ABSTRACT

An overhead transmission line (OHTL) is a very complex, continuous, electrical/mechanical system. Its function is to transport power safely from the circuit breaker on one end to the circuit breaker on the other. Present line design practice views the support structure as an isolated element supporting half span of conductors and overhead ground wires on either side of the structure. There are usually many factors that impact on the selection of the structure type for use in an OHTL. The general public usually perceives transmission structures as “eyesores” and distractions in the local landscape. In addition to the interesting observations on relative reliability levels of different components within the structural support system, the output of the simulation study also provides the basis for a decisionmaking process which can be used to determine the cost effectiveness of management initiatives.