Optimal Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles

Because presstressed concrete Vierendeel-type poles are cheaper than other types in India, millions are required to provide rural electrification. Using an optimal design for these repetitive-type components, considerable savings can be realized. The paper presents an optimal design using the Selected Active Constraints Technique (SACT), and a systematic synthesis. The direct design procedure is generated. Design behavior and loadings are treated as input and geometrical properties are systematically derived. The design procedure, based on SACT, requires extensive experience on the part of the design engineer, however, the calculations are simple. A design example is presented using physical data obtained from the Gujaret State Electricity Board (GEB), India, for a 8.53 m, 204 kg pole. Cost analysis is made, using prevailing prices in India, to show the economic gain obtained by the optimal design. The optimal design shows an economy of 18% in material cost per pole and 35% in high tensile wire weight, for the example considered.