December 17, 2014

TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0

SCOPE

2.0

CROSS REFERENCES

3.0

APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

4.0

DESIGN AND FABRICATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6

5.0

Design
Materials
Detailing
Fabrication
Markings
Dimensions

INSPECTION AND TESTING

5.1
5.2

Inspection Requirements
Testing Requirements

6.0

PACKING AND SHIPPING

7.0

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
7.1
7.2

8.0

General
Drawings

DATA SCHEDULE

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
1.0

SCOPE
This Transmission Material Standard Specification (TMSS) specifies the minimum technical
requirements for design, engineering, manufacture, inspection, testing and performance of
Tapered Tubular Steel Poles up to 230 kV intended to be used in the overhead transmission
system of National Grid Saudi Arabia.

2.0

CROSS REFERENCES
This Material Standard Specification shall be read in conjunction with the National Grid
Saudi Arabia General Specification No. 01-TMSS-01, titled "General Requirements for All
Equipment/Materials" which shall be considered as an integral part of this TMSS.
This TMSS shall also be read in conjunction with National Grid Saudi Arabia Purchase
Order or Contract Schedules for project, as applicable.

3.0

APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

The latest revision/amendments of the following Codes and Standards shall be applicable for
the equipment/material covered in this TMSS. In case of conflict, the vendor/manufacturer
may propose equipment/material conforming to one group of Industry Codes and Standards
quoted hereunder without jeopardizing the requirements of this TMSS.
3.1

ASTM A36/A36M

3.2

ASTM A123/A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)

Coatings of Iron and Steel Products

3.3

ASTM A143/A143M Standard Practice for Safeguarding Against Embrittlement of

Hot-Dip Galvanized Structural Steel Products and Procedure
for Detecting Embrittlement

3.4

ASTM A153/A153M Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron

and Steel Hardware

3.5

ASTM A239

3.6

ASTM A242/A242M Standard Specification

Structural Steel

3.7

ASTM A307

Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts, Studs, and

Threaded Rod 60 000 PSI Tensile Strength

3.8

ASTM A325M

Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat

Treated 830 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength (Metric)

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

Standard Practice for Locating the Thinnest Spot in a Zinc

(Galvanized) Coating on Iron or Steel Articles
for

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

High-Strength

Low-Alloy

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
3.9

ASTM A354

Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy

Steel Bolts, Studs and Other Externally Threaded Fasteners

3.10

ASTM A370

Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical

Testing of Steel Products

3.11

ASTM A384/A384M Standard Practice for Safeguarding Against Warpage and

Distortion During Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Steel Assemblies

3.12

ASTM A385/A385M Standard Practice for Providing High Quality Zinc Coatings
(Hot-Dip)

3.13

ASTM A394

Standard Specification for Steel Transmission Tower Bolts,

Zinc-Coated and Bare

3.14

ASTM A563M

Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts

[Metric]

3.15

ASTM A572/A572M Standard Specification for High-Strength

Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel

3.16

ASTM A588/A588M Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy

Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield
Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance

3.17

ASTM A595/A595M Standard Specification for Steel Tubes, Low-Carbon or HighStrength Low-Alloy, Tapered for Structural Use

3.18

ASTM A615/A615M Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel

Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

3.19

ASTM A633/A633M Standard Specification for Normalized High-Strength LowAlloy Structural Steel Plates

3.20

ASTM A673/A673M Standard Specification for Sampling Procedure for Impact

Testing of Structural Steel

3.21

ASTM A687

3.22

ASTM A577/A577M Standard Specification for

Examination of Steel Plates

3.23

ASTM A578/A578M Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic

Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications

3.24

ASTM E165/E165M

Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for

General Industry

3.25

ASTM E709

Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Low-Alloy

Standard Specification for High-Strength Non-Headed Steel

Bolts and Studs

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

Ultrasonic

Angle-Beam

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
3.26

ASTM A435/A435M Standard Specification for

Examination of Steel Plates

3.27

ASCE/SEI 48-11

Design of Steel Transmission Pole Structures

3.28

ASCE 88(ST1)

Critical Buckling Loads for Tapered Members

3.29

AISC

Steel Construction Manual, 14th Ed.

3.30

AWS

D1.1 Structural Welding Code--Steel (2000)

3.31

NEMA TT-1

Tapered Tubular Steel Structures

3.32

IEC 60652

Loading Tests on Overhead Line Structures - Second Edition

3.33

ISO 630-1,2,3,4

Standards for Structural Steels

3.34

ISO R657

Recommendation for Hot-Rolled Steel Sections

3.35

ISO/TC 107/SC 4

Hot dip coatings (galvanized, etc.)

3.36

ISO 1460

Metallic Coatings - Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings on Ferrous

Materials - Gravimetric Determination of the Mass per Unit
Area

3.37

ISO 1461

Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel

articles - Specifications and test methods - Third Edition

3.38

ISO 3575

Continuous hot-dip zinc-coated carbon steel sheet of

commercial and drawing qualities - Fourth Edition

3.39

ISO 4997

Cold-Reduced Steel Sheet of Structural Quality

3.40

ISO 4998

Continuous Hot-Dip Zinc-Coated Carbon Steel Sheet of

Structural Quality

3.41

ISO 7413

Hexagon Nuts for Structural Bolting, Style 1, Hot-Dip

Galvanized (Oversize Tapped) - Product Grades A and B Property Classes 5, 6 and 8

3.42

ISO 7417

Hexagon Nuts for Structural Bolting - Style 2, Hot-Dip

Galvanized (Oversize Tapped) - Product Grade A - Property
Class 9

3.43

SASO/SSA 39

Mechanical testing of welded joints

3.44

SASO/SSA 107

Tensile testing of steel

3.45

SASO/SSA 157

Charpy method of impact test on metals

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

Straight-Beam

Ultrasonic

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
3.46

4.0

TES-W-109.01

General Welding Criteria

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

4.1

Design

4.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, the tubular poles shall conform in all respects to the
detailed requirements stated hereinafter. All structures and their components, in case
of new design, shall be designed to withstand without failure or permanent distortion
the stresses resulting from the factored loading combinations specified in TES-P122.05 Part II.
4.1.2 Types of tubular pole assemblies and configuration requirements shall be as specified
in the Data Schedule.
4.1.3 Poles shall be designed with a minimum number of joints. The shaft joints to be
made in the field shall be slip joints. Slip joint length shall be a nominal lap of 1.5
times the largest inside diameter of the female section with a tolerance of (-) 10% on
the final assembled length.
Supplemental locking devices shall be required if the relative movement of the slip
joint is critical or if the joint is subjected to uplift forces. Locking devices shall be
designed to resist 100% of the maximum uplift load. The loading tests shall,
however, be carried out without these locking devices.
Jacking lugs and permanent match marks shall be provided at all slip joints sufficient
to insure proper alignment and complete overlap of the joint.
4.1.4 Wind pressures shown in the loading criteria shall be multiplied by the appropriate
shape factor applied to the poles. Pressure on poles in N/m shall be computed as
follows:
P = W x Cd
Where, P = Pressure on projected area of the pole normal to wind, in N/m.
W = Wind velocity pressure = 0.613V, in N/m
Where, V = Wind Velocity in m/s
Cd = Shape (or Drag) Factor
Shape factors (also called pressure coefficients) for computing wind pressure on
poles shall be as follows:
Circular shaped poles
16-sided polygonal shaped poles
12-sided polygonal shaped poles
8 and 6-sided polygonal shaped poles
20TMSS02R01/MAR

0.9
0.9
1.0
1.4

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Square and rectangular shaped poles

2.0

4.1.5 The maximum design unit stress shall be the yield stress as stated in applicable
ASTM specifications for the particular application and types of loads, including
overload capacity factors.
4.1.6 Design of Anchor Bolts shall be in accordance with ASCE 48-11 and
TES-P-122.05 PII.
Anchor bolts shall be galvanized up to the full length. Anchor bolts shall be threaded
at the top end, a distance sufficient to provide for leveling or raking of the structure.
Each anchor bolt shall include three (3) heavy hex nuts, two nuts above the base
plate and one nut below the base plate for leveling purposes.
Only one length of anchor bolts shall be used on each pole. Anchor bolts/clusters
shall be plainly marked to indicate structure type, number, etc.
4.1.7 Minimum plate thickness for all pole components above ground line shall be 5 mm.
4.1.8 Galvanized poles shall have drain holes at the bottom.
4.1.9 Poles shall have nearly a uniform taper throughout their entire lengths.
4.1.10 The maximum deflection at the top of pole shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the
pole height for tangent poles and two percent (2%) of the pole height for angle poles
under every day loading condition of 27C, no wind and no overload capacity factor.
However, all angle poles shall be raked to remain in plumb position under the above
stated condition. Pole height shall be the height of the pole from the top of the base
plate or designated ground line to the top. Tangent poles with unbalanced vertical
loading shall also be raked to remain in plumb position under every day loading
condition. Tangent poles designed for double circuit configuration but installed with
single circuit shall not be raked.
The maximum deflection at the top of pole under the worst case loading condition
without overload capacity factor shall not exceed four percent (4%) and eight percent
(8 %) of the pole height for tangent and angle poles respectively.
4.1.11 Cross-arms design shall be such that the end of the cross-arm is at the specified
height under every day loading condition at 27C, no wind and no overload capacity
factors.
Cross-arm shall be upswept or straight tapered steel tubular members, of polygonal
cross-sectional, which meet the dimensions shown on the conceptual design
drawings developed by the manufacturer/design engineer. Arms shall be field bolted
to connection plates, factory welded on the pole shaft.
Galvanized arms shall have drain holes where appropriate.
4.1.12 Each pole shall have lifting lugs appropriately placed above the center of gravity.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Rigging attachment points for hoisting insulators, stringing blocks, and safety
devices shall be provided for maintenance operations at suitable places on the pole
shaft particularly below each cross-arm
4.1.13 In the design of connections for conductors or overhead ground wires, brackets, or
stiffeners attached to the pole shaft, care shall be taken to distribute the loads
sufficiently to protect the wall of the pole from local buckling.
4.1.14 Grounding lug or pad for bonding attachment of OGW or OPGW shall be provided
at the cross arm or pole shaft.
4.1.15 Cross-arms and their connections to the poles shall be capable of withstanding wind
induced vibrations with the structure completely or partially erected, but without
insulators, conductors or overhead ground wires installed (no load condition).
4.1.16 A two hole, NEMA drilled, copper clad grounding pad shall be welded to the pole
shaft 450 mm above the base plate. Grounding pad face shall not be painted.
Grounding lugs shall be provided on each pole at each conductor level for grounding
equipment during line maintenance.
4.1.17 Removable pole steps shall begin not less than one meter (1 m) above the base plate
and extend to the top of the pole with 300 mm spacing. Pole steps shall be of size 18
mm x 180 mm and shall be designed to support a total load of 160 kg, including a
man and equipment.
4.1.18 Mounting bracket for line identification sign shall be provided at a distance of 3.0
meters above the base plate.
Poles with upper conductor attachment height greater than 40 m shall be provided
with a suitable platform for insulator washing purposes.
4.1.19 Where National Grid Saudi Arabia standard tubular poles are required, National Grid
Saudi Arabia certified fabrication drawings will be provided to the manufacturer/
supplier.
4.2

Materials
4.2.1 Structural Steel
a.

Except as noted, any combination of the following steels may be used.

The steel shall be made either by the open hearth, basic oxygen or
electric furnace process and shall conform to the latest revision of the
following ASTM Specifications and/or equivalent ISO Standards
under Section 3.0.
i.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Poles, arms and conductor brackets shall conform to any of the

following; ASTM A36M, ASTM A242, ASTM A572M
(Grade 65 with yield point of 450 MPa included), ASTM
A588 or ASTM A595.

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
ii.

Base plates shall conform to any of the following; ASTM

A36M, ASTM A572M (Grade 65 included), ASTM A588 or
ASTM A633.

iii.

Anchor bolts shall conform to ASTM A615 Grade 60 or 75.

The nuts shall conform to ASTM A563 Grade C minimum.

b.

Structural steels other than those specified above may be used

provided the proposed steel have characteristics at least equal to or
better than those of the specified steels. Prior written approval shall be
obtained from National Grid Saudi Arabia.

c.

All steel from the mill shall be guaranteed to have a minimum energy
impact value of 20 joules for full size specimens (10 mm x 10 mm) at
(-) 28.9C as measured by a Charpy V-notch test performed in
accordance with ASTM A370 and A673. Frequency "P" testing shall
be supplied. Plate test specimens shall be taken after rolling and
finishing operations.

d.

All base plates shall be subjected to ultrasonic testing in the

longitudinal direction in accordance with ASTM A435. Testing shall
be done on a plate tested basis.

4.2.2 Bolts, Nuts and Locknuts

a.

All bolts, nuts and locknuts shall comply with the latest revisions of
ASTM A307, ASTM A325, ASTM A354, ASTM A394 ASTM A490
and ASTM A563, and galvanized in accordance with 01-TMSS-01.

b.

Bolts shall be of such length so as to pass entirely through the nut with
a minimum projection of three (3) full threads and a maximum
projection of 19 mm. No more than 3 mm of the threaded portion of
the bolt shall be inside the structural members.

c.

The Supplier shall furnish only one (1) type of connection bolts and
nuts. All bolts shall be provided with hot-dip galvanized steel
locknuts.

4.2.3 Structure Member Galvanizing

a.

Structural steel members shall be hot-dip galvanized after fabrication

(including all welding works) in accordance with the requirements of
01-TMSS-01 except as amended that the minimum coating thickness
shall be 0.13 mm, equivalent to 0.0915 g/cm.
All tube sections, for any part of the structure, shall be open to allow
galvanizing of both the interior and the exterior surfaces of the tube
section.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Uniformity of coating shall be determined by Preece Test per ASTM
A239 or by Weight of Coating Test per ASTM A90. The limits on
uniformity shall be:
Preece Test:

One minute dips - 9 minimum

Weight of Coating Test: Minimum thickness as average in 3300 mm

area=130 m
b.

All poles located within 25 km radial distance from the coastline in

network of National Grid Saudi Arabia-WOA & SOA shall be
protected with a duplex system (galvanizing + painting). The
minimum zinc coating thickness in this case shall be 86 m before
painting. The type of paint, number of coats and dry film thickness
etc. shall be as specified in 78-TMSS-13. The paint shall be applied in
accordance with the requirements of TCS-P-122.23.

c.

All galvanizing practices shall be done in accordance with the

recommendations of ASTM A123, ASTM A143, ASTM A153,
ASTM A384 and ASTM A385.

d.

Embrittlement tests shall be conducted on structural steels of ASTM

A242M and A572M as recommended in ASTM A143.

4.2.4 Anchor bolts, structural plate and welding material shall meet NEMA
requirements for Charpy tests and shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM A370 or SASO SSA 157.
4.2.5 The material used for making welds shall be compatible with the parent
material, as defined by American Welding Society, AWS D1.1 in accordance
with the requirements of National Grid Saudi Arabia Engineering Standard
TES-W-109.01.
All weld electrodes shall meet an impact property of 20 joules at (-) 28.9C
during a Charpy V-notch test and shall have physical properties at least equal
to the physical properties of the steel being welded.
4.3

Detailing
4.3.1 Drawings
Tubular pole detail drawings shall consist of erection drawings, shop detail
drawings, and bills of materials. Erection drawings shall show the complete
assembly of the structure indicating clearly the positioning of the members.
Each member shall be piece-marked and the number and lengths of bolts shall
be given for each connection. Shop details may be shown either by assembled
sections (in place) or piece by piece (knocked down).
4.3.2 Shop Detail Drawings

20TMSS02R01/MAR

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Shop detail drawings shall be reviewed and approved by National Grid Saudi
Arabia regarding compliance with this specification and the strength
requirements of the design. The review and approval of the shop detail
drawings only includes the strength of connections.
4.3.3 Connections
Usual detailing practice is to connect members directly to each other with
minimum eccentricity. Specific joint details are required and shall be shown
on the design drawings.
4.3.4 Shop Assembly
Shop assembly of new pole details shall be done partially by sections and in
the horizontal position. This helps validate detailing calculations and
dimensions, minimize fit-up conflicts, and assure proper assembly in the
field.
4.3.5 Other Considerations
All dimensions on detail drawings shall be shown in SI units with
dimensional accuracy to the nearest 0.5 mm.
Provision for attachment of hot line maintenance equipment, danger signs,
aerial patrol signs and grounding connections or other construction/
maintenance aids shall also be included in the detail drawings.
4.4

Fabrication
4.4.1 All welding operations shall be in accordance with the American Welding
Society, AWS D1.1, latest edition and National Grid Saudi Arabia standard,
General Welding Criteria.
Records of welding procedure and welding operator test results shall be kept
by the supplier and shall be available for review by National Grid Saudi
Arabia.
4.4.2 One hundred percent (100%) penetration welds shall be required in, but not
limited to, the following areas:

20TMSS02R01/MAR

a.

Circumferential welds joining structural members.

b.

Longitudinal welds within the slip joint area and for at least 300 mm
on either side of circumferential seams and slip joints.

c.

Base plate to shaft welds.

d.

Arm-to-arm base, conductor-to-shaft, arm box joints and all other

major load carrying penetration welds.

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
e.

Minimum thickness of welding shall be 6 mm.

4.4.3 Quality and acceptability of every 25 mm of the full penetration welds shall
be determined by visual and ultrasonic inspection.
4.4.4 All other penetration welds shall have 80 % minimum penetration. Quality
and acceptability of all welds other than full penetration welds shall be
determined by visual inspection, supplemented by magnetic particle or dye
penetrant inspection.
4.4.5 All weld back up strips shall be cut to the full length of the welds. Care shall
be exercised in the design of welded connections to avoid areas of high stress
concentration, which could be subject to fatigue or brittle fractures.
4.4.6 Field welding shall not be permitted.
4.4.7 All parts of the structure shall be neatly finished and free from kinks or twists.
All holes, blocks and clips shall be made with sharp tools and shall be cleancut without torn or ragged edges.
4.4.8 Shearing and cutting shall be performed carefully and all portions of the work
shall be finished neatly. Copes and re-entrant cuts shall be filleted before
cutting.
4.4.9 All forming or bending during fabrication shall be done by method that will
prevent embrittlement or loss of strength in the material being worked.
4.4.10 Holes for connection bolts shall be up to 2mm larger than the nominal bolt
diameter for M24 and 3 mm larger than the nominal diameter of the bolts for
greater than M24. Holes in the base plates for anchor bolts may be up to 10
mm larger than the nominal diameter of the anchor bolts. Connections shall
be detailed in a manner to avoid eccentricity as far as possible. All splices
shall develop the stress indicated for the members being spliced.
4.4.11 Holes in thinner steel sections may be punched. As a general rule all holes in
structural steel with material thickness up to the diameter of the holes may be
punched to full size, whereas all holes shall be drilled or sub-punched and
reamed when material thickness is greater than the diameter of the holes. All
burrs resulting from reaming or drilling shall be removed with a tool making
a 2 mm bevel. Where necessary to avoid distortion of the holes, holes close to
the point of bends shall be made after bending. The use of a burning torch for
cutting holes will not be permitted.
4.4.12 For punching to full size, the diameter of the punch shall be 3 mm larger than
the nominal diameter of the bolt and the diameter of the die shall be not more
than 2 mm larger than the diameter of the punch. For sub-punching, the
diameter of the punch shall be 5 mm smaller than the nominal diameter of the
bolt and the diameter of the die shall not be more than 2 mm larger than the
diameter of the punch. Sub-punching for reamed work shall be such that after
reaming, no punched surface shall appear in the periphery of the hole.
20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
4.5

Marking
4.5.1 Each pole shall be permanently marked on the pole shaft at approximately
eye level and on the bottom of the base plate with the following information:
a.

Structure Type

b.

Structure Height

c.

Ultimate Ground Line Moment

d.

Reference Drawing Number

4.5.2 Marks shall be stamped prior to galvanizing and shall be a minimum of 16

mm high.
4.5.3 Method of identification shall be approved by National Grid Saudi Arabia.
4.6

Dimensions
4.6.1 Unless otherwise specified, the across to flat (A/F) base diameters in
millimeters shall not exceed the following limits for single and double circuit
pole configurations:
Table 01: Maximum Base Diameters

Structure Type

Maximum Base Diameter (mm)

For 69/110/115/132kV
For 230kV
1-conductor
2-conductor
per phase
per phase

Tangent Structure
up to 30 m height
30 m to 40 m height

765
815

815
840

865
915

Small/Light Angle Structure

up to 30 m height
30 m to 40 m height

1170
1220

1270
1320

1370
1445

Medium Angle/ Anchor/ Dead end Structure

up to 30 m height
30 m to 40 m height

1270
1320

1320
1370

1445
1520

Heavy Angle Structure

up to 30 m height
1320
1370
1545
30 m to 40 m height
1370
1470
1620
Note:Larger base diameters than above may be allowed if there is no space restriction and if
approved by National Grid Saudi Arabia.

4.6.2 Unless otherwise specified, the structure height shall be calculated

considering specified ground clearance and following parameters:
20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Every day tension

17 % maximum

Ruling span (basic design span)

190 m maximum

Wind span

200 m maximum

Weight span

250 m maximum

4.6.3 For line configurations such as double circuit on one side of pole (special
applications) and line located in the restricted/narrow median of the roads,
larger or smaller base diameters than above (if required) shall be specified in
the project Scope of Work.

5.0

INSPECTION AND TESTING

In addition to the requirements specified in 01-TMSS-01, the following shall be fulfilled:
The Supplier shall make adequate tests and inspections to determine the conformity of
material furnished under this Specification with the requirements invoked. National Grid
Saudi Arabia or its designated representative will conduct acceptance inspection and witness
testing at the manufacturer's plant.
5.1

Inspection Requirements
5.1.1 Inspection shall be in accordance with NEMA Standard TT-1 for Tapered
Tubular Steel Structure.
5.1.2 Visual inspection shall include checks for satisfactory workmanship,
materials, freedom from surface defects and for compliance with the Purchase
Order and the General Specifications.
5.1.3 National Grid Saudi Arabia designated representative shall have free access at
all times while work is being carried on, to all areas of the Supplier's plant
which concern the work.
5.1.4 Inspection may be made during all stages of manufacturing, testing and
shipping. Inspection may be at the point of shipment or delivery or
construction site, etc. at National Grid Saudi Arabia's option. However,
inspection and acceptance shall not relieve the Supplier of his responsibility
for conformance with this specification.

5.2

Testing Requirements
Mill test reports of materials shall be furnished to National Grid Saudi Arabia prior
to start of Full Scale Tower Loading Test and/or full-scale fabrication.
The manufacturer shall make tests in accordance with ASTM A370 and ASTM A673
to verify that the material used in the structures meets the impact properties. Testing

20TMSS02R01/MAR

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20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM A370 or SASO SSA 157, Charpy VNotch method.
All plates over 38 mm thick shall be ultrasonically tested to assure against defects,
which would lead to laminar tearing.
5.2.1 Shop Fit Test
The Supplier, at his expense, shall fabricate per approved detail drawings and
assemble in accordance with approved erection drawings the designated
structure type components. The tubular pole shall be assembled in sections
and the Supplier shall demonstrate that each section fits the adjacent section.
The Supplier shall provide to National Grid Saudi Arabia a certificate of the
Fit Test for each tubular pole type, associated body and base plate that have
been assembled satisfactorily.
5.2.2 Proof Test
The tubular steel poles shall be proof tested in accordance with this
Specification.
The proof test will verify the adequacy of the members and their connections
to withstand the static design loads specified for that structure as an
individual entity under controlled conditions.
5.2.3 Full-scale Loading Test
When National Grid Saudi Arabia desires full scale loading tests, it shall be
as stated in the Data Schedule. The Supplier shall then include in his
proposal, as a separate item, the cost of the tests.
For full-scale pole loading tests, each of the structure type shall have the same
type of steel members as specified in the design, fabricated in accordance
with approved detailed drawings, and assembled in accordance with approved
erection drawings. The tubular steel poles shall be tested on an anchor bolt
arrangement attached to a rigid foundation at an approved test facility in a
manner that will best simulate the design conditions. Levelling nuts, if
required, shall be set at approximately the same spacing as that which will be
used in the field foundations. The rigid foundation at the test facility shall not
cause any movement of the anchor bolt arrangement during testing.
The tests shall be performed on galvanized tubular steel pole with the longest
body.
a.

Rigging for Test

The Supplier shall submit for approval by National Grid Saudi Arabia,
diagrams showing the proposed scheme for applying and measuring
loads and determining deflections of critical points.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

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20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
b.

All load measuring devices shall be calibrated in the presence of

National Grid Saudi Arabia designated representative or be certified
by a qualified independent testing agency immediately before and
after testing.

c.

Test Loads
Test loads shall be the same as the factored design loads indicated on
the design drawings and test program approved by National Grid
Saudi Arabia. Separate tests may be made for each combination of
loading shown on the approved design drawings, but shall be made for
each loading which controls the design of a member:
i.

Loads shall be applied in five steps of 50 %, 75 %, 90 %, 95

% and 100 % of the specified ultimate loads. After each step
sufficient hold time (at least 2 minutes) shall be allowed for
reading deflections and to permit the inspectors observing the
test to check for signs of structural distress. The 100 % load
for each load case shall be held for a minimum of five
minutes. Loads within any loading combination may generally
be applied in any sequence provided all factored loads in a
combination are applied simultaneously.

ii.

Each tubular pole to be tested shall withstand each factored

loading combination specified without failure. Failure shall be
defined as the inability of the steel pole to withstand the
application of additional load or such as:
Any noticeable permanent distortion of a member, or
elongation of bolt holes of more than 1 mm
Any shear failure in bolts (ovalization of holes in bolted and
pinned connections and deformation of bolts shall be
acceptable)
Any member failure in bearing
In case of any such failure, test reports of failed members shall
be furnished to National Grid Saudi Arabia and the design of
the failed members shall be modified. These modifications
must be approved by National Grid Saudi Arabia before
resetting for the loading condition, which caused failure, and
for all untested combinations until the structure has been
found satisfactory. Resetting for successfully completed tests
are not required.

iii.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Load lines shall be attached to the load points on test pole in a

manner that simulates the in-service load application as much
as possible. The attachment hardware for the test shall have
the same degree of movement as the in-service hardware. If
Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
the applied loads are not measured at the point of application
and sheaves (only roll bearing type permitted) are to be
located between point of load application and the load
measuring device, then an additional 5% load may be added to
all applied loads to offset friction drag in the rigging. This
requirement can be adjusted where the Supplier can verify the
actual friction drag.
iv.

d.

Where the Vee String or other multi-leg insulator assemblies

are part of the tubular pole design, test loads must be applied
at the conductor attachment point. The Vee String shall be
simulated using a series of straps to ensure complete
transverse and vertical articulation, (i.e. the linkage shall not
be capable of withstanding compressive forces).

Destruction Test
i.

Prototype tubular pole shall be tested to destruction. The

destruction test shall be made after satisfactory completion of
all the required tests. Generally, the loading for destruction
test shall be made by increasing the transverse loads in
increments to failure.

ii.

The Supplier shall not supply any of the undamaged material,

which was part of the tested structures against the delivery
requirements. All tubular pole test material shall be scrapped.

iii.

Upon completion of testing, disassembly of the tubular pole

shall include inspection of all members for any evidence of
excessive permanent set, shear failure of bolts, or member
failure in bearing not determined during the full scale testing
program.

iv.

All design and detailing defects determined during the tests or

during the disassembly shall be considered as having incurred
and shall be corrected on all towers of that type and also other
types not tested having similar configuration, details or design
concept.

5.2.4 Deflections (During Pole Test)

Pole deflections under load shall be measured and recorded. Points to be
monitored shall be selected to verify the deflections predicted by the design
analysis. These shall include longitudinal and transverse deflections at ground
wire peak, ends of conductor cross arms, and center of pole bridge.
Horizontal rotation of the pole at the base shall also be monitored.
Vertical deflection of cross-arm shall be measured for each loading
combination.
20TMSS02R01/MAR

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20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Deflection readings shall be recorded for the before-load, load-on and
load-off conditions as well as at all intermediate holds during loading. All
deflections shall be performed to common base readings, such as the initial
positions, taken before any test loads are applied.
National Grid Saudi Arabia reserves the right to request modification of the
pole design after review of the tower deflection tests results.
5.2.5 Test Reports
Within 45 days after completion of the pole loading tests, the Supplier shall
furnish a full and comprehensive report (four copies) of each pole test and
shall include detailed diagrams and tabulation showing values and methods of
load application and deflection records of each load test, photographs of test
set up and description (with photographs) of all failures, if any.
Include mill test reports of the material used and the results of any tensile
tests of specimens cut from any members, which failed during the testing
program. Particular emphasis shall be placed on the determination of the yield
point of the material.
5.2.6 Test Acceptance
The Supplier, upon receipt of written acceptance from National Grid Saudi
Arabia for the satisfactory performance of the pole loading tests, may start
fabrication of the structures except those members requiring modifications.
Fabrication of these members may not commence until revised detail and
erection drawings have been reviewed and accepted by National Grid Saudi
Arabia.

6.0

PACKING AND SHIPPING

In addition to the packing and shipping requirements specified in 01-TMSS-01, the
following shall be fulfilled:
6.1

Anchor bolts shall be preclustered and identified appropriately. Anchor bolts shall be
shipped in advance of the structures.

6.2

Spliced shaft segments shall be properly identified so that the sections for each
structure can be segregated upon arrival at their destination. The individual sections
of the shaft shall be match-marked so that they can be oriented properly and
reassembled in the field.

6.3

Each shipment shall be accompanied by a list of all parts, identifiable by structure

type and number. Arms, bolts and miscellaneous hardware will be identified by the
list for matchup with the respective pole shaft. All parts required for any one
structure shall be in one shipment, if possible.

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT

7.0

6.4

National Grid Saudi Arabia shall specify the anticipated number and locations of
delivery points.

6.5

National Grid Saudi Arabia or designated representative shall unload the individual
bundles upon delivery at the designated delivery points and sign a receipt for them.

6.6

When truck shipment is authorized by National Grid Saudi Arabia, all written
shipping instructions furnished shall be complied with by the Supplier. In general,
the Supplier shall provide notification at least 48 hours in advance of delivery to
assure that unloading personnel and equipment will be available.

6.7

Reasonable care shall be exercised in the handling and shipment of steel poles. Any
expense incurred due to the careless handling and shipment of steel poles shall be
considered as a legitimate back charge against the Supplier.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
7.1

General
In addition to documentation's specified in 01-TMSS-01, the following information
shall be supplied by the Manufacturer/Supplier:
7.1.1 Manufacturing Schedule and Progress Reports
The Supplier shall prepare a detailed Schedule and submit it with the Data
Schedule of this specification. Time allocations, milestones, and test dates
shall be included.
The Supplier shall furnish three (3) copies of monthly progress reports
showing the status of manufactured component parts of tubular poles,
expected test date of prototype tubular pole, quantity of ready for
shipment/delivery and assembly pole units for National Grid Saudi Arabia
verification that project milestone will be met.
7.1.2 Design information and drawings to be supplied with the proposals:

20TMSS02R01/MAR

a.

Calculated shipping weight of each structure, excluding anchor bolts.

Separate weights shall be given for arms and poles.

b.

Calculated shipping weight of anchor bolts.

c.

Ultimate ground line moment (including Overload Capacity Factor)

d.

Anchor bolt size, length and locations (bolt circle diameters).

e.

Type of material of major components (ASTM Designation, if

applicable).

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
f.

Description of pole shaft, including thickness, length, diameter, crosssection geometry, and method of fastening each shaft component.

g.

Data showing the design of the arm, arm connections, arm attachment
plates and brackets.

h.

Two sets of preliminary design drawings for each structure type.

7.1.3 Documents to be supplied to National Grid Saudi Arabia for review and
acceptance:
Final design calculations for pole shaft, base plate, anchor bolts, cross-arms
and other appurtenances, including their connections for all structures shall be
provided.
The following shall be supplied:
a.

For each loading case, the total shear and axial forces and moments,
stresses, section moduli, cross-sectional areas, deflections, widths for
polygonal and diameters for round cross-sections at all joints, at the
top and bottom, at arm attachment points, and at least every 3 meters
along the pole.

b.

For the critical loading case, including foundation movement, total

shear and axial forces, moments, stresses, section moduli and
deflections, and the bolt stresses in member connections (also, the bolt
stresses in arm connections).

c.

Anticipated deflections shall be indicated for each pole for the normal,
everyday loading condition of 27C, no wind, and no overload
capacity factors.

d.

For the base design loading case (that having the largest ground line
moment), the ground line reactions computed by removing the
overload capacity factors from the applied loads.

e.

Assembly instructions and erection drawings.

f.

Detail drawings for each structure type showing dimensions and

weights of all structure components.

g.

After acceptance of a proposal, the successful Supplier shall submit

within ten (10) days to National Grid Saudi Arabia a tabulated list of
all drawings to be used within the agreed frame, three (3) prints of
each shop drawing.
Within four (4) weeks after receipt of acceptance of designs, the
Supplier shall submit for acceptance, the foundation setting drawings
for the types of foundation specified on the Pole Conceptual
Drawings. One set of the above drawings will be returned to the

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
Supplier with indication of acceptance or with comments and/or
corrections. Where a correction is required, or unless otherwise
specified, three (3) sets of revised prints, plainly marked "Revised"
and dated, shall be submitted to National Grid Saudi Arabia for review
and comments. All design and detail drawings shall be accepted by
National Grid Saudi Arabia in writing before fabrication.
NOTE: The Supplier shall be responsible for the correctness of
dimensions and details on the working drawings and the acceptance of
the detail drawings by National Grid Saudi Arabia will not relieve the
Supplier of this responsibility.
In the event any errors in detailing are found in the fabrication or
erection of the structures, the Supplier shall correct and revise the
drawings and furnish new revised tracings without cost to National
Grid Saudi Arabia.
7.1.4 Final Drawing Information
a.

An erection drawing and drawings for each type of tubular pole shall
be submitted by the supplier. These drawings shall show the
identification marks, location of each member, size, number and
location of bolts and a complete list of parts, their identification marks
and dimensions. These drawings shall also show total weight of each
pole.

b.

All drawings shall be submitted in original, accompanied by an

electronic copy (both in .DGN and .pdf format) on CD or pen-drive.
Tracings of anchor setting drawings shall be submitted at least four
weeks, or an agreed time frame, prior to initial shipment of the steel
anchor. Tracings of shop detail drawings shall be sent at the time steel
fabrication is started, or an agreed time frame. Tracings of erection
drawings shall be submitted at least four weeks or an agreed time
frame, prior to initial shipment of steel poles.

7.1.5 Test Reports

20TMSS02R01/MAR

a.

Certified mill test reports for all material.

b.

Certified welding reports for each structure.

c.

Impact property test reports showing that the materials used in the
structures meet the impact properties.

d.

Test reports on coating thickness, nuts & bolts and reports on

dimensional check.

e.

Report of all structure testing, when required, including photos,

diagrams, loading trees, etc.
Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
7.2

Drawings
7.2.1 General
a.

All drawings shall be drawn to National Grid Saudi Arabia drawing

sizes:
Size
A
B
C
D
E

Dimensions
710 mm x 1015 mm
510 mm x 710 mm
355 mm x 510 mm
280 mm x 430 mm
215 mm x 280 mm

b.

Detail and erection drawings shall be on size 710 mm x 1015 mm

sheets. No drawing shall contain design details of more than one (1)
pole type.

c.

All design drawings to be provided under Turnkey Contract shall

conform to National Grid Saudi Arabia Drafting Procedure No. DR-8.

7.2.2 Types of Drawings Required

a.

b.

Design drawings shall consist of, but not limited to, the following:
i.

Pole outline and dimensions

ii.

Pole loading trees

iii.

Structure and Foundation design information/calculations

iv.

Pole details

Shop Detail Drawings

Shop detail drawings shall show:

20TMSS02R01/MAR

i.

Each pole section

ii.

All parts or pieces with identification marks

iii.

All information required for fabrication including, but not

limited to, dimensions for cutting and punching

iv.

All holes, hole sizes, batters and distances between each

v.

Enlarged details where necessary to provide clarity

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
vi.

c.

A bill of materials for all materials shown on the drawing,

including the mark designating the part or piece, a description
of each part and number of pieces required

Erection Drawings
Basic Pole Erection Drawings shall show:
i.

The position, assembly number and part marks of each

member, including crossarms, shall be shown on a single
sheet, if possible

ii.

Size and number of bolts required for each connection

iii.

A bill of materials showing:

Number of parts required
Description of parts including size and weight
Mark used for each part
Complete bolt list showing size and length
Cross reference to appropriate shop detail drawings

d.

Anchor Drawings
Anchor drawings shall show:
i.

Anchor setting dimensions, angles, and batter (in mm per cm

of rise)

ii.

Part marks and position of each

iii.

Bend point or bend line

iv.

A bill of material showing:

Number of parts required
Description of parts including size and weight
Mark used for each part
Complete bolt list showing size and length
Cross reference to appropriate shop detail drawings

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
8.0

DATA SCHEDULE

TAPERED TUBULAR STEEL POLES

Enquiry No.

Date:

Purchase Order No.

or Contract No.

Date:

PTS No./Project Title with J.O. No.

REFERENCE
SECTION NO.
3.0

DESCRIPTION

'A'

'B'

'C'

APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

Applicable Industry Standards

4.0

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

4.1.2

Line voltage level

(69/110/115/132/230) kV
Line/Pole configuration
Single circuit triangular
Single circuit vertical
Double circuit vertical
Double circuit vertical
on one side
Conductor assembly
(Single or Bundle)
Overhead ground wire shielding
Single or Double)

4.2

Insulator type
(Suspension or Post type)

'A'- SPECIFIED DATA/PARAMETERS

'B'- BIDDER/SUPPLIER/VENDOR/CONTRACTOR PROPOSED DATA/PARAMETERS
'C'- REMARKS SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED DEVIATION IN COLUMN 'B'
(*)- DATA/PARAMETERS TO BE PROVIDED/PROPOSED BY THE BIDDER/SUPPLIER/
VENDOR/CONTRACTOR IN COLUMN 'B'

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

PAGE 24 OF 26

TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
8.0

DATA SCHEDULE

TAPERED TUBULAR STEEL POLES

REFERENCE
SECTION NO.

DESCRIPTION

4.6.1

Base Diameters
Tangent Structure
Small/Light Angle Structure
Medium Angle/Anchor
Dead-end Structure
Heavy Angle Structure

4.6.2

Typical length of pole from

base plate

'A'

'B'

'C'

Base Diameters (For special applications)

Tangent Structure
Small/Light Angle Structure
Medium Angle/Anchor
Dead-end Structure
Heavy Angle Structure
Total weight per pole type
Basic body
Arm

5.0

TESTS

5.2.3.1 Full Scale Loading Test

Tangent Structure
Small Angle Structure
Light Angle Structure
Medium Angle Structure
Anchor Structure
Heavy Angle Structure
Deadend Structure

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

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TRANSMISSION MATERIALS STANDARD SPECIFICATION

20-TMSS-02, Rev.01

SECOND DRAFT
8.0

DATA SCHEDULE

TAPERED TUBULAR STEEL POLES

A.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR FEATURES TO BE FURNISHED:

B.

ADDITIONAL
SUPPLEMENTARY
DATA
BIDDER/VENDOR/SUPPLIER/CONTRACTOR:

C.

OTHER PARTICULARS
CONTRACTOR:

TO

BE

OR

FILLED-UP

FEATURES

BY

Actual Manufacturer
of Equipment/Material

PROPOSED

BY

BIDDER/VENDOR/SUPPLIER/

Vendor/Supplier/
Contractor

Name of the Company

Location and Address

Name and Signature of Authorized

Representative and Date

Official Seal/Stamp of the Company

and Date

20TMSS02R01/MAR

Date of Approval: December 17, 2014

PAGE 26 OF 26