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:
3/2/2026 7:30am Eastern Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 3/2/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time
• 3/3/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time
• 3/4/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time
• 3/5/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time
• 3/6/2026  8:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Time

Laptop Requirement

Participants will bring their own laptop computers to this course. Computer rental is available for a $300 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 7, 8, or 10 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 room block link will be  available on this webpage shortly. The room block pricing is available first-come-first-served and will expire. Please book your room early. 

• Program Director

  Shalini Bhat

• 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.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us by no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Because this course has limited enrollment, cancellation received after this date and no-shows are subject to the full course fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.