Trimble Multi-Span Analysis Method

(Insulator Swing Calculation)

General
Trimble’s multi-span analysis is used to determine a conductor’s exact position in
three-dimensional space under any combination of conductor temperature, radial ice
thickness, and transverse wind load. It is performed independently for each
conductor on a series of suspension or post insulator supports in a single deadend
section. This calculation is the basis for all conductor-related engineering analyses
in TL-Pro.
An integral part of calculating a conductor’s position is to determine the movement,
or “swing”, of suspension insulators under each analysis case. This is an extremely
complex analysis, since the number of variables is large and each variable affects the
other in a variety of ways. For instance, as one insulator swings it slightly changes
the line angle and weight span of the insulators on adjacent structures, causing
them to move. This will, in turn, induce a load imbalance and cause the original
insulator to move slightly, and so on.
To solve this complex problem analytically, an iterative approach must be used. The
intent of this short write-up is to explain the variables and corresponding tolerances
used by TL-Pro to arrive at the insulator swing values.

Arc Length Tolerance

When using the ruling span method, the multi-span analysis converges on one basic
parameter during its calculation; the conductor arc length. The arc length is the
total conductor length, including sag and horizontal displacement, between deadend
insulators. Once the arc length varies by less than the user-specified tolerance from
one analysis iteration to the next, the analysis has ‘converged’ on the solution and
the position of the conductor and insulators are known.
Essentially, the model starts with a known catenary value and the insulators in the
default swing position defined in TL-Pro’s spotting parameters grid. The total arc
length is calculated for the deadend section. It is unlikely that these default values
result in an equilibrium situation, so there will be an imbalance at the points of
support. These imbalances are used to approximate a new position for each
insulator and the arc length is calculated again. If the new arc length varies from
the previous arc length by more than the specified tolerance, the insulator positions
are updated and the process is repeated.
The Arc Length Tolerance is a user setting found on the Sag/Tension tab of the
Preferences form (accessed from the menu item Edit\Preferences). Trimble
recommends a value of approximately 1.0 units for most situations.
Hardware Swing Errors Dialog
The multi-span analysis will usually converge on the solution rather quickly.
However, in some extreme situations, or when the tolerance is extremely small, the
analysis will not converge. In this case the Hardware Swing Errors dialog is
displayed.
The Hardware Swing Errors dialog has four basic functions:
1. Display partial results for the following parameters:
a. Insulator swing angle in the transverse and longitudinal directions.
b. Transverse, vertical, and longitudinal forces at the conductor support
location.
c. Insulator displacement in three-dimensional space.
2. Indicate the structure which is likely responsible for non-convergence and
allow the user to add hold-down weights. This structure is automatically
selected and the row highlighted.
3. Allow the user to over-ride the Conductor Arc Length Tolerance. A larger
value will increase the chances that the routine will converge.
4. Allow the user to ignore or change analysis method and continue the
analysis. Four options are available from buttons on the form.
a. Rerun w/Fixed Insulators will start the analysis over and assume all
insulators cannot move in the transverse, vertical, or longitudinal
directions. All analysis results will be performed with insulators in
their initial, default position.
b. Rerun will start the analysis again. Note this should only be used if
you have added hold-down weights or changed the Arc Length
Tolerance or you will get the identical results when you rerun.
c. Ignore will ignore the non-convergence on the selected insulator and
continue the analysis. If other insulators in the deadend section
exhibit similar behavior the dialog will appear for them.
d. Ignore All will ignore the non-convergence on the selected insulator
and all other insulators which do not converge and continue the
analysis.

Summary and Suggested User-Interaction

TL-Pro’s multi-span analysis is a complicated analytical routine that accurately
models the behavior of an extremely complex, three-dimensional cable system. In
extreme situations, this routine needs input from the user to arrive at a solution
appropriate for the design situation.
In most situations the Hardware Swing Errors dialog will not appear and the
analysis converges without user interaction. When it does appear, we recommend
you verify the Arc Length Tolerance is appropriate (normally 1.0 units, though a
larger value may be appropriate for long deadend sections). If it is too small, update
it on the form and “rerun” the analysis. If it appears to be appropriate, “ignore” the
convergence on the single insulator. If the dialog continues to appear for more
insulators it indicates the section is very unstable. This instability is normally not a
serious design concern and we recommend you “ignore all” and continue with the
design. However, in extreme situations where small deviations in swing angle are
critical to structure clearance or other design considerations, the user may want to
adjust structure geometry or add hold-down weights to create a more stable
situation.