Taking 3-D drawing techniques to new technological heights

BY BOB ZAPPITELLI, & HAROLD HARKONEN, Nordmin Engineering

Historically, transmission line design and drafting has been an arduous task. It often involved an iterative manipulation of several parameters to achieve a final solution. The common output of this effort is a two-dimensional plan and profile drawing that links the various design stages involved. These drawings show the location and elevation of all natural- and human-made features that are to be accounted for in the design of the overhead transmission line.

Following this, structure locations are then spotted, and conductors strung using conductor sag templates. The two-dimensional design process is very time consuming and, while effective, leaves several opportunities for error.