Fabricated tapered tubular steel poles represent approximately 80% of the non-wood, electric transmission "structures" sold in the United States. Most steel poles are press brake formed, either into a round shape through a "coining" process, or are multi-sided. As the requirement for ever larger, higher capacity, tubular steel poles grows, other technologies, primarily conventional steel plate roll forming technologies are being used. Steel roll forming technologies are widely used for large, storage tanks as well as wind turbine support structure fabrication, but not so commonly thought of for use in electrical transmission structure fabrication. This paper will compare and contrast the differences in the technologies and discuss design (both pole and connection designs), material efficiency, fabrication steps and processes, quality requirements, logistics/shipping, and field assembly/erection differences.
A Comparison of Tubular Steel Pole Fabrication Technologies—Roll Formed vs. Press Broken Shapes
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Electrical Transmission and Substation Structures Conference 2012
A Comparison of Tubular Steel Pole Fabrication Technologies—Roll Formed vs. Press Broken Shapes
Wesley J. Oliphant, P.E., F.ASCE
Abstract
Structures Congress 2011April 2012
Electrical Transmission in a New AgeApril 2012
Electrical Transmission in a New AgeApril 2012
Author
Trinity Utility Structures, LLC., 2525 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247. E-mail: Wesley.Oliphant@trin.net
Published online: November 09, 2012
Electrical Transmission and Substation Structures Conference 2012
November 4-8, 2012 | Columbus, Ohio, United States
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers