Thursday, September 10, 2026

This webinar provides an introductory overview of overhead power line structures and foundations, specifically designed for the entry level engineers of the electrical utilities and professionals from industries outside the electrical utility sector. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the structure types, and foundation requirements for transmission lines operating at voltages ranging from 69kV to 345kV.

Overhead power line structures play a critical role in ensuring proper vertical clearance by supporting energized conductors and other wires at a safe height above the ground. These structures must effectively withstand loads imposed by wires, environmental factors (e.g., wind and ice), and other operational stresses. The base reactions generated by these loads are transmitted through the structures and must be properly resisted by adequately designed foundations.

Given the diverse range of overhead line structure types, the foundation loading conditions and corresponding foundation design requirements vary significantly. Structures may be composed of wood, steel, concrete or FRP poles, as well as hot-rolled steel angle lattice towers, and are typically classified based on their function, and load transfer mechanisms. Similarly, foundation selection—whether shallow or deep foundations—depends on factors such as geotechnical conditions, structural load demands, site-specific constraints etc.