Power demands increase to meet business and residents needs
To meet the growing demand for electricity in Perth’s rapidly growing northern corridor and to provide for future power supplies for planned development, SKM working with client, Western Power, designed and constructed a new 330,000 volt transmission line linking the Northern Terminal substation to the Neerabup terminal substation.
The Neerabup terminal substation is a major power transmission facility providing reliable and safe power to residents, and businesses in the Perth northern corridor and growth capacity around the Neerabup industrial area.
Innovation in design
Using the latest quality approaches in transmission design and standards, the project was characterised by a safe and economical engineering solution.
SKM carried out the full civil/structural engineering and design of three new tower types and foundations to meet new industry standards.
Structural detailing and assembly drawings were completed by off-shore subcontractors. The prototype erection and load testing of each of the three towers was carried out in China and managed by SKM to ensure safety, quality and, most importantly, conformance to Western Power’s requirements.
A critical element involved a “condition assessment” of two existing towers to cut-in the new line. The assessment comprised reinforcing old towers with new structural members to support new loads.
Technology innovation that was applied to the project included:
- Innovative tower design technology applied using PLS Tower software
- Development and implementation of precise load calculation techniques to demonstrate economy in design
- Specialist in-house 3D modelling capability
Scalable, safe and economic tower design
SKM has provided scalable, economic tower designs for further 330,000 volt transmission line projects so our client can save time and money for future projects.
The project involved sensitivity in route selection. Our response was to design the tower bases in such a way that the impact on the neighbouring environment was minimal.
Safety was an important feature and a “safety in design” methodology was adhered to throughout.