Integration of Optimum, High Voltage Transmission Line Foundations

Technical paper published by The American Society of Civil Engineers

High voltage electric power transmission lines span various regions and geology, and with these variations in venue and subsurface conditions, comes the need for efficient foundation designs to control construction costs.  In most locations, conventional deep foundations prove to be economical for design and construction.  In some locations, however, site conditions make conventional foundations too expensive or impractical, and micropile foundations become the prime solution.

This paper will introduce and illustrate the basic advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and micropile foundations in this industry and how they are being integrated to provide design solutions. A brief history of the introduction of micropiles into this industry will also be discussed.