An essential part of the infrastructure that distributes electricity from power plants to residences and commercial buildings is reinforced concrete power transmission line supports. These robust buildings are made to endure the weather and transport bulky electrical wires over great distances. For this purpose, reinforced concrete is the perfect material because of its strength and durability, which guarantee dependable power transmission even in challenging circumstances.
These supports come in a variety of designs based on the location and intended use. The tall and thin pole-type supports and the larger and more robust tower-type supports are examples of common designs. Every design has its advantages and is selected according to various criteria, including the weight of the electrical lines, the spacing between supports, and the conditions the designs will be subjected to.
The preparation of the concrete mix is the first step in the production of reinforced concrete supports. This mixture is put into molds that allow steel reinforcements to be inserted and give the supports their shape. These steel bars, also known as rebar, give the concrete more flexibility and strength, which helps it withstand cracking and other types of damage. The supports are taken out of the molds after the concrete has dried and set, and they go through a number of quality inspections to make sure they live up to the specifications.
Power transmission line supports installation is a complicated procedure that needs to be carefully planned and carried out. The supports need to be moved to the installation location, where they are set up and fastened. The precise lifting and positioning of the supports frequently necessitates the use of large machinery and specialized equipment. The supports are anchored into the ground after installation to offer stability and stop movement.
All things considered, reinforced concrete power transmission line supports are essential to preserving the dependability and effectiveness of our electrical system. They provide a safe and reliable way to support power lines across a variety of terrains and environments because of their sturdy design and construction, which guarantee they can withstand the demands placed on them.
- Features and application of supports made of reinforced concrete
- Types of structures
- Production method
- Appointment
- Method of installing racks
- Structure shape
- Video on the topic
- Installing a transmission line support manually.
- Reinforced concrete vibrated supports SV-95-2
- Installing a transmission line support by helicopter! Incredibly precise!
- Centrifuged transmission line supports, SK racks
- Installing a 750 kV transmission line support
- Production of SV racks for power transmission lines
- Reinforced concrete pillars SK-22
- Launch of a new line for the production of transmission line supports
Features and application of supports made of reinforced concrete
There are two methods for transmitting electrical energy remotely:
- by placing the cable in the ground;
- distribution by air.
The structures required for wire placement during the installation of overhead power lines are called supports. They can be constructed from metal, concrete, wood (these models are hardly used anymore), or composite materials. The latter kind hasn’t yet proliferated throughout our nation, though.
Street lighting, fiber optic cabling, lightning rod holding, and high- and low-voltage power line construction, reconstruction, and repair all require concrete support structures. The most common length and width measurements for reinforced concrete power transmission line supports are 9.5 and 11 meters, and their corresponding weights are 0.8 and 1.1 tons.
The process of pouring concrete mortar over a reinforcing frame yields reinforced concrete power transmission line supports.
The specifications outlined in the most recent standards serve as a guide for producers of concrete pillars:
- GOST 13015-2012;
- GOST 22687.1-85;
- GOST 22687.1.8;
- TU 34 12.11410-89 with amendments.
The requirements outlined in the documents of series 3.407.1-136, 3.407.1-143, 3.407.1-152, 3.407.1-157, 3.407-175, and 3.507 cl-10 should also be taken into consideration.
The fact that the material is not affected by corrosion processes is the structures’ greatest benefit. The products can be used at very low temperatures—up to -55 degrees—without risk.
They are also employed when there is a rise in seismic activity. concrete stands exposed to hostile conditions. The service life of reinforced concrete transmission line supports can reach seventy years when they receive protective surface treatment. They are also appealing in terms of price/quality ratio and do not fear fires.
However, variations in temperature throughout the year may cause chips and cracks to appear in the material. The bulky nature of concrete structures presents certain challenges during transportation and installation.
Among the supports are:
- attachments;
- struts;
- beams (in the photo);
- support plates;
- concrete caps;
- metal structures (crossbars, guys, cable racks, caps, pads, internal connections, fasteners).
The Electrical Installation Rules govern the construction of power transmission lines (PUE). When installing lines with voltage ranging from 0.4 to 1150 kV, reinforced concrete supports are utilized. This value determines the structure’s weight and dimensions in large part.
Power transmission line supports made of reinforced concrete are essential to the stability and dependability of electrical grids. This article examines different approaches to design, methods of production, and methods of installation for these structures. We can appreciate how reinforced concrete ensures durability and efficiency in supporting power lines across diverse environments by understanding the various techniques and materials used. Regardless of your interest in engineering, construction, or infrastructure in general, this summary provides insightful information about the fundamentals of contemporary electricity distribution.
Types of structures
Structures with guys, cable-stayed structures, and free-standing supports (single and multi-post) are used for the laying of power transmission lines. Single-, double-, and multi-circuit models are used, depending on how many circuits there are. A number of characteristics allow for the classification of structures.
Production method
- Vibration. This technology of concreting supports is used to manufacture structures installed for the installation of power transmission lines with a voltage not exceeding 35 kV. In the production of products, vibration is used during the pouring of concrete mortar into special forms, which allows the mixture to be compacted and its homogeneity to be increased.
Non-stressed or pre-stressed materials can be used to make posts and braces.
- Centrifugation. In this case, it is possible to achieve a more uniform distribution of the solution.
Posts designed for the installation of power transmission lines with voltages of 35 kV and above are made using this technique.
Crucial! Centrifugation is another method that can be used to create low-voltage supports. One such example is a reinforced concrete support for a 6 kV power transmission line.
The materials used to make posts are gravel, fine sand, and Portland cement. Products that function in different conditions are made using a variety of additives, such as plasticizing and frost-resistant ones.
Rods and wire, coated in special compounds to prevent internal corrosion, are used to reinforce structures. Additionally, embedded components are processed.
Appointment
Depending on the method of suspending the electric wires, two types of supports are used: intermediate concrete supports for the power transmission lines, where mounting brackets are installed, and anchor racks, which are fixed with tension clamps.
In turn, these kinds of reinforced concrete power line supports are separated into a number of categories with varying applications.
- Direct intermediate. They are mounted in direct sections of the tracks. The proportion of racks of this type is at least 90% of the total number of all supports.
- Corner intermediate. Designs are placed on turns of lines.
- Anchor-Uglovy. They are installed on the bends of power transmission lines, but compared to intermediate models, they can withstand higher loads.
- Anchor. These structures are necessary for the transition of lines through natural or artificial barriers.
- Terminal. Such anchor supports for concrete transmission lines are placed at the beginning and end of the routes.
- Special structures.
The final group consists of multiple models that fulfill specific roles when conventional options are inappropriate:
- for branching from main lines;
- installed at the intersections of overhead lines of different directions;
- used when it is necessary to change the order of placement of wires;
- having the ability to withstand serious wind loads.
Method of installing racks
Watching the video in this article is what we recommend.
The places of installation receive the delivery of structures. An acceptance certificate is created once the support is manually assembled in compliance with the process map created for each type.
Lifting equipment is used to install structures; this equipment should be able to lift products vertically and hold them in place until they are firmly fixed in place, either in the ground or on the foundation base. The kind of supports, the kind of soil, the terrain, and the line’s operating circumstances all influence the method choice.
Guidelines for installing posts made of reinforced concrete:
- The route is marked out, the locations for installing the posts are determined.
- Measures are taken to prepare the site.
- With the help of special equipment, wells of the required depth are made.
Helicopter installation is an option if using lifting equipment is not feasible. Post installation by hand is permitted in exceptional circumstances.
- If necessary, crossbars are installed.
- Posts are placed in wells.
Crucial! To stop groundwater from causing damage, the portion of the structure that will be buried should be waterproofed before posts are buried deeper than the soil.
- Work is carried out to fill and compact the soil. If necessary, the voids are filled with concrete mortar.
- The line is connected.
When performing repairs on concrete supports, specialized manholes, or claws, are employed. They let you climb up quickly and conveniently without the need for special equipment, and they are dependable. Naturally, safety regulations must be strictly followed during all construction and installation activities.
- Securing to the foundation.
One option for supporting the power transmission line is to use a prefabricated or on-site poured reinforced concrete base. A flange connection is used to install the stand on the foundation.
Crucial! Mastic that resists moisture should be applied to the foundation to extend its service life.
Structure shape
What are supports made of reinforced concrete? They are constructed like long, varying-shaped posts. These products can be cone-shaped or have the same cross-section all the way around.
- Cylindrical posts.
- Conical posts.
The cross-sectional shape determines the distinction between the following types of posts:
- ring (CCC, as well as CHCc);
- trapezoidal (CHB, CB);
- octagonal (СВН or С);
- round (SKC).
| Designs | Production Methods | Installation |
| Single pole | Precast in factories | Mounted on concrete foundations |
| H-frame | Cast-in-place | Assembled on site |
| Guyed poles | Prestressed concrete | Secured with guy wires |
In today’s infrastructure, reinforced concrete power transmission line supports are essential for the dependable delivery of electricity over extended distances. These structures offer stability and durability because they are made to withstand a variety of environmental factors, such as strong winds and seismic activity. The various designs are tailored to meet particular needs, such as the height of the supports, the weight they must support, and the installation site’s topography.
Significant advancements in production techniques have made it possible to produce reinforced concrete supports with higher efficiency and consistency in quality. Manufacturers can produce supports that adhere to strict safety and performance standards using a variety of techniques, from conventional casting methods to contemporary pre-stressed concrete techniques. These supports are made to withstand weather and time thanks to the use of premium materials and careful engineering.
The installation of these supports is a difficult procedure that needs to be carefully planned and carried out. It entails not just positioning the supports physically but also making sure they are correctly aligned and fastened. To guarantee that the supports are installed accurately and safely, this procedure frequently calls for specialized tools and labor from skilled workers. To avoid problems down the road and preserve the integrity of the power transmission system, proper installation is essential.
All things considered, power transmission line supports made of reinforced concrete are an essential part of our electrical infrastructure. Their ability to sustain the continuous and secure delivery of electricity is guaranteed by their sturdy design, cutting-edge production techniques, and painstaking installation procedures. These supports will only get more effective and dependable as materials and technology advance, supporting the continuous creation of resilient power transmission networks.
