Analysis of Stresses in Tapered Rectangular Utility Pole

Abstract

Power transmission is generally carried out through electric cables supported by transmission pole (Utility pole) of various materials and cross sections. However, their utilization depends on climatic conditions and external loads acting on them. The forces comprise of wind pressure, tension in conductors and seismic vibrations due to earthquakes. These loads induce various stresses in the pole like bending, shear, crushing etc. There is a necessity for investigation of these stresses in the existing utility pole subjected to the loads acting on them. The objective of the paper is to study the stresses developed in the tapered rectangular utility pole made of Steel Reinforced Concrete material which is 8m in total length. The work includes the calculation of stresses in the existing poles made of three grades of concrete (namely M40, M45, and M50), four different load cases of pre stressing (zero or no pre-stress, with a pre-stress of 50%, 60%, and 75% of maximum allowable strength of steel reinforcement), under the effect of 185 kmph wind velocity. Theoretical and FEA of stresses were carried out and the results were compared. The 3D solid modelling of pole is carried out using SOLIDWORKS and imported into ANSYS 15.0 for calculation of stresses. It is observed that in either cases of RCC and PSCC, the stresses developed in the concrete cause failure of the pole. However, in case of PSCC, the stresses causing failure are less compared to RCC and may have longer life.