ABSTRACT
An overhead transmission line (OHTL) is a complex electric/mechanical system designed to transfer electricity between power substations. Structural elements must safely and reliably support currentcarrying conductors while providing the necessary separation between individual line phases and the ground. Transmission lines are composed of many individual elements consisting of a variety of materials with a wide range of mechanical properties. e di¢erence in performance of these components is evident in their mechanical characteristics, such as the following:
• Flexible vs. rigid • Ductile vs. brittle • Variant dispersions of strength • Wear and deterioration occurring at di¢erent rates
Transmission lines consist of two separate structure systems: the structural support system comprised of towers/poles and foundations, and the wire system comprised of conductor, shield wire, insulators, and hardware (Aichinger et al., 2002). e structural support system is required to provide support for the wire system while accommodating ice and wind acting on both the structural support system and the wire system.
