Reinforced concrete power line supports - features and types
The history of the use of concrete supports has more than half a century of history, of course, modern versions are very different from the first products. Reinforced concrete power transmission towers are manufactured in compliance with the highest safety and durability requirements. It is safe to say that this option is the most common in our country, about half of all structures of this type are made of concrete, and their popularity is not decreasing in our days.
List of main advantages and conditions of use
Naturally, the popularity of this option is not accidental and is due to a number of factors, which we will consider in more detail:
| Low price | The lowest cost of production of all options is one of the fundamental factors, since there is a lot of elements required, and even a slight difference leads to huge costs. |
| Unification | All products are manufactured according to uniform standards, and if there is a shortage of one or another option, it will not be difficult to find the same even from another manufacturer. These are not metal structures that are often made on special order. |
| Availability | Many factories for the production of concrete products produce support, so there will be no problems with finding a supplier |
| Quality | The production technology has been worked out for decades, so all characteristics comply with the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation. |
| Durability | Unlike metal, concrete is not susceptible to corrosion and is able to successfully resist aggressive effects over a long period of time. The lifetime is from 40 to 70 years, which is another confirmation of the quality |
Of the shortcomings in the first place, we should highlight the rather large costs of transportation, but even with them in mind, the cost is very democratic.
Tip! To calculate the optimal variant and configuration, it is better to turn to specialists; it is practically impossible to make a project without proper qualifications.
SNiP 2.01.07-85 regulates in what climatic zones the use of supports is allowed, and what requirements they must meet. Concrete elements do an excellent job with their functions even at a temperature of -55 degrees and are able to withstand shocks up to 9 points.
The process of installation of lines is very important, it is carried out as follows:
- First, the entire structure or parts are transported to the place of their installation.
- Further, the elements are laid out along the future line through the intervals determined by the project documentation.
- The next stage is drilling of holes or pits. In places with unstable soils, you may need to install mounting plates.
- If it is necessary to use delays, anchor plates, plates or other structures are located at a specified distance in accordance with the project.
Do not forget! If you need to strengthen the struts with crossbars, then you need a special technique for driving these elements.
- The last stage is the assembly (if necessary) and the lifting of the elements with their subsequent fastening. Depending on the size and weight of the products, various techniques can be used - from small devices combining drilling and installing concrete pillars to heavy-load cranes.
According to what signs are constructions of this group classified?
As noted above, products are manufactured according to unified standards. But there are many classifications according to which the choice of various options is made, this is the factor we will consider in this section.
Depending on the destination
As is known, each reinforced concrete pylon is designed to perform certain functions, of course, the design solutions are different:
- Intermediate support - the most widespread and popular element in the work. It is used on all straight sections of power lines and is designed only to hold the weight of the wire and cable without additional influence of horizontal forces.
- The end element is used at the end of each line. Its main purpose is to compensate for the force, which creates a one-sided tension of the wires and cables.
- Cross support is used when two lines cross each other. This element is characterized by increased strength and design features depending on the specific use.
- For the device of branches, branched support elements are made. Their number is determined by the project.
- The corner support element must resist the sum of lateral loads that occur on all bends. The design depends on the angle of rotation, reinforced systems are most often used, this guarantees durability even at the highest loads.
- Transitional elements are used to overcome various obstacles of natural origin. Their size, configuration and other characteristics depend on each specific case and are determined at the design stage. To install some of them may require special instructions.
Depending on the design and number of chains
Most commonly used are the following designs:
- Free-standing portal support with internal connections: in such a concrete structure, the strength is achieved by connecting two racks, so that the strength of the system is much higher.
- Gantry type systems: in this case, the stiffness is achieved by stretching and fixing the position of each element.
- Free-standing elements with one, two and different number of racks.
- Systems with delays with different number of racks (depending on the characteristics of the line is determined in the project).
Such a criterion as the number of chains is quite simple:
- Single chain.
- Double circuit
- Multiple.
Naturally, the choice of one or another option and installation work are carried out by the relevant organizations, it is almost impossible to do it yourself, and it is unlikely that you will receive the appropriate permission.
Conclusion
Of course, reinforced concrete power transmission towers are most often used by organizations, therefore the information is for informational purposes only. For more accurate information, please contact the relevant authorities. The video in this article will help to understand some of the nuances even better.