Flexible Strain-Tension Calculation Method for Gap-Type Overhead Conductors

Commercially available sag-tension programs give good results for most practical applications. However, they have some limitations concerning gap-type conductors. A separate aluminum and core creep calculation is needed due to the special structure of gap-type conductors. For the same reason, different core and aluminum lengths have to be considered. In order to take the creep during the installation process into account, flexibility for the consideration of several stages is needed. A method that considers all of these characteristics has been developed and implemented in a comprehensive, versatile, and flexible sag-tension software tool, called Strain Tension in Overhead Conductors. The program has been designed for the analysis of gap-type conductors. However, the method is a general method that can be used for any type of conductor, especially when flexibility for the calculation of several creep conditions is needed.