Power Line Systems IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR POWER LINES

Proposed workflow for PLS-POLE

A high-level sample of a proposed workflow for a

typical project in PLS-POLE
IT’S THE SOLUTION
7/22/2021 Power Line Systems, Inc. 1
 IT’S THE SOLUTION

Proposed workflow for PLS-POLE Decision

Process
The intent of this flow-chart is to assist both new and
experienced users of our software with a handy and
Process – with subsequent steps - linked to the Subprocess details
general reference for the typical decisions and steps
needed to develop and model a complete PLS-POLE
project. Process – with subsequent steps.
Not necessary on every project

The steps and processes are not exhaustive, and some

KEY:
- Back to Main Process workflow
projects may well require a different sequence to that
proposed in this document.
- Webinar Available for download
Not all steps are mandatory/required for every type of through latest version of PLS-CADD
project.
- YouTube Feature Overview video available
The main process flow can be comfortably printed/plotted
on A0 size paper (47x33"). Although it is expected that this - Technical Note Available at
https://www.powerlinesystems.com/technical-notes
will remain as an electronic PDF file in most cases.

- Sample files available on the PLS online Library

 Set
Standard Interface Preferences
More traditional way to build
a model up by adding 1
individual components.
Start a new
Choose Place any Global Joints Build the structures geometry
project General project Define or Check the Define Pole
Open Project General Menu needed to model the by adding individual component Attach Insulators and Clamps Miscellaneous options Link to PLS-CADD Loads Model Menu Outputs
setup Component Libraries Geometry
Create a project directory Section 4.1 Type structure elements
2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10
Framing Wizard 4
Allows for rapid modelling by
leveraging Frame sets of Load Master
standard designs. Files

Power Line Systems

 Wood pole Buckling Assumptions Push Brace:
PLS-POLE can typically account for buckling by performing a Top & Bottom Cut Length:
Wood Pole Specific options: The Push Brace dialog box/tool allows
non-linear analysis., however, there may be scenarios where You can cut a fixed length at the top of the pole, thus decreasing
The following options are only available you to quickly and easily model the
other techniques to check buckling might be needed. its total length and increasing its top diameter. You can also cut
when modelling Wood Poles. selected wood pole as a push brace with
a fixed length at the bottom of the pole.
a pinned connection if needed.
In these cases the options to control this are under:
Wood: Naturally grown
General/ Wood pole Buckling Assumptions
Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button:
Section 3.1.2.3.2 and 3.1.2.3.3 Define Base Connection type
Define Pole Geometry Select Steel: Tubular Steel Number
This can either be:
Pole of Poles Place a Single Pole Embedment Depth Override:
Select the Property and the • Fixed: Unable to move or rotate.
Post Processor Options Section 4.4 Material in Model? Can override the Default Embedded Depth captured in the Component Library.
Material (or Wood Pole Define Attachment Labels • Pinned: cannot move, but can rotate about the
PLS-POLE users are provided with the ability to post-process Multiple Pole Selection
Concrete Species) from the These can be defined either by the Distance from the X and Y axes (torsional restraint is provided).
the program results. The overriding embedment length is made up of two parts. A fixed part, the You can select one or more poles for which you wish
respective Component Tip downwards, or by a Global Z coordinate. • PinFrm: cannot move, but CAN rotate about all
The XML options are the best way to extract data from a PLS- "Embedment Constant", plus a variable part which is a percentage, "Embedment %", to determine the allowable spans or interaction
Libraries based on the pole This allows you to manually connect other Elements axes.
POLE run and the only ones supported for new applications. of the total length of the pole. diagrams between allowable spans.
material at the first or Insulators to the Pole/s at the specified positions.
Laminated Wood Therefore, the overriding embedment length is equal to "Embedment Constant" +
decision point. If you have placed your poles by joints, the
General/ Post Processor Options By the X, Y and Z of base and X, Y inclination "Embedment %" x Total Pole Length. The "Embedment %" field is entered as a percent.
connectivity can rather be defined under
Section 4.2.3 Place Multiple Poles angles. Geometry/ Joints.
FRP:
Fibre Reinforced Polymer This should be used for single poles and simple
Output Options ~ Composite frames.
This menu gives the User control over what is produced after a Model is Run.
Geometry/ Pole Material…
• Controls the creation of and the contents within the Analysis Results and Masts:
Summary Results Reports. Also allows for the Printing of Extended Modular Latticed Masts
diagnostic output to allow further investigation into background ~Emergency Response Structures
calculations performed by the software.
By tip and base joint.
• Allows for the creation of separate windows for:
• Non-linear convergence graph
This is only appropriate for A-Frame, Y-Frame and
• Usage summary graph
other complicated structure’s
• Base plate design
Optimization
Geometry/ Pole Material…
You can also create customised Member Labels, and choose a Warning to
print in any reports. PLS-POLE has a few built in optimization routines. These tools offer
an Engineer the opportunity to attempt multiple combinations of
General/ Output Options pole, arm or cross-brace properties and locations, in an attempt to
Section 4.2.2 find the lightest possible elements.
This can be far faster and more accurate than a simple trial and
error approach which is the alternative.
General Data
Deformed Geometry View
Controls most of the information about the type of analysis and the The optimization routines that are available are:
project. • Model/ Optimum Pole Selection
This view provides you with a graphical summary of
• Analysis Type (Linear or Non-linear). • Model/ Steel Pole Shaft Optimizer
the analysis results. The picture that you see depends
• Strength check type for Wood, Steel or FRP Poles. • Model/ X-Brace Optimizer
on the selections made in the 3-d Controls dialog box.
• What type of Load (i.e. Transmission or Telecommunication)? • Model/ Tubular Steel Davit Arm Optimizer
That 3-d Controls dialog box is opened by clicking on
the 3D button.
As well as a few other important aspects that can have a bearing Section 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4
on the model.
View/ Display Options/ Set Rotation, Color and
General/ General Data
Label Options
Section 4.2.1
Run Section 2.5

Once the model has been checked, its analysis can be performed
General Menu:
with the Model/ Run command, as long as you have allocated or
The General Menu has many
defined a loading file (.lca, .lic or .eia)
Imperial (U.S.) important settings
What
Unit System Once the analysis is complete, typically the following windows Results reports
should be are opened:
used? Linking to PLS-CADD parts and assemblies • the Deformed Geometry The reports can be viewed in PLS-POLE, or can be saved as
Metric (S.I.) Text or PDF files.
management system • a long text report (labeled Analysis Results) and
If you make use of material tracking in the PLS System • a short report (labeled Summary) Additionally, if you right-click in any result table you can
and have an existing Part/ Assembly Library (*.prt file) enter a table view mode. This mode allows for the sorting
with the corresponding stock numbers being used for You can see all windows simultaneously with Window/ Tile and filtering of the results/data, as well as extraction
File and Directory Mapping the structural components in the structural program, Horizontal or Window/ Tile Vertical. copying for use in other programs.
The location of default locations for the directories or library Set Preferences Component Libraries:
Preferences are set and controlled under the File/Preferences then PLS-CADD can automate material take-off and
files is mapped here. Normally only need to define the Component Libraries are defined at length in Section 3 of Additionally, all tables and reports can be exported as an
menu. costing for and entire line project. The menu command File/Analyze Multiple Models... will allow
Structure Directory, the Cable and Marker Balls Directory the Manual. XML file for outside post-processing.
and the Part/Assembly Library (.prt file). When you OK the Preferences dialog, all the preference settings, In many cases the data needed or these various libraries for the selection and analysis of multiple structure files. This
The Schema file Schema file (.sma) for personal are automatically saved in a file named PLS_CADD.ini which is Geometry/ PLS-CADD/ … feature opens models in read-only mode to avoid errors if files
should be defined by the User. However, there is a large Section 2.4
customizations such as report or toolbars is also mapped located in your WINDOWS directory or in “C:\Users\<user Appendix B.2 can't be locked.
range of available libraries that are available on the Power
and selected here. name>\Appdata\Roaming\PLS\pls_cadd.ini”.
The file name may vary based on the WINDOWS installation. Line Systems website for download, but these can be
accessed directly through the Software. Section 2.3
These preferences remain in effect until changed.

Section 2.1.1 Section 2.1.1.1

Apply a variety of Settings or Mini-Preferences. Mapping Attachment Points to PLS-CADD Cable Sets
These control a range of attributes or settings from unit Check
If you wish to use your structure models into PLS-CADD
preferences, display settings and many more. Once your model is complete and loads have been
you need to provide a link or map between the load
points on a structure (the tips of insulators and clamps) assigned, it is good practice to initially check the model
and the Conductor Sets for use in PLS-CADD. to see if there are any Warnings or Errors

Geometry/ PLS-CADD/ Insulator Link The program is dynamic in that it will flag you during
Select the Fonts and Colors for various reports and graphics the modelling process if there are any Errors or
views generated by the program and control the View Appendix B.1
Warnings with text and visual prompts, however the
background color.
Model/ Check is a concise list for the whole model.

Set
Standard Interface
Preferences
More traditional way to build
a model up by adding
individual components.
1
Start a new
Choose Place any Global Joints Build the structures geometry
project General project Define or Check the Define Pole
Open Project General Menu needed to model the by adding individual component Attach Insulators and Clamps Miscellaneous options Link to PLS-CADD Loads Model Menu Outputs
setup Component Libraries Geometry
Create a project directory Section 4.1 Type structure elements
2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10
Framing Wizard 4
Allows for rapid modelling by
leveraging Frame sets of Load Master
standard designs. Files

Loads Results reports

Design loads on transmission poles/ frames include wire loads
Build the structures geometry by adding individual (from conductors and ground wires), dead loads from the
component elements structure and permanently attached components, wind loads on
the structure itself and possibly ice loads on the members.
Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button
Attach Insulators and Clamps: Depending on whether PLS-POLE is run for transmission/
Insulators and attachment devices (clamps) should always be used where you intend to distribution structures in design check mode, or in one of the
transfer ground wire or conductor loads to the structure. You cannot apply such loads allowable span modes (Sections 1.1.2 and 4.2), or is run for Load trees
directly to the structure. They have to be applied to tip labels on clamps or insulators. communication structures in the special EIA A summary table of the loading on the Pole structure
design check mode, the design loads have to be specified in can be obtained by selecting Loads/ Loading Tree
Or use the tools in the Geometry/ menu Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button standard load files with the vector loads format (".lca"), the wire Report
loads format (".lic"), or the EIA loads format (".eia").
A more graphical Load tree can be obtained as using
Add Brace: Sections 5.3 to 5.6. the Drafting tools.
Braces are prismatic components with uniform cross Section 8.5
section properties throughout their length. Add Connection and Anchor (CAN) Element:
A brace is modeled internally as a single straight bar A CAN element can be used to check the capacity of joints due to forces Or use the tools in the Geometry/ Insulators/
with either unlimited axial capacity (standard or truss or moments passed from other elements such as braces, cables, guys,
element) or limited tension and compression crossarms, davit arms, poles, etc. A CAN element can be attached to Section 4.10
capacities (fuse element). any joint in the model and you may select up to four elements to pass Batch Import or Edit Concentrated Loads
Can be added between any pair of joints with forces and moments to the CAN. This command will reference a table version of the vector Pole drawings
predefined labels. load file for all attachment points. This table can be edited
A CAN element has no graphical display and no physical attributes. or exported with options that are accessed when right- Scaled drawing sheets can be produced
Section 4.7.1 Section 4.14 clicking within the table. Any edits will be saved with the automatically by PLS-POLE according to user
Add Clamp: vector file (.lca) that is referenced with the structure. specified parameters. You have complete flexibility
A clamp is a device that transfers concentrated loads
in choosing scales and page appearance.
from ground wires, conductors or other sources to an This can be very useful if importing loads from an external The drawings can be sent directly to a Windows®
attachment point on the structure. A clamp has no calculator/Excel file. printer, or they can be exported as DXF files
Add Guy: physical dimension and no weight, but has strength
readable by most CAD systems (AutoCAD ®,
Guy wires are attached to structures to properties. Sections 5.3.
Add Framing: Microstation ®, etc.) for further enhancements, or
resist loads and prevent large A Framing is a collection/grouping of structural elements that do not they (together with other project documents) can
deflections. Guys always connect to a include the pole itself. These can be added onto an existing pole model automatically be converted to PDF documents as a
fixed anchor joint to rapidly create a model of a standard configuration. truly universal way to share them with all interested
parties.
Section 4.7.2 The Components/ Framing/ Manager is used to not only place the
framing graphically on a model as discussed in Section 4.16 but also to Add Strain: Drawings can be embellished further by adding Inset
edit the framing in case you need to change something in the framing A strain insulator is normally used to dead- Views and even attaching external files to be used.
library. end a ground wire or conductor to a
structure. It is not modeled as a structural Section 8
Add Cables: element, but as a load transfer mechanism.
Cables are similar to Guys, but they Foundation Properties:
must be connected between 2 joints. You can enter both the Strength and Stiffness data for the foundations of
These can be used to model Span guys, Pole models.
tension only slender cable elements. Add Vang Find Allowable Swing Angles So, the actual foundation is not modelled, but the capacity of the
(Not in a library): PLS-POLE is capable of calculating the allowable swings of suspension foundation system can be checked by PLS-POLE during the analysis.
Section 4.7.3 Vangs are small components used to attach insulators insulators from the size of the energized zones associated with the insulators Add Suspension:
or other items to the face of a pole, crossarm or davit and attached hardware and the required electrical clearances to the various A suspension insulator normally supports a Geometry/Miscellaneous/Foundation Strength....
arm. They are not modelled as structural elements components of the pole including guy strain insulators. ground wire or a conductor. It is not
and act as a load transfer mechanism. modeled as a structural element, but as a Section 4.11
Geometry/ Insulators/ Find Allowable Suspension Swing Angles load transfer mechanism.
Add Davit Arm: Geometry/ Vangs
Davit arms are prismatic components with a uniform cross-section along its Section 4.4.7 Section 4.10.1
length. Caisson Foundation Design and Analysis:
A Tubular steel davit arm is made out of steel and the cross section shape can If you make use of direct embedded and drilled concrete pier foundations
be any one of the shapes available for tubular poles, it can be tapered along its PLS-POLE can analyse and design this type of system using the CAISSON
length. Calculating Allowable Load Angles for 2-part Insulators Add 2-Part: program (as long as this has been purchased in addition to the PLS-
PLS-POLE can determine the allowable load angles for 2-part insulators. A 2-parts insulator normally supports a POLE program)
Generic or Tubular Davit Arms can be attached rigidly to any joint with a pre- The allowable load angles will guarantee that neither side of the 2-part conductor at the junction point of two
Add Loads from Permanently attached Equipment insulator will ever go into compression. insulators. The most common 2-parts To make use of this functionality you must:
defined label. Davit arms can be oriented in any direction around the pole, by
(Not in A Library): insulators are the V-strings • Enter the physical characteristics of the foundation in the
specifying the azimuth angle.
Design loads from attached equipment that is not actually modelled can Geometry/ Insulators/ Calculate Allowable 2-Part Load Angles Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Foundation Strength, and
You can add intermediate joints along the length of the member to change the
be placed at specified joints by: • The soil and CAISSON settings shall be entered in Geometry/
shape, make it inclined or represent a curve.
Section 4.10.2 Miscellaneous/ Soil and Caisson Settings
Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Dead Loads and Drag Areas
Geometry/ Davit Arms or Geometry/ Tubular Steel Davit Arms.
Section 4.9 Add Post: Section 4.11.3
Section 4.5
A post insulator is modeled as a short
cantilevered beam element rigidly attached
at its origin to the structure model.
Posts can be horizontal, vertical or upswept Wood Pole Defects:
(inclined). Several defects that can reduce the strength of wooden utility poles can
Add Equipment (from a Library): Posts can optionally include brace be modelled within PLS-POLE. These could be used to simulate drilling
Add Cross Arm: Equipment can be added to a pole model to represent the various elements. holes, woodpecker damage, rot/decay or others.
Cross arms are either straight prismatic or steel angle components. pieces of equipment placed on poles. These can include:
Tubular steel cross arms are made out of steel and the cross section • Switches The types of defect that an be defined are:
shape can be any one of the shapes available for tubular poles, it • Transformers • Enclosed pocket
cannot be tapered. • Capacitor banks Add Guy Strain:
• External Decay
• Voltage regulators Guy strain insulators are applied to down
• External Pocket
Generic or Tubular Cross Arms can be connected to a single joint or • Metering cabinets guys in order to provide insulation to down
• Hollow Heart
to any number of joints with predefined labels. • Telecommunication antennae, etc,.. guys from energized portions of the other
• Thru-hole
insulators or cables in PLS-CADD.
Geometry/ Cross Arms or Geometry/ Tubular Steel Cross Arms. Equipment is placed at a joint and then located by adding azimuth These are captured under the Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Wood Pole
Section 4.5 angle and an offset distance from the face of the pole. Defects menu.
Geometry/ Equipment
Crossarm elements can now be single angle members. Section 4.8 Section 3.9 and Section 4.4.2.1
Section 3.3.1

Power Line Systems

 Imperial (U.S.)
What
Unit System
should be
used?
Metric (S.I.)

File and Directory Mapping

The location of default locations for the directories or library Set Preferences
files is mapped here. Normally only need to define the Preferences are set and controlled under the File/Preferences
Structure Directory, the Cable and Marker Balls Directory menu.
and the Part/Assembly Library (.prt file). When you OK the Preferences dialog, all the preference settings,
The Schema file Schema file (.sma) for personal are automatically saved in a file named PLS_CADD.ini which is
customizations such as report or toolbars is also mapped located in your WINDOWS directory or in “C:\Users\<user
and selected here. name>\Appdata\Roaming\PLS\pls_cadd.ini”.
The file name may vary based on the WINDOWS installation.
These preferences remain in effect until changed.

Section 2.1.1
Apply a variety of Settings or Mini-Preferences. 1
These control a range of attributes or settings from unit
preferences, display settings and many more.

Select the Fonts and Colors for various reports and graphics
views generated by the program and control the View
background color.
 General Menu:
The General Menu has many
important settings
2

General Data
Controls most of the information about the type of analysis and the
project.
• Analysis Type (Linear or Non-linear).
• Strength check type for Wood, Steel or FRP Poles.
• What type of Load (i.e. Transmission or Telecommunication)?

As well as a few other important aspects that can have a bearing

on the model.

General/ General Data

Section 4.2.1

Output Options
This menu gives the User control over what is produced after a Model is Run.

• Controls the creation of and the contents within the Analysis Results and
Summary Results Reports. Also allows for the Printing of Extended
diagnostic output to allow further investigation into background
calculations performed by the software.
• Allows for the creation of separate windows for:
• Non-linear convergence graph
• Usage summary graph
• Base plate design

You can also create customised Member Labels, and choose a Warning to
print in any reports.

General/ Output Options

Section 4.2.2

Post Processor Options

PLS-POLE users are provided with the ability to post-process
the program results.
The XML options are the best way to extract data from a PLS-
POLE run and the only ones supported for new applications.

General/ Post Processor Options

Section 4.2.3

Wood pole Buckling Assumptions

PLS-POLE can typically account for buckling by performing a
non-linear analysis., however, there may be scenarios where
other techniques to check buckling might be needed.

In these cases the options to control this are under:

General/ Wood pole Buckling Assumptions

Section 3.1.2.3.2 and 3.1.2.3.3

 Define Pole Geometry
Place a Single Pole
Section 4.4

3
Wood: Naturally grown Number
of Poles
in Model?

Steel: Tubular Steel

Select Place Multiple Poles
Pole
Material Concrete

Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button:

Laminated Wood

FRP:
Fibre Reinforced Polymer
~ Composite
By the X, Y and Z of base and X, Y inclination
angles.
Masts:
Modular Latticed Masts
~Emergency Response Structures
This should be used for single poles and simple
frames.

Geometry/ Pole Material…

Define Attachment Labels

These can be defined either by Select the Property and the By tip and base joint.
the Distance from the Tip Material (or Wood Pole
downwards, or by a Global Z Species) from the This is only appropriate for A-Frame, Y-Frame and
coordinate. respective Component other complicated structure’s
This allows you to manually Libraries based on the pole
connect other Elements or material at the first Geometry/ Pole Material…
Insulators to the Pole/s at the decision point.
specified positions.

Define Base Connection type

This can either be: Embedment Depth Override:
• Fixed: Unable to move or rotate. Can override the Default Embedded Depth captured in the Component
• Pinned: cannot move, but can rotate about Library.
the X and Y axes (torsional restraint is
provided). The overriding embedment length is made up of two parts. A fixed part, the
• PinFrm: cannot move, but CAN rotate about "Embedment Constant", plus a variable part which is a percentage,
all axes. "Embedment %", of the total length of the pole.
Therefore, the overriding embedment length is equal to "Embedment
If you have placed your poles by joints, the Constant" + "Embedment %" x Total Pole Length. The "Embedment %" field
connectivity can rather be defined under is entered as a percent.
Geometry/ Joints.
Multiple Pole Selection
You can select one or more poles for which you wish
to determine the allowable spans or interaction
diagrams between allowable spans.
 Define Pole Geometry

Section 4.4

3
Wood: Naturally grown

Steel: Tubular Steel

Select
Pole
Material Concrete Wood Pole Specific options:
The following options are only available
when modelling Wood Poles.
Laminated Wood

FRP:
Fibre Reinforced Polymer
~ Composite

Masts:
Modular Latticed Masts
~Emergency Response Structures
Push Brace:
The Push Brace dialog box/tool allows
you to quickly and easily model the
selected wood pole as a push brace with
a pinned connection if needed.

Top & Bottom Cut Length:

You can cut a fixed length at the top of the pole, thus decreasing
its total length and increasing its top diameter. You can also cut
a fixed length at the bottom of the pole.
 Build the structures geometry by adding individual
component elements
Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button

Or use the tools in the Geometry/ menu

4
Add Brace: Add Connection and Anchor (CAN) Element:
Braces are prismatic components with uniform cross A CAN element can be used to check the capacity of
section properties throughout their length. joints due to forces or moments passed from other
A brace is modeled internally as a single straight bar with elements such as braces, cables, guys, crossarms, davit
either unlimited axial capacity (standard or truss element) arms, poles, etc. A CAN element can be attached to any
or limited tension and compression capacities (fuse joint in the model and you may select up to four
element). elements to pass forces and moments to the CAN.
Can be added between any pair of joints with predefined A CAN element has no graphical display and no physical
labels. attributes.
Section 4.7.1 Section 4.14

Add Framing:
Add Guy: A Framing is a collection/grouping of structural
Guy wires are attached to structures to resist loads and elements that do not include the pole itself. These can
prevent large deflections. Guys always connect to a fixed be added onto an existing pole model to rapidly create a
anchor joint model of a standard configuration.
Section 4.7.2 The Components/ Framing/ Manager is used to not
only place the framing graphically on a model as
Add Cables: discussed in Section 4.16 but also to edit the framing in
Cables are similar to Guys, but they must be connected case you need to change something in the framing
between 2 joints. These can be used to model Span guys, library.
tension only slender cable elements.
Section 4.7.3 Add Vang (Not in a library):
Vangs are small components used to attach insulators
or other items to the face of a pole, crossarm or davit
Add Davit Arm: arm. They are not modelled as structural elements and
Davit arms are prismatic components with a uniform cross-section act as a load transfer mechanism.
along its length. Geometry/ Vangs
A Tubular steel davit arm is made out of steel and the cross section Section 4.4.7
shape can be any one of the shapes available for tubular poles, it can
be tapered along its length.
Generic or Tubular Davit Arms can be attached rigidly to any joint with Add Loads from Permanently attached Equipment
a pre-defined label. Davit arms can be oriented in any direction around (Not in A Library):
the pole, by specifying the azimuth angle. Design loads from attached equipment that is not
You can add intermediate joints along the length of the member to actually modelled can be placed at specified joints by:
change the shape, make it inclined or represent a curve. Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Dead Loads and Drag
Geometry/ Davit Arms or Geometry/ Tubular Steel Davit Arms. Areas
Section 4.5 Section 4.9

Add Equipment (from a Library):

Add Cross Arm:
Equipment can be added to a pole model to represent
Cross arms are either straight prismatic or steel angle components.
the various pieces of equipment placed on poles.
Tubular steel cross arms are made out of steel and the cross section
These can include:
shape can be any one of the shapes available for tubular poles, it
• Switches, Transformers, Capacitor banks,
cannot be tapered.
• Voltage regulators, Metering cabinets,
Generic or Tubular Cross Arms can be connected to a single joint or to
• Telecommunication antennae, etc,..
any number of joints with predefined labels.
Equipment is placed at a joint and then located by
Geometry/ Cross Arms or Geometry/ Tubular Steel Cross Arms.
adding azimuth angle and an offset distance from the
Section 4.5
face of the pole.
Crossarm elements can now be single angle members.
Geometry/ Equipment
Section 3.3.1
Section 4.8
 Attach Insulators and Clamps:
Insulators and attachment devices (clamps) should always be used where you intend to transfer ground wire or conductor loads to the
structure. You cannot apply such loads directly to the structure. They have to be applied to tip labels on clamps or insulators.
Use the Add/Move/Delete Toolbar button

Or use the tools in the Geometry/ Insulators/

Section 4.10
5

Add Clamp:
A clamp is a device that transfers concentrated loads
from ground wires, conductors or other sources to an
attachment point on the structure. A clamp has no
physical dimension and no weight, but has strength
properties.
Find Allowable Swing Angles
PLS-POLE is capable of
calculating the allowable swings
Add Strain: of suspension insulators from
A strain insulator is normally used to dead- the size of the energized zones
end a ground wire or conductor to a associated with the insulators
structure. It is not modeled as a structural and attached hardware and the
element, but as a load transfer mechanism. required electrical clearances to
the various components of the
pole including guy strain
insulators.

Add Suspension: Geometry/ Insulators/ Find

A suspension insulator normally supports a Allowable Suspension Swing
ground wire or a conductor. It is not Angles
modeled as a structural element, but as a
load transfer mechanism. Section 4.10.1

Calculating Allowable Load

Add 2-Part:
Angles for 2-part Insulators
A 2-parts insulator normally supports a
PLS-POLE can determine the
conductor at the junction point of two
allowable load angles for 2-part
insulators. The most common 2-parts
insulators.
insulators are the V-strings
The allowable load angles will
guarantee that neither side of
the 2-part insulator will ever go
Add Post: into compression.
A post insulator is modeled as a short
cantilevered beam element rigidly attached Geometry/ Insulators/
at its origin to the structure model. Calculate Allowable 2-Part
Posts can be horizontal, vertical or upswept Load Angles
(inclined).
Posts can optionally include brace Section 4.10.2
elements.

Add Guy Strain:

Guy strain insulators are applied to down
guys in order to provide insulation to down
guys from energized portions of the other
insulators or cables in PLS-CADD.
 Miscellaneous options

Foundation Properties:
You can enter both the Strength and Stiffness data for the foundations of
Pole models.
So, the actual foundation is not modelled, but the capacity of the
foundation system can be checked by PLS-POLE during the analysis.

Geometry/Miscellaneous/Foundation Strength....

Section 4.11

Caisson Foundation Design and Analysis:

If you make use of direct embedded and drilled concrete pier
foundations PLS-POLE can analyse and design this type of system using
the CAISSON program (as long as this has been purchased in addition to
the PLS-POLE program)

To make use of this functionality you must:

• Enter the physical characteristics of the foundation in the
Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Foundation Strength, and
• The soil and CAISSON settings shall be entered in Geometry/
Miscellaneous/ Soil and Caisson Settings

Section 4.11.3

Wood Pole Defects:

Several defects that can reduce the strength of wooden utility poles can
be modelled within PLS-POLE. These could be used to simulate drilling
holes, woodpecker damage, rot/decay or others.

The types of defect that an be defined are:

• Enclosed pocket
• External Decay
• External Pocket
• Hollow Heart
• Thru-hole

These are captured under the Geometry/ Miscellaneous/ Wood Pole

Defects menu.

Section 3.9 and Section 4.4.2.1

 Link to PLS-CADD

Linking to PLS-CADD parts and assemblies

management system
If you make use of material tracking in the PLS System
and have an existing Part/ Assembly Library (*.prt file)
with the corresponding stock numbers being used for
the structural components in the structural program,
then PLS-CADD can automate material take-off and
costing for and entire line project.

Geometry/ PLS-CADD/ …
Appendix B.2

Mapping Attachment Points to PLS-CADD Cable Sets

If you wish to use your structure models into PLS-CADD
you need to provide a link or map between the load
points on a structure (the tips of insulators and clamps)
and the Conductor Sets for use in PLS-CADD.

Geometry/ PLS-CADD/ Insulator Link

Appendix B.1
 Loads

Loads
Design loads on transmission poles/ frames include wire loads
(from conductors and ground wires), dead loads from the
structure and permanently attached components, wind loads on
the structure itself and possibly ice loads on the members.

Depending on whether PLS-POLE is run for transmission/

distribution structures in design check mode, or in one of the
allowable span modes (Sections 1.1.2 and 4.2), or is run for
communication structures in the special EIA
design check mode, the design loads have to be specified in
standard load files with the vector loads format (".lca"), the wire
loads format (".lic"), or the EIA loads format (".eia").

Sections 5.3 to 5.6.

Batch Import or Edit Concentrated Loads

This command will reference a table version of the vector
load file for all attachment points. This table can be edited
or exported with options that are accessed when right-
clicking within the table. Any edits will be saved with the
vector file (.lca) that is referenced with the structure.

This can be very useful if importing loads from an external

calculator/Excel file.

Sections 5.3.
 Model Menu

Check
Once your model is complete and loads have been
assigned, it is good practice to initially check the model
to see if there are any Warnings or Errors
Deformed Geometry View
The program is dynamic in that it will flag you during
the modelling process if there are any Errors or This view provides you with a graphical summary of
Warnings with text and visual prompts, however the the analysis results. The picture that you see depends
Model/ Check is a concise list for the whole model. on the selections made in the 3-d Controls dialog box.
That 3-d Controls dialog box is opened by clicking on
the 3D button.
Run

Once the model has been checked, its analysis can be performed View/ Display Options/ Set Rotation, Color and
with the Model/ Run command, as long as you have allocated or Label Options
defined a loading file (.lca, .lic or .eia) Section 2.5

Once the analysis is complete, typically the following windows

are opened:
• the Deformed Geometry
• a long text report (labeled Analysis Results) and
• a short report (labeled Summary)

You can see all windows simultaneously with Window/ Tile

Horizontal or Window/ Tile Vertical.

The menu command File/Analyze Multiple Models... will allow

for the selection and analysis of multiple structure files. This
feature opens models in read-only mode to avoid errors if files
can't be locked.

Section 2.3 Results reports

The reports can be viewed in PLS-POLE, or can be

saved as Text or PDF files.
Optimization
Additionally, if you right-click in any result table you
can enter a table view mode. This mode allows for the
PLS-POLE has a few built in optimization routines. These tools offer
sorting and filtering of the results/data, as well as
an Engineer the opportunity to attempt multiple combinations of
extraction copying for use in other programs.
pole, arm or cross-brace properties and locations, in an attempt to
find the lightest possible elements.
Additionally, all tables and reports can be exported as
This can be far faster and more accurate than a simple trial and
an XML file for outside post-processing.
error approach which is the alternative.
Section 2.4
The optimization routines that are available are:
• Model/ Optimum Pole Selection
• Model/ Steel Pole Shaft Optimizer
• Model/ X-Brace Optimizer
• Model/ Tubular Steel Davit Arm Optimizer

Section 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4

 Outputs

10

Results reports

Load trees
A summary table of the loading on the Pole structure
can be obtained by selecting Loads/ Loading Tree
Report

A more graphical Load tree can be obtained as using

the Drafting tools.
Section 8.5

Pole drawings

Scaled drawing sheets can be produced automatically by PLS-POLE according to user specified parameters.
You have complete flexibility in choosing scales and page appearance.
The drawings can be sent directly to a Windows® printer, or they can be exported as DXF files readable by
most CAD systems (AutoCAD ®, Microstation ®, etc.) for further enhancements, or they (together with other
project documents) can automatically be converted to PDF documents as a truly universal way to share
them with all interested parties.

Drawings can be embellished further by adding Inset Views and even attaching external files to be used.

Section 8
 Webinars:
Power Line Systems produced a series of Webinars on selected
topics during 2020.
These webinars are available through the latest version of the
software by selecting:

Help/ Register for Training Classes…

In this dialog box you can access the Past Webinars. These are
available in the drop down list.
You will receive a URL link to either watch the videos online, or
to download them.

In total there is about 18 hours covering the 13 topics

 Power Line Systems IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR POWER LINES

Advanced Sag & Tension IEC

FAC 008/009

PLS-CADD FAC 003

Materials Management
NESC ® LiDAR Modeling
Structural Analysis CSA
Pole Analysis CENELEC Distribution
Line Ratings Transmission
IEEE Joint Use NERC Ratings Line Optimization
Project Estimating Storm Hardening Drafting
GO95
Vegetation Management 1000+ Users in 100+ Countries PLS-POLE
See www.powerlinesystems.com for more information
TOWER
Contact info@powerlinesystems.com for additional information Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
Phone: 608- 238-2171
Contact sales@powerlinesystems.com for quotation ASCE Fax: 608-238-9241
info@powline.com
Contact support@powerlinesystems.com for technical inquiries www.powerlinesystems.com

IT’S THE SOLUTION

7/22/2021 Power Line Systems, Inc. 3