Transmision line construction

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Transmission Line ConsTruCTion

Technical Paper

esTimaTe THe CosT oF

submitted by Mario A. Marchio, CPE

What successful Cost Estimators know. . . . and you should, too.

AN ESTIMATOR’S GUIDE TO POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND STRATEGIES

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Mario A. Marchio, CPE is the Manager of Estimating in an Electric and Gas Transmission / Distribution Company located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Mr. Marchio’s career began as a residential builder before attaining his bachelors degree in Construction Management and then moving on to estimating positions at Modern Continental Construction, Kiewit Construction, and Cashman Construction. Mario also owned and operated Encompass Construction Inc., his own Commercial / Real Estate development construction company for the last ten years. Today, he is a member of ASPE chapter 25 and also an active member of PMI, whilst working on his master’s degree in Power Systems Management at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

1) Introduction

2) Types and Methods of Measurements

3) Specific Factors That Affect Take-off & Pricing

4) Overview of Labor, Materials, Equipment,

Indirect Costs, & Approach to Markup

5) Special Risk Considerations

6) Ratios and Analysis

7) Misc. Pertinent Information

8) Sample Sketches

9) Sample Takeoff & Pricing Sheets

10) Glossary of Terms

11) References

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esTimaTe THe CosT oF: TRANSMISSION LINE CONSTRUCTION

1. inTroduCTionThis technical paper is intended to provide the reader with a general understanding of performing professional construction estimating services as they relate to the cost of Transmission Line construction. This specifically refers to the installation of transmission structures. The installation of these structures and poles can vary in difficulty depending on location, accessibility, seasonality, and proximity to urban cities, roads, and waterways. The estimator has to be aware of a multitude of factors that can greatly affect a cost estimate for this particular section of the utility construction industry.

main Csi (2004) divisionDivision 33 00 00 Utilities

main Csi (2004) subdivisions33 71 13 23 - Electrical Utility Towers33 71 13 23 - Utility Poles

Brief descriptionThe author will discuss the requirements

of the Construction Estimator to review the plans and specifications, to perform a scope of work review, to perform quality takeoffs, to compile all direct and indirect costs, and to factor all of these items into a cost estimate using production rates and cost adders that reflect the challenges inherent to the installation of structures for transmission. The paper will be presented from the point of view of an Estimator who is preparing a Prime, or General Contract bid, as opposed to the view of a subcontractor or material supplier. It is assumed that the plans and specifications have been prepared to the level of Construction Documents (Final Design) by the project’s engineers. These projects are typically bid as unit price contracts rather than as lump sum contracts (in part due to regulatory requirements). The contractor provides a unit price to quantities established by the engineer, and the extended prices are all summed to determine an overall contract amount. These amounts are typically reimbursed by the utility provider’s customer base in bill rates when dealing with Transmission and Distribution providers.

2. Types oF meTHods oF measuremenTs

Power Transmission Structure takeoffs include several components, including

site preparation (clearing, tree removals, trimming, and access road building) which can be measured either by LUMP SUM or SQ YD; foundation excavation by CUB YD; backfill by the CUB YD or TON; rock coring by the LF; foundation forms such as metal culverts by LF based on diameter and shape; steel pole and/or wood pole assembly and install by EA; Insulators by EA; Hardware by EA; Matting by the LF; other components such as guy’s, shield wire, and conductor can by measured by the LF or CIRCUIT MILE if running long distances.

Transmission structures are typically located in cleared, maintained right-of-ways that usually cut through remote, sometimes mountainous terrain due to the hardships of securing land rights in prime rural and urban areas. The clearing of and trimming of trees and vegetation by forestry crews are typically based on a lump sum or sq yd removal cost basis and are a first step if the specific install calls for it. These removal locations are designated on T-sheets (plan and profile planning documents) which also include access locations, wetlands, rails, waterways, and roadways. All of these must be taken into consideration and are usually reflected with a lump sum cost for additional resource requirements in the estimate. The areas’ of clearing can be scaled off and quantified from these sheets for pricing of bidding quantities. Access roads and lay down yard quantities can be quantified in the same manner. Both can be measured by sq yd, cu yd, or tonnage of materials required. One important consideration regarding the items above are the equipment costs involved in some of the highly specialized machinery utilized in certain geographic locations. These pieces of equipment are either charged by the day, month, or even year.

Excavation spoils for the transmission structure foundations require cubic yardage or tonnage measurements. The foundation requirements for a particular structure can be found in engineering documents and identify the structures foundation length, width, diameter, and depth. This specification in turn allows the estimator to quantify the cu yd or tonnage of soils removal utilizing the correct formula. It allows the estimator to calculate the structures back fill materials in cu yd or tonnage if a concrete foundation will not be utilized.

To do this, the estimator will deduct the embedded poles circumference multiplied by the depth of embedment from the metal culvert form’s total cu yd holdings calculation. Other factors to consider whilst costing excavation and backfill for a structure are equipment requirements, location, ground conditions, ledge, and contamination.

Concrete foundations for transmission structures, as explained above, are specified in engineering documents which call out lengths, widths, depths, diameters, concrete strength requirements, and reinforcing packages. Concrete for foundations is priced by the cu yd, psi requirement, and varies from region to region. An estimator can pull the desired measurements from the engineering documents and quantify by cu yd measurements. A quote from a regional supplier can then be supplied who is located within the closest proximity to the install locations. Access plays a major role in the transmission structures foundation cost. Obviously, a concrete pour off the side of the road would cost much less than a pour on a steep mountainside due to access issues. The cost of a concrete pour increases dramatically as the trucks are forced to work their way down a matted road or if pumping is required. This factor is usually covered in the estimate by the use of a cost multiplier for location issues. For example: a typical pour requires 32 man-hours at $100 per hour totaling $3,200. Material costs = $1,000. The total is $4,200 but then a cost multiplier of 30% or 1.30 is applied bringing the total cost to $5,460 for that particular foundation. Rebar is quantified by the ton or by each and like foundations, are typically found in the structures engineering documents.

The power transmission structure install itself is measured by each. Standard structure types have usually already been pre-established by the local utility co. and are designated in standards (engineering documents). The estimator shall use both a combination of the standards and T-sheets to determine the various types and quantities of structures and associated materials. The estimator will determine whether a steel lattice structure, steel pole(s), wood pole(s), and/or a combination thereof shall be

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used. Different production rates will apply to the different structures based on voltages carried by the conductors and hardware above. Typically, a higher voltage line indicates that a taller, larger structure will be utilized indicating more man-hours than a lower voltage line. The estimator will account for the correct equipment and crew rates by man-hour, crew-hour, and rental or internal equipments charges by the hour, day, week, or month. Material costs for structures shall be measured as each (steel member, poles) and the estimator will take careful precaution to account for escalation in the sometimes volatile metals market when taking off steel structures.

Other quantifications the estimator must consider when conducting his structure install are insulators, hardware packages, guy and shield wire, and conductor. These are usually compiled as an each, lf, or circuit mile measurement. Also, support services such as police details, flagmen, testing, signage, site-restoration, and swamp matting all play integral roles in the transmission structure estimate.

3. speCiFiC FaCTors THaT aFFeCT TakeoFF and priCingsmall Quantities vs. Large Quantities

It is typical that larger transmission structure install projects will have an overall lower construction unit (cu) cost than smaller projects due to a multitude of factors. Firstly, a large and costly item in structure installs are the costs associated with mobilization and demobilization. On a larger project, the mobilization and demobilization dollars are spread more efficiently due to the equipment and resources already being on site. The cost of materials can generally be lower as well on larger jobs due to the bulk savings aspect of large quantity purchases. The installer will usually get a better deal on the purchase of 100 steel poles vs. 1 pole. Indirect and overhead costs can also be lessened due to the greater efficiency achieved by the resources on site due to the greater production rates involved when set at one site for a longer period vs. continually having to relocate.

geographic LocationAs mentioned earlier, the geographic

locations of a transmission structures’ cost can double, triple, or quadruple depending on its install location. The location of install of a wood structure in a right-of-way off the side of the road will cost significantly less than a three pole steel structure installed on a steep, rocky, mountainside. Also, a steel pole install located in the middle of a swamp or waterway will cost significantly more than a steel pole install on a rolling hillside. There will be higher costs associated with trucking, material delivery, availability, and resourcing when dealing with remote install locations. A helicopter may be required to bring men and equipment to some of these remote locations. Safety may also become an issue when an injury occurs and the closest hospital isn’t easily accessible to the remote nature of the location.

seasonal effect on WorkThis area of the utility industry is greatly

affected by the impacts of seasonal climate change on the production rates of labor, equipment, and material issues. Winter months inflict additional hardships and costs with soil freezing, snow coverage of work areas, and de-icing of materials and machinery. Concrete, which is a vital aspect of the install, needs additional dollars allocated for protection, heating, and chemical adders? Rain also causes work to come to a standstill. Due to the inherently dangerous characteristics of electricity, crews and equipment come to complete stop when rain or sleet falls. Excessive heat can cause safety and material concerns as well. Labor agreements with local unions generally have clauses that if the temperature reaches 100 degrees, work must stop if the safety and well being of the men is at stake. Another seasonal issue that affects structure installs is work stoppages due to outage restrictions. Outage dates have to be calculated well in advance for the peak loads in winter and summer months due to heating and cooling loads. The estimator must make sure to account for Time-not-Worked dollars when required.

special Conditions affecting Transmission structure installations

Firstly, the extremely dangerous characteristics of electrical transmission

structure installations require that the utility conducting the installation follows a company safety procedure. Typically, a company safety procedure should reference Federal (OSHA) and local governing regulations regarding health and safety of the workforce. This trade is particularly subject to many extremes and dangers that others aren’t and therefore safety exists as a special condition. Secondly, the next condition the estimator must consider is the location of the install. As mentioned before, a plethora of hardships may ensue depending on the engineers, typically restricted allowance, of install locations. Due to the reality of right-of-way issues and on-going land owner court proceedings, utility companies continually have to locate their structures in remote, hard to access, right-of-ways. The location of the install has to be looked at in terms of accessibility, terrain, wetlands, and subsurface characteristics. The accessibility to a right-of-way can be a critical cost factor. Many times, structure access may only accessible by crossing land owners property that a utility company possesses an easement to with the municipality and/or owner. Owners, although agreeing to some type of monetary compensation for this use, sometimes renege and fight the utility company’s ability to access their structures. This can be time consuming and costly for the utility with court proceedings or additional monetary sums that it hadn’t originally anticipated. Another important variable an estimator must consider when looking at access is possible road building requirements. To access the right-of-way, the utility first needs an access point which is typically a dirt, gravel, or sometimes paved road leading to the r-o-w. These access roads may pre-exist for a particular project or will need to be constructed from scratch. If the project calls for the creation of an access road, then the estimator must first determine type and then quantify the different materials (typically by the ton or sq yd), labor, and equipment to build the road. Once the access road is built and is sufficient to allow for the equipment and vehicles typically used in the structure installs, the estimator should calculate a maintenance cost as well for upkeep of the access road. Terrain also plays a critical role in determining the cost of transmission structure installations.

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If the right-of-way is on smooth, flat, minimally forested and stoned land in a rural location, then the estimator would anticipate maximum production rates for both crew and equipment. If the r-o-w is set closer to a more populated, urban location, the estimator will have to account for possible existing utilities before digging and costs associated. Dig Safe would be notified and if existing utilities are found at a structure install location, additional dollars should be estimated for either re-engineering new location of structure or workings around the existing utility. He or she will also have to determine if additional conditions exist that may require the use of police details, storage and lay down areas (land may have to be rented for storage purposes), shoring, pedestrian controls, signage, and working time restrictions. The advance knowledge of all these possible conditions should be in indicated in a bid package and developed before construction by the project team. Mountainous terrain presents many conditions in itself that greatly impact the final construction cost of a structure install. When right-of-ways are located in steep, rocky, mountain terrains many issues arise such as specialized equipment needs (helicopters, track equipment), lower production rates, material delivery methods, and increased safety concerns. Many times, the mountainous r-o-w’s are located in remote locations which also incurs the added cost of extra travel and stay expenses for crews, longer work days which introduces overtime due to the time it takes just to get to an install location, and added engineering dollars to deal with the complexities of foundation installs in rock. Rock coring is another factor that the estimator must be aware of when pricing work in this type of terrain. This can be more costly than installing the structure itself. Again, the estimator must also be aware of the time of year the anticipated work is scheduled to take place. The installation of a transmission structure located on a remote mountainside r-o-w already contains many hardships affecting cost, but if it is determined that it will be done in the dead of winter, the estimator must ensure to capture that additional adder, whether in the unit cost itself or by applying a cost multiplier for hardship.

Lastly, the estimator must make himself or herself well aware of swamp matting

necessities if the project is located in wetlands. In transmission structure installs, swamp matting cannot be overlooked as its requirement could add major cost. Swamp matting is required when the r-o-w cuts through swamp or wetlands. In order to get the equipment and crews’ necessary to the specified site, layers of wood matting that are 1’ thick by 4’ long and 16’ wide are laid down concurrently either in a single mat or stacked depending on the depth of the water level at site. In many cases the use of swamp matting is also requested in order to comply with con-com (conservation commission) permit requirements for the preservation of wetlands and indigenous plants and vegetation. If mats were not used, the equipments tracks and tires would destroy many native species of endangered vegetation. Another concern that could affect cost when estimating the installation of a transmission structure in wetland is the added cost of dewatering when preparing to excavate, form, and pour foundations. Dewatering is typically required when installing a new structure in wetlands and the estimator must be well aware of that cost. The T-sheets typically designate where matting and possible dewatering may be required. Matting is typically priced by the linear foot or lump sum if a sub-contractor performs, and dewatering can be priced as a lump sum cost.

Other special concerns and costs when dealing with the install of transmission structures are permits (historical, conservation, state, local, federal (army core of engineers), Indian tribal permissions, railroad, and waterway. The lead time of obtaining these permits is, and will likely remain, costly and time consuming in the power utility industry. In summary, there are a slue of additional considerations an estimator must consider when pricing the install of a transmission structure or structures that can greatly affect the overall project cost.

4. overvieW oF LaBor, maTeriaL, eQuipmenT, indireCT CosTs, & markup

Labor costs are calculated on a man-hour or crew-hour basis and are typically determined by the selected union’s local contract agreement with the utility

company. If union labor is not utilized, then prevailing wage rates would apply in most cases. Equipment rates are calculated either by hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rates and/or purchase or lease costs distributed through the various capital and maintenance projects the company manages. Other costs such as materials, sub-contractor, in-directs, and markups are categorized as expenses and are usually a lump sum total added to the overall labor cost. Supervision, construction management, and administration are also sub-totals that should be calculated independently in this type of construction. Example 1 (next page) is a typical assembly of crew and equipment costs associated with the installation of a transmission structure.

Material costs are based on the takeoff quantities from engineered documents and/or a materials list. The construction estimator will include waste factors and cost adders as they deem necessary. Materials handling, delivery, fuel costs, etc. shall be assessed on a per project basis. Steel and wood pole structure quotes shall be obtained from suppliers (including cross-arms, bracing). This should include any specialized weatherization treatment. Other supplies to consider would also include gravel, metal culvert forms, wood or aluminum forms, concrete, rebar, and hardware. Subcontracting quotations should be obtained from equipment rental companies, paving, and rock coring companies as well. Indirect costs will need tabulation such as insurance, bonus, and taxes. Supervision will also get calculated and all above costs should be summarized. Another important aspect of the final total construction cost is the risk register amount. Due to the potentially high schedule and cost impacts certain construction risks (identified or unidentified) may have, a risk register, based on percentage of probability, should be implemented and contingency dollars captured as part of the overall construction estimate.

Once all costs have been summarized, the installation cost can be marked up for profit a number of different ways. A power utility company may build a certain percentage of profit into their customer’s rates and calculate what that is based on the dollar value of work classified as capital projects. This might

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be a forecasted value based on their capital portfolio. Another means might be to work in a percentage of profit, based on the construction value, which is ultimately rolled up into a lump sum cost and is then reimbursed directly by the customer. Either way, profit is worked in whether it is a large utility or small conducting the work.

5. speCiaL risk ConsideraTions

Installing transmission structures, like many utility occupations, involves many risks that an estimator must be aware of. As stated above, a risk register should be implemented on all transmission structure installations to capture the potential values of encountering those risks. Some specific risks include: inclement weather conditions, theft and vandalism, existing utilities encountered whilst digging, encountering ledge, work located in a known flood zone, ground water encountered, equipment breakdown, subcontractor failure, endangered species or wildlife in work- zone, construction drawings inaccurate, loss of an outage, material delivered late, material cost increases, unforeseen conditions, labor shortages, access disputes with land owner, and schedule slippage. When working in steep mountainous terrain additional risks may apply such as slower production rates, longer set up and demobilization times, and equipment hardships. Working in proximity to urban areas presents its own

challenges and risks. Here are but a few to consider: pedestrian injury, damage to adjacent structures, damage to sidewalks, streets, and damage to existing in-ground utilities. Encountering any of these risks, if not properly planned for, can result in the project cost spiraling out of control and can lead to litigation between parties which is not uncommon in today’s world.

6. raTios and anaLysisTransmission structure installations

typically differ from project to project due to the different structures utilized and the different conditions of installation. A construction unit database, based on historical data of projects complete, is an effective means of quantifying and checking the bid. It is good practice for any utility company, to utilize cost codes and/or activity codes for the engineering and construction activities it conducts, that will effectively allow for the recording and tracking of data received as projects are built. It is necessary that a means of standard deviation is applied to the CU’s (construction unit) based on standard deviation over a select time period. The time period selection for CU’s may vary from one company to another. Once the CU method is applied, a cross-check against an estimator’s takeoff can be conducted and if any differential of value exists, it can thusly be evaluated and examined for harmonizing and implementation. A good example of a transmission structure CU is a two-pole H-Frame Dead End Pull-Off Structure with

cross-bracing, cross-arms, insulators, and hardware. The CU would include all labor, equipment, subcontractors, and material necessary to install this structure and components. SU’s or “Super Units” can also be utilized for more high-level estimates that might be required in the planning stages of a project. SU’s are an assembly of CU’s that can provide a quick and fairly accurate conceptual stage estimate, with the necessary alignments being made by the estimator to account for specific site conditions. Another final means of testing the estimate after CU or SU process is applied, would be a project team review, including the construction personnel responsible for the building of said project. This could result in a final calibration of refined estimate so that it’s ready for approval.

7. misC. perTinenT inFormaTion

Some other pertinent information a transmission line estimator must be aware of are the following: FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) regulatory requirements (tolerance limits of levels of accuracy), fines when proposed costs do not fall within those limits (this is in part due to costs being spread to the utilities ratepayers, NERC requirements (National Energy Regulatory Commission) due to the high level of importance transmission structures play in our nation’s infrastructure, ISO requirements (Independent System Operator), and PSC/DPU regulations (Public Service Commission and/or Dept. of Public Utilities). These are but a few Federal and State regulating and governing authorities who closely monitor and regulate the associated costs built into the utility company rates which are ultimately paid by the consumers.

Additional factors an estimator must consider are specialty labor, material, and equipment training costs which are typical to transmission structure installations, safety training costs, and sometimes costs associated with having to deal with other utilities which may share space on a transmission or distribution structure (telephone, cable, cell co’s).

Cost Item QTY. Unit Unit Cost Total Cost

80 ton hydraulic crane 1 week $2,000 $2,000

80 foot bucket truck 2 week $3,000 $3,000

Crane with clamshell bucket 1 week $1,500 $1,500

Rubber Tire Backhoe 1 week $750 $750

Tool Truck 1 week $500 $500

Pickup Truck 1 week $120 $120

Equipment Operator 2 week $2,000 $4,000

C6 Civil Crew 1 week $9,600 $9,600

Foreman 1 week $2,000 $2,000

S8 1st Class Structural Crew 1 week $16,000 $16,000

TOTAL WEEKLY COST $39,470.00

TOATL DAILY COST $7,894.00

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Example 1. A typical assembly of crew and equipment costs associated with the installation of a transmission structure.




8. sampLe skeTCHes Transmission sHeeT pLan (T-sHeeT) and aeriaL vieW

9. sampLe Take-oFF & priCing (please note that these take-offs are noT based on the plans seen in Figure 1 & 2)

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Section 8 Sample Transmission Sheet Plan (T-Sheet) and Aerial View

Figure 1

This is a transmission sheet (t-sheet) which is a plan view indicating where the new transmission structures are to be located. There is also an aerial satellite image matching the t-sheet so the estimator gets a realistic view of location conditions. The t-sheet also includes all the other pertinent information the estimator will need such as: edge of right-of-way, town line boundaries, contour lines, existing electrical structures, edge of wetland, high water tables, stream locations, wetland buffer zones, riverfronts, proposed electrical structure, proposed access, matting locations, structure excavation area, equipment work area, erosion control.

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Section 9 Sample Transmission Structure Standards

Figure 2 Structure

This is a Transmission Structure Standard which indicates what type of structure and components will be utilized so that the estimator may accurately takeoff all the various parts and assemblies for that structure. It gives the estimator a sectional, plan, and isometric view and shows insulator and hardware details. In most cases, a detailed parts list, as seen here on the right hand side, usually gives an itemized breakdown making the estimator’s life a bit easier when conducting his/her takeoff. The height and makeup of the structure usually determines the type of equipment used and whether or not the structure will be assembled on the ground and then craned into place or built one piece at a time vertically.

The construction estimator, based on height, foundation, and complexity of the particular structure(s), shall determine the correct crew-type, equipment, and duration of install based on these standards and t-sheets.

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Section 9 Sample Transmission Structure Standards continued…

Figure 3 Foundation

This is a typical transmission structure foundation detail. It will indicate the correct diameter, depth, reinforcing, grounding, and backfill requirements for the structure to be installed. Estimator can calculate the quantity of soils removal utilizing the correct formula (round, square, or rectangular). That soil, depending on site, will need dollars applied for spreading or removals. This standard will also indicate the culvert required and pole embedment. If concrete is required, it will also indicate psi and stone size. The foundation standard will also allow the estimator to correctly assign the appropriate equipment and crew sizes necessary to excavate and install.

TakeoFF CaLCuLaTions per sTruCTure (estimator to calculate waste at discretion) sampLe proJeCT sCopeproJeCT overvieW:

structuresEngineering report indicates that 6 ea new H-Frame Wood

Structures Type HF2087 and associated components are to be installed spanning a distance of one mile. Right-of-Way clearing necessary. No existing structures to remove. Right-of-Way located approximately 500’ away from CSX railroad and terrain is swamp. Terrain multiplier as per company standards equals 2 or 25% adder. Soil borings indicate some rock at install locations. New 115kv line will tie into the L123 124 double circuit line as part of a new substation loop in project. One tube steel and one steel H-frame will be utilized as well for loop into substation. All structures to receive concrete foundations due to soil conditions. Line

New 795 ASCR Falcon 30/7 conductor and 3/8 dia. shield wire to be run across new structures and looped into substation. Approximate distance is just under a mile. New line will be tie into the L123 124 line. Foundations

New structure foundations will consist of 14 ea epoxy coated rebar reinforced foundations 3’ dia. X 15’ depth. Concrete based

on engineered specifications shall not be less than 3000psi with ¾ gravel. Dewatering and damming should be considered due to water table at install location.preLiminary TakeoFF CaLCuLaTionssoils excavation volume Takeoff for structure Foundation

Assumes Structure Foundations are typical and no rock is encountered. Soils removed to be trucked to another line construction area requiring fill located within 10 miles of this site. Structure excavations volumes below.

Diameter (FT) Depth (FT) Total CU YD Removed (CY)3 15 3.925ea x 14 = 54.95cu yd

Backfill (gravel) or ConcreteApproximately 70 yards ordered 3000psi ¾ gravel. Concrete

Pump included in cost. swamp matting

4’ x 16’ wood mats by Subcontractor. Exact Lf unknown. Double and Triple Layers required approximately 30% of total at structure locations 3,4, and 5.Clearing and grubbing

New Right-of-Way requires one mile of clearing, tree-cutting, and grubbing.support services

Based on rail location, Railroad Flagmen are required as per agreement with CSX rail. Qty. to be determined. Police detail at Right-Of-Way entry point off highway 90 shall be required with

Click on each of the pictures above to view the PDF

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9. sampLe Take-oFF & priCing Continued

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Section 10 Sample Estimate – Takeoff and Pricing Sheets (please note that these takeoffs are not based on the plans seen in Figure 1 and 2)

TRANSMISSION STRUCTURE COMPONENTS TAKEOFF SAMPLE (found on standard)

POLEITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 3 WOOD POLE, SYP, PENTA, 45' CLASS 3 4 EA

4

POLE, DISTRIBUTION, 65FT , CLASS 3, SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE, PENTA TREATED, TAPERED .38 LBS PER CUBIC FT RETENTION (BY ASSAY) FULL LENGTH PRESSURE TREATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MS2005 4 EA

5 WOOD POLE, SYP, PENTA, 70' CLASS 1 4 EA 6 WOOD POLE, SYP, PENTA, 75', CLASS 1 3 EA 78 CROSSBRACE, TRANSMISSION, (ASSEMBLY), 5-1/2IN X 7-1/2IN, DOUGLAS FIR 2 EA 75 CROSS ARM 52' STEEL 8 X 10" 2 EA

CONNECTORS ITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 21 CONNECTOR, ELEC, SPLIT BOLT CONDUCTOR, 1/0 AWG STRANDED COPPER, 10 EA 22 CONNECTOR, PARALLEL GROOVE, 4 AWG SOLID X 4/0 AWG STRANDED COPP 45 EA 23 CONNECTOR, PARALLEL GROOVE, ALUMINUM/COPPER, 3-2/0 AWG, AL/CU BO 25 EA

24 CONNECTOR, ELECTRICAL, PARALLEL GROOVE, CONDUCTOR 1/0 AWG ALUM - 4/0 AWG-400KCM ALUM COPPER ALSO 3-2/0 CU TO 4/0-400KCM AL. DOUBLE CENTER BOLT. 5 EA

25 CONNECTOR, PARALLEL GROOVE, ALUMINUM/COPPER, 3/0 AWG - 397.5 KCM, 10 EA

CONDUCTOR ITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 53 WIRE, ALUMOWELD, 7#6 700 LF 54 WIRE, ALUMOWELD, 19#9 1400 LF 14 WIRE, 7 #9, ALUMOWELD 50 LF 20 WIRE, 1590 FALCON, ACSR 3850 LF 55 WIRE, 3/8" COMMON GRADE, STEEL 1500 LF 66 CONDUCTOR WEIGHT, ZINC, 50 LBS for 1590 MCM ACSR 30 EA

WASHER ITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 47 WASHER, SQUARE CURVED, NOMINAL SIZE 1IN, 1-1/16IN INSIDE DIAMETER, 4I 15 EA 48 WASHER, FLAT, GALVANIZED, 11/16IN ID,1-3/4IN OD FOR 5/8IN BOLT 150 EA 49 WASHER, FLAT, 7/8IN NOM, 15/16IN INSIDE DIAMETER, 2IN OUTSIDE DIAMENT 120 EA 50 WASHER,FLAT, NOM 1IN ID 1-1/16IN OD 3IN THICKNESS 1/4IN, GALV STEEL, A 15 EA 51 WASHER, FRAMING, NOMINAL SIZE 1-1/4"IN ,INSIDE DIAMETER 1-5/16IN, OUTS 25 EA 52 WASHER, FLAT, 1-5/16IN INSIDE DIAMETER, 8IN SQUARE OUTSIDE DIAMETER, 25 EA 61 WASHER, CURVED SQUARE, GALVANIZED, 4IN X 4IN X 1/4IN, 15/16IN HOLE, EE 20 EA

BOLT 56 BOLT, MACHINE, 5/8IN DIA X 12IN LONG, SQUARE HEAD, GALVANIZED STEEL, 15 EA 57 BOLT, MACHINE, 5/8IN DIA X 14IN LONG, SQUARE HEAD, GALVANIZED STEEL, 20 EA 58 BOLT, MACHINE, SQUARE HEAD, GALVANIZED STEEL, 3/4IN DIA X 12IN LONG, 20 EA 59 BOLT, DOUBLE ARMING, GALVANIZED STEEL, 5/8IN DIA X 18IN LONG, FULL TH 10 EA 60 BOLT, DOUBLE ARMING, GALVANIZED STEEL, 5/8IN DIA X 16IN LONG, FULL TH 40 EA 27 BOLT, MACHINE, 1IN DIA X 16IN LG, 8 UNC, GALVS, SQUARE HEAD 5 EA

28 BOLT, MACHINE, 1IN DIA X 24IN LG, HIGH STRENGTH, 8 UNC, GALVS, SQUARE HEAD, SQUARE NUT 5 EA

40 NUT, PAL, DIA 1IN, GALV STEEL 15 EA 41 NUT, SQUARE, 5/8IN, THREADS 11 UNC, HEIGHT 1/2IN, GALV STEEL, PER IEEE 10 EA 42 NUT, SQUARE, 7/8IN, THREADS 9 UNC, HEIGHT 3/4IN, GALV STEEL, PER IEEE C 15 EA 62 LOCKNUT, CURVED, GALVANIZED STEEL, PALNUT, 5/8IN 10 EA

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PLATEITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 8 PLATE, GRID, CROSSARM, 4IN X 4IN pm 1/8IN, MALLEABLE IRON SINGLE CURV 10 EA

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PLATE, GUY STRAIN INSULATORS, 2-1/4IN X 6 X 3/4IN THICK. GALV STEEL ,SHALL BE ASTM A36 AND GALVANIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM A123 AND FABRICATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DRAWING LS-5049-1 40 EA

44 PLATE, POLE EYE, 4-3/8IN WD X 8-5/8IN LG X 4IN HT, GALV STEEL, 1-1/4 IN, 30, 50 EA 70 PLATE, YOKE 30 EA

INSULATORSITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 39 INSULATOR, GUY, 78IN LG, FIBERGLASS 30M STRAIN 40 EA 2 INSULATOR, SUSPENSION, HIGH STRENGTH, 10IN X 5-3/4IN, GRAY, 30000LB. M 762 EA

CLEVIS, CLAMP, DEADENDS, EYEBOLTS, MISCELLANEOUS ITEM # DESCRIPTION ORDER UNIT 11 CLAMP, GROUND ROD. HIGH STRENGTH CORROSION RESISTANT CU ALLOY. 15 EA 12 EYEBOLT, EYE, CLEVIS Y TYPE, 90 DEG, BODY-TWISTED DROP FORGED STEE 5 SETS 13 CLEVIS, BALL, Y TYP, HOT LINE, STL AND CLEVIS PIN WITH STAINLESS STEEL 45 SETS 15 CLAMP, GROUNDING, .162IN -.419IN WIRE SIZE, GALV STEEL, TO BE USED ON 5 EA 29 CLAMP, SINGLE TONGUE, ADJUSTABLE CLEVIS, BOLTED JUMPER, 1590 KCM 50 EA 30 CLEVIS, CLEVIS-EYE, GALV STEEL, 13/16IN CLEVIS OPENING, LOAD RATING 2 30 EA 31 SHACKLE, ANCHOR, GALV STEEL, 7/8IN CLEVIS OPENING, LOAD RATING 6000 50 EA 32 CLEVIS, SOCKET, GALV STEEL, 13/16 IN CLEVIS OPENING, LOAD RATING 300 10 EA 33 CLEVIS, SOCKET, STEEL, 1-5/16IN INSIDE CLEARANCE, LOAD RATING 30,000LB 10 EA 34 CLEVIS,THIMBLE, GALV STEEL, SIZE 1IN, LOAD RATING 36000 LB MAX STR ,3/4 40 EA 35 CLIP, BONDING, 1-1/2IN WD X 1-13/16IN LG, GALV STEEL, F/7/8 IN BOLT 10 EA 36 CLIP, BONDING, 1IN WD X 1-1/2IN LG, STEEL F/5/8 IN BOLT 5 EA 37 GRIP,CABLE,DEADEND,ALUMOWELD, 22730 LB, USE FOR 7 #6 ALUMOWELD G 30 EA

38 GRIP,CABLE, DEADEND, ALUMOWELD, RATING34,290LB,USE FOR 19 #9 ALUMOWELD GUY WIRE, GUY ALUMOWELD 50" LONG - COLOR CODE ORANGE 30 EA

17 CLEVIS, HOT LINE SOCKET, GALV STEEL, 1IN CLEVIS OPENING, LOAD RATING 30 EA 1 STAPLE, DIAMOND POINT, ROLLED, 2IN X 5/8IN X .126IN, ZINC PLATED. 100 PIE 400 EA 7 ATTACHMENT, PUSH BRACE, GALVANIZED MALLEABLE IRON CONNECTOR. 5 EA 9 ROD, GROUND, SOLID, 5/8IN X 8FT, CONICALLY POINTED AT ONE END 60 DEG 15 EA 10 GUARD, GUY, HDPE FULL ROUND, 1-1/4IN X 8FT, U.V. RESISTANT, SNAP-ON W 15 EA 16 LINK, CHAIN TRANSMISSION, GALV STEEL, LINE END HARDWARE,3-1/2" X 2-1/2 10 EA 18 CAP, WOOD POLE TOP PROTECTION, 10-1/2IN, POLYETHYLENE 15 EA 19 NAIL, ROOFING,1-1/2 IN THICKNESS, O.145IN GAUGE, 6110 ALUMINUM ALLOY 1 BOX 26 ANCHOR PLANK 2" x 12" x 24" 50 EA 45 ROD, ANCHOR, 1-1/4IN DIA X 10FT LG, GS, TRIPLE EYE W/NUT 20 EA 46 TURNBUCKLE, JAW AND EYE, 3/4IN. EYE SHANK DIAMETER, 12IN. TAKEUP, 12 10 EA 63 DEADEND GRIP, ADJUSTABLE TYPE FOR ANC 10 EA 64 CORNOA SHIELD 10 EA 65 UNIVERSAL GRADE STRANDVISE 10 EA 67 CLAMP, SUSPENSION, AL 30 EA 68 CLEVIS EYE, 90 DEGREE 15 EA 69 STRAIN YOKE PLATE 4 EA 71 ANCHOR SHACKLE, 50K W-BNK 10 EA 72 JUMPER ARM ASSEMBLY 3 EA 73 SPACER, HELICAL ROD, 18" SPACING 20 EA 74 CLAMP-DE STRAIN OPGW 64/.528IN BOLT NUT COTTER 4 EA 76 Spacer, RIGID, 18" SPACING 20 EA 77 EHV TERMINALS-WELDMENT TWO CABLE TO FLAT 2 EA

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Cost Estimate (Please note that this sample cost estimate is Not based on the plans seen in Figure 1 and 2)

Structure Work Hr Total Total Cost Unit Description Men Man MH Unit MH Hr Cost Units TotalMobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Demobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Site Prep and Clean Up 2 40 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Wood H-Frame Susp 6 20 120 720 $125 $15,000 6 $90,000 w/dbl xbrace and guys Subtotal – Structure Work 960 $120,000 Contingency @ 15% 144 $18,000 Cost Adder @ 25% LOD 2 240 $30,000 (level of difficulty factor 2) Total - Structure Work 1,104 $168,000

Wire WorkMobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Demobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Site Prep and Clean Up 2 40 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Install Circuit Mile ACSR 795 8 40 320 320 $125 $40,000 1 $40,000 Falcon 30/7 Conductor Subtotal – Wire Work 560 $70,000 Contingency @ 15% 84 $10,500 Cost Adder @ 25% LOD 2 140 $17,500 (level of difficulty factor 2) Total – Wire Work 784 $98,000

Foundation WorkMobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Demobilization 8 10 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Site Prep and Clean Up 2 40 80 80 $125 $10,000 1 $10,000 Install Foundations 6 15 90 540 $125 $11,250 6 $67,500 Subtotal – Foundation Work 780 $97,500 Contingency @ 15% 117 $14,625 Cost Adder @ 25% LOD 2 195 $24,375 (level of difficulty factor 2) Total – Foundation Work 1092 $136,500

Support ServicesSwamp Matting Structure Work Pad – Each $8,200 6 $49,200 Swamp Matting per foot (access) $50 300 $15,000 Swamp Matting per foot (2nd, 3rd layers) $40 200 $8,000 Structure Grounding Improvements $500 6 $3,000 Railroad Flagmen Each per day $1,200 1 $1,200 Police Detail Each per day $500 1 $500 Highway Crossing Signing – Per Crossing $2,000 1 $2,000 Rock Coring (xx% of new holes) Per Hole $2,000 1 $2,000 Pole Disposal – Per Pole $150 6 $900 R/W Clearing Per Mile $75,000 1 $75,000 R/W Mowing per Mile $10,000 1 $10,000 Subtotal – Support Services $166,800 Contingency @ 15% $25,020 Total – Support Services $191,820

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Transmission SupervisionTLS General Supervision 1 60 60 60 $125 $5,100 1 $7,500 Field Construction Coordinator 1 60 60 60 $125 $7,500 1 $7,500 Line Switcher 2 4 8 40 $125 $1,000 5 $5,000 TLS Support Staff 1 60 60 60 $125 $7,500 1 $7,500 Subtotal – TLS Supervision 220 $27,500 Contingency @ 15% 33 $4,125 Total – TLS Supervision 253 $31,625

Foundation MaterialFoundations – Concrete (cu yd) $130 70 $9,100 Foundations – 6’ Diameter Culvert per foot $100 Foundations – Reinforcing Steel per pound $0.35 48 $1,680 Foundations – 30” Diameter Culvert per foot $35 Stores Handling 25% Subtotal – Foundations Material $10,780 Contingency @ 10% $1,078 Total – Foundation Material $11,858

Line MaterialWood Poles – 95 ft. H2 $4,000 12 $48,000 Steel Poles H-Frame Deadend $12,000 1 $12,000 Tubular Steel Pole $9,500 1 $9,500 Steel Davit Arm Pole Structures $1,200 2 $2,400 X Brace HB 2087-15-0-CPT $900 4 $3,600 795 ASCR Falcon 30/7 circuit mile $10,000 1 $10,000 3/8 Diameter Shield wire circuit mile $2,000 1 $2,000 Insulators (115kv ceramic double circuit) $1,000 6 $6,000 Guys $500 4 $2,000 Anchors (Manta type) $500 4 $2,000 MSR Stock Material $5,000 $5,000 Sales Tax MSR and Wood Pole Stores Handling 25% $17,975 Subtotal – Line Material $120,475 Contingency @ 10% $12,475 Total – Line Material $132,950

Engineering CostsConsultant Environmental Review $8,000 Consultant Environmental Monitoring $4,400 Consultant Surveying $3,500 TLE Engineering $9,000 Soil Borings $6,800 Consultant Engineering Services $12,000 Subtotal $43,700 Contingency @ 15% $6,555 Total – Engineering $50,255

OverheadsCapital Overhead 3.00% $18,779 Supervision & Admin (Billable Projects) 32% $200,302 AFUDC 3.00% 18,779 Subtotal $237,860 Total – Overhead $237,860

ROUNDED ESTIMATE GRAND TOTAL $1,058,868

December 2011






9. sampLe Take-oFF & priCing Continuedsignage.rock Coring

Preliminary testing indicates minimal stone located at structure install locations. 6” borings will be provided pre-construction at the centerline of each new proposed structure location. If rock is encountered during excavation, risk register dollars shall be utilized to remedy.engineering

Environmental consultant to be utilized for site restoration requirements in wetlands as per US Army Core of Engineer’s Permit and Conservation Commission requirements. Detailed plans regarding restoration are to be supplied indicating site conditions post structure installation.

10. gLossary oF TermsConstruction Specifications Institute 2010 MasterFormat: The 2010 revised edition of the Construction Specification Institute directory of construction specification itemizations used extensively throughout the construction industry by designers and builders to classify, itemize, and arrange specifications (the actual instructions on how to build a particular part of an overall project). Editions previous to 2010 contained only 17 divisions; the 2010 MasterFormat contains over 40.

NERC: North American Electric Reliability Corporation coordinates the electric industry’s activities designed to protect the industry’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats. It also operates the industry’s Electricity Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety Canada.

FERC: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) regulates natural gas pipelines and electric public utilities that engage in interstate commerce.

ISO: The Independent Systems Operator helps protect the health of New England’s economy and the well-being of its people by ensuring the constant availability of electricity, today and for future generations. It ensures the day-to-day reliable operation of New England’s bulk power generation and transmission system, by overseeing and ensuring the fair administration of the region’s wholesale electricity markets, and by managing comprehensive, regional planning processes.

PSC NY: The Public Service Commission of New York regulates the state’s electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities. It also oversees the cable industry. The Commission is charged by law with responsibility for setting rates and ensuring that adequate service is provided by New York’s utilities.

DPU MA: The Department of Public Utilities of Massachusetts is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth.

PMI: Project Management Institute is a not-for-profit membership association for the project management profession. PMI has created the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) which also provides guidance to estimating as it applies to project management.

Backfill: Soil suitable for use as backfill consisting of any mixture of sand and gravel. Rocks less than 6” in diameter and silt may also be included in the mixture.

Clearing: The cutting of trees and large bushes by hand and/or mechanical means.

Excavation: Removal of soil, limestone, sandstone, granite or similar rocks in solid beds or masses in original or stratified position which can be removed only by continuous drilling, blasting or the use of pneumatic tools, and all boulders of 1 cubic yard in volume or larger. Material which can be loosened with a pick, frozen materials, soft laminated shale and hardpan, which for convenience or economy is loosened by drilling, blasting, wedging or the use of pneumatic tools, removal of in place concrete, shall be classified as Common Excavation.

Field Issue: All drawings, structure lists, material lists, procedures, specifications, permits and other documents detailing how the work is to be accomplished.

Regulated Wetland Area: Those areas that are subject to federal, state or local wetland regulation, including certain buffer or adjacent areas.

Right of Way: A corridor of land where the utility company has legal rights (either fee ownership or easement) to construct, operate, and maintain an electric power line and/or natural gas pipeline and may include work on customer owned properties.

Road, Access: A traveled way in an improved or unimproved state, utilized by construction vehicles for the transportation and movement of equipment, materials and manpower through public or private property from existing public traveled ways into the Right-of-Way; once entering the Right-of-Way, and access road becomes a construction road. A type of access route.

Specifications: Written documents describing the work and the manner in which it is to be accomplished.

Swamp Mats: Components of a temporary wood, plastic or other suitable material used as an access road.

Wetland: An area that meets the definition of a wetland by an applicable Federal, state or local statute or regulation. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.

11. reFerenCes1. “Transmission Line Construction: Methods and Costs” by Ruben A. Lundquist2. “Pole and Tower Lines for Electric Power Transmission” by R.D. Coombs3. “How to Estimate Construction Costs of Electrical Power Substations” by John M. Bifulco4. “Project Management Body of Knowledge” by Project Management Institute5. “Handy – Whitman Electrical Costs Guide” by Handy-Whitman6. “Basic Electricity” by National Grid Training Center7. “R.S. Means Electrical Estimating Manual” by RS Means8. IEEE 524 Guide to the Installation of Overhead Transmission Line Conductors9. OSHA 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

December 2011
