Sere Wind Farm, 132 kV

Overhead Power Line:

Survey - Stub settings:

Prepared by:
Surname and Initials: Van Rooyen, U. A.
Employee Code: POL00154
Date: 12.02.2014
Prepared for:
Mr N. v. d. Mescht
Stefanutti Stocks, Contracts Director,
(Student Mentor)

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction:...................................................................3
2. Objectives of this study:.....................................................3
3. Test methods used in this study:............................................3
3.1. APPARATUS:........................................................................................3
3.2. METHOD STATEMENT:.............................................................................3
3.3. TASK EXECUTION:.................................................................................4

5. Conclusion:.....................................................................7
6. Recommendations:............................................................7
7. References:.....................................................................7

1. Introduction:
This report has been compiled to explain the techniques used for setting out of the stubs
used in the foundations, which the Lattice tower structures (strain towers) that carry the
overhead power line conductors, are attached to.
The report was requested by Mr N. v. d. Mescht, Stefanutti Stocks Power, Contracts
Director.
The report was requested on the 7th February 2014.
The report was compiled by U. A. Van Rooyen.

2. Objectives of this study:

The objective of this report is to explain the techniques used for setting out of the stubs
in the foundations, which the Lattice tower structures (strain towers), that carry the
overhead power line conductors, are attached to.

3. Test methods used in this study:

3.1. APPARATUS:

1 x 30 meter steel/fibreglass measuring tape.

1 x 5 meter steel measuring tape.
Transportation to and from site.
+/- 500 mm long wooden pegs with tops painted white.
(sufficient amount for work to be undertaken to be undertaken.)
+/- 500 mm long rebar pegs.
(sufficient amount for work to be undertaken to be undertaken.)
1 x 5 pound steel head hammer.
1 x Tower number tags.
Relevant PPE.
Theodolite (calibrated) and tripod.
Surveying Staff.
SHEQ documentation required for task.
Tower Schedule.
Angle Iron Spirit Level.

3.2. METHOD STATEMENT:

1. The purpose of undertaking this surveying is to mark out the tower positions and
excavation locations.
2. The centre pegs, centre line and reference pegs will have already been placed by a
qualified surveyor, appointed by the client.
3. The surveyor must supply records of the survey including the various ground levels of
the positions pegged. This is in order to determine the leg extensions, if any.
4. A tower schedule must then be verified and updated per tower position and this shall
include the various ground levels/leg extensions as indicated above.
5. Colour coding of the pegs will be in line with client requirements and best practices.
3

6. The positions of pegs will be marked by driving wooden poles painted white on the
upper end, into the ground within 100 mm of the survey peg. The length of the
wooden pegs is variable but must be long enough to be visible above any grass/brush
in the area.
7. Excavation types will have been identified through soil nominations and design
approved. This will identify the type per location and will indicate the survey
requirements for marking out the excavation boundaries.
8. The surveyor will indicate the centre of the line crossing each boundary fence as to
mark the fence where an access gate will be installed. The centre on the fence will be
clearly marked.

3.3. TASK EXECUTION:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Theodolite Setup on centre peg.

Reading of Tower Schedule and getting correct tower specifications.
Attach stubs to props with bolts and fasten with spanners.
Start at excavation hole A and move clockwise till D.
Do prelim setting of stubs in excavation and move props accordingly.
Move stub onto small concrete block in the specified position in excavation.
Move stub with props the get required alignment and also check the Angle Iron
bubble for vertical alignment and check distance to centre peg with tape measure.
8. Once alignment is correct fix prop legs to ground with short rebar pieces
(+/- 500 mm long.).
9. Continue with next stub until all four have been completed.
10. Recheck all settings just to validate that setup is correct.
Possible Errors:
Incorrect setup of Theodolite.
Theodolite being dirty, damaged or not calibrated.
Angle Iron Bubble being damage and not calibrated.
Theodolite on stand can be bumped and result in errors.
Sagging and/or stretching of the tap can cause errors.
Readings can be done incorrectly due to human error.
Avoiding Errors:
Ensure that staff are trained and certified for the use of a Theodolite.
Before starting inspect tools to make sure that everything is in order.
Ensure that the Theodolite and all parts associated to it as well as other tools used for
this task is regularly serviced and certified as required.
Make sure not to bump or disturb machine after setup has been done.
Attempt to counteract the stretching and sagging of the tape.
Make use of laser measuring devices to improve accuracy.
Ensure that the operation and readings of the Theodolite is done by a qualified person.

Discussion of results:
The stubs settings form a very important role in the lattice tower structure, if it is
misaligned it can cause the tower to be out of the power line alignment or it can cause
difficulties when tower is assembled as bolt patterns are not aligned.

Figure 1: Stub Setting Layout.

5. Conclusion:
The practical observation done, has helped to further explain, the procedures used when
doing setting out of stubs and how they are done. It is a fairly sophisticated job and
requires skill and a lot of patience. It is also a very team orientated job so it requires very
skilful and experienced team to do successfully.
The stub settings was done using the correct apparatus and following the procedures as
stated in the SSP Safe Work Procedures and the project tower schedule, thus the results
obtained were satisfactory and according to specifications.

6. Recommendations:

When excavations are done, it should be monitored more carefully in order to avoid
over excavation, resulting in difficulty when using the props.
The use of bracing should be used to support excavations in loose or unstable soil
situations.
The use of a laser measuring device should be used to eliminate inaccuracies.
Scaffolding should be used in order to make to getting in and out of excavations easier
and well as for general navigation around the excavations.

7. References:
Information:
1. STEFANUTTI STOCKS, 2013/2014. Sere Wind Farm, Safe Work Procedures. South Africa.
Illustrations:
1. VAN ROOYEN, U. A. 2014. Stub Setting Layout.