Guide for Design of Substation Structures

Prepared by

Substation Structure Design Guide Subcommittee,

of the Committee on Electrical Transmission
Structures (CETS)
 DEFINITION
INSIDE THE FENCE

OUTSIDE
THE FENCE
 Leon Kempner, Jr., Chair

George T. Watson, Co-chair Wendelin H. Meuller, Secretary

Reyes M. Barraza Terry G. Burley
Martin L. de la Rosa Harry V. Durden Jr.
Rulon Fronk James M. Hogan
Rodney N. Hutcherson Gary A. Johnston
Massoud Khavari Steve M. Krohn
Paul M. Legrand II Denis R. Lemelin
William L. Magee Kenneth C. Malten
Jean-Robert Pierre Craig H. Riker
Wayne P. Schumm David Tennent
Albert J. Tharnish Chung J. Wong
DOCUMENT HISTORY:
Started in 1991

First Draft 1994

Projected Completion 2006 (Oct. 30 2006)

The Committee Membership Represented

• Utilities
• Manufacturers
• Consulting firms
• Academic Institution
• Research Institutions
• General interest Individuals
 PAST COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHERS
Richard X. Byrne Michael F. Banat Steven Groom Don G. Heald Donald Laird

Warren Crossman James T. Kennedy M. Kescharvarzian Jerry Tang Bing C. Chan

(Trudy) P. Germann David Insinger Husein Hasan Peter Moskal Don Lott
William J. Hamilton Joe Shepherd Jean-Bernard Dastous M.P. Singh Alain Peyrot

Brian C. Koch Gary C. Violette Alan J. King Mircea Iordanescu Tom Teevin
M. E. Kozlowski Gary Engmann Alan B. Peabody Don Lott Elwood Treadwell
Jake M. Kramer Surrendar Menrai M. R. Kazemi TS Spangenberg, Jr David Ackermann

Hank Page Subir Roy Brad Kemp Dale Beason OTHERS

Rapheal O. Peters Gino Stagliano Clayton L. Clem Magdi F. Ishac

Long Shan F.C. Shainauskas Brian Goplen Patrick A. Calizar

Lon C. Spencer Jean-Robert Pierre Dick Standford J. R. Clayton

Curt Hinkel Dan McIntyre Herman Kwan Carl Johnson

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

9 Comprehensive document for the design of

outdoor Electrical Substation Structures
9 Specific guidelines for 4-kV and above
9 Reference Existing Design Codes and Standards
Companion Documents:
z IEEE 693 “Recommended Practice for Seismic Design of
Substations,” 1997
IEEE 693 addresses electrical equipment and its "first
support” requirements. First support could be a pedestal
for a current transformer (CT) or a support beam for a
capacitor bank. The Substation Structure Design Guide
will reference IEEE 693 and provide seismic requirements
for structures not covered by IEEE 693.

z IEEE 605, Rigid Bus Structures, Latest Edition Draft 8

Existing Industry Design Guides:
- RUS/REA Bulletin 65-1, Rural Substations

- Western Area Power Admin., Draft Doc. 1984

- NEMA SG6, Section 36, Outdoor Substations,

(Structures, Pole-top Frames and Other Parameters)

- Company Design Guides

 STATUS:
Completed PEER Review

Committee: Level 1 comment: Represents a

Chair: Henry W. Ho reviewer’s request to change the
document per the reviewer’s
Hanna Essa Abdallah, submitted change (221/108)
Duane R. Alston
Michael Brown Level 2 is a reviewer’s general
Kamran Khan comment for the Substation
Otto J. Lynch Structure Design Guide
William B. Mills
Jerry Tang, subcommittee consideration
Hay Yin Yu. (60/14)
 STATUS:

• Complete Editorial Review

• Complete a companion Document Coordination
Review (IEEE 693 and IEEE 605)
• Ready for submittal to ASCE for publication
• Should be available early next year, 2007, or
sooner
CONTENTS:

1. INTRODUCTION

2. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & STRUCTURE TYPES

3. LOADING CRITERIA FOR SUBSTATION

STRUCTURES

4. DEFLECTION CRITERIA

5. METHOD OF ANALYSIS
6. DESIGN (ASD and USD)
STEEL
WOOD
CONCRETE
ALUMINUM
SEISMIC
BASEPLATE
RIGID BUS DESIGN
SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
7. CONNECTIONS TO FOUNDATIONS
(NOT FOUNDATION DESIGN)

Foundations in substations should be designed

according to accepted practice, the same as foundations
designed for other structures.

IEEE 691, “Guide for Transmission Structure Foundation

Design and Testing,” is one source of information regarding the
design of utility type structure foundations.

8. QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

9. TESTING
10. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Three Sections with short breaks in between
Session 1: Introduction, Chapters 1 (Into.) and
2 (Structure/Equipment Types)
Session 2: Chapters 3 (Loading), 4 (Deflections),
and 5 (Analysis)
Session 3: Chapters 6 (Design), 7 (Connections
to Foundations), 8 (Quality Control/Assurance,
9 (Testing), and 10 (Construction and
Maintenance)
1. INTRODUCTION
PARTS OF A SUBSTATION

Parts of a substation can be grouped into several categories:

(a) Site Related Facilities

(b) Bus & Equipment “Outdoor”
(c) Relay, Control, Metering, and Communications
(d) Control House

In general, in substations there is a site on which is located the

major circuit bus and equipment as well as a control house. The
control house contains protection, control, metering, and
communication equipment as well as equipment related to the
ancillary power systems (station service, 125vdc, etc.)
BUS AND EQUIPMENT - OUTDOOR
The typical switchyard or substation contains the following components:
(a) Bus
(b) Outdoor Equipment
Switching
Power Transformers
Instrument Transformers
Reactive Power Compensation
Lightning and Surge Protection
(c) Grounding Grid
yard phone booth
(d) Conduit and/or Trench
(e) Lighting, power distribution, and yard phone
(f) Support Structures
SUBSTATIONS
The three functions of a transmission network are fulfilled through the different
types of substations shown below. A single substation may perform more than
one of these functions:

Types of Substations:
- Substations Attach to Power Stations
- Interconnect substations
- Step-down (EHV/HV, EHV/MV, HV/MV) substations
Basic Structure of a Substation:
- Substation Bus
- Switchgear
- Power Transformer
- Control Protection and Monitoring Equipment
- Communications Equipment
 SUBSTATIONS
IEEE DEFINITION

(1) An area or group of equipment containing switches, circuit

breakers, buses, and transformers for switching power circuits
and to transform power from one voltage to another or to one
system to another (ac/dc)
(2) An assemblage of equipment for the purposes other than generation
or utilization, through which electric energy in bulk is passed for the
purpose of switching or modifying its characteristics. (A substation is of
such size or complexity that it incorporates one or more buses, a
multiplicity of circuit breakers, and usually is either the sole receiving
point of commonly for more than one supply circuit, or it sectionalizes
the transmission circuits passing through it by means of circuit
breakers.)
2. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & STRUCTURE TYPES

PURPOSE

DEFINITIONS

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORTS

PHOTOGRAPHS
SUBSTATION DESIGN
SUPPORT STRUCTURES

Switchyard Support Structures: Switchyard supports provide support for the switchyard
equipment and bus at the elevations needed to provide adequate electrical clearance from
finish grade to the bus or equipment live parts.

Supports are also used to terminate outgoing transmission or distribution line conductors
within the switchyard.

The structures include the various stands for disconnect switches, instrument
transformers, bus support insulators, surge arresters, and termination structures for
overhead or underground transmission and distribution lines. The foundations for the
structures are included with the supports.
Typical Substation Structure Material Types
LATTICE STEEL WOOD

CONCRETE

ALUMINUM STEEL TUBE

BOX STRUCTURE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION

Box Structure: The box

structure is generally
applied at 138 kV and
below.
It requires the least
amount of land area
and utilizes layers of
bus, disconnect switches
and related equipment,
one above the other,
connected with vertical
bus runs, and supported
on a common structure.
 GAS INSULATED SUBSTATION CONSTRUCTION
Gas Insulated: Gas insulated construction consists of completely enclosed buses and
equipment insulated with SF6 gas.

Because of the excellent insulating

properties of this gas, very compact
phase spacing.

Gas insulated substations are generally

installed for one or more of the following
reasons:

1. Land area for the substation is extremely limited.

2. Environmental contamination is severe.
3. Site Environment, such as deep snow, etc.

Since gas-insulated substations are shipped as factory-

assembled units or modules, field erection time and cost
are minimized.
 Dead Tank PBC
Disconnect Sw. Current Transf. SUBSTATION
EQUIP.

Live Tank PBC

Rigid Bus
Bushing
Wave Trap

Lightning
Arrester
Power Transf.

Instrument Transf. PT
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
 SUBSTATION DESIGN
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

S w itch ing E qu ip m e nt-T he fu nct io n o f sw itc hing equ ip m e nt is to co nnect and d isco n nect
e le m e nts o f the substatio n o r utilit y syste m fro m the rest o f the su bstatio n o r utilit y
syste m .

S o m e eq u ip m e nt used, such as the c ircu it breaker, are capable o f interru pting

(d isco nne cting) the very large qu a nt it ies o f cu rrent asso c iated w ith fau lts.

C ertain equ ip m e nt can sw itc h (co nnect o r disco n ne ct) norm a l le ve ls o f lo ad current
w herea s other equ ip m e nt can o n ly be o perated if little o r no current is flo w ing.

E q uip m e nt can be o perated electrica lly fro m a re m o te lo catio n o r can o nly be o perated
m a nua lly at the equ ip m e nt lo catio n
SUBSTATION DESIGN
BUS
Bus: The function of bus is to interconnect the high voltage portions of the various
components of the switchyard to form the required bus configuration for the
substation.

The parts of a bus layout includes rigid or strain bus conductors, the fittings used to
connect the bus conductors to the switchyard equipment, and the insulators that
support the bus conductors.

RIGID BUS

FLEXIBLE BUS
Strain bus
SUBSTATION DESIGN
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
DISCONNECT SWITCH
SUBSTATION DESIGN
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT CIRCUIT BREAKER
SUBSTATION DESIGN
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
CIRCUIT SWITCHER
SUBSTATION DESIGN
POWER TRANSFORMATION EQUIPMENT

500/230KV XFMR - SINGLE PHASE UNITS WITH SPARE

SUBSTATION DESIGN
INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

CURRENT TRANSFORMER (CT) POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER (PT)

SUBSTATION DESIGN
INSTRUMENTATION TRANSFORMERS

Instrument Transformers: The functions of instrument transformers is to provide

low voltage or low current inputs that can be used with protective relays and
metering equipment.

These inputs are proportional to the voltage or current which exist in the substation
buses or equipment.

The equipment can include potential transformers (PTs), coupling capacitor voltage
transformers (CCVTs), current transformers (CTs), and bushing current
transformers (BCTs).
SUBSTATION DESIGN
POWER SYSTEM CONTROL: REACTIVE POWER EQUIPMENT

SHUNT CAPACITOR BANK SHUNT REACTOR BANK

 SUBSTATION DESIGN
REACTIVE POWER EQUIPMENT

Reactive Power Compensation Equipment: Large quantities of capacitive or reactive

power are used for power factor improvement or voltage control.

They limit fault current on buses or distribution lines, and supply low impedance tuned
paths to ground for harmonic voltages (which are “nuisance” voltages occurring at
frequencies above 60 hertz).

The typical equipment used for reactive power compensation includes capacitor banks
and reactors, installed individually or in combinations.
Series Capacitors
9Used (typically at 230kV
and above) to improve
power transfer
capability by
compensating for
voltage drop along a
transmission line.
9If desired, load
distribution between
lines can be enhanced.
9Series capacitors can
also force more power to
flow over the line with
larger conductors when
parallel lines have
different conductor
sizes.
SUBSTATION DESIGN
LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

ROD GAPS
LIGHTNING ARRESTOR
SUBSTATION DESIGN
LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

Lightning and Surge Protection: The purpose of lightning and surge protection
equipment is to protect the switchyard and control building from being struck by
lightning, and to protect the insulation system of the switchyard equipment from
transient, high voltages entering the substation from the transmission or distribution
systems.

These transient voltage waves can be caused by lightning strikes to the transmission or
distribution lines, or from switching of the transmission system.

The equipment for lightning and surge protection include the shielding masts and wires
installed within the switchyard, rod gaps, and the surge arresters installed within the
switchyard.
TYPICAL SUBSTATION LAYOUT
SUBSTATION LAYOUT
DIAGRAMS
 SUBSTATION LAYOUT
DIAGRAMS
THREE PHASE ACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EQUIVALENT SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM
 SUBSTATIONS

TYPES OF SUBSTATIONS
 SUBSTATIONS: Substation Types

- Generating Station to transform generating voltage to network voltage

 SUBSTATIONS: Substation Types
- Transmission Switching Station to switch interconnect portions of the utility system
 SUBSTATIONS: Substation Types
- Transmission Substation which can step-down or step-up voltage to interconnect the network
 SUBSTATIONS: Substation Types
- Distribution Substation to step-down voltage to the distribution level
SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions

- Isolate a faulted line or other component from the rest of the utility system
SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions
- To step-up or step-down voltage levels
SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions
- To allow for maintenance of line or equipment
 SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions
- To allow for the addition of capacitors or reactors for electrical system control
SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions
- To allow for operational voltage, current, power and frequency measurements
SUBSTATIONS: Substation Functions
- To allow control of power flows by switching lines in and out
SESSION 2:
Chapter 3, Loading
Chapter 4, Deflections
Chapter 5, Analysis
3. LOADING CRITERIA FOR SUBSTATION STRUCTURES
• INTRODUCTION
• BASIC LOADING CONDITIONS
Dead Loads
Equipment Operating Loads
Wire Tension Loads
Extreme Wind Loads
Combined Ice and Wind Loads
Earthquake Loads
Short Circuit Loads
Construction and Maintenance Loads
Wind Induced Oscillations
Deflection Loads
NESC Loads
State and Local Regulatory Loads
• APPLICATION OF LOADS
• LOAD FACTORS AND COMBINATIONS
• ALTERNATE DESIGN LOADS AND LOAD FACTORS
• SERVICEABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
• EXAMPLES
 Wind
Wind Maps
Maps
ASCE 7-05

3 Second Gust
 F = Q kz V2 IFW GRF Cf A
Where:

F = Wind force in the direction of wind, pounds, (Newtons).

Q = Air Density Factor, default value = 0.00256, (0.613 SI), defined in
Section 3.2.5.1.
kz = Terrain Exposure Coefficient, defined in Section 3.2.5.2.
V = Basic Wind Speed, 3-second gust wind speed, mph, (m/s)
defined Section 3.2.5.3.
IFW = Importance Factor, defined in Section 3.2.5.4.
GRF= Gust Response Factor (Structure and Wire), defined in
Section 3.2.5.5.
Cf = Force Coefficient, defined in Section 3.2.5.6.
A = Projected wind surface area normal to the direction of wind, square
feet (square meters).
 (
G SRF = 1 + 3 .6 (ε ) E S (B S ) 0 .5 )/ k v
2

(Eq. 3-3)

Where:
ε = 0.75 Wire Supporting Structures (Dead-end and Line Termination)

ε = 1.00 Flexible Non-Wire Supporting Structures, < 1 Hertz

For Rigid, Non-supporting Wire Structures, GSRF = 0.85

Table 3-4a Structure Response Factor, GSRF, Wire Supporting Structures, ε = 0.75
Height, h (ft) Exposure B Exposure C Exposure D
≤ 33 1.17 0.96 0.85
> 33 to 40 1.15 0.95 0.84
> 40 to 50 1.12 0.94 0.84
> 50 to 60 1.08 0.92 0.83
> 60 to 70 1.06 0.91 0.82
> 70 to 80 1.03 0.89 0.81
> 80 to 90 1.01 0.88 0.81
> 90 to 100 1.00 0.88 0.80
Table 3-4b GSRF, Flexible Non-wire Supporting Structures, < 1Hertz, ε = 1.0
Height, h (ft) Exposure B Exposure C Exposure D
≤ 15 1.59 1.20 1.02
> 15 to 33 1.48 1.15 0.99
> 33 to 40 1.37 1.11 0.96
> 40 to 50 1.33 1.08 0.95
> 50 to 60 1.28 1.06 0.94
> 60 to 70 1.25 1.05 0.93
> 70 to 80 1.22 1.03 0.92
> 80 to 90 1.19 1.02 0.91
> 90 to 100 1.17 1.00 0.90
Ice
Ice Maps
Maps

ASCE 7-05
Ice-Sensitive Substation Structures

Not all structures or structural components have to

consider ice loads in design. Consideration should be given
to only ice-sensitive structures. In addition, ice loads may be
applied to only selected components in ice-sensitive
structures. For example, in dead end structure design, the
ice load on the conductor is included in design, but the ice
load on the structure is often neglected. Ice-sensitive
structures are structures for which the load effects from
atmospheric icing control the design of part or all of the
structural system. Typically in a substation ice-sensitive
structures include equipment, and rigid bus.
 Seismic
Seismic Maps
Maps

Relative Seismic Hazard Map (USGS)

NEHRP - 2003
 Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion
(1) The spectral response acceleration obtained from the 0.2 second map,
Ss (short periods) and the 1.0 second map S1

(2) Acceleration-based Site Coefficient Fa (at 0.2 second period) and

velocity-based Site Coefficient Fv (at 1.0 second period)

SDS = (2/3) (Fa) (Ss)

SD1 = (2/3) (Fv) (S1)

Sa = SDS
For substation structure periods T > (SD1/SDS) use,
Sa = SD1/T
Structure Seismic Design Force:

Sa
FE = W IFE
R
Where:

FE = Seismic Design Force, Lateral Force applied at the Center of

Gravity of the structure/component
R = Structure Response Modification Factor
IFE = Importance Factor, Earthquake Loads
W = Dead Load (Including all rigidly attached equipment or conductor
Flexible attachments, such as conductors, need not be included)
Sa = Design Spectral Response Acceleration
 Structure-Response Modification Factor, R
Structure/Component Type USD ASD
Moment-Resisting Steel Frame 4.5 6.0
Trussed Tower 3.0 4.0
Cantilever Support Structures 2.0 2.7
Tubular Pole 1.5 2.0
Steel and Aluminum Bus Supports 2.0 2.7
Station Post Insulators 1.0 1.3
Rigid Bus (Aluminum and Copper) 2.0 2.7
Structures with Natural Frequency 1.3 1.7
Great Than 25Hz
 The Importance Factors, IFE

Structures and Equipment Essential to Operation 1.25

Anchorage for Structures and equipment 2.0

Essential to operation

All other structures (or equipment) 1.0

The selection of the appropriate Importance Factor (IFE) is the

responsibility of the design engineer. The Importance Factors, IFE,
specified in this section are the recommended valves for Ip used in
IEEE 693 for foundation analysis.
TWO EXAMPLES IN THE DOCUMENT FOR DETERMINING STRUCTURE LOADS

LINE TERMINATION STRUCTURE 69 KV DISCONNECT SWITCH SUPPORT

FIRST SUPPORT
EXAMPLES OF FIRST SUPPORT
 Deflection Loads
Where the structural designer has not developed specific loading
conditions for deflection analysis, the following minimum load
conditions may be used as a basis for deflection analysis. A load
factor of 1.0, applied to the dead weight, is used with the deflection
load cases.

Wind Load for Deflection Calculations

Wind Deflection Load Conversion Factors

5-year mean recurrence

Wind Deflection Load Conversion Factor 0.78
 Ice and Wind Combined Load for Deflection Calculations

Ice Thickness Deflection Conversion Factors

5-year mean recurrence
Ice Thickness Deflection Conversion Factor 0.50
Wind Deflection Load Conversion Factor 0.50

Other Deflection Considerations

If the electrical equipment is expected to operate during extreme winds,
then the unfactored extreme wind should be used for deflection
calculations. If the electrical equipment is expected to operate during
extreme icing, then unfactored extreme icing loads should be used for
deflection calculations.

Loads resulting from bus short circuit and earthquake events should not
be considered in deflection analysis.
 RIGID BUS DESIGN
Bus Loading - Horizontal Bus Forces

Fault Force on a cylindrical surface:(IEEE 605 formula)

The magnetic fields produced by fault currents cause forces on the bus
conductor. The bus conductor and its supports must be strong enough to
withstand these forces.
Decrement Factor Formula:

Fsc = C (Df 2Isc )2

(D)

C = 5.4 X 10-7 for English units

Fsc = short circuit current unit force lbf/ft
Isc = Symmetrical short circuit current
D = conductor spacing center to center
= constant based on type of short circuit and conductor location
Df = decrement factor
 Structure/Equipment
Structure/Equipment Support
Support Loads
Loads
Wire Switch and Other
Loaded Interruption Rigid Bus Equipment
Loading Conditions Structures Supports Supports Supports

NESC* Y N N N
Extreme Wind/Hurricane Y Y Y Y
Extreme Ice and Wind Y Y Y Y
Seismic Y Y Y Y
Short Circuit N Y Y N **
Construction & Maintenance Y Y Y Y
Operational N Y N Y
Deflection Y Y Y Y
* Other Codes ** Design Should Consider if significant (rigid bus connected equipment)
APPLICATION OF LOADS
The following loading conditions should be considered for checking substation structure
stresses:

1. NESC (other State or Local Regulatory Codes), Sections 3.2.12 and 3.2.13
2. Extreme Wind, Section 3.2.5
3. Combined Ice and Wind, Section 3.2.6
4. Earthquake, Section 3.2.7
5. Short Circuit (combined with other load conditions when considered appropriate),
Section 3.2.8
6. Construction and Maintenance, Section 3.2.9
7. Equipment Operational Loads, Section 3.2.2

The following loading conditions should be considered for checking substation structure
deflections:

1. Wind, Section 3.2.11.1

2. Combined Ice and/or Wind (Operational), Section 3.2.11.2
3. Equipment Operation Loads, Section 3.2.2.2
Ultimate Strength Design Cases and Load Factors
LOAD CASES LOAD FACTORS AND COMBINATIONS
Case 1 1.1 D + 1.2 W IFW + 0.75 SC + 1.1 TW
Case 2 1.1 D + 1.2 IWIFI+ 1.2 WI(1.0)+ 0.75 SC + 1.1 TW

Case 3 1.1 D + 1.0 SC + 1.1 TW

Case 4 1.1 D + 1.25 E (or EFS)IFE + 0.75 SC + 1.1 TW
D = Structure and Wire Dead Load;
W = Extreme Wind Load;
WI = Wind Load in combination with Ice;
Iw = Ice Load in combination with Wind;
E = Earthquake;
EFS = Reactions from First Support;
Tw = Horizontal Wire Tension for the appropriate load condition;
SC = Short Circuit;
IF = Importance Factors (IFW, IFI, IFWI, and IFE).
Allowable Stress Design
9Load Factors should be 1.0
Load Combinations
A particular structure may not have all the individual load
components listed in the load combination equations. It is the
responsibility of the design engineer to determine whether a load
case and/or load combination is appropriate. The combining of short
circuit loads with other loads (wind, ice, and earthquake) should be
considered and the level of short circuit load used in combination
with other loads determined by the owner. These load combinations
do not imply that only these four loads cases are adequate for the
design of a substation structure. Variations of these or other loads
cases may be required to account for conditions, i.e., wind direction,
short circuit fault location, etc., applicable to the Utilities service
region.
 4. DEFLECTION CRITERIA

Class A structures: support equipment with mechanical mechanisms

where structure deflection could impair or prevent proper
operation. Examples are group operated switches, vertical reach
switches, ground switches, circuit breaker supports, and circuit
interrupting devices.
 4. DEFLECTION CRITERIA

Class B structures: Support equipment without mechanical

mechanisms, but where excessive deflection could result in
compromised phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground clearances,
unpredicted stresses in equipment,
fittings, or bus. Examples
are support structures for rigid
bus, surge arresters, metering
devices (such as CT’s, PT’s, and
CCVT’s), station power
transformers, hot-stick
switches/fuses, and wave traps.
 4. DEFLECTION CRITERIA

Class C structures: Support equipment relatively insensitive to

deflection, or are stand-alone structures that do not support any
equipment. Examples are support
structures for flexible
(stranded conductor) bus, masts
for lightning shielding, and
dead-end structures for incoming
transmission lines. Deflection
limitations for these structures are
intended to limit "P-delta" stresses,
wind-induced vibrations, and
visual impact. (Not in SG6).
 SUMMARY OF STRUCTURE DEFLECTION LIMITATIONS
Maximum Structure Deflection as a Ratio of Span Length, L (3)

Member Deflection Structure Classes

Type Direction
Class A Class B Class C**

Horizontal (1) Vertical L/200 L/200 L/100

Horizontal (1) Horizontal L/200 L/100 L/100

Vertical (2) Horizontal L/100 L/100* L/50

* NEMA SG6, SECTION 36, 2000 1/50
** NEMA SG6, SECTION 36, NO CLASS C REQUIREMENT

(1) Spans for horizontal members shall be the clear span between vertical supports, or for cantilever members,
the distance to the nearest vertical support. Deflection shall be the net displacement, horizontal or vertical,
relative to the member support points.
(2) Spans for vertical members shall be the vertical distance from the foundation connection to the point of
investigation. Deflection shall be the gross, horizontal displacement relative to the foundation support.
(3) Loading Criteria for deflection Limitations, Section 3.2.1
SPAN LENGTH DEFINITIONS

HORIZONTAL
MEMBER
SPAN

VERTICAL
MEMBER
SPAN
 CLASS A STRUCTURES

1/100 OF THE
VERTICAL SPAN

EXAMPLES
1/200 OF THE
• Group Operated Switches HORIZONTAL SPAN
(ANY DIRECTION)
• Vertical Reach Switches

• Ground Switches

• Breaker Supports

• Circuit Interrupting Devices.

 CLASS B STRUCTURE

1/100 OF THE
VERTICAL SPAN
EXAMPLES (ANY DIRECTION)
1/200 OF THE
HORIZONTAL SPAN
• Support structures for rigid bus (VERTICAL DIRECTION)
1/100 OF THE
• Lighting/surge arresters HORIZONTAL SPAN
(HORIZONTAL DIRECTION)
• Metering devices
(such as CT’s, PT’s, and CVT’s)

• Station power transformers

• Hookstick switches/fuses

• Line/wave traps
 CLASS C STRUCTURES

1/50 OF THE
VERTICAL SPAN

EXAMPLES 1/100 OF THE

HORIZONTAL SPAN
(ANY DIRECTION)
• Support structures for flexible
(stranded conductor) bus

• Masts for lightning shielding

• Dead-end structures for

incoming transmission lines.
MULIPLE CLASS STRUCTURE

LIN E
END

CLASS
DEFLEC TIO N C

SW ITC H

CLASS
DEFLEC TIO N A
 Rotational limitations

Some equipment and rigid bus designs may be sensitive to rotation of supporting
members in addition to the deflection of the member. Equipment manufacturers should
be consulted as to any rotational limits which may be necessary to ensure reliable
operation.

Lightning masts and other tall, slender structures

In certain cases the structure type, design loads, and the lower deflection limits for Class
C structures can result in a flexible (low stiffness) structure. These structures can be
subject to potentially damaging wind-induced oscillations. Such structures can be
susceptible to fatigue cracking and failure.

Rigid Bus Conductor Deflection Criteria

In order to obtain an acceptable appearance, it is recommended that the vertical

deflection of rigid bus conductors (aluminum or copper tubing or shapes) be limited to
L/200 of the span length. This criterion should be applied with the dead weight of the
rigid bus, with dampers and no ice.
5. METHOD OF ANALYSIS
STRESS CRITERION VS. DEFLECTION CRITERION
MODEL
Truss and Frame Models
Finite Element Model
STATIC ANALYSIS METHOD - OVERVIEW
Approximate Analysis
First Order and Second Order Elastic Analysis
First Order Inelastic Analysis
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS METHOD - OVERVIEW
Steady State Analysis
Eigenvalue Analysis - Natural Frequencies and Normal Modes
Response Spectrum Analysis
ANALYSIS METHOD - RECOMMENDATION
Static Analysis
Earthquake Analysis
Dynamic Analysis of Short Circuit Events
Session 3:
Chapter 6, Design
Chapter 7, Connections to Foundations
Chapter 8, Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Chapter 9, Testing
Chapter 10, Construction and Maintenance
6. DESIGN
• GENERAL

• STEEL
• CONCRETE
• ALUMINUM
• WOOD
• SEISMIC
• BASEPLATE
• RIGID BUS DESIGN
• SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
6. DESIGN: GENERAL

9 Specific guidelines for member design and fabrication are not

included in this guide. This guide refers to other documents for
design guidelines and will note any exceptions.
9 Ultimate Strength Design (USD) and Allowable Stress Design
(ASD), Ultimate strength design is recommended.

9 Ultimate Strength Design (USD): Factored design loads with

stress levels up to yield strength or buckling capacity of the
material and strength resistance factors, also referred to as LRFD.
9 Allowable Stress Design (ASD): Unfactored design loads and
limits stress levels to a value which is less than the yield strength
of the material. The 1/3 increase in the allowable stress for short
duration loads, such as wind and seismic events, is not
recommended for substation structures.
6. DESIGN: STEEL

9 ANSI/ASCE (1997) Standard 10, Design of Latticed Steel

Transmission Structures (ASCE Standard 10)

9 The American Institute of Steel Construction Load and Resistance

Factor Design (LRFD) Manual , 2005 Edition

9 The ASCE/SEI Standard 48 (2005) , Design of Steel Transmission

Pole Structures
6. DESIGN: CONCRETE

9 Reinforced Concrete Structures

ACI 318 Building Code Requirements of Reinforced Concrete

9 Prestressed Concrete Structures

PCI Design Handbook, Precast and Prestressed Concrete by
the Prestressed Concrete Institute

9 Prestressed Concrete Poles

ASCE Guideline for the Design and Use of Prestressed
Concrete Poles
6. DESIGN: ALUMINUM
9 Aluminum structures should be designed and fabricated in
accordance with the Aluminum Association “Specifications for
Aluminum Structures,” using stresses for building type structures.

6. DESIGN: WOOD
Ultimate Strength Design
9 IEEE Standard 751, Design Guide for Wood Transmission Structures
9 National Electric Safety Code (NESC)
9 National Standard ANSI O5.1 can be used for wood pole stresses with
the NESC 0.65 reduction factor (Grade B Construction, Table 253-1)

Allowable Stress Design

9 International Building Code (IBC), 2003
6. DESIGN: SEISMIC
A structure defined by IEEE 693 as a “first support” is the single
structural element upon which the equipment is supported. The first
support can be a steel pedestal supporting a cantilever type piece of
equipment, such as a surge arrester. The first support can also be a
structural member (component) within a support structure.
6. DESIGN: SEISMIC
9 Allowable Stress Design
The 1/3 increase in allowable stress for seismic loads is not
recommended for substation structures.

6. DESIGN: BASE PLATE DESIGN

2 2
1 1 1 1
3 3

2 3 2 3
(a) (b)
2 1
⎛ 6 ⎞
tmin = ⎜ ⎟ (BL c + BL c +...+BL c )

2
1 1 (
⎜ b F or F
⎝ eff y )
b
⎟
⎠
1 1 2 2 k k

1
ASCE Standard 48, Design of
3 3
Steel Transmission Pole
(d)
(c) Structures
6. DESIGN: RIGID BUS DESIGN

9 Rigid bus design should be approached as a system

requiring both an electrical and design engineer

9 Ultimate Strength Design (LRFD) of rigid bus design

systems.

9 Short Circuit Load Obtained From IEEE 605

9 Design guidance per IEEE 605, but with ASCE Substation

Document Loading, Load Factors, etc.

9 Seismic design per ASCE Substation Document

 6. DESIGN: SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Structures for Air Core Reactors • Welded Connections in Steel

• Wind Induced Vortex Shedding • Welded Connections In
• Galvanizing Steel Considerations Aluminum
• Painted or Metallized Steel • Concrete Structure Connections
Considerations
• Connections in Wood
• Member Connection Design Structures
• Bolted Connections in Steel
• Weathering Steel Structures
• Bolted Connections in
Weathering Steel
• Guyed Substation Structures
7. CONNECTIONS TO FOUNDATIONS

• INTRODUCTION

• ANCHOR MATERIALS

• ANCHOR ARRANGEMENTS

• ANCHORS CAST-IN PLACE

• DRILLED CONCRETE ANCHORS INSTALLED IN EXISTING

CONCRETE

• EXAMPLES
 7. CONNECTIONS TO FOUNDATIONS
9 Anchor Bolt Design (Headed Anchors or Straight Length Deformed
Reinforcing Bars)
9 Ultimate Strength Design approach to calculate the required cross
sectional area of an anchor bolt is based on: ACI 349 “Code
Requirements for Nuclear Safety” , ASCE 10 "Design of Latticed Steel
Transmission Structures," and Shipp, J.G, Haninger, “Design of Headed
Anchor Bolts,” Engineering Journal, American Institute of Steel
Construction. 1983. Also references ACI 355.

9 Cast-in-place headed bolts are the recommended anchor bolt type

9 Design Considerations – Concrete: ACI 318 Appendix D
9 Stub angle and direct embedded structures can also be used
in substations. These types of anchorage are covered by
ASCE 10 (Latticed Steel Structures) and ASCE 48 (Tubular
Pole Structures)
 ANCHOR MATERIALS

• ASTM F1554, and bolts manufactured from ASTM A36 Steel

• Straight Deformed Reinforcing Bars, ASTM A615 or A706

• In seismically active regions recommend ductile bolts
• Minimum bolt size is 0.75 in. diameter
• When smaller bolt sizes are used, it is recommended that
the allowable bolt stresses exceed the applied stresses by not
less than a factor of two (2)
 ANCHOR ARRANGEMENTS

Base Plate Supported by Anchor Anchor Bolts with Base Plate on

Bolts with Leveling Nuts Concrete or Grout

Allows for adjustment of the base Large Shear Transfer Applications

plate during erection
 9 Base Plate Supported By Anchor Bolts With Leveling Nuts

If the clearance between the

base plate and concrete exceeds
two times the bolt diameter, then
a bending stress analysis of the
bolts is required (ASCE
Standard 48, Design of Steel
Transmission Pole Structures).
 ANCHORS CAST-IN PLACE

Smooth bar hook bolts are not recommended because of

less predictable behavior in tension tests
EXAMPLE OF A HOOK BOLT PULL-OUT FAILURE
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

9 Anchor Bolts With Base Plate on Concrete Or Grout

TENSION AREA

Pu
Aa = REQIURED DIAMETER
fdt
1
SHEAR AREA FOR COMPRESSION ⎛ Αs ⎞ 2 ⎛ 0.974 ⎞
As = Aa + Av d = ( 2) ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟
⎝ π⎠ ⎝ n ⎠
Vu - ( μ )(Pcm)
Av =
[(φ )(fy )]
SHEAR AREA FOR UPLIFT

Vu
Av =
[(φ )(fy )]
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

9 Base Plate Supported By Anchor Bolts With Leveling Nuts

As = Aa + Ab + Av

Mu
⎛ 5⎞
= ⎜ ⎟ ( h)(Vu )
⎝ 8⎠
Av = Vu [(φ)( f )]
y

REQUIRED DIAMETER
1
⎧ 2⎫ 3
⎡
⎪ 5hVu ⎪ ⎤
Ab = ⎨π ⎢ ⎥ ⎬ As ⎞ 1 2 ⎛ 0.974 ⎞
⎪ ⎣ 2 φfy ⎦ ⎪ d = ( 2) ⎛
⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟
⎩ ⎭ ⎝ π⎠ ⎝ n ⎠
ANCHORAGE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS - CONCRETE

9 Tensile Capacity Of Concrete (ACI 318)

9 Design Of Side Cover Distance For Tension (ACI 318)
9 Design Of Side Cover Distance For Shear (ACI 318)
9 Anchor Bolt Embedment Length (ACI 318)
ANCHORAGE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS - CONCRETE

9 Localized Bearing Failure

ASCE “Wind Loads and Anchor Bolt Design for
Petrochemical Facilities”
Bearing Plate Requirements

⎛ fy ⎞
Aplate = Abolt + As (0.11)⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ f 'c ⎠

If the calculated value for Aplate is smaller than the area of

the nut or bolt head, then a bearing plate is not required.
 EXAMPLES
1. BASE PLATE ON CONCRETE
2. BASE PLATE ON LEVELING NUTS
3. BASE PLATE ON LEVELING NUTS IN A DRILLED PIER
 8. QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

• GENERAL
QC = Fabricator, QA = Purchaser

• STEEL STRUCTURES

• ALUMINUM STRUCTURES

• CONCRETE STRUCTURES General Topics

Materials
• WOOD STRUCTURES Welding
Fabrication Inspection
Visual Inspection
• SHIPPING Specific Inspection Methods Of Welds
Test Assembly
• HANDLING AND STORAGE Structure Coating
Wood Treatment
9. TESTING
• Full-scale structural proof tests are rarely performed on substation
structures.
• Full-scale testing should be considered when a standard and/or large
quantities, or if it is a unique structural system.
• Component testing (a section of the tower, connections, etc.) may be
cost effective for substation structures.
• Structural testing guidance can be found in the following documents:
(1) ASCE Standard, ANSI/ASCE 10, "Design of Latticed Steel
Transmission Structures" (1997).
(2) ASCE Standard 48, "Design of Steel Transmission Pole
Structures" (2005).
(3) ASCE "Guide for the Design and Use of Concrete Poles" (1987).
• Seismic response (dynamic loading) requires that the support
structure and equipment be seismically tested/evaluated as a system.
Seismic tests are performed in accordance with IEEE 693, 2005.
10. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
• CONSTRUCTION
Engineer(s) should anticipate
construction loads imposed on
the structure.

• MAINTENANCE
Engineer(s) should consider
accessibility of equipment for
maintenance and/or operation.

• WORKER SAFETY
All structures and equipment inaccessible with bucket trucks or small ladders,
should be considered for climbing with a fall protection device. IEEE-1307,
“Trial Use Guide for Fall Protection of the Utility Industry,” is one source of
information for worker safety during climbing of utility structures.
THE END