Standard Type Tests Completed for the Suspension Tower
The suspension tower has successfully passed the standard type tests and has proven to withstand the specific weather conditions of the Republic of Moldova, giving the green light for its production.
These conclusions were reached following the completion of the type tests on September 21, 2022, at the Structural Engineering Research Centre in Chennai, India.
After the design phase, type tests are conducted on a prototype tower by simulating various structural load scenarios, such as wind pressure, ice accumulation on conductors, and extreme cases like conductor breakage. In total, 10 load cases were simulated, and the tower withstood loads exceeding 100% of the applied forces—based on the most severe case reflecting the local climate conditions.
The suspension tower will represent approximately 80% of the total number of towers to be installed for the construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău overhead power line.
Type tests for the remaining tower types will be carried out in October–November of this year.
We remind that the project is currently in the design phase, with construction of the 400 kV overhead line expected to begin in spring 2023. The contract for design, supply, and installation of the Vulcănești–Chișinău line is part of the Electricity System Development Project, funded by the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and UCIPE. The project beneficiary is Moldelectrica.
