V. Lakshmi et al.

/ International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

STUDY ON PERFORMANCE OF 220 kV

M/C MA
TOWER DUE TO WIND
V. LAKSHMI
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, JNT University Kakinada
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India

M.V.R. SATYANARAYANA
Assistant Engineer, PRI Division, Panchayat Raj Department,
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India

V.RAVINDRA
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, JNT University Kakinada
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Electric Power is today playing an increasingly important role in the life of the community. In the electric power
system the production and transmission of power are two predominant factors. For the purpose of transmission
of electricity towers are the main medium with some wires at required distances and altitudes. The remote
hydroelectric power plants have given rise to the need for extra high voltage. Prior to 1950, 150 kV electric
transmission lines were considered and still higher voltages are being considered these days. Hence it has given
rise to the need for relative tall structures such as towers. Thus the study of designing and erection of steel
towers has become a challenging task. Transmission line tower normally comprise of several hundred - angle
members eccentrically connected. Structural analysis of this type of structure requires extensive data generation.
Conventional process of data generation in describing the topology, geometry, load and support conditions are
very tedious, time consuming and susceptible to error. In general, most towers may be idealized as statically
determinate and analyzed for forces. However, the computations are very lengthy and there are many chances of
making errors in such cases. Further if a member is to be redesigned then the entire wind load computations
have to be repeated. The computational problem in tower is more acute and tedious as the load depends on the
member sizes. A rational and economical design can be made with the help of software’s like STADD Pro 2003,
SAP-2000.In this dissertation an attempt is made to develop a software for load calculations on transmission line
towers of capacity 220 kV, only as per new code i.e., IS – 802 (Part- I / Sec-1):1995 by considering reliability,
security, safety and anti-cascading conditions. In MS-office the EXCEL is used to develop program for wind
load calculations on the tower and other loads like wind load on conductor, conductor weights are calculated
manually. Then these loads are applied on the model done in the STADD Pro for analysis. Different types of
failure conditions are modeled and their effects on the performance of the tower are studied.

1. Introduction
The performance of the intact structure under medium wind load of basic wind speed 38.8 m/sec is presented.
The configuration of tower consists of 33.935 m height arranged in 13 height panels at different levels. The
structure has 131nodes and 225 members. The tower is to transmit tower voltage of 220 kV. The details of load
calculation, modeling and analysis are discussed. The wind intensity converted into point loads and loads are
applied at panel joints.

2. Formulation of the Problem

220 kV M/C “MA” Type Transmission Line tower is modeled and using the Software connections subjected to
wind intensity is carried out. Faults are introduced in the tower by conductor and ground wire broken and
member failure condition. Effect of the above faults on performance of the structure, natural frequencies of the
tower and shifts due to induced faults are studied. The joint co-ordinates are shown in table 1

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2474

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

TABLE 1 Joint Co-ordinates of the node numbers

Tier Node CO-ORDINATES OF NODE

Number POINT
DISTANCES in m
X Z Y
11 -4.520 0.000 -4.520
1 12 4.520 0.000 -4.520
13 4.520 0.000 4.520
14 -4.520 0.000 4.520
21 -3.3986 5.6800 -3.3986
2 22 3.3986 5.6800 -3.3986
23 3.3986 5.6800 3.3986
24 -3.3986 5.6800 3.3986
31 -2.297 11.260 -2.297
3 32 2.297 11.260 -2.297
33 2.297 11.260 2.297
34 -2.297 11.260 2.297
41 -1.6514 14.530 -1.6514
4 42 1.6514 14.530 -1.6514
43 1.6514 14.530 1.6514
44 -1.6514 14.530 1.6514
51 -1.300 16.310 -1.300
52 1.300 16.310 -1.300
53 1.300 16.310 1.300
54 -1.300 16.310 1.300
5 55 0.000 16.310 -1.300
56 1.300 16.310 0.000
57 0.000 16.310 1.300
58 -1.300 16.310 0.000
59 -5.155 16.310 0.000
60 5.155 16.310 0.000
61 -1.2667 17.571 -1.2667
62 1.2667 17.571 -1.2667
6 63 1.2667 17.571 1.2667
64 -1.2667 17.571 1.2667
65 0.000 17.571 -1.2667
66 1.2667 17.571 0.000
67 0.000 17.571 1.2667

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2475

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Table 1 (Continued)
68 -1.2667 17.571 0.000
71 -1.2352 18.760 -1.2352
7 72 1.2352 18.760 -1.2352
73 1.2352 18.760 1.2352
74 -1.2352 18.760 1.2352
81 -1.1475 21.36 -1.1475
82 1.1475 21.36 -1.1475
83 1.1475 21.36 1.1475
84 -1.1475 21.36 1.1475
8 85 0.000 21.36 -1.1475
86 1.1475 21.36 0.000
87 0.000 21.36 1.1475
88 -1.1475 21.36 0.000
89 -4.630 21.36 0.000
90 4.630 21.36 0.000
91 -11368 22.485 -1.1368
92 1.1368 22.485 -1.1368
93 1.1368 22.485 1.1368
9 94 -1.1368 22.485 -1.1368
95 0.000 22.485 -1.1368
96 1.1368 22.485 0.000
97 0.000 22.485 1.1368
98 -1.1368 22.485 0.000
101 -1.1088 23.545 -1.1088
102 1.1088 23.545 -1.1088
10 103 1.1088 23.545 1.1088
104 -1.1088 23.545 1.1088
111 -1.000 26.260 -1.000
112 1.000 26.260 -1.000
113 1.000 26.260 1.000
114 -1.000 26.260 1.000
11 115 0.000 26.260 -1.000
116 1.000 26.260 0.000
117 0.000 26.260 1.000
118 -1.000 26.260 0.000
119 -4.430 26.260 0.000
120 4.430 26.260 0.000
121 -1.000 27.660 -1.000

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2476

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

12 122 1.000 27.660 -1.000 Table 1 (Continued)

123 1.000 27.660 1.000

124 -1.000 27.660 1.000
13 131 0.000 33.935 0.000

3. Calculation of Co-efficient of drag

For panel – I

Base width (a) = 9.04 m

Top width (b) = 6.78 m

Height (h) = 5.68 m

Members faced along wind direction

Leg members (130 x 12) – 2Nos,

Diagonal members (75 x 6) – 2Nos.

In between members (50 x 6) R1 to R8 – 2Nos.

Length of the members

Leg = 6.550 m, Diagonal = 9.116 m, R1 = 1.042 m

R2 = 1.644 m, R3 = 1.965 m, R4 = 1.251 m
R5 = 2.422 m, R6 = 2.653 m, R7 = 2.076 m
R8 = 1.564 m
Center of Gravity of this panel
 a  2b h 9.04  2  6.78 5.68
C .G  a  b  3  =
9.04  6.78

3
= 2.71 m4

130
Exposed area of the member for one leg =  6.550  2 = 1.703 m2
1000

Total exposed area for all members panel – I = 4.532 m2

Projected solid area of the panel –I
ab 9.04  6.78
= h =  5.68 = 44.98 m2
2 2
Exposedarea 4.532
Solidity Ratio = = = 0.10076
Pr ojectedarea 44.98
Table 2 Drag Co-efficient Cdt for towers

Solidity Drag Co-

Ratio efficient Cdt
Up to 0.05 3.6
0.1 3.4
0.2 2.9
0.3 2.5
0.4 2.2
0.5 2.0

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2477

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

For this solidity ratio the coefficient drag values given are interpolated from table 2
0.1  3.4
0.2  2.9

For the value the solidity ratio

0.10076  3.396

4. Calculation of Wind Load

Basic Wind Speed Vb = 38.8 m / sec

Risk factor k1 = 1.00 for 132kV & 220 kV

Table 3 Terrain Roughness coefficient

Terrain Category 1 2 3
Terrain roughness Co-efficient K 2 1.08 1.00 0.85

Terrain Roughness Co-efficient k2 = 0.85 from table 3

Vb 38.8
Reference wind speed VR  = = 28.21 m / sec
1.375 1.375
For panel – I

Solidity ratio = 3.396

Center of gravity = 2.70 m4

Table 4 Gust Response Factor GT and for Insulators Gi
Height above Values of GT and Gi for terrain
the Ground
categories
1 2 3
Up to 10 1.70 1.92 2.55
20 1.85 2.20 2.82
30 1.96 2.30 2.98
40 2.07 2.40 3.12
50 2.13 2.48 3.24
60 2.20 2.55 3.34
70 2.26 2.63 3.46
80 2.31 2.69 3.58
Source: IS 802 (part-1 / sec – 1): 1995
Note: Intermediate values may be linearly interpolated.

Gust factor GT = 1.70 (This value is taken from table 4)

Design Wind Speed

Vd  k1  k 2  VR = 1.00  0.85  28.21 = 23.98 m / sec

Design wind pressure

2 2
Pd  0.6  Vd = 0.6  23.98 = 345.02 m / sec

Force for Panel – I

Fwt  Pd  C dt  Ae  GT = 345.02  3.396  4.532  2.55 = 13540.728

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2478

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

5. Parameters for Study

The Parameters involved in this study are axial deflections, axial forces in various members of the transmission
tower under basic wind speed is 38.8 m/sec. The tower is 3D space frame with the deflections are in three planes
viz. UXY Deflection in XY plane i.e. opposite to Z-axis, UYZ deflection in YZ plane i.e. opposite to X-axis and
Uxz deflection in XZ plane i.e. opposite to Y-axis are considered.
The deflections of nodes in three planes are presented in Table 5, Axial forces of vertical members are presented
in Table 6. Axial forces of horizontal members are presented in Table 7. Axial forces of diagonal members are
presented in Table 8. The details of deletions at various nodes are presented in figure 2, 3, and 4. Similarly the
axial forces in various vertical, horizontal and diagonal members are furnished in figure 5, 6 and 7.
Table 5 Nodal Deflections in Tower for Wind Load

Tier Node Nodal Displacements

Number
X Y Z
1 11 0.000 0.000 0.000
13 0.000 0.000 0.000
2 21 0.092 0.032 0.041
23 0.092 -0.032 0.041
3 31 0.220 0.062 0.007
33 0.220 -0.062 0.007
4 41 0.333 0.065 0.020
43 0.333 -0.065 0.020
51 0.413 0.074 -0.012
5 55 0.413 0.000 0.000
60 0.417 -0.367 0.000
61 0.505 0.095 0.000
6 65 0.504 0.000 0.000
67 0.504 0.000 0.000
7 71 0.629 0.113 0.056
73 0.629 -0.113 0.056
8 81 0.961 0.149 -0.001
85 0.961 0.000 0.000
90 0.961 -0.677 0.001
91 1.128 0.160 0.001
93 1.128 -0.160 0.001
9 96 -0.063 -0.157 0.000
98 -0.063 0.157 0.000
10 101 1.302 0.167 0.044
103 1.302 -0.167 0.044
111 1.779 0.179 0.000
113 1.779 -0.179 0.000
11 115 1.779 0.000 0.000

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2479

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

119 1.779 0.835 0.000 Table 5 (Continued)

12 121 2.044 0.186 0.002
123 2.044 -0.186 0.002
13 131 3.350 0.000 0.000

3 .7 5
3 .5 0
3 .2 5
3 .0 0
DISPLACEMENT, mm

2 .7 5
2 .5 0
2 .2 5
2 .0 0
1 .7 5
1 .5 0
1 .2 5
1 .0 0
0 .7 5
0 .5 0
0 .2 5
0 .0 0
-0 .2 5 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1 00 1 10 12 0 13 0

NODE NUM BER

Fig. 1 NODAL DISPLACEMENT in X - DIRECTION

1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
DISPLACEMENT, mm

0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
-0.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
-0.2
-0.3
-0.4
-0.5
-0.6 NODE NUM BER
-0.7
-0.8
-0.9
-1.0

Fig. 2 NODAL DISPLACEMENT in Y - DIRECTION

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2480

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

0.06

0.05

DISPLACEMENT,mm 0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.00
20 40 60 80 100 120
-0.01

NODE NUMBER

Fig. 3 NODAL DISPLACEMENT in Z - DIRECTION

6. Performance of Tower Based on Deflections

The members in 11th, 12th and 13th tier had largest deformation with node 131 recording peak deformation in the
direction of wind flow in YZ plane. The deformations are maximum positive values and the 4th and 9th tier nodes
having negative values, the maximum negative value at node 43 and all nodes subsequent tiers had deformation
bending the tower in one direction as shown in figure.1.
The bent shape can be clearly felt along XZ plane with least deformation at all nodes near the base and as we
approach to top of the tower having largest deformation. Symmetric deformation among all the nodes of one
plane is observed from the figure 2.
Both the nodes facing the wind and nodes away from wind direction in one plane had same deflection of the
figure 3.

7. Performance of Tower Based on Member Forces

After determination of the external loads acting on the tower is calculated, the deflections in different planes are
observed in previous section. In this section the truss is analyzed for lateral wind loads for the forces in various
members with a view to fixing up their sizes. Since axial force for a truss element, the member has to be
designed for either compression or tension. When there are multiple load conditions certain members may be
subjected to both compression and tensile forces under different loading conditions. Reversal of loads may
induce alternate nature of forces. The total compression or tensile forces in horizontal, vertical and diagonal
members are given in table 6, 7, and 8.
To critical elements are also observed from the figures indicating both deflections and member forces. The
graphs are drawn between node numbers and deflections in figure 1, 2 and 3 and member numbers and axial
forces in figure 5,.6 and 7.

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2481

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Table 6 Performance of Vertical Members for Intact Condition

Tier Axial Force, kN

No Vertical
Member
Number Intact condition
1 14 -593.54
2 24 -508.42
3 34 -490.81
4 44 -478.26
5 54 -416.36
6 64 -416.36
7 74 -315.38
8 84 -210.82
9 94 -56.95
10 104 -131.28
11 114 0
12 124 0

MEMBER NUMBER
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
0

-100
AXIAL FORCE, kN

-200

-300

-400

-500

-600

Fig. 4 AXIAL FORCE IN VERTICAL MEMBERS

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2482

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Table 6 Performance of Horizontal Members for Intact Condition

Tier Horizontal Axial Force, kN

No Member Intact condition
Number
4 415 0
416 0
5 515 -7.89
516 7.89
7 715 0
716 0
8 815 -9.78
816 9.78
10 1015 0
1016 0
11 1114 -57.11

M EM BER NUM BER

10

0
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200

-1 0
AXIAL FORCE, kN

-2 0

-3 0

-4 0

-5 0

-6 0

Fig. 5 AXIAL FORCE IN HORIZONTAL MEMBERS

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2483

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Table 7 Performance of Diagonal Members for Intact Condition

Axial Force, kN
Diagonal
Tier No Member
Number Intact Condition
1 18 -73.45
2 28 -41.60
3 38 -5.65
4 48 15.72
5 58 -87.31
6 68 76.04
7 78 -69.60
8 88 -71.34
9 98 56.95
10 108 -56.45
11 118 0.67

80

60

40
AXIAL FORCE, kN

20

0
20 40 60 80 100 120
-2 0

-4 0

-6 0

-8 0

-1 0 0 M EM BER NUM BER

Fig. 6 AXIAL FORCE IN DIAGONAL MEMBERS

8. Performance of Tower Due to Member Forces

In vertical members as shown figure 4 A uniform reduction in axial compressive forces is observed as we
approach top tier from bottom tier vertical members.

As shown in figure 5 the horizontal members in 4th, 7th and 10th tier members had no axial forces, the maximum
axial forces in the 11th tier member. At 5th and 8th tiers the axial force is more as compared to its successive tiers,
which accommodate of conductors. It is observed that in horizontal members in tiers attached to cross arms (5,
8, 11) large values of axial tensile forces are observed and in horizontal member in tiers immediately below the
tiers where cross arms (4, 7, 10) are connected the axial forces are minimum due to redistribution of axial
forces.

The diagonal members as shown figure 6 had largest axial forces in all tiers and the 3rd and 11th tier members are
very low axial forces compare with other tiers. Axial forces are present in all diagonal members in all tiers and
there is reduction in axial force in tiers, in which horizontal members have significant contribution.

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2484

 V. Lakshmi et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Considering the above diagram the members in the bottom two tiers are critical in taking the cable load under
medium wind intensity. More over the vertical members in the bottom ties are likely to have larger contribution
of the loads and are vital in stability of the tower under any loading conditions. Any abnormality in the cross
sectional properties or the material properties are likely to result in abnormal functioning of the entire structure.
9. Conclusions
1. It is observed that the effect of broken conductor & ground wire is not significant in lower tier members.
As we approach the top tiers, the effect is felt near the panels connected to cross arm due to redistribution
of forces in members.
2. In case of the tower subjected to wind load maximum positive deformation is observed at peak in the
direction of wind flow and maximum negative deformations are observed in 4th tier leading to formation of
contra-flexure point between 4th and top tier.
3. A uniform reduction in axial compressive forces is observed as we approach top tier from bottom tier
vertical members.
4. It is observed that in horizontal members in tiers attached to cross arms (5, 8, and 11) large values of axial
tensile forces are observed. The member in tiers immediately below the tiers where cross arms are
connected (4, 7, and 10) the axial forces reduced due to redistribution of axial forces.
5. Axial forces are present in all diagonal members in all tiers and there is reduction in axial force in tiers, in
which horizontal members have significant contribution.

10. References

[1] Anantakumar V.Torne , M.Tech. Dissertation Thesis titled “Damage detection in Transmission Line Towers with Dynamic Response
Characteristics”, submitted to Visveswara National Institute of Technology, Nagpur.
[2] Biswas, M., Pandey, A. K., and Bluni, S., “Modified Chain-code computer vision techniques for interrogation of vibration signatures
for structural fault detection,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, 175(1), pp 89-104 (1994).
[3] Biswas, M., Pandey, A. K., and Samman, M. M. “Diagnostic experimental /modal analysis of a highway bridge,” Modal Analysis: The
International Journal of Analytical and Experimental Modal analysis, 5, pp 33-42 (1990).
[4] Casas J. R., Aparico A. C. (1994) “Structural damage identification from dynamic test data”, Journal of Structural Engineering; 120
(8), 2437-2449.
[5] Chaudhry Z., Ganino A. J., (1994). “Damage detection using neural networks: An itial experimental study on debonded beams”,
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 5 (4), 585-589.
[6] Design and Construction failures by Dov Kaminetzky, M.S., P.E. Field kaminetzky & Cohen, P.c. New York.
[7] Doebling S. W., Farrar C. R., Prime M. B., Shevitz D. W., (1996) "Damage identification and health monitoring of structural systems
from changes in their vibration characteristics: A literature review", Technical report LA-13070-MS, Los Alamos National Laboratory,
Los Alamos, New Mexico.
[8] G. Munuswamy Naidu “Seminar Report on Span Tension and Sag Tension Curves for stringing conductors in Transmission lines”,
Published in A.P.S.E.B.Annual Manual.
[9] Indian Electricity Rule, 1956.
[10] IS: 802 (Part 1/sec-1): 1995, “Code of practice for use of structural steel in over head Transmission line towers”, Bureau of Indian
Standards, New Delhi.
[11] John B Kosmatka & James M Ricles, (1999), “Damage Detection in structures by modal Vibration Characterization”, Journal of
Structural Engineering, Vol-125,No.12, Pg1384-1392.
[12] K.V.S.S. Prasad, E.V. Rao, M. Krishna Kumar and D. Choudary “Seminar Report on New Trends in Transmission Line Tower Design
with Reference to Revision in IS: 802” Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, New Delhi.
[13] Kaouk, M. and Zimmerman, D.C. (1994) “Structural damage assessment using a generalized minimum rank perturbation theory”,
AIAA Journal No 32, Vol. 12, pp.836-842.
[14] P. Purushothama & P. V. Subba Rao “Seminar Report on Insulators and Conductors for Transmission Lines” by A.P.S.E.B., Published
in A.P.S.E.B. Annual Manual.
[15] Pei liu, (1995) , “Identification and Damage Detection of trusses using model data” , Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol-121,
No.4,Page.599-608.
[16] Ronaldo C Battista, Rosangela S Rodrigues & Michele S Pfeil, 2003, “Dynamic behavior and stability of transmission line Towers
under Wind forces”, Journal of Wind engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Vol-91,Pg.1051-1061.
[17] S.S. Murthy & A.R. Santha Kumar, “Transmission Line structures” Tata Mc Graw-Hill publishing company Limited, 1995.
[18] Samman, M. M., and Biswas, M., “vibration Testing for nondestructive evaluation of bridges,” Journal of Structural Engineering, 120
(1), pp 290-306 (1994).
[19] Stubbs N., Kim J., (1996) “Damage localisation in structures with out baseline modal parameters”, AIAA Journal, 34 (8), 1644-1649.
[20] Transmission Line Manual, Publication No.268, C.B.I.P.Publications New Delhi.

ISSN : 0975-5462 Vol. 3 No. 3 March 2011 2485