Abstract:
Transmission line towers were mainly used in electrification works in all over the
world. Optimization of base width of the transmission towers becomes necessary in
order to reduce the cost and to avoid public objection. The use of narrow width tower
becomes essential, as the land value appreciates drastically in Sri Lanka. This
research is to design the transmission towers with reduced base width to minimize
the coverage land with optimum weight and adequate strength.
There were number of models selected with 14.2m base width and analyzed by
reducing the width in steps from 1m to 3.2m. For this purpose computerized model
analysis software named PLS Tower was used. Accordingly cost analysis was carried
out for different steel prices and the cost of land. As per this study Optimum base
width of 6.2m was found considering both the land & steel price.
When compared with the towers used in Sri Lanka, it was found that the narrow
width towers designed from this study showed a considerable amount of saving in
cost and favourable impact on environmental issues.
