Learn how to use the PLS-CADD computer program, and understand background theory and hands-on computer modeling through exercises and case studies.
Who should attend?
- Transmission line design engineers
- Structural engineers
- Consulting engineers
- Design, drafting, and CAD technicians
- Surveyors
We recommend you bring your own laptop which must comply with the course laptop requirements. Computer rental is available for a $300 weekly fee. If you prefer to rent a computer, please indicate that choice on the enrollment form.
Overview and Terrain Modeling
- PLS-CADD system overview
- Presentation of projects
- How to organize project files
- View commands, opening of windows, viewing of phases and sags
- Needed terrain data and surveying
- Prepare a terrain model
- Generate and edit feature codes data – import/generate and edit terrain files: XYZ or PFL models
- Digitize existing drawings
LiDAR Aerial Surveying
- How to use 3-dimensional survey data
- Building design models from LiDAR data
- Identifying clearance limits and potential for clearance upgrades
Conductor Design and Modeling
- Various conductor types
- Conductor properties: advantages and disadvantages
- Permanent deformation from overloading and creep
- Effects of high temperature on creep and strength reduction
- Conductor models in PLS-CADD
- Stress-strain charts
- Where to get conductor data
- Aeolian vibrations: how to limit
- Temperature vs. ampacity
- Line thermal rating
Design Criteria
- Weather data
- Wind and ice loads: gust response factors, etc.
- Conductor limits of use
- Conditions for automatic sagging
- Structure loads and safety factors
- Conditions for checking clearances
- PLS-CADD/LITE: simplified PLS-CADD module
- Quick sag/tension calculations – various sagging methods
- Create load files for TOWER and PLS-POLE
Structures Modeling by Allowable Spans
- Available structure models – allowable spans method – full analysis method
- Material lists, parts lists
- Create and edit allowable span structures
Interactive Line Design
- Spot structures interactively
- String and sag conductors: demonstrate
- Check clearances: vertical, between phases, galloping, etc.
- Check overall design efficiency
Generate Construction Documents
- Plan-and-profile sheets, staking lists, stringing charts, offset clipping, etc.
Modeling of Poles and Frames by Analysis
- Overview of structure programs; PLS-POLE
- Create and edit wood, steel and concrete poles/frames
- Determining allowable spans of existing structure designs
Modeling Existing Lines, Assessment, and Refurbishing
- Modeling existing lines and structures
- Assessment, reconductoring, refurbishing, etc.
- Joint use issues and modeling
- Links to SAPS – limits of validity of ruling span concept – unbalanced ice, RSL after broken conductor, marker balls, structure deflection, etc.
Automatic Optimum Spotting
Checking Detailed Tower Models
- Brief overview of TOWER program capabilities
- Linkage between PLS-CADD and TOWER
- Checking and modifying older tower designs
John Raksany
Program Director
John A. Raksany, PE joined the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a program director in 1998. Previously a senior maintenance planning engineer for Alliant Utilities, he has 27 years of experience in power delivery system planning, protection and control, maintenance, and substation design.
Teaching in courses starting: 12/03/2018
Otto J. Lynch
Vice President, Engineering Sales PE
Otto J. Lynch, PE, Vice President, Power Line Systems, Inc., Madison Wisconsin is responsible for the technical sales and development of overhead line software. He is an expert in the PLS-CADD computer program and has conducted numerous seminars and training sessions in its use and applications. Prior to joining Power Line Systems in 2000, Mr. Lynch was with Black & Veatch for over 12 years doing Civil/Structural design for substations and transmission lines. He has designed several families of lattice steel transmission towers and has worked on transmission projects ranging from 69kV to 500kV utilizing wood, tapered tubular steel, lattice steel, concrete, and laminated wood structures throughout the world. Mr. Lynch is a pioneer in integrating LiDAR (Light Distance And Ranging) aerial survey data into the PLSCADD program for transmission line rerating and reconductoring projects. Mr. Lynch is an expert in all the computer programs that will be used
throughout the course.
Teaching in courses starting: 12/03/2018
By participating in this course you will earn:
Continuing Education Units, CEU
3.2
Professional Development, PDH
32
Learn more about CEU, PDH, LU, LU/HSW, GBCI and state licensing boards
