Kirsten 1917

Presented by publication only.
Copyright 1917. By A. I. E. E.
TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN
BY F. K. KIRSTEN
ABSTRACT OF PAPER
This paper contains a complete mathematical analysis of the
forces which determine the location in space of a cable suspended
from points of equal elevation, and gives the designer and con-
structing engineer of a transmission line some useful working
formulas based on this analysis.
Section A of the paper covers the derivation of the catenary
formulas and contains a chart from which any catenary problem
may be quickly and accurately solved.
Section B contains an analysis of the influences of changes in
temperature and cable load, resulting in formulas by the aid of
which the magnitude of these influences in regard to changes in
position of the cable and changes in stresses at any point of the
cable may be accu-rately computed. The formulas derived make
it possible to plot a temperature-tension stringing chart to be
used by the constructing engineer when stringing the cable at
various temperatures.
Section C is an investigation of the economic features in-
volved in the proper design of the cable supports. A working
formula is derived enabling the designer to determine the most
economical span and corresponding height of tower.
Solutions of typical design problems are given in each section
of the paper demonstrating the use and manipulation of all
formulas derived.
THE SPAN BETWEEN POINTS OF EQUAL ELEVATION

(A). MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PREREQUISITES FOR
EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES ACTING ON A FLEXIBLE CABLE
ONLY SUPPORTED AT Two POINTS OF THE
SAME ELEVATION
The curve P1 0 P2 in Fig. 1 represents a cable suspended from
points P1 and P2 of equal elevation.
Assumptions:
1. The suspended cable is a cylindrical solid with all elements
of outer surface parallel.
2. The suspended cable is of uniform text-ure.
3. The suspended cable is perfectly flexible, that is, the inter-
nal forces acting on every element of any cross-sectional plane
normal to these forces are equal in magnitude and their lines
of action parallel to the axis of the cable.
735
736 KIRSTEN: TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN
4. No other external forcelbesides the force of gravitation to

be the active force on the cable.
5. The axis of the cable will assume the form of a curve
P1 0 P2 in a vertical plane.
Since the active gravitational forces are proportional to mass
which is uniformly distributed along the axis of the cable, and
since the two points of support are on equal elevation, there
must exist a condition of symmetry of the shape of the curve
P1 0 P2 with respect to a vertical plane midway between points
P1 and P2 perpendicular to the straight line P1 P2. This plane
will be selected as the reference plane Y- Y. The point of maxi-
mum deflection of the cable from the straight line P, P2 must
lie in this plane. A horizontal plane tangent to the curve
P1 O P2 at the point of maximum deflection is chosen as the
T.
Y~~~~~~~~~Y(2
FIG. 1
reference plane X-X. Thus, the point of maximum deflection

of the cable is defined as the origin for the rectangular coordi-
nates x and y..
Definitions with reference to Fig. 1
I = half distance between points PI and P2 or half tower
spacing.
S = half length of suspended cable or half length of span.
w = weight per unit length of suspended cable
x and y are rectangular coordinates of any point P on the axis
of the cable.
s = length of curve between points 0 and P
ds, dx and dy are increments of s, x and y respectively, which
at the limit zero will bear the relation (dx)2 + (dy)2
= (ds)2.
KIRSTEN: TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN 737
H = tension on cable at point of maximum deflection.

T2 = tension on cable at point of support P2.
T = tension on cable at point P, coordinates x and y.
T' = tension on cable at point P', coordinates x + dx and
* y + dy.
a = angle between T and the X axis.
da = increment of a or angle between T and T'.
All stresses normal to the cross-sectional plane at any point
of the cable are considered as concentrated on the axis of the
cable and by assumption 3 act in the direction of the tangent to
the axis at that point.
INVESTIGATION
For equilibrium of half span (see Fig. 1).
T22 = H2 + W2 S2
If the point of support were moved to P without disturbing,
equilibrium,
T2 = H2 + W2 S2
(1)
For equilibrium of length ds between points P and P' (see
Fig. 1),
T cos a = T'cos (a + d a) (2)
Tsina+wds= T' sin (a+da) (3)
At point P',
(T')2 = H2 + w2 (s + ds)2 (4)
From the geometric relation (right angle triangle) of forces
given by equations (1) and (4), it is evident that
H . w s dx
cos a = c (a+d)=
T; cos d; d
dy
sin (a + da)=- (5)
Substituting (4) and (5) into (2),
H-[ H2 + w2 (s + ds)2 ] dx
Letting H = wc, where c is a constant, and simplifying,
dx c
=
ds [c2 + (s + ds)2]j
But if ds approaches zero as a limit, at this limit s + ds = s.

therefore,
dx c
ds tfc2 + S2]i
By integration,
s O cds
X = [c2 + s2]s = c[ logE (s + [c2 + s2]')
0
0
= c [log,(s + [C2 + S2]) -log,c]
- c logEs + [c2 + S] (6)
Equation (6) may be written
E
c s + IC2 + s2]
C
Or,
x _x
2 ] (7)
=c sinh -C (8)
And for entire half span:
S = c sinh-
c
Substituting (4) and (5) into (3),

ws + wds = [H12 + w2 (s + ds)2]1 dy
ds
Letting H = wc, where c is a constant, and simplifying,

dy s + ds
ds [C2 + (s + ds)2]i
But if ds approaches zero as a limit, at this limit s + ds =s,

therefore,
dy s
ds [C2 + S2]+
By integration,
y= J[C2
sds
- s2]i
= [S (c2 + S2)§
(C
0 = [C2 + S2]- C (9)
Substituting (7) into (9) and simplifying,

x x
C
[ - -- ] ~~~~(10)
x-
=c (cosh 1) (11)
C
Equations (10) or (11) are the equations of the catenary.

From equation (1) the tension along the axis of the cable at
any point P is
T = [H2 + w2 s2]4
I 2w2 ±+w 2 s2]4
Hence:
T
w
= [c2 + s2]j
By substitution from equation (8),
T = c cosh X (12)
w c
For maximum deflection 6f entire span and maximum tension

at the point of support of the cable, half the tower spacing I
must be substituted for x in equations (11) and (12), giving:
Ymax = c (cosh
I
1); ~Tmax -_ Ccosh
For preliminary computations of span characteristics or for

computations of the characteristics of relatively short spans
when maximum precision is not essential, approximations of the
above formulas have found universal use. These approxima-
tions are obtained as follows:
From Maclaurin's Theorem:
x _ 2 X X4
rz +
c cd /2 +
2/2 dT3 /3 + 4-:4 /4-........
4+ .*...
=1-C + ~i-/2 T43 +;~4 .....
From the above series:
X x
X Ec e c X X3 X5 X7
sinh c = 2 c
+ C3 /3 +,C6 /5 ++ C7 /7+ + ..(13)
X X
X Ec +E
2e
2 X'X
cosh -c = 1 + /2 +C4 / +.
. . (14)
Since in practical line design the ratio x - c is less than unity,

x x
the terms EC and e c form, when expanded, a rapidly converging
series of which the sum of the first terms may be assumed to
represent the sum of all terms in the series with sufficient ac-
curacy.
Substituting the first two terms of (13) into (8) gives
x3
X.,
s=X+ (15)

X2
x
(16)
2c

T X
-
w
-C+2
= c
2c C+ y (17)
Equation (16) is the equation of the parabola.

The catenary equation (10) in its exponential form may

seem very complex as compared with the equation of the para-
bola (16), and for that reason the parabolic forms have found
great favor in designs which do not require extreme accuracy.
However, the reluctance with which the practical engineer calls
to his aid the catenary equations is entirely unwarranted for
the reason that the exponential form may be converted into its
equivalent expressed in hyperbolic functions by equation (11).
A person, equally versatile in the use of hyperbolic functions or
elementary algebra will undoubtedly make a choice in favor of
equations (8), (11) and (12) where every possible variable
appears without exponents, rather than choosing equations (15),
(16) and (17) where x appears with exponents ranging between
one and three. It would be absurd to use cumbersome equations
resulting in approximations of actual conditions, if relatively
simpler forms are available which yield correct results.
In the following analysis the catenary equations will be used
exclusively.
SUMMARY
Th,e length of cable suspended between the point of maximum
deflection and any point of support P is, by equation (8)
s = c sinh Xc
The maximnum deflection of a suspended cable measured with

reference to the elevation of any point of support P is, by
equation (11)
/x
y =c cosh - 1)
The tension per w units weicght of unit length of cable actihg

along the axis of the cable at any point of support P is, by
equation (12)
T x
w
= c cosh -
c
In the above three equations

X= projection upon a horizontal plane of the distance be-
tween the point of maximum deflection and point P.
c = length of cable upon which gravitation acts with a force

equal to the tension H at the point of maximum
deflectlon.
T = tension at point of support P expressed in the same
w = weight per unit length of cable unit.
x, y, s and c are all expressed in the same linear unit, which
must also be the same as that used in connection with w.
Solution of Problems. These last three equations show the
7 00 3
T-~-04 C
400
t-HALF TOWER SPA11CiG
CHART I
concepts s, y and T * w to be hyperbolic functions of x and c

so that their magnitudes could be computed directly if both x
and c were the given quantities in a problem of span design.
Usually, however, c is not given since it is in reality a more or
less fictitious concept and the solution of span problems, with
any two of the remaining concepts given, is accomplished by
trial methods.
In order to avoid the loss of time incurred by such methods,
Chart I has been devised from which, with any two of the five
concepts given, the remaining three may be found at once. The
chart is laid out on the basis of the decimal system to permit of
easy interpolation. The concepts x and c, which form the
hyperbolic argument, are the abscissas and ordinates, respectively,
of the s, y and T *. w curves.
Interpolation on Chart I. It can be easily demonstrated that
any straight line passing through the origin (point 0) must be
divided into intercepts of equal length by a set of hyperbolic
curves the indices of which vary in arithmetic progression. For
instance, the curves indexed y = 0.1, y = 0.2, y = 0.3. .. y - 0.9,
y = 1.0 have indices which increase progressively by 0.1, and
O 1 .2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 .10
FIG 2
in consequence any straight line passing through the origin will

be divided by these ten curves into ten equal intercepts. It
follows, then, that if each intercept of this straight line were
again divided into ten equal lengths, the division points would
be points on the curves y =0.01, y = 0.02, y = 0.03... y = 0.99,
y = 1.00. The same reasoning holds true for interpolation
between the curves y =l, y =2, y =3, y =4,. . .y =9,
y = 10, and of the last set y = 10, y = 20, y = 30, y = 40,
.... y = 90, y = 100. Similarly this system of interpolation is
+r
correct for the s and T w curves.
In order to be able to accomplish quick and accurate decimal
subdivision of any length of line, it is suggested to trace Fig. 2
on transparent cloth or paper for use on Chart I. Any one of
the parallel lines in Fig. 2 is divided into ten or a multiple of

ten units of equal length.
Example of Interpolation. It is desired to interpolate for s,
y and T *. w a point P, coordinates c = 550, x = 54.
Through point P draw a straight line to the origin 0. That
this line P 0 is actually subdivided into equal sections by the
curves indexed in arithmetic progression is most clearly shown
by the intercepts between the y curves. The intercepts 0 A,
A B, B C and C D of the straight line formed by the curves
y = 1, y = 2, y = 3 and y = 4 are exactly equal in length. The
same holds true of the intercepts formed by the s and T . w
curves.
By placing Fig. 2 on the chart so that the two outside radi-
ating lines pass through points E and F and the parallel lines
are at the same time parallel to line E F, point P is interpolated
directly and corresponds to the magnitude s = 54.1.
Placing Fig. 2 so that the two outside radiating lines pass
through points G and H and the parallel lines are parallel to
G H, T : w is read directly to be 553.
In a similar manner y is read directly to be 2.65.
Chart I is independent of any fixed conventional unit of
length, weight or force and may be used with equal precision
for the English system of foot-pounds or the decimal system of
centimeter-grams.
The use of the chart will now be demonstrated by the solution
of two representative problems.
Problem 1. A number of 40-ft. (12.1 m.) poles are to beused
for supports of a line consisting of No. 00 hard-drawn, bare
copper wires. The points of support on the insulators are 30
ft. (9.1 m.) above the ground level when the poles are installed.
The minimum clearance of the wire to the ground is to be 20
ft. (6.0 m.), and the tension on the wire at the point of support
is not to exceed 200 lb. 90.7 kg.).
What is the maximum permissible spacing of poles?
The weight per 1000 ft. (304.8 m.), of wire is 402.8 lb. (182.6
kg.). If the pound is chosen as the unit of force and the foot
as the unit of length, w = 402.8 . 1000 = 0.4028 and T . w =
200 . 0.4028 = 496.5; y = 30- 20 = 10.
By interpolation between curves T * w = 400 and T . w =
500 curve T + w = 496.5 is drawn. The intersection point of
this curve and the curve y = 10 has the abscissa x = 98.3,
which is half the pole spacing in feet.
Hence the maximum permissible pole spacing is 2 X 98.3 =

196.6 ft. (59.9 m.).
Problem 2. A 11-in. (38.1 mm.) steel cable is to span a river.
The foundations for the anchor towers on both shores are 10
ft. (3.0 m.) above the water level and a distance of 2000 ft.
(609.9 m.) apart. The maximum tension on the cable is not to
exceed 70,000 lb. (31,751.4 kg.). Weight of cable is 4700 lb.
2131.8 kg.) per 1000 ft. Clearance between cable and water
surface is not to be less than 50 ft. (15.2 m.).
What is the minimum height of anchor towers?
What is the length of cable between points of support?
What are the vertical and horizontal components of the ten-
sion on the points of support in the plane of the suspended cable?
Half the tower spacing is 1000 ft. In order to bring this
value within range of Chart I, the unit of length will be chosen
as 20 ft. Hence x = 1000 -. 20 = 50. For the same unit of
length w = 4700 X 20 . 1000 = 94. Therefore T . w = 70,-
000 . 94 = 745. This value is within range of the chart. If
this value had exceeded the range of the chart, the unit of length
would have to be taken greater than 20 ft.
Between the curves T . w = 700 and T - w = 800 a short
length- of curve T * w= 745 is interpolated near the line
x = 50. The point of intersection of this curve with the line
x = 50 has the ordinate c = 742. Now a straight line is drawn
from the origin through point x = 50, c = 742 and this point
interpolated on the straight line for y and for s.
Interpolation between curves y = 1 and y = 2 yields y = 1.68.
Interpolation between s = 50 and s = 60 yields s = 50.1.
Hence,
Maximum deflection = v = 1.68 units = 33.6 ft. (10.2 m.)
Length of cable = 2 s = 2 X 50.1 units= 2004 ft. (610.8 m.).
Minimum height of anchor tower 33.6 + 50 -10 = 73.6
ft. (22.4 m.).
Vertical component of tension on point of support = 2004
. 2 X 4.7 = 4720 lb. (2140.9 kg.)
Horizontal component of tension on point of support in plane
of cable = c w = 742 X 20 X 4.7 = 69,748 lb. (31,637 kg.).
AVERAGE TENSION ON CABLE BETWEEN POINTS . OF SUPPORT
The tension at any point P from equation (1) is
T = [H2 + W2 S2]j
Wr[C2 + S2]j
For the average tension along the axis of the cable the above
expression for the tension at any point must be integrated be-
tween the limits 0 and s and the result divided by s. Hence;
the average tension is
s
av. T = f [C2 + S2] ds
s
0
-- [C2 + S2]j + 2 log, (s + [C2 + S2])]

s ~2 2
0
w
s
F 2~
- [s
2
s2]1 + cIC2 le(+C
[C2 ++S]*+ S2]) j2 logC
log s + [C2 +S])
[C2 + S2]j+ ~~~~~(18)

But by substitutions from equations (6) and (9), (18) becomes:
av. T =~[w +C
-I + c
2 [s]
But from (8),
s = c sinh X
C
and from (11),
y = c (cosh x _ 1)
Therefore,
av. T = [ c cosh c + sin>-]
2 c
~sinh -
x
= 62 F cosh - + c 1 (19)
sinh-C
or,
x
avT
[Lcosh + ] (20)
w 2 c
~~~sinhx c
Here it is shown again that the ratio of the average tension

on a suspended cable to its weight per unit length is a hyper-
bolic function of x and c.
Attention is here called to the similarity of equations (12) and
(20). For all positive magnitudes x and c,
x
c< cosh + 7 < ccosh

2C
sinhX C
However, the smaller the value x, the more equal will be the
above expressions until
x
limit ( c x c x
cosh -+ =c ccosh-
c
x = o
2_
2 +
sinh
c
i
At this limit, then

cw = av. T = T
But cw = H = tension at the point of maximum deflection.
A very close approximation to formula (19) is obtained by
using the average between the tension at the point of support
and the tension at the point of maximum deflection:
cw cosh + cw
-
22
2 =- coshx +1
(B). EFFECT OF CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ON THE CATENARY

DESCRIBED BY A CABLE SUSPENDED BETWEEN Two
FIXED POINTS OF THE SAME ELEVATION
In the preceding investigation the concept w (weight per unit
length of cable) has been treated as a constant for a given cable.
Since, however, w is a function, not only of the material compo-

sition of the cable, but also a function of the temperature of
the cable and the tension acting on it, the same cable suspended
from two fixed points may describe as many different catenaries
as there are different possible magnitudes of w.
In practical engineering the cable is strung at a given tension
and permanently fastened at the points of support. This fixes,
once for all, the amount of mass of cable between the two points.
How this mass arranges itself in space under conditions different
from those existing at the time of stringing will be shown in the
following investigation.
Influence of Changes in Temperature. Within a certain range
of temperature a given unit length of cable will change its three
dimensions practically in direct proportion to the magnitude of
the temperature change. This range more than covers the most
extreme weather conditions recorded, and in consequence the
designer of practical spans may use the formula
St= So (1 + a [t- to]) (21)
where
so = length of cable at any given initial temperature.
St = length of cable at final temperature.
to = initial temperature.
t = final temperature
a = coefficient of expansion, characteristic of the material
composition of the cable.
Not only the length of the cable but also its cross-sectional
area changes in accordance with the same law, so that
At = AO (1 + a [t- t0])2 (22)
where
Ao = cross-sectional area of cable at initial temperature.
A = cross-sectional area of cable after the temperature has
changed t - to degrees.
The total mass of a cable suspended between two fixed points
is constant and independent of temperature, whereas the length
of the cable changes with the temperature. Therefore, the
weight per unit length of the cable must change in inverse
proportion to the length of the cable, that is,
SO =
wt (23)
St WO
where
wo = weight per unit length of cable at initial temperature.
wt = weight per unit length of cable after the temperature has
changed t - to degrees.
Influence of Change in Tension. If the tension at any point
of the catenary were proportional to the product of s and w, a
change in temperature would not affect this tension, but accord-
ing to equation (12)
T = wc cosh -
c
whereas, according to (8)

s = c sinh -
c
Hence, a change in length of cable caused by a change in

temperature is accompanied by a change in tension at every
point of the catenary. However, the condition
T = wc cosh-
c
is always realized during each minute step in this change, the

only constant in the equation being x, whi'le all other terms
change according to definite laws.
Within a certain range of stresses, the limits of which the
stresses in a well designed line should not exceed, the strain of
the cable is practically proportional to the stress. This charac-
teristic of the cable is described by the formula
ST = SO (i + T. To) (24)
where
so = length of cable under initial tension.
ST = length of cable under final tension.
To = initial tension.
T =final tension.
A = cross-sectional area of cable.
E = modulus of elasticity, characteristic of the material compo-
sition of the cable.
The above formula, however, does not take into account the
change in cross-sectional area of the cable with the change in
tension from To to T. Since at constant temperature the volume
of the cable remains constant, an increase or decrease in length,
caused by a change in tension on the cable, is accompanied by
a proportional decrease or increase, respectively, of the cross-
sectional area of the cable. The concept A should be understood
to represent the average cross-sectional area of the cable as its
length changes from To to T. Or, if
A, = cross-sectional area of cable under initial tension,
AT = cross-sectional area of cable under final tension,
A Ao+AT
2
Equation (24) would then become
ST = SO E [Ao+AT ]) (25)
In order to simplify equation (25) for future use, an approxi-
mation
ST = SO ( + ET
T EA(26) (26
will be substituted which is more accurate than equation (24),

but which does not describe conditions quite as precisely as (25).
If the strain is proportional to the stress, the total change
in the length of a suspended cable is proportional to the change
in average tension along the cable, or
ST = SO[1 av. To+ av.T) (27)

where
av. To = initial average tension.
av. T = final average tension.
The relation
s0 Ao = ST AT (28)
expresses the constancy of volume of the cable subjected to
different tensions av. To and av. T.
Although a change in tension produces a deformation of the

cable, its total mass remains the same and, in consequence its
weight per unit length must change in inverse proportion to the
length of the cable, that is,
So WT (29)
ST WO
where
wo = weight per unit length of cable under av. To.
WT = weight per unit length of cable under av. T.
Influence of Ice and Wind Loading. Usually the gravitational
forces acting on a suspended cable by virtue of its mass are
augmented by a layer of ice on the cable at low temperatures
and by the action of wind on the cable at all temperatures.
The ice loading simply increases w which is a vertical downward
force, whereas the wind pressure acts horizontally deflecting the
cable from its position in a vertical plane to another position
in a plane inclined to the vertical at an angle whose tangent is
p
w +i
where
i = weight of ice per unit length of cable. expressed in the
p = wind pressure exerted on unit length same unit.
cable with ice coating.
The resultant force per unit length of the cable acting down-
ward in the deflected plane is
WI = [(w + + p2] (30)
or the catenary described by the cable in an inclined plane under
the influence of ice and wind loading is equivalent to a catenary
described in a vertical plane by a cable whose weight per unit
length is w1.
With the knowledge of the influences which may act on a
suspended cable in all climatic conditions, and with the knowl-
edge of the laws which govern the response of the suspended
cable to these influences, all possible catenaries described by the
cable can be mathematically expressed.
Let it be required to find all possible catenaries that can be
described by a cable, the characteristics of which are specified
by the manufacturer as follows:
Weight per unit length free from stress = w measured at

Cross-sectional area free from stress ..=.= A f temperature I
Modulus of elasticity ................ = E
Coefficient of expansion ................ = a

Maximum safe stress on cable .......... = Tmax
Investigation of the records, furnished by the weather bureau
located near the place where the cable is to be suspended, shows:
Minimum observed temperature.... = t,
Maximum observed temperature.... = t4
Maximum observed wind pressure. . = v units per unit area
normal to direction of
wind.
I. CATENARY COVERING CONDITIONS AT MINIMUM TEMPER-
ATURE;CABLE UNDER ICE LOADING AND WIND PRESSURE
NOTE: All concepts characteristic of conditions specified in the head-
ing of this section will appear with the subscript 1.
The maximum stress acts on the cable at the point of support,
when the temperature is a minimum, and when at the same
time the cable carries its maximum ice and wind load. From
equation (12) this maximum stress is
max T, = w1 cl cosh x (31)
Cl
The magnitude max T1 in equation (31) is given in the speci-

fications and the equation could be solved for any argument
x . cl if w, were known. The magnitude of wl, is determined
as follows:
Due to a change in temperature from t to t1, w changes accord-
ing to equations (21) and (23) to
W
W = [ttl (32)
At the same time the cross-sectional area A changes according

to equation (22) to
A' A (1- a[t- tl])2 (33)
Now let it be assumed that the cable receives its ice loading
and is strung under a wind pressure v so that the tension at the
point of support is maxT1. On account of this tension the weight
per unit length again changes according to equations (27) and

(29) to
,,_ w (34)
W av.T(
1 EA
where
av. T, = average tension along span corresponding to max T,
at point of support.
In order to simplify computations for w" the ratio max T1 . EA'
will be substituted for the ratio av. T1 . EA1 in equation (34).
max T1 and A' are both slightly greater than av. T1 and A 1, respec-
tively, however, their ratios are practically identical. In the
case of very long spans this approximation would slightly in-
crease the factor of safety for cable stress, which is a desirable
feature. Equation (34) is changed to
1+ max T,
EA'
(35)
From equations (28) and (29)
w"l A'
A '' A = (36)
Let the thickness of the layer of ice be a all around the cable,
then the volume of ice per unit length of cable is
7r (2 [A + 2a)-A = ra (a + 2[±!+
and the weight of ice per unit length of cable is
i= ra (a + 2 [Ali (37)
where
u = weight per unit volume of ice.
The maximum force exerted by the wind on unit length of
cable with ice envelope is
p= 2v (a + [ +]') (38)
With a given wind velocity the wind pressure acting on a

cylindrical body of unit length is here assumed to be the same
as the wind pressure acting on a rectangular plane of unit
length and of width equal to the diameter of the cylindrical
body, provided that the inclination to the direction of the wind
of the axis of the cylinder is the same as that of the plane of
the rectangular surface. The result of the slight error in this
assumption is an increase in the factor of safety for cable stress.
The resultant, equivalent weight per unit length of catenary
in an inclined plane is, according to equation (30)
Wl = [(W" + i)2 + P2]L (39)
where, from equations (32), (33) and (35),
wE
(1-a (1 t1]) T
- a [t -
FA
EA [t- tl])2 + max (0
(40)
and from equations (33), (35), (36) and (37),
= u ira [a + 2A (1- a [t- t1])2
ir[EA
(1-
E
(41)
(r[E A (l- a[t- tl])2 + max T1]

and similarly:
p = 2v [a + A (1- a[t- tl])2
( r[E A (1-ca[t- tl])2 + max Tj])] (42)
The actual average cross-sectional area of the cable, not in-

cluding ice covering, is from equations (33), (35) and (36),
A, = EA 2(1 - a [t - tl])4 (3
EA (1- a [t - t1 ])2+ maxT(
Equation (31) can now be solved for any argument x . cl

since max T1 and w, are given in terms of themanufacturer's
specification and in terms of the minimum temperature and
maximum wind pressure.
Equations (41) and (42) seem rather elaborate in view of the

arbitrary assumption of the thickness of the ice envelope, but
for the sake of accurate comparisons between the characteris-
tics of cables of different size or material, exactly the same as-
sumptions, however arbitrary they may be, should hold for all
cables to be compared. So, if it is not a question as to what
kind of a cable to use for certain span requirements, the ap-
plication of approximations which greatly simplify equations
(41) and (42) is justified. The substitution of A for A 1 in these
two equations would yield a permissible approximation in the
form of the simplest expressions for i and p.
From equation (8)
sl cl sinh x (44)
Cl
and from equation (11)
y= cl (cosh Cl- - ) (45)
Equations (31), (44) and (45) completely describe the catenary

for minimum temperature with wind and ice loading.
II. CATENARIES COVERING CONDITIONS FROM MINIMUM TEMP-
ERATURE TO THE FREEZING POINT; CABLE UNDER ICE
LOADING AND WIND PRESSURE
NOTE: All concepts characteristic of the range of conditions speci-
fied in the heading of this section will appear with the subscript 2.
It is assumed that the total weight of the suspended cable
remains constant as the temperature increases from t, to the
freezing point t2. At the freezing point it is assumed that no
wind is blowing, that, however, on account of the calmness of
the atmosphere a greater accumulation of snow on the cable is
possible, resulting in the same total weight of the cable. At
the freezing point, then, the catenary lies in a vertical plane.
Let the temperature change from ti to t2 without a change in
tension and wi, then, according to equation (21), s1 changes to
Si' = S1 (1 + a[t2- tl]) (46)
and, according to equation (22),
A1' = A1 (1 + a [t2- tl])2 (47)
On account of the change in temperature the average tension
at temperature ti (av. T1) changes to the average tension at temp-
eraturet2 (av. T2), and according to equation (27) the length sl'
changes to
s2 Si' (i _ av. T, ± av. T2) (48)
From equation (8), at temperature t2,
S2 = c2 sinh C2x (49)
and the average tension, according to equation (19) is

x
av. T2= [
2 Lcosh
- + C2 1J (50)
sinh
C2
At temperature ti the average tension was

x
av. T,= [cosh + C (51)

sinh- I
Cl
Although the tension has changed from av. T1 to av. T2, the vol-
ume of the cable remains constant, or,
All= s2A2
Hence,
A = si' A1' (52)
S2
From the assumption that the total weight of the suspended

cable remains constant,
S1 WI - S2 W2
Hence, W _S1W
S2
(53)
Substituting equations (46), (47), (49), (50), (51), (52) and (53)
into (48),
C2 sinh C2
=
sdl±la[t2-tI)(+ 22EEIA cosh-+lsih

A1 (1+x[t2-tl])2 cosh shx
+ X
Cl
x
W=CE
l X C+
+2EAI(1+a[t2t])3 csh-
C2+ sinh x
C2
x
x
=sl (1+a[t2- tl]) - 2EA1 SWiC
(1+a [t2-tl])LFcosh C
+1j
sinhX
Cl
+2EA(1+a[t2-L _ sinh-
Dividing both sides of above equation by x:
x + tl])2 -cosh- t
sinh
C2
x C1 ~~~C2
x
cosh- -
+aA1 (t+atl-ti]) nh
S
(1 -
51 W1 ___ __
Cl +
~~~Cl
Wl
Sl
Cosh.±
2E A (I+a [t2 -tl])2 x .+
sinh- _
C2 C2
(54)
By substituting for t2 in equation (54) values ranging between
t1 and the freezing point, any catenary within that range of
temperature can be computed, provided that the equivalent
weight per unit length of suspended cable remains constant.
III. CATENARIES COVERING CONDITIONS FROM MINIMUM

TEMPERATURE TO MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE; CABLE
NOT SUBJECTED TO EITHER WIND OR
ICE LOADING
NOTE: All concepts characteristic of the range of conditions speci-
fied in the heading of this section will appear with the subscript 3
for the catenary at the minimum temperature and with the subscript
4 for all other catenaries.
It is now assumed that at the minimum temperature ti the
ice and wind load is removed from the suspended cable, thereby
changing the total weight of the span from w, sl to W3 S3. Un-
der ice and wind loading the total equivalent weight of the
cable is w1 si, while the total weight of the cable alone is w" s1
which is the total mass of metal suspended between the points of
support. Since the total mass of the cable does not change,
S3 W3 = S1 W"i (55)
The average tension under ice and wind loading was
x
av. T,- 12av.

1cosh - +_
+
]
]
sinh
Cl
but has now changed to
x
av. T3 = C3 3 cosh - + X (56)
L ~sinh-
C3
The change in tension produces a change in length of cable

from si to S3. Expressing this change in length as per equation
(27):
S3S1 1 av. T1 + av. T3) (57)
From equation(8),
S3-C3 sinh x (58)
C3
Although the cable changes its length, its volume remains

constant, or,
s1Aj 3 s8As (59)
Substituting from equations (51), (55), (56), (58) and (59)

into (57) and dividing both sides of the equation by x, gives:
sinh - C3 _ S_ Sl Wl
cosh
±
c
x x 2EA1 x . x
C3 Cl Cl
[cosh- ] (
+2 E A x
_ -
. -
~sinh x
_
C3 C3
(60)
Equation (60) describes the characteristics of the catenary at
minimum temperature without either wind or ice loading. All
other catenaries for higher temperatures may be found by the
use of equation (54) which is also based on the assumption that
the total weight of the suspended cable is constant irrespective
of changes in temperature and tension. Substituting for si, w1,
A1 and c2 in equation(54) the values S3, w3, A-3 and C4, respectively,
which are found by the solution of equation (60), equation (54)
changes to
x
sinh
C4 =
x
C4
x
s3 w3 F cosh C3 i
S3 (1+a [t4-tl]) 2 E A3 (1-+-a [t4-ti]) X sinh-2
C3 C3
-cosh-
+
s3 w3
2EEA3(1+ a [t4-tiD)L_
C4 +,-
+sinhx
C4 C4
(61)
According to the reasoning outlined by equations (52) and (53),
W3 W_tw
A3 A1
which, if substituted into equation (61) simplifies this equation

to the form
x
sinh.
C4
x
C4
cosh1 1
s3 (1+a [t4-tl]) 2E A, (1+a [t4-tl]) X sinhL j

C3 C3
53 Wif C4s-
+2 E A 1(1+a [t4-t1])2 x sinh x
C4 ~~C4
(62)
The concept t4 covers the range from the minimum to the
maximum temperature.
In the design of a practical span the engineer must guarantee,
first, that the suspended cable will not break under the influence
of the most severe weather conditions recorded in the locality
where the span is to be installed and, secondly, that the clearance
of the cable from the ground or from a given reference plane
will never be less than a given, permissible magnitude; provided
that the extremes of the climate recorded for the past of the
locality in question are not exceeded in the future.
The first mentioned requirement is met by the use of equation
(31), if for max.T, the maximum safe stress on the cable is
substituted and proper allowances are made in the determina-
tion of w, for ice loading and wind pressure. The guarantee
for proper clearance from the ground or from a given reference
plane is based upon the knowledge of the maximum deflection
of the suspended cable for a given range of climate from ex-
treme winter weather at minimum temperature to the maximum
summer heat.
It is evident that the minimum deflection occurs at minimum
temperature when the cable is free from ice load and wind pres-
sure. Supposing the cable receives at this temperature a coating
of ice being at the same time subjected to wind pressure, which
is equivalent to an increase of the gravitational forces acting
on the span, equilibrium of forces is re-established by an in-

crease in tension on the cable and its consequent elongation
[see equation (27)]. Since the distance between the points of
support is constant, an increase in length of the cable suspended
from these points means an increase in its deflection. Let the
temperature increase toward the freezing point. An increase
in temperature is accompanied by an increase in length of the
cable. Although this increase in length is partly offset by a
decrease in tension, as demonstrated in the derivation of equa-
tion (54), an increase in length does result from an increase in
temperature for all materials used in practical transmission
spans, and in consequence the deflection of the cable must in-
crease also; provided that the ice coating and wind pressure do
not diminish. Since the ice loading cannot exist above the
freezing point, the deflection will naturally reach a maximum
at the freezing point.
As soon as the temperature rises above the freezing point,
the ice load and a large portion of the wind load vanish, resulting
in a decrease in the deflection. If the temperature increases to
its maximum, the deflection will also increase to a maximum
which may either be smaller or greater than the deflection at
the freezing point, depending upon the relative magnitude of
the maximum temperature and the magnitude of the ice and
wind loading which existed at the freezing point. With the
help of equation (54) the maximum deflection of a given cable
for any length of span may be accurately computed for condi-
tions of ice and wind loading at the freezing point. Equations
(60) and (62), solved in sequence, will yield the deflection at
the maximum temperature. The one of the two catenaries thus
found, which gives the greatest deflection will hereafter be
called the critical catenary. In warm climates the critical caten-
ary will tend to exist at the maximum temperature, whereas in
cold climates the critical catenary is likely to be found at the
freezing point. The diameter of the cable is also a factor in
the determination of the critical catenary. The smaller the
diameter, the greater is the ice load in comparison to the weight
of the cable itself, so that at the same locality the critical caten-
ary may occur at the maximum temperature for a large cable,
whereas for a smaller cable it might occur at the freezing point.
It is at all times advisable to calculate the catenaries for both
the maximum temperature and the freezing point in order to
be sure of accurate results.
At first sight equations (54), (60) and (62) will appear rather
cumbersome and difficult to operate. If, however, equation
(54) is written
sinh - cosh- 1 1
F1GI +0L~
F, H, c + x
x x insinh
C2 C2 C2
0.00" I A
0.0 0
CHART II
where F1, C1 and Hi are constants! the simplicity of the solution

of the equation for the argument x *.c2 is apparent.
Equations (54), (60) and (62) are easily and rapidly solved by
the use of the curves of Chart II. The curve indexed
[ (sinh2xi) .]
t11
gives values of the magnitude
[(sinh-) . -] 1
for arguments x + c ranging from 0 to 0.25. The curve indexed
-cosh-x
x
0.0s- +sn]nh
c c
represents magnitudes of
x
Hx[- + sinh ]
c c
for the same range of the argument, if H 0.0001. Corres-

ponding curves for values of H ranging from 0 to 0.0002 are
indexed 0.00001, 0.00002,... 0.00019, 0.0002. A straight line
perpendicular to the x . c axis is divided into equal lengths by
these curves indexed in arithmetic progression and in conse-
quence direct interpolation can be effected along such lines
perpendicular to the x . c axis.
For all positive arguments the ratio of the hyperbolic sine to
the argument is always greater than unity. By subtracting
unity from this ratio, the two sets of curves of Chart II are
located nearer the x . c axis. The equation is again balanced
by subtracting unity from the constants. Hence, for conven-
ience equation (54) is changed in form to
x ~~~~~~~x
sinhx -cosh-
c2 _ 1 = F - G, + Hi X x + r -
sinh
C2 C2 C2
Supposing, F1 - 1.002821; G1 = 0.000 525; and H1 = 0.0000315,

then
F1- G1- 1 = 0.002296.
The magnitude
x
[cosh
HI1 X
xC2
c2 +
. x
C2 C2
-cosh
0.0000315 +
[C -h sinh -
C2 C2
is given by a curve interpolated between curves indexed 0.00003

and 0.00004 for any argument x c2 between the limits 0 and
0.25. The value 0.002296 added to an ordinate of this curve
must be, according to the above equation, an ordinate of curve
[sinh )+1
[( C2 ) C2]
Hence, the correct argument x . c2 which gives the same length
of ordinate for the curves
[(sinh-x) . ]-
and
cosh-
0.002296 + 0.0000315 [ch +
sinh -
X 1 can be found by
C2 C2
marking the length 0.002296 on the straight edge of a sheet of

paper and by moving the point marked on the sheet along the
curve 0.0000315, keeping the straight edge perpendicular to the
x . c axis, until the other point touches the curve
(sinh
[( c )+
) c] -1
The straight edge in this position indicates on the x * c axis
the value 0.1294, which, if substituted for x . c2 in above equa.
tion will satisfy this equation.
The curves of Chart II have been drawn with great care from
hyperbolic functions computed accurate to the twelfth decimal
place. With a little practise in interpolation the argument of
equations (54), (60) and (62) can be determined accurately to
the fourth decimal place. Values of
0.0001 [cosh-j
-
i]+
sinh -
c c
with a given argument can be read directly to the sixth decimal

place from the curve bearing this index.
OUTLINE FOR SYSTEMATIC DETERMINATION OF THE CRITICAL
CATENARY
First Step. Determination of the catenary at the freezing
point with ice and wind loading, using equation (54) changed
for convenience to
sinh -cosh~~~~~~~x
x
C2
x
Fi-G, + Hi X _ X
sinh-
C2 C2 C2 (63)
where
F1, ±x (1 + a[t2- tl])

x
s1 W1
Ecosh-
Cl i
GI=2 E Al (1+a [t2t-])
t x sinh x
Cl Cl
Si WI
2 E A1 (1+a [t2 -tl])2
For any argument x . cl,
C1-
max. T1 * X--Xc1;
x
s1= clsinh
x
X Cl Cl
w1 cosh-Cl
For w, see equation (39); for A1 see equation (43).
The hyperbolic coefficient of G1 for the argument x . c1 is

the direct reading from the curve of Chart II indexed
0.0001 [c ± + 1 divided by 0.0001.

x ],
- sinh
c c
After the constants F1, G1 and H1 are computed, the argument

x + c2 which satisfies equation (63) is read from Chart II.
With the knowledge of x + C2,
C2 = -; Y2 = C2(cosh
x x
1); s2 =C2 sinh-x
~~~~~~~~~x
C2
W2 _ 1max. T2=c2 w2cosh-x

,
S2 C2
Second Step. Determination of the catenary at minimum

temperature without ice and wind loading, using equation (60)
changed for convenience to
sinh
C3 1F2-G2 + HF- cosh±C3
I + ] -1 (64)
Ca
L
Cl
-
sinh2-]
C3
where
Si
F2 =
x
[cosh-cl+
02G_sl
=
wl
2EA1 Cl +
x
1
sihx
L sinh-
Cl C1
Wj
H,- 2SIEA,
For w" see equation (40), other terms are the same as in equation
(63).
With the knowledge of x C 3,
C3 =-; Y3 = C3 cosh 1); h

C3
slw" x
.W3- 1S3 ;max. T3=C3 W3coshx.
C3
Third Step. Determination of the catenary at maximum

temperature, using equation (62) changed for convenience to
sinh cosh-
C4 1 F3-G3+ H3 C4 + (65)
C4
L
C4
~sinh C4 I
where
F3 = -(1 + a[t4 - tl])

x
_Wfl _C
2 E A1 (1+a [t4- X sinh

C3 C3
S3 Wff
2 E A,1 (1+a [t4-t1])2
With the knowledge of x C4,
x ( X x
C4 X; y4= C4 cosh _-1); S4C4 sinh
C4
~~~~~x
; max. T4sl= c4w4cosh
w
w4 = S4 C4
The critical catenary is either
Y2 =c2 (cosh -i1)or Y4 = C4 cosh
whichever equation yields the greatest deflection for a given

tower spacing. The determination of the tower spacing and of
the corresponding height of tower must be based on the maximum
deflection of the critical catenary.
The catenary for any other temperature 14' somewhere within
the range of from tl to t4 can be computed by substituting 14'
for t4 in equation (65). Since this equation is based on the
assumption that the cable is free from ice or wind load, the
resulting catenaries including those for temperatures below the
freezing point, describe the span in calm weather, without sleet
deposits on the cable at the low temperatures. Such weather
conditions usually prevail at the time of span construction.
Hence, a cable strung at any temperature 14' in calm weather,
so that its axis forms a catenary obtained by the use of equation
(65) for the temperature 14', would under the most severe
weather conditions be subjected to not more nor less than the
maximum safe stress. The constructing engineer should have
a means of quickly determining the required stringing tension
for a given tower spacing and temperature, so that he may
guarantee that his span is safe under the most severe weather
conditions and that the margin of safety is not too great for
economical span construction.
In order to furnish the constructing engineer this necessary
information, catenaries for the temperatures t4l , , t4" and t4
are computed with the use of equation (65) for a number of
arguments x CC4. The four curves obtained in terms of
max T and 2x for the range of tower spacing covered by the
range of the argument are plotted on a chart and all other curves
corresponding to intermediate temperatures are interpolated.
A chart of this kind, from which the engineer can directly read
the required stringing tension for any length of span and any
stringing temperature will hereafter be called a temperature-
tension stringing chart.
The use of Chart II and- of the formulas derived will now be
demonstrated in the solution of the following problem:
Problem 3. It is required to draw the temperature-tenslon
stringing chart for a 500,000 cir. mil hard-drawn copper cable.
If the cable is suspended from 50-ft. towers so that the mini-

mum clearance of the cable from the ground is 30 ft., what is the
maximum permissible tower spacing?
Extreme climatic conditions:
Minimum temperature =- 10 deg. fahr.
Maximum temperature = + 100 deg. fahr.
Maximum ice loading = '-inch (12.7 mm.) layer enveloping
cable.
Maximum wind pressure = 10 lb. per square ft. area normal
to direction of wind.
Specification of Cable:
Number of strands in cable = 37.
Modulus of elasticity = 16,000,000.
Ultimate tensile strength of one strand = 673 lb. (305.2 kg.).
Temperature coefficient of linear expansion 0.00000922 (fahr.
scale).
Diameter of strand = 0.1162 in.
(2.9 mm.) Measurements taken at
Diameter of cable = 0.8134 in. 75 deg. fahr. with cable
(20.6 mm.) free from mechanical
Weight per ft. of cable = 1.54 lb. stress.
(0.6 kg.)
The ultimate tensile strength of the cable to be not more than
0.9 the combined ultimate tensile strength of its strands.
673 X 37 X 0.9 = 22,411 lb. (10,165.3 kg.)
The elastic limit to be taken at 50 per cent of the ultimate break-
ing stress.
22,411 X 0.5 = 11,206 lb. (5082.9 kg.)
The maximum tension on the cable should not exceed 75 per cent
of the tension at the elastic limit.
11,206 X 0.75 = 8400 lb. (3810.1 kg.)
Since all preceding formulas describe the characteristics of a
suspended cylindrical solid, it will be of advantage to substitute
for the stranded cable a cylindrical solid which has the same
characteristics as the actual stranded cable in regard to tempera-
ture changes, changes in tension, weight per unit length and
ice and wind load. The ice and wind load on the equivalent
cylindrical solid will be the same as the ice and wind load on the
stranded cable, if the cylindrical solid has the same diameter

as the outside diameter of the stranded cable. The inside area
of a cylindrical envelope surrounding the stranded cable is, as
well as the actual cross-sectional area of metal of the cable,
directly proportional to the square of the diameter of the strand;
hence, as far as the influence of temperature is concerned, both
areas are affected in the same proportion. Similarly, the changes
in both areas due to changes in tension are proportional to the
changes in area of the strand; however, since the modulus of
elasticity is measured on the basis of the cross-sectional area
of metal, it must be changed in inverse proportion to the area
for the same strain, so that
E'X A'-E X A
where,
El = modulus of elasticity for stranded cable.
E = modulus of elasticity for equivalent cylindrical solid.
A ' = cross-sectional area of metal of stranded cable.
A = cross-sectional area of equivalent cylindrical solid.
Hence,
E' A' _ 16,000,000 X 37 X 0.11622
E = A 0.81342 = 12,082,000
Revised specification of cable, using the foot as the unit of
length'and the pound as the unit of force:
A = Cross-sectional area free from stress
r X 0.83142
144= 0.00361
4 X144
4X
W = Weight per foot length free from stress 1.54
E = Modulus of elasticity = 12,082,000 X 144 = 1,739,-
808,000
a = Coefficient of linear expansion = 0.00000922
max T = Maximum safe stress on cable = 8400
t = Temperature at which measurements of A and w
were taken = 75
Other given data:
tj = Minimum temperature =-10
t2 = Temperature at freezing point = + 32
t4 = Maximum temperature = + 100
a = Maximum thickness of ice layer enveloping cable
= 0.04167
u Weight per cubic foot of ice = 57.37

v Maximum wind pressure per square foot area normal
to direction of wind = 10
For the temperature-tension stringing chart two other tem-
peratures 4 = + 30 and t4"' + 60 will be used in connection
with equation (65).
From equation (40)
,, 1.54 X 1,739,808,000 X0.00361 (1 - 0.00000922 [75 + 10])
1,739,808,000 X0.00361 (1 - 0.00000922 [75+10])2 + 8400
= 1.5391
From equation (41)
i = 57.37 X 3.1416 X 0.04167 [0.04167
+ 2 X 0.00361 (1 - 0.00000922 [75 + 10])2
1,739,808,000 \
3.1416 (1739808000 X0.00361(1-0.00000922[75 +10])2+8400])]
= 0.8212
From equation (42)
p = 2 X 10[0.04167 + 0.00361(1 - 0.00000922[75 + 10])2
( 1,739,808,000 i
3.1416[1739808-000 X 0.00361 (l -0.00000922[75 + 10])2 +8400]
= 1.5100
From equation (39)

w, [(1.5391 + 0.8212)2 + 1.512]Ji = 2.802
=
From equation (43)

A 1,739,808,000 X 0.003612 (1 - 0.00000922 [75 + 10])4
A1 - 1,739,808,000 X0.00361 (1 - 0.00000922 [75+ 10])2 + 8400
0.003598
In the following five tables the computations necessary for
the solution of the problem are carried out systematically.
Tables , II and III determine the critical catenary and Tables
II, III, IV and V give the data necessary for the temperature-
tension stringing chart. The columns of figures are indexed
successively from 1 to 44. In the space below the index of a
column is given the relation of the values in that column to the
alues computed in preceding columns. For instance, in column
772 'KIRSTEN: TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN
of Table III indexed 31 are given values obtained by multi-

plying the values given in column of Table II indexed 24 by the
constant 12,281 X 10-1'. The second space below the indices
indicates the significance of the values in the column with
respect to the working equation at the top of the table.
A comparison of the deflectibns Y2 and y4 given in column 15
of Table I and column 39 of Table III shows that the critical
catenary is the catenary formed by the cable at the maximum
temperature + 100 deg. fahr. The difference between the de-
flection of the cable at the freezing point under maximum ice
loading and the deflection at the maximum temperature is,
- __1 __ -
_ --100F-
_ ---1F A
60---
--
_-
0 - ------lo
CL ___i7>1.
a- S oo 6 -- _, _i iI 30-
0 case.
t500 -o
0 - cb i 30)t
abscissa correso
t- n 20y
=
aI. 4EPRTR-ESO TIGN HR 0,0 I.ML
c400v 100 d .a
maximum i i
400
700 500
800 600
900 1200
delcintertclctnaydtrie
2x-TOWER SPACING IN FEET
1000
th.eflthowerpcig
1100
FIG. 3-TEmPERATURE-TENSION STRINGING CHART 500,000 CIR. MILS

HARD-DRAWN COPPER CABLE
Maximum tension to be not more nor less than S400 lb. at 10 deg. fahr. under wind load
of 10 lb. per sq. ft. and ice load of one-half inch layer enveloping cable.
however, very small which shows the necessity of performing

the deflection computations for both weather conditions in
every case.
With a given height of tower and a given maximum cable
deflection the critical catenary determines the tower spacing.
Th-e height of towers given in this ~problem is 50 ft', and since
the deflection of the cable is not to exceed 20 ft. (50 - 30), the
tower spacing is found directly from the curves of Fig. 3. .The
abscissa corresponding to the ordinate y = 20 of the deflection
curve + 100 deg. fahr. (critical catenary) is 665. Hence the
maximumn permissible tower spacing is 665 ft. (202.6 in.)
TABLE I. CATENARY AT FREEZING POINT.
Working Formula. [See equation (63)]
x x
sinh-- H cosh - 1
C2 C2 C
_1 = Fl - G + Hi X _ + _ -
x x x
_sinh-_
C2 C2 C2
Si Si
Fl =- X (1 + 0.00000922 [32 + 10]) =- X 1.0003872
x x
x
-ccsh --
2.802 cl 1
Gi =Si X - +
2 X 1,739,808,000 XO.003598 X 1.0003872 x x
L - sinh - _
C1 C1
x
-cosh -
Ci 1
si X 0.00000022373 +osh-
x x
[_ - sinh
Ci C1
2.802
Hi = Si X - = Si X 0.000000223641
2 X1,739,808,000 XO.003598 X1.00038722
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
2997.86 (2) X (4) (5) X (4) X (1) &

(I) X (2) sinh (1) - 1.000387 22,373 X10-11 Ch't
cosh (1) (3) II
0.06 299 2.47 179. 548 179.656 1.000599 1.000986 0.00004019 33. 36
III)~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __ .8
0.08 2988. 29 239. 063 239. 318 1.001068 1.001456 0.00005354 25. 03
0. 10 2982.94 298. 294 298.791 1.001667 1.002055 0.00006685 20.03
0. 12 2976. 40 357. 168 358.026 1.002402 1.002790 0.00008010 16. 71
.014 2968.72 415.621 416.980 1.003270 1.003658 0.00009329 14.33
0. 16 2959.89 473. 582 475.605 1.004272 1.004661 0.00010641 12. 55
0. 18 2949.94 530.989 533.861 1.005409 1.005798 0.00011944 11. 17
0.20 2938.89 587. 778 591.704 1.006680 1.007069 0.00013238 10.07
(9) (10) (1 1) (12) (13) (14) (15)
(7) X (8) (6)- (9)- 1 ( lo(1), (II) (3) - 1 + (1 3) X

1.0003872 & Ch't II _ cosh (12) (14)
0.001341 0.000355 0.0000402 0.0696 2579.71 0.00242 6.24

+ 06 2 .000116 0.0000535 0.0889 26891. 12 0.00390 10. 62
0.001339 + 0.000716 0.0000668 0.01082 2756.88 0.00586 16.217
0.001338
0.001337
0.001335
+
+
+
0.001452 0.0000801
..580.0000933
0.002321
0.003326 45 64 0.21468 2801.032
0.01276
0.01662 2831.21
2849.46
0.00814
0.01080
0.01384
22.80
30. 57
39.143
0.001334
0.001333
+
+
0.004464
0.005736
0.0001194
0.0001323
0.1857
0.2053
2859840
2863.02
0.001729
0.02115
491.143
60.55
TABLE II CATENARY AT TEMPERATURE -10 DEG. FAHR.
Working Formula. [See equsation (64)]
x x
sinh - cosh -
C3 C3 1
---
x
--1 =F2-G2 +H2 x
x
+ x
x
-i 1
sinh
C3 C3 C3
Si
F2 = - = given in col. (5), Table I.
x x
G2 =
SI 2.802
2 X 1,739,808 000 X0.003598
L_
Ci__
cosh -
x
+ 1
sinh
x
Ci C1
= si X 0.00000022381 X value given in col. 8, Table I.
1.5391
H2 = SI X = s5 X 0.00000012294
2 X1,739,808,000 XO.003598
(16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21)
(4) X (4) X (18), (19) (3)

22,381 X 10-il (8) X (16) (5) -(17) -1 12,294 X 10-11 & Ch't II
(20)
0 t
0.00004021 0.001341 -0.000742 0.0000221 0.0424 4234.62

0.00005356 0.001340 -0.000272 0.0000294 0.0628 3806.74
0.00006687 0.001339 +0.000328 0.0000367 0.0846 3525.93
0.00008013 0.001338 +0.001064 0.0000440 0.1066 3350.54
0.00009332 0.001337 +0.001938 0.0000513 0.1282 3241.98
0.00010644 0.001336 +0.002936 0.0000585 0.1494 3169.89
0.00011948 0.001335 +0.004074 0.0000656 0.1704 3116.13
0.00013242 0.001334 +0.005346 0.0000728 0.1913 3072.54
(22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28)
(21) X (4) (25) X (21) X (26) X

cosh (20) (21) X (22) sinh (20) 1.5391 cosh (20) (27)
-1 (24)
0 U
CdCs
0.00090 3.81 179.590 1.00037 1.5397 4238.43 6525.91

0.00197 7.50 239.216 1.00043 1.5398 3813.97 5872.75
0.00358 12.62 298.646 1.00049 1.5399 3538.55 5448.01
0.00568 19.03 357.838 1.00055 1.5399 3369.57 5188.80
0.00823 26.68 416.757 1.00061 1.5400 3268.66 5033.74
0.01118 35.44 475.325 1.00059 1.5400 3205.33 4936.21
0.01455 45.24 533.575 1.00057 1.5400 3161.47 4868.66
0.01836 56.42 591.372 1.00056 1.5399 3128.95 4818.27
TABLE III. CATENARY TEMPERATURE + 100 DEG. FAHR.
x x
sinh- cosh
C4 C4 1
1 =F3-G$+H3 + _- -1
x
-
_
~~~~x
-
xl
sinh-J
C4 C4 (4
F3 = s3/x X (1 + 0.00000922 [100 + 10]) S3 X 1.001014
x
cosh
1.5391 C 1
G3 = s3 X +
2 X1,739,808,000 XO.003598 X 1.001014 x x
L sinh-_
X C3 C3
cosh- 1
= 53 X 0.00000012281+
x x
_ sinh -_.
c3 c
1.5391
H3 = S3 X = Ss X 0.00000012268
2 X 1,739,808,000 XO.003598 X 1.0010142
(29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34) (35)
(24) (29) X (24) X (20) & (31) X (30) - (33) (24) X

1.001014 12,281 X)10-11 Ch't II (32) - 1 12,268
(3) X 10-11
+ +
wlx~~~ 1l1
~~~ 82 u u
1.000234 1.001248 0.00002206 47.16 0.001040 +0.000208 0.0000220

1.000640 1.001655 0.00002938 31.83 0.000935 +0.000720 0.0000294
1.001180 1.002195 0.00003668 23.67 0.000868 +0.001327 0.0000366
1.0018.76 1.002892 0.00004395 18.80 0.000826 +0.002066 0.0000439
1.002735 1.003750 0.00005118 15.65 0.000801 +0.002949 0.0000511
1.003680 1.004698 0.00005838 13.43 0.000784 +0.003914 0.0000583
1.004870 1.005889 0.000006553 11.80 0.000773 +0.005116 0.0000655
1.006114 1.007134 0.00007263 10.52 0.000764 +0.006370 0.0000726
(36) (37) (38) (39) (40) (41) (42) (43) (44)
(34), (3) cosh (36) (37) X (37) X (4) (41) X (37) + (42) X
(35) & (- 1 (38) sinh (36) - 1.5391 (39) (43)
Ch't II (36) (40)
f I : n *l Il
.0
0~~~~~~.
u
Z~~~~~~~~~~~~~I
14 I 1
0.0710 2528.83 0.00252 6.37 179.690 0.99981 1.5388 2535.22 3901

0.0905 2 ;41.58 0.00410 10.83 239.380 0.99974 1.5387 2652.41 4081
0.1095 2724.15 0.00600 16.34 298.894 0.99969 1.5386 2740.49 4216
0.1285 2779.52 0.00826 22.96 358.141 0.99966 1.5386 2802.48 4312
0.1475 2817.77 0.01089 30.69 417.143 0.99964 1.5385 2848.46 4382
0.1665 2844.34 0.01389 39.50 475.773 0.99963 1.5385 2883.84 4437
0.1865 2847.13 0.01744 49.65 534.065 0.99961 1.5385 2896.78 4457
0.2060 2853.30 0.02129 60.74 591.946 0.99960 1.5385 2914.04 4483
TABLE IV. CATENARY AT TEMPERATURE + 30 DEG. FAHR.
Working Formula. [See equMtion (65)]
x x
sinh-
C4t
[ cosh -'
C4t
- = F3'-G3' + H3' _ +
x x x
_ sinh -j
C4 C4 C4'
Fs' = s3 X (1 + 0.00000922 [30 + 10]) = S3 X 1.0003688
x
cosh -
1.5391 c3 1
G3' = S3 X +
2 X 1,739,808,000 X 0.003598 X 1.0003688 x x
L - sinh -
C3 C3
= S3 X 0.00000012289 X value given in col. 32, Table III
1.5391
H3' = S3 X = S3 X 1.00000012285
2 X 1 ,739 808,000 XO.003598 X 1.00036882
(30) ' (31) ' (33) ' (34) ' (35) ' (36)
(29) X (24) X (30) ' (24) X (34),' (35)

1.0003688 12,289 X 10o-1 (31) ' X (32) - (33) '-1 12,285 X 10-1" & Ch't II
+ H_
1.000603- 0.00002207 0.001041 -0.000438 0.0000221 0.0510

1.001009 0.00002939 0.000936 +0.000073 0.0000294 0.0727
1.001549 0.00003670 0.000869 +0.000680 0.0000367 0.0936
1.002245 0.00004397 0.000827 +0.001418 0.0000440 0.1145
1.003105 0.00005121 0.000802 +0.002303 0.0000512 0.1354
1.004090 0.00005841 0.000785 +0.003265 0.0000584 0.1561
1.005241 0.00006557 0.000774 +0.004467 0.0000655 0.1766
1.006485 0.00007267 0.000765 +0.005720 0.0000727 0. 1968
(37) ' (38)' (39)' (40)' (41)' (42)' (43)' (44)'
(3) cosh (36) ' (37)' X (37)' X (4) (41) ' X (37) ' (42)' X
(36) ' -1 (38) ' sinh (36) ' (40)_ ' 1.5391 + (39) '- (43) '
.0
0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
. . _ _ _ 1 _
3520.55 0.00130 4.58 179.618 1.00021 1.5394 3525.1 5427

3288.35 0.00264 8.68 239.268 1.00021 1.5394 3297.0 5074
3186.90 0.00438 13.95 298.730 1.00021 1.5394 3200.9 4927
3119.37 0.00657 20.49 357.948 1.00022 1.5394 3139.9 4833
3069.58 0.00918 28.18 416.880 1.00024 1.5395 3097.8 4768
3033.84 0.01221 37.05 475.494 1.00023 1.5395 3070.9 4727
3006.73 0.01564 47.03 533.755 1.00020 .1.5394 3053.8 4701
2986.67 0.01943 58.04 591.600 1.00018 1.5393 3044.7 4687
TABLE V. CATENARY AT TEMPERATURE + 60 DEG. FAHR.
x x
sinh - cosh ---
C4ti C4F
( 1
x
WItt
- 1 =
F13'-G3' H3"
+11 .L_ -
x
C4f1
+ -
siluhC4f1
_
1
F3" = s3 X (1 + 0.00000922[60 + 101) S3 X 1.0006454

x
cosh1
G3" =S3 X 1.53:91
--+ C[3 1
_
2 X 1,739,808,000 X 0.003598 X 1.0006454 x x
_L - sinh
C3 c3
= S3 X 0.00000012286 X value given in col. 32, Table III
1.5391
H3" = X = S3 X 1.00000012281
2 X 1.739,808,000 X 0.003598 X 1.00064542
(30) " (31)" (33)" (34)" (35)" (36)
(29) X (24) X (30) "- (33)" (24) X (34)",

1.0006454 12,286 X 10-11 (31) " X (32) - 1 12,281 X 10-11 (35) "
& Ch't II
1.000880 0).00002206) O. 001040 -0. 000160 0. 0000221 0. 0595

1.001286 ~ I
0.00002938 .0_
O0.000935 4-0 .000351 0. 000)0294 O. 0800
1.001826 0. 00003669 0. 000869 +0. 000)957 0. 0000)367 O. 1005
1. 002.)23 0.00004397 0. 000827 +0 .0O1696 ().0000440 0. 1205
1 .003382 O0.000051 20 0). 000802 +0 .0(02580 0. 000051-2 0. 1405
1.004328 0. 00005840 0. 000)785 +0 .003543: O0.0000584 0.1] 605
1. 0055719 0. 00006556 0. 000774 +().004745 O0.0000655 O. 1805
1.006718 0.0OOOQ7266 0. 000765 +0. 005)953 0. 0000726 0. 2000
(.37)" (38)" (39)/ (40)" (4 1)" (42) " (43)" (44)"
() cosh (36) " 37 (37) " X (4 (4 1) " X (3 7) " (42)" X

(36)" -1 (38) " sinh (36j" (40"' 1.5391 + (39)" (43)"
3017. 61 0. 00177 5. 34 179. 668 0. 99993 1. 5390 3023.0 4652

2988. 30 C0.00320 9 .56 239.9333 0. 99994 1 .5390 2997. 9 461-4
2968. 10 O. 00505 14.99 298.799 0.99997 l1.5390 2983.1 4591
2964 05 0. 00727 2 1 .55 358g. 028 0. 99998 1 .539 1 2985. 6 4595
2958.16 0.00989 29.26 417.012 -0.099998 1.5391 297.4 4598
2951.067 0.
01291 38.09 475.618 0.99998 1.5391 2948.8 4600
2941.77 0.01633 48.04 533.872 ±0.099999 1.5391 2989 8 4602
2938.89 0.02007 56.98 591.716 0.99999 1.5391 29907.9 4614
The temperature-tension stringing chart (Fig. 3) is plotted

from the values given in columns 28 Table II, 44 Table III,
44' Table IV and 44" Table V. The dotted curves for inter-
mediate temperatures have been interpolated. The deflection
curves for the temperatures - 10 deg., + 30 deg., + 60 deg.
and + 100 deg. have also been drawn on the same chart so as
to give an effective check on the work of stringing.
Supposing the cable is to be suspended at a temperature of
+ 50 deg. fahr. from towers spaced 500 ft. (152.4 m.) apart,
then, according to the chart, the tension at the point of support
must be 4750 lb. (2154.5 kg.) with a corresponding deflection
of 10.2 ft. (3.1 m.) If the same cable at the same temperature
were to be strung between towers spaced 1000 ft. (304.8 m.)
apart, the tension would have to be 4650 lb. (2109.2 kg.) with a
corresponding cable deflection of 42.5 ft. (12.9 m.).
The computations for the Tables I to V consisting of 44 mathe-
matical operations for each argument are all derived from the
values given in the first columns of Table I, and a slight error
made in those columns might be accumulative during each
succeeding step leading to appreciable errors in the last compu-
tations. It is of importance, therefore, to begin the work with
great precision using hyperbolic functions of the arguments in
column 1 computed accurately to -the eighth decimal. Below
is given a table of natural hyperbolic functions of arguments
which cover the range of ordinary span designs.
x x
- sinh - cosh
c c c
0.04 0.0400106675 1.0008001061

0.06 0.0600360065 1.0018005401
0.08 0.0800853606 1.0032017064
0.10 0.1001666750 1.0050041075
0.12 0. 1202882070 1.0072086441
0.14 0.1404577820 1.0098160171
0.16 0. 1606835410 1.0128270898
0.18 0. 1809735759 1.0162437873
0.20 0.2013360025 1.0200667556
0.22 0.2217787996 1.0242977643
0.24 0.2423106127 1.0289385057
(C) THE MOST ECONOMICAL TOWER SPACING

The most important item in the cost of a transmission line is
the cost of the supports for the line conductors. The following
investigation will disclose the physical laws which govern the
magnitude of this cost item and will evolve a method of its
accurate computation in connection with the determination of
some important mechanical features of the line.
The total cost of the line supports is directly proportional
to the cost of each support and to the number of supports used
for the entire line. For a minimum total cost, the cost of each
support must be a minimum and the number of supports for the
line must be a minimum, that is, the tower spacing must be a
maximum. As demonstrated in the preceding section the
critical catenary formed by the cable will determine the required
height of support with a given tower spacing or it will determine
the tower spacing with a given height of support, provided, the
minimum clearance between cable and ground is fixed. The
catenary equation also shows that the greater the tower spacing,
the greater will be the height of the support. Since the cost of
the support increases with the height of the support, an increase
in tower spacing increases the cost of each support and at the
same time decreases the total number of supports required for
the given line. Hence, the total cost of the supports will be
a minimum when the tower spacing is such, that if increased
by an increment, the rate of increase in cost of the support
multiplied by the number of supports is equal to the rate of
decrease of the total cost of the supports due to a decrease of
their number.
The above analysis shows that for the determination of the
minimuim total cost of the line supports it is necessary to segre-
gate the cost items which are a function of the tower spacing
only, from the cost items which are a function of the tower
spacing and of the height of the support. The total cost must
be expressed in terms of these two groups of items so that a
mathematical solution for a minimum cost may be performed.
The cost of a line support comprises the following items;
1. Cost of tower at place of erection.
2. Cost of erection of tower.
3. Cost of lease or purchase of tower site.
4. Cost of foundation installed.
5. Cost of location and inspection of line support.

6. Cost of insulators at location of tower.
7. Cost of placing insulators and cable.
Item 1. The weight of the tower is proportional to the maxi-
mum cable stress for which it is designed. For the same stress,
an increase in the height of the tower increases its weight in pro-
portion to the square of its height. Since the cost of the tower
is proportional to its weight, the magnitude of item 1 is directly
proportional to the square of the height of the tower.
Item 2. The given stress for which the tower is designed prac-
tically fixes the weight per unit length and the lengths of its
structural members. Hence, an increase in the height of the
tower increases the number of its structural members, and in
consequence the cost of erection, in direct proportion to the
square of the height of the tower.
Item 3. Since in practical tower design the ratio of the height
of the tower to the width of its base is a constant, the area of
the tower site and in consequence the cost of its lease or pur-
chase will also vary in direct proportion to the square of the
height of the tower.
Item 4. The cost of the foundation is directly proportional to
the tension for which the tower is designed and is practically
independent of the height of the tower.
Items 5, 6 and 7 are independent of the mechanical features of
the towers and are constants for given transportation rates and
market conditions of materials and labor. The magnitude of
item 6 is practically proportional to the transmission voltage
and is fixed for a given transmission voltage.
The above analysis of the different cost items is based on the
cost of a standard three-phase transmission line.
Let L = length of the transmission line.

2x = tower spacing.
h = height of tower.
ki = minimum clearance of cable to ground.
y = maximum deflection of the catenary formed by the
cable.
The number of line supports is, then
N=L2x
(66)
and the height of the support is
h = ki + y (67)
The total cost of the line supports is
M = N (h2 k2+ k3) (68)

where:
h2 k2 =sum of items 1, 2 and 3.
k3 = sum of items 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Substituting equations (66) and (67) into (68):
L
M= (k2[kl+y]2+k3)
Substituting for y in above equation its equivalent from equation

(11),
M= 2 (k2 [ki + c(cosh $ 1)1 + k3) (69)
For a minimum or maximum cost the derivative of equation

(69) with respect to x must be equal to zero:
x
x ~~x
dM _ L (2 k2 c cosh sinh k2 C2cosh-
dx 2 x X2
2 k2c sinh xC 2 k2 C2 cosh-

C
x +
_k2c2 2k2k,sinh 22k2k1ccoshx

k
+ __ ._ _ + 2k2k c
x2 X x2 x2
k2k12 k3
x2 x2
2 cx cosh - sinh - - c2 cosh2 --2 cx sinh

c c c c
+ 2 c2 cosh -
C
- C2
+ 2kixsinh
X
- +221c-k1
2k1ccosh-+
x
2 k c-k, -
But x - c X-, hence,
O c 22Yx coshxsinh -- cosh2-- 2-sinh -c

c c c c c
+ 2 cosh C--1
I- x x k3
+ 2 ck, sinh - - cosh- + 1-k,22
Simplifying:
c2 (cosh- 1) (2 sinh- - cosh + 1)
-c -cosh
+ 2+ckk ( c-sinh- -c
-
+ i)
1 k12 +
from which
ki (I sinh i - cosh 1
\c c c
c =-
(cosh - 1) (2 -sinh ± - cosh - + 1,I
k12 + k(cosh--1) (2sinh c -cosh + 1) + k12 (-sinh-- cosh- 1)2
(cosh _ 1) (2 sinh-- cosh- ± /
Simplifying:
ki[ sinh--cosh--1)
( cosh--x1)[2-sinhx (coshx_1)]
[k(cosh c-1) [2 sinh

x - (cosh c -1)] + sinh
x
(cosh -1)2 x sinh ccc
(cosh---1)] (70)
c~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-
Equation (70) yields the minimum cost if the positive sign

before the radical is used.
For -a given clearance of the cable to ground k1 and a given
hyperbolic argument, equation (70) contains only one variable,
the ratio k3 *. k2. In practical line design the possible range of
this ratio falls within the limits 500 and 1500. In the following
table are given the solutions of equation (70) for k3 +. k2 500,
k3 k2-1000 and k3 -k2 = 1500 with arguments ranging
between 0.06 and 0.20. The results are plotted in the form of
curves of Fig. 4. The dotted curves were drawn by interpolation.
ki = 30
k3 k = 00 k3 + k2 =1000 k3 + k2 =1500
- c 2x 2x c 2x
0.06 7661 919 9480 1138 11104 1332

0.08 4310 690 5330 853 6243 999
0.10 2755 551 3409 682 3979 796
0.12 1913 459 2366 568 2771 665
0.14 1403 393 1736 486 2034 570
0.16 1073 343 1329 425 1555 478
0.18 847 305 1048 377 1227 442
0.20 686 274 848 339 982 393
The most economical tower spacing is the abscissa of the

intersection point between the curve k3 + k2 corresponding to
the given transportation rates and market prices of material
and labor, and the curve of critical catenaries for the given cable
plotted in terms of 2x and c; provided that the minimum clearance
of the cable to ground is 30 ft. (9.1 m.). For any other clearance
a different set of curves has to be computed with the use of
equation (70).
The significance of the k3 + k2 curves obtained by equation
(70) will now be demonstrated by the solution of the following
problem:
Problem 4. What is the most economical tower spacing for
the cable specified in problem 3 of section B?
The cost data of a transmission line built under practically
the same as the present conditions concerning transportation

charges and prices of labor and materials are as follows:
1. Cost of tower at place of erection ........... $190.00 .
2. Cost of erection of tower .................... 30.00

3. Cost of tower site ........................... 10.00
4. Cost of foundation installed ...... 125.00.
5. Cost of location and inspection of support 13.00 ....
6. Cost of insulators at location of tower ........ 30.00

7. Cost of placing insulators and cable ..... 10.00 .
The height of the point of cable support above the tower

footing is 37 ft. (11.2 m.). The tower is designed for a tension
7000~ - 77
3000 I , t 1
2000{f: I , ii
L lLii
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
2x=TOWER SPACING
FIG. 4
of 6000 lb. (2721.5 kg.)190

per8X400
cable. ~TheHE transmission
E voltage is
2000
150,000. ---600
The transmission voltage of the line formed by the cable
specified in problem 3 is to be 110,000.
Solution. If the tower specified above were designed for a
tension of 8400 lb. (3810.1 kg.). per cable, its cost would be
150,000.000
$ 10X4°=$266.00
and the cost of the foundation,

$ 400=
$17 500
For a transmission voltage of 110,000 the cost of the insulators

will be approximately
$ 30X 1 10,000 = $22.00
150,000
The remaining cost items are-not affected by the tension and
transmission voltage.
Cost data revised for different tension and voltage:
1. Cost of tower at place of erection . $266.00
2. Cost of erection of tower .................... 30.00
3. Cost of tower site ........................... 10.00
4. Cost of foundation installed ................ .175.00
5. Cost of location and inspection of support .... 13.00
6. Cost of insulators at location of tower ......... 22.00
7. Cost of placing insulators and cable .10.00
Determination of the constants ki, k2 and k3 of equation (70).
k= should not be less than 30.
k2 = sum of items 1, 2 and 3 divided by the square of the
height of the point of support above the tower footing.
266 + 30 + 10
372
= 0.2235.
k3 = sum of items 4, 5, 6 and 7,
= 175 + 13 + 22 + 10 = 220.
Hence,
k3 220 984
-2 0.2235=98
Interpolating the curve k3 k2 = 984 on Fig. 4 and plotting
the curve of critical catenaries for the specified cable in terms
of 2x and c from column 3 of Table I and column 37 of Table
III, respectively, the two curves are found to intersect at the
point 2x = 605, c = 2730.
Hence, the most economical tower spacing for the cable and
climate specified in problem 3 is 605 ft. (184.4 m.).
It will be remembered from the analyses of the preceding
sections that the catenary at the minimum temperature under
the most severe weather conditions is expressed by
max. T . w =c1 cosh-xCl

The maximum tension max. T is proportional to the size of the

cable of a given material, whereas the weight per unit length
w1 is not directly proportional to the size of the cable since the
ice and wind load included in the term w1 does not vary in
proportion to the size of the cable. It will be found, however,
that the variation of the ratio max. T + w decreases as the
size of the cable increases, and that it will be practically neg-
ligible for large cables such as are used for long transmission
lines. The influence of temperature on the length of the span
is independent of the size of cable and the influence on the caten-
ary formed by the cable due to changes of average tension along
the span is also practically independent of the size of cable,
remembering that the catenary changes due to changes in
tension are proportional to the ratio av. T . w. Therefore, the
critical catenary is practically independent of the size of cable,
and the curve on Fig. 4 representing critical catenaries for a
copper cable in a given locality will be approximately fixed in
location for any size of cable used in long transmission lines.
Since the critical catenary is a function of the range of tem-
perature for a given locality rather than a function of the magni-
tude of the maximum or minimum temperature, and since the
extreme range of temperature does not vary greatly for different
localities in spite of the fact that the maximum or minimum
temperatures may greatly differ, the critical catenary will be
but little influenced by the location of the span. Of course,
this generalization does not embrace span designs for the tropics
and climates exclusively controlled by the trade, winds.
The most extraordinary fluctuations of transportation charges
and market prices of labor and materials do not influence the
ratio k3 . k2 to a very great extent since these factors jointly
affect all the cost items which make up the total cost of a line
support. The sensitiveness of this ratio to the influence of
changes in the size of the cable is also very small since both k2
and k3 are affected practically in the same proportion. In
comparing the magnitude of the item covering insulator cost
with the total cost of the support, it will be conceded that varia-
tions in this item also have little influence on the magnitude of
the ratio.
From the above it follows that for a given cable material the
range of variation of the most economical tower spacing is very
small, no matter what might be the size of the cable or the loca-
tion of the transmission line in climates other than tropical or
subtropical, or what might be the prices of commodities used

in the make-up of the finished support.
Supposing a conservative estimate places the range of fluctu-
ations of the ratio k3 . k2 between the limits 800 and 1t200,
Fig. 4 will disclose the interesting fact that the most "economical
tower spacing for a copper cable, ranges between the narrow
limits of 580 ft. (176.7 m.) and 630 ft. (192 m.) for a long trans-
mission line.
The above analysis in connection with the curves of Fig. 4
will validate the statement that for a copper cable the most
economical tower spacing is approximately 600 ft. (182.8 m.).

Kirsten 1917

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Kirsten 1917

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TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN

THE SPAN BETWEEN POINTS OF EQUAL ELEVATION

4. No other external forcelbesides the force of gravitation to

reference plane X-X. Thus, the point of maximum deflection

H = tension on cable at point of maximum deflection.

But if ds approaches zero as a limit, at this limit s + ds = s.

Equation (6) may be written

Substituting (4) and (5) into (3),

Letting H = wc, where c is a constant, and simplifying,

But if ds approaches zero as a limit, at this limit s + ds =s,

0 = [C2 + S2]- C (9)

Substituting (7) into (9) and simplifying,

Equations (10) or (11) are the equations of the catenary.

By substitution from equation (8),

For maximum deflection 6f entire span and maximum tension

For preliminary computations of span characteristics or for

From Maclaurin's Theorem:

=1-C + ~i-/2 T43 +;~4 .....

From the above series:

Since in practical line design the ratio x - c is less than unity,

Substituting the first two terms of (14) into (11) gives

Substituting the first two terms of (14) into (12) gives

Equation (16) is the equation of the parabola.

The catenary equation (10) in its exponential form may

The maximnum deflection of a suspended cable measured with

The tension per w units weicght of unit length of cable actihg

In the above three equations

c = length of cable upon which gravitation acts with a force

t-HALF TOWER SPA11CiG

concepts s, y and T * w to be hyperbolic functions of x and c

in consequence any straight line passing through the origin will

the parallel lines in Fig. 2 is divided into ten or a multiple of

Hence the maximum permissible pole spacing is 2 X 98.3 =

-- [C2 + S2]j + 2 log, (s + [C2 + S2])]

[C2 + S2]j+ ~~~~~(18)

and from (11),

Here it is shown again that the ratio of the average tension

c< cosh + 7 < ccosh

At this limit, then

(B). EFFECT OF CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ON THE CATENARY

Since, however, w is a function, not only of the material compo-

whereas, according to (8)

Hence, a change in length of cable caused by a change in

is always realized during each minute step in this change, the

Equation (24) would then become

will be substituted which is more accurate than equation (24),

ST = SO[1 av. To+ av.T) (27)

Although a change in tension produces a deformation of the

Weight per unit length free from stress = w measured at

Coefficient of expansion ................ = a

The magnitude max T1 in equation (31) is given in the speci-

At the same time the cross-sectional area A changes according

per unit length again changes according to equations (27) and

and the weight of ice per unit length of cable is

With a given wind velocity the wind pressure acting on a

and from equations (33), (35), (36) and (37),

= u ira [a + 2A (1- a [t- t1])2

(r[E A (l- a[t- tl])2 + max T1]

p = 2v [a + A (1- a[t- tl])2

( r[E A (1-ca[t- tl])2 + max Tj])] (42)

The actual average cross-sectional area of the cable, not in-

Equation (31) can now be solved for any argument x . cl

Equations (41) and (42) seem rather elaborate in view of the