurricanes and topographic effects in addition to longitudinal loads, galloping, construction, maintenance, vibration, and flooding are discussed in detail. The final section provides detailed loading agenda examples of several typical structure types.