Computerized Transmission Line Design

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

• Theory and examples

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: 12/09/2019, 02/24/2020, 12/07/2020

Otto J. Lynch
President and CEO PE

Otto J. Lynch, PE, President & CEO, Power Line Systems, Madison, Wisconsin is an internationally known expert in transmission line design and the PLS-CADD computer program, and he 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 PLS-CADD 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: 12/09/2019, 02/24/2020, 12/07/2020

Jesse Kohler
Technical Support Engineer PE

Jesse Kohler, PE, Power Line Systems, has more than 11 years of experience in transmission line design ranging from voltages of 69kV through 345kV and using the PLS software suite. Jesse is a registered Professional Engineer and is an active member of the IEEE Power Energy Society. Jesse has been with Power Line Systems for more than 6 years providing technical support to PLS users in over 120 different countries around the world. In addition to technical support he also performs software testing, participates in the development of new software features, and assists in PLS-CADD training courses. He has an extreme in-depth knowledge of the software’s functionality and implementation.

Teaching in courses starting: 12/09/2019, 02/24/2020, 12/07/2020

By participating in this course you will earn:

Learn more about CEU, PDH, LU, LU/HSW, GBCI CE and state licensing boards