Challenge

In March 2013, CenterPoint Energy experienced a 90-degree lattice tower underream foundation failure resulting in cascading event involving four additional towers. This failure occurred during frigid temperatures and on a line that had recently been reconductored. CenterPoint Energy subsequently identified symptoms of foundation failure in several other towers with underream foundations. CenterPoint’s needs were as follows:
  • Inspect, identify and prioritize the towers that posed the greatest level of risk to allow CenterPoint Energy to execute mitigation measures most effectively.
  • Develop an algorithm to categorize the risk of tower foundation failures based on inspection data of tower leaning angles, bent members, foundation cracks, foundation racking severity etc.

Solution

CenterPoint Energy was tasked to consider various solutions to the challenge. After an exhaustive search, CenterPoint Energy commissioned Think Power to assist in the inspection and analysis of these structures. The overarching goal of this program was to identify and prioritize the towers that posed the greatest level of risk to allow CenterPoint Energy to execute mitigation measures most effectively.

Based on the data obtained from field inspection and other previously available data, a risk management program based on risk likelihood and severity of an individual tower failure on the transmission system was established. A risk management and mitigation strategy was developed to detect hidden failures that could manifest itself over time and prioritize remediation efforts on towers that could potentially fail left in its then current state. The results of this risk management program can be analyzed further on Think Power ONE dashboards.

Resolution

Think Power Solutions developed a risk management and mitigation strategy to detect hidden failures that could manifest itself over time and prioritize remediation efforts on towers that could potentially fail left in its then current state. This work exemplifies the superb inspection services of Think Power coupled with the innovative technology of Think Power ONE and data analytics background to exceed clients’ expectations of schedule, cost and quality in field inspections.