RESEARCH PAPER
Reliability analysis of overhead transmission lines under combined wind and ice loads considering wind-induced fatigue effects
1
College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, China
A – Conceptualization; B – Methodology; C – Software; D – Validation; E – Formal analysis; F – Investigation; G – Resources; H – Data curation; I – Writing – original draft; J – Writing – review & editing; K – Visualization; L – Supervision; M – Project administration; N – Funding acquisition
Submission date: 2026-02-04
Final revision date: 2026-07-06
Acceptance date: 2026-07-17
Online publication date: 2026-08-13
Publication date: 2026-08-13
Corresponding author
Kai Ji
College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, 201306, Shanghai, China
College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, 201306, Shanghai, China
Eksploatacja i Niezawodność – Maintenance and Reliability 2027;29(1):226058
KEYWORDS
Overhead transmission linesReliability assessmentAeolian vibrationTransmission tower-line systemWind-ice loads
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Overhead Transmission Lines (OTLs) are chronically subjected to fatigue damage induced by Aeolian vibration and extreme wind-ice loads. However, existing design codes and reliability assessment methods often overlook the coupling effects of these two factors. This paper proposes a reliability framework integrating regional climate and full life-cycle effects, applied to a Transmission Tower-Line System (TTLS) under combined wind and ice loads. Based on meteorological data from Shenyang and Xianning (1975–2025), a joint probability model of wind speed and direction is constructed using the Frank Copula to quantify Aeolian vibration probability. Nonlinear dynamic time-history simulations are employed to analyze conductor strength degradation. Integrating fragility estimates and reliability indices reveals the evolution of structural safety margins over the service life. Results show that fatigue damage significantly reduces OTL load-bearing capacity. As service extends, loads sustainable at the initial design stage evolve into critical loads, precipitating catastrophic failure.
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| eISSN: | 2956-3860 |
| ISSN: | 1507-2711 |
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