Computerized Transmission Line Design PLS-CADD Hands-On Training

Overview and Terrain Modeling

• PLS-CADD system overview
• Presentation of projects
• How to organize project files
• View commands, opening of windows, viewing of phases and sags
• Needed terrain data and surveying
• Prepare a terrain model

LiDAR Aerial Surveying

• How to use 3-dimensional survey data
• Building design models from LiDAR data
• Identifying clearance limits and potential for clearance upgrades

Conductor Design and Modeling

• Various conductor types
• Conductor properties: advantages and disadvantages 
• Permanent deformation from overloading and creep
• Effects of high temperature on creep and strength reduction 
• Conductor models in PLS-CADD
• Aeolian vibrations: how to limit 
• Temperature vs. ampacity 
• Line thermal rating

Design Criteria

• Weather data 
• Wind and ice loads: gust response factors, etc. 
• Conductor limits of use 
• Conditions for automatic sagging 
• Structure loads and safety factors 
• Conditions for checking clearances 
• PLS-CADD/LITE: simplified PLS-CADD module

Structures Modeling by Allowable Spans

• Available structure models - allowable spans method - full analysis method
• Material lists, parts lists 
• Create and edit allowable span structures

Interactive Line Design

• Spot structures interactively 
• String and sag conductors: demonstrate 
• Check clearances: vertical, between phases, galloping, etc. 
• Check overall design efficiency

Generate Construction Documents

• Plan-and-profile sheets, staking lists, stringing charts, offset clipping, etc.

Modeling of Poles and Frames by Analysis 

• Overview of structure programs; PLS-POLE
• Create and edit wood, steel and concrete poles/frames
• Determining allowable spans of existing structure designs

Modeling Existing Lines, Assessment, and Refurbishing

• Modeling existing lines and structures 
• Assessment, reconductoring, refurbishing, etc. 
• Joint use issues and modeling 
• Links to SAPS

Automatic Optimum Spotting

• Theory and examples

Checking Detailed Tower Models

• Brief overview of TOWER program capabilities
• Linkage between PLS-CADD and TOWER
• Checking and modifying older tower designs

Registration Date/Time:
3/8/2027 07:30am Eastern Standard Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 3/8/2027  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
• 3/9/2027  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
• 3/10/2027  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
• 3/11/2027  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
• 3/12/2027  8:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Standard  Time

Laptop Requirement

Participants will bring their own laptop computers to this course. Computer rental is available for a $400 weekly fee. If you prefer to rent a computer, please indicate that choice when enrolling in the course.

Computer Hardware Requirements

If you are already a PLS-CADD user, please bring a laptop on which you have previously run the PLS-CADD software. Your laptop must have a 64-bit processor, Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 installed, and at least 200 MB of available disk space. An external two-button mouse is also strongly recommended

If you have previously installed the PLS software on your computer and wish to use it in class, you must be running the latest version and you must bring your hardware key dongle if you have one. If you have already transitioned to the new cloud-based licensing (CBL), you do not need a hardware key, just an internet browser to connect via free Wi-Fi in the classroom.

If you have not previously installed PLS software on your computer, or if you wish to use the loaner training software we offer with the course, you must have an available USB port and administrative rights on your computer so that the training software can be installed.

Additional computer hardware and software information will be emailed to you several weeks before the course starts.

If you do not have administrative rights, please consider renting a laptop during registration. 

Hotel Room Block

The hotel information and room block link can be found under "Location and Lodging." The room block pricing is available first-come-first-served and will expire. Please book your room early. 

• Instructor

  Tim Cashman, P.E.

  Tim Cashman, PE, is Director of Engineering Services for Power Line Systems (PLS) in Madison, WI.  He has more than 35 years of experience in routing, design and constructions of overhead lines ranging from 69kV thru 500kV in his previous positions as a consulting engineer and in his current position at PLS.  Tim has conducted training courses using PLS software for over 25 years and is involved with technical support, software testing and development of new features at PLS.  He is a registered Professional Engineer and is an active member of ASCE 10 Latticed Steel Transmission Structures committee.  Tim received a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

• Program Director

  Shalini Bhat