Intelligent Parametric Design Library Framework for Steel Tubular Pole Transmission Infrastructure: A PLS-POLE-Based Knowledge Engineering Approach

Abstract

The rapid acceleration of U.S. transmission infrastructure deployment demands a fundamental shift in how structural engineering workflows are designed and executed. Conventional pole design treats each structure as a discrete problem, generating redundant calculations, extended cycle times, and inconsistent quality. This paper presents a systematic knowledge engineering framework built around a reusable, validated PLS-POLE design library for steel tubular transmission poles, H-frame structures, and A-frame assemblies. The framework categorizes pre-validated configurations by voltage class (69–345 kV), application type, and load environment, and integrates directly with Autodesk Inventor for three-dimensional modeling, automated bill-of-materials generation, and computer numerical control fabrication execution. Deployment at SI Utility in the Permian Basin demonstrated engineering cycle time reductions of 64–70%, material weight savings of 9–13%, plate utilization rates of 92.3%, and fabrication defect rates of 1.7% against an industry benchmark of 4–8%. The framework offers a scalable, reproducible model for intelligent infrastructure manufacturing that directly addresses domestic transmission capacity constraints under conditions of surging load growth.