SPANS

Span

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

Span

 The distance between the centre line of the adjacent

supporting structures for overhead equipment/lines
is known as span.
Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2
CAMTECH, Gwalior

Measuremen
t
 Spans shall be accurately measured by means of a
steel tape.

• On curves,

• On single track, measurement shall be made on the

outer rail.

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

 In the case of an odd number of tracks these

measurement shall be taken on the outer rail of the
middle track.

 In the case of an even number of tracks these

measurement shall be taken on the inner rail of the
first outside track (from the centre of the formation).

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

Standard
Span
Standard spans shall be determined in accordance with:

i) Drg. No. ET1/OHE/G/00202 for conventional OHE

ii) Drg. No. ETI/OHE/G/04201; for regulated tramway

OHE

iii) Drg. No. ETI/OHE/SK/375; for composite OHE

(Aluminium - alloy catenary and copper contact
wire).
Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2
CAMTECH, Gwalior

 The spans shall be as large as practicable, but should

enable the contact wire to be erected with permissible
stagger.

 For a stipulated maximum stagger, the length of the

span is governed by curvature, blow-off of overhead
equipment, sway of pantograph and deflection of the
mast under wind condition.

 Standard spans shall be used to maximum extent

possible.

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

Mild Span
Stagger
 Where the two adjacent spans are located on curves
of different radius or when the two versines are in
opposite directions, the spans shall be determined so
as to keep the mid-span stagger in the two spans
within the limit given in the span and stagger chart
(ET1/OHE/G/00202).

 Taking into account the stagger at the common

support and the stagger at the extreme supports .
Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2
CAMTECH, Gwalior

Restriction
s
The following restrictions are applicable:

i) On main tracks, the lengths of two consecutive spans

shall not normally differ by more than 18m.

ii) The lengths of spans with unequal encumbrances

shall be such that the axial distance between the
catenary and the contact wire at the minimum
dropper is not less than 150mm.
Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2
CAMTECH, Gwalior

For example, the length of the span with 1.4 m and 0.9m
encumbrances at the two ends shall not exceed 67.5m.
This restriction is applicable to the two spans on each
side of the structure, equipping a turnout for the main
OHE.

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

iii) Spans in the vicinity of over-line structures with

restricted head room shall be determined with
reference to the electrical clearances available.

iv) The lengths of spans loaded with section insulators

may require to be restricted.

v) Non-standard spans may be adopted in difficult

locations, e.g. in rocky cuttings, on through girder
bridges, for locations of masts on bridge piers and
within station limits.

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2

CAMTECH, Gwalior

vi) With crossed type equipment with actual crossings of

OHEs at facing turnouts, the anchor spans shall be
restricted to 54 m.

vii) Where earth wire is provided, the maximum span over

level crossings should be 58.5 m.

viii) The spans at insulated and un-insulated overlaps should

be designed in accordance with Drg. Nos. ETI/OHE/G/
02131/Sheet 1 and RE/33/G/02121 Sh. 1 respectively.

ix) The spans at neutral sections should conform to Drg.

No. ET1/OHE/G/02161 Sheet No. 1 and no deviations
are normally permissible.
Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2
CAMTECH, Gwalior

Phase II - Module No. STC-TrD-2