B t

S
T

f (Angle of sight)

A
T+
_B−t
METHOD 1: Tan f = A

B + 2T − S(2+M)
METHOD 2: Tan f =
A

f = Angle of sight
+ f When angle is above horizontal
− f When angle is below horizontal
t = Vertical distance below support to line of sight. (See Fig. 2-17).
T = Vertical distance below support for transit.
S = Sag
A = Horizontal distance between points of support - obtained from structure list
or plan & profile
B = Vertical distance between points of support - obtained from plan & profile,
tower site data sheets or field measurement.
+ B when support ahead is higher.
− B when support ahead is lower.
M = Determined from cure on Fig. 2-17.

EXAMPLES:
Given:

A = 1400.0' S = 49.1' @ 608F

B = +60.0' S = 51.2' @ 908F
T = 40.0' T = 59.12' @ 608F
T = 63.76' @ 908F

METHOD 1 METHOD 2
T+
_B−t B + 2T − S (2 + M)
Tan f = Tan f =
A A

40.0 − 60.0 − 59.12 60.0 + (40.0)(2) − (49.1) (2+0.019)

Tan f608F = = 0.02920 Tan f608F = = 0.02919
1400.0 1400.0
f608F = +18 40'21" f608F = +18 40' 19"
40.0 − 60.0 − 63.76 60.0 + (40.0) (2) − (51.2) (2+0.027)
Tan f908F = = 0.02589 Tan f908F = = 0.02587
1400.0 1400.0
f908F = +18 28' 59" f908F = +18 28' 55"

Change in angle f for 58 F = (18 40' 21" − 18 28' 59") ( 305 ) = 08 1' 54" Change in angle f for 58 F = (18 40' 19" − 18 28' 55") ( 305 ) = 08 1' 54"
Sag is based on parabolic functions. If sag exceeds 5% of span, do not use this chart.

FIGURE 14.16 Conductor sagging by calculated angle of sight.

prestress tension. After prestressing, the tension on the conductor is reduced to stringing or design
tension limits. At this reduced tension, the creep or plastic elongation of the conductor has been slowed,
reducing the permanent elongation due to strain and creep for a defined period of time. By tensioning a
conductor to levels approaching 50% of its breaking strength for times on the order of a day, creep
elongation will be temporarily halted (Cahill, 1973). This simplifies concerns about creep during
subsequent installation but presents both equipment and safety problems.
14.6.3.1 Sagging by Stopwatch Method
A mechanical pulse imparted to a tensioned conductor moves at a speed proportional to the square root
of tension divided by weight per unit length. By initiating a pulse on a tensioned conductor and
measuring the time required for the pulse to move to the nearest termination, the tension, and thus

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