Diseño de postes de transmisión eléctrica en hormigón pretensado

Abstract

Technology of prestressed concrete transmission poles structures is not fully developed in Ecuador. Almost all poles are manufactured with the conventional methodology of reinforced concrete. The advantages offered by this technique are several. Some of them are a better structural behavior under load solicitations, fewer cracks, and a significant reduction in weight, among others. Furthermore, it adds a costs reduction and better quality control. The purpose of this paper is to determine the feasibility of using prestressed concrete poles in Ecuador, under the requirements of the INEN standards. An analytical-experimental study is presented in order to validate the analytical design. A spreadsheet is developed for the design of different types of poles, featuring losses in prestressing, prestressing stages, and ultimate capacity. A cost analysis is further implemented so as to determine the commercial cost of prestressed concrete pole. The results indicated that: circular poles 10 and 12 meters, have a better structural behavior under load requests given by the INEN standard, with a similar weight and cost. On the other hand, in H poles section of 17 and 20 meters, they featured good structural performance, lower cost and a significant reduction of weight. It was found that this analytical model behaves similarly to the experimental one. The use of prestressed concrete responded favorably to the requirements established for electrical transmission poles. The use of this alternative in Ecuador is then justified.