Optimization of Transmission Line Towers: P-Delta Analysis

Abstract

Transmission towers are generally analyzed by linear static analysis methods and second order analysis are usually neglected. Linear static analysis does not reflect the structural characteristic of transmission towers. Structures that tend toward more taller and lighter, it will result in potentially more significant to the P-delta effects. The Present work describes the structural optimization of transmission line tower. In the study 400kV double circuit tower is modeled using Angle and Tubular sections using STAAD.Pro V8i software and analyzed for Wind load by using linear static and P-delta analysis in order to study the importance of P-delta analysis for transmission tower . After analysis, the comparative study is presented with respective to cost and displacement for both sections. A saving in steel weight up to 20.9% resulted when tubular section is compared with angular section. The displacement value increased when tower is analyzed for P-delta as compared to static analysis