Laminated wood structures in Norwegian transmission lines

In Norway laminated wood has been in use as an alternative material for transmission line supports for about 20 years. Earlier it was used for crossarms only, later for the entire structure. It has mainly been used on 66 and 132 kV lines with medium size conductors. Laminated wood has several advantages, making it interesting as an alternative to traditional wood pole and steel lattice towers. Since the early 1980s the interest for using creosote impregnated laminated wood structures has been increasing in Norway. More than 700 structures have been built for different types of overhead lines and the experience so far has been very good. The author discusses laminated wood structures as an alternative to traditional wood poles and lattice towers with regard to mechanical properties and economy. Two 132 kV lines, one double circuit and one single circuit line, both with conductors 537.7 mm/sup 2/, are described.<
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