A detailed blue wireframe model of a single steel lattice transmission tower structure on a white background in SAPS, illustrating transmission tower engineering.

SAPS

Overhead line structural analysis software 

BENEFITS

3D structural analysis for overhead lines

Analyze cables and structures together with 3D finiteelement modeling to validate performance under realworld line behavior
A structural catenary sag analysis model showing three parallel transmission lines with color-coded tension profiles suspended between utility poles in SAPS.

  • Perform structural analysis

    Perform linear or non-linear analysis with a wide range of elements including truss, beam, cable, and fuse elements for detailed and accurate modeling. 

  • Analyze lines with PLS-CADD integration

    Integrate with PLS-CADD for finite element sag-tension capabilities, including effects of insulators and structure movements for realistic line analysis. 

  • Visualize structural behavior in 3D

    Utilize 3D modeling to visualize the model's geometry, including deformed geometry, to better understand structural behavior and clearances.

PRICING OPTIONS

Exclusive pricing options

SAPS

Structural analysis software for modeling overhead transmission, substation, and communication systems.

12-month subscription license

Includes 2 Keys per license for training or services

  • Plug-in to PLS-CADD for finite element sag-tension analysis of overhead lines
  • Run linear and nonlinear finite‑element analysis for large deflections
  • Model conductors and ground wires in 3D to capture stiffness and end forces under wind, ice, and temp
  • Simplify multi-span analysis with substructures and joint coupling for efficient stiffness Can be used as a standalone structural analysis program

More details

Integration 

  • Plug-in to PLS-CADD for finite element sag-tension analysis of overhead lines  
  • Used as finite element engineer for PLS-POLE and TOWER programs 
  • Can be used as standalone structural analysis program 

Modeling 

  • Build true 3D models of transmission lines, cables, and supporting structures  
  • Define joints, restraints, and parent/child kinematic couplings 
  • Model insulator strings and attachment point movements 
  • Use substructures (super‑elements) to simplify large assemblies

Analysis 

  • Run linear and nonlinear finite‑element analysis for large deflections 
  • Analyze slack-to-taut cable behavior in overhead line systems  
  • Control convergence with robust iteration and load stepping options 
  • Evaluate unbalanced, broken‑component, and extreme loading scenarios 

Loads & environment 

  • Auto‑generate dead, wind, ice, and thermal loads on elements 
  • Apply wind velocity profiles by height (multiple profile definitions) 
  • Override wind parameters for specific cables when needed 
  • Include support settlements and prescribed displacements 

Results & reporting 

  • Visualize deflected shapes with load vectors and scalable displacements 
  • Measure 3D distances and slopes between joints or cable points in deformed models 
  • View color utilization plots showing percent capacity by component 
  • Report forces, moments, reactions, and component usage summaries 
  • Export text, spreadsheet‑ready, and graphic outputs for documentation 

Processor:

  • Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen or better with multiple cores recommended 

Operating System:

  • Windows 10 or 11 (64 bit) 

Memory:

  • 2 GB of RAM  

Disk Space:

  • 50 MB minimum 

Display:

  • One or preferably two large monitors (24”+) with at least HD resolution recommended 

USER STORIES

Real stories. Real results.

Exo prevents major power outage for Evergy

Using PLS’ digital twin technology, the team stabilized a critical grid tower, preventing a catastrophic and costly power outage for Evergy.

Aerial photograph of an electrical transmission tower standing in floodwaters, accompanied by diagrams illustrating water flow and pool elevation.

Toth restores power 18 days ahead of schedule

The engineering firm used PLS to quickly develop a line replacement plan, restoring power to 1,500 people for prairie power co-op.

A line of wooden utility poles toppled across a wet rural road, with their lines still attached.

Osmose assesses aging infrastructure for new england utility

Using PLS, Osmose gave a utility a clear path for upgrades by creating 3D models and simulating weather events on aging structures.

A top-down aerial view of a communications tower and power lines over a lush green forest.

Qualus helps utility reduce unnecessary pole replacements

Qualus cut engineering time by up to 75%, finding $2.5M in potential annual savings by using PLS-CADD for accurate pole analysis.

PLS-CADD software interface showing a detailed profile view of power line conductor curves sagging between transmission structures over uneven terrain.

FAQS

Find answers

SAPS is used to perform advanced 3D structural analysis of overhead power and communication systems. It is widely utilized for modeling complex structures such as lattice towers, guyed masts, multi-pole frames, and even offshore mooring systems. While it functions as a standalone application, it also serves as the advanced finite element analysis (FEA) engine for PLS-CADD. 

SAPS is seamlessly integrated into PLS-CADD to provide advanced finite element sag-tension capabilities. When this integration is enabled, PLS-CADD automatically builds the underlying SAPS mathematical model, allowing designers to perform sophisticated structural checks and analyze insulator swings or wire blowout without ever leaving the PLS-CADD environment.

Traditional ruling span methods are often inadequate for analyzing scenarios involving broken conductors, unbalanced ice, or extremely flexible structures. SAPS provides an exact 3-dimensional multi-span finite element analysis that bypasses these approximations. This allows engineers to accurately predict tensions and sags in complex systems where ruling span assumptions are invalid. 

Yes. SAPS can model transmission lines, substations, communication structures, and other cable‑supported systems.

Transmission line analysis software is used to calculate how overhead conductors behave under real‑world conditions—such as temperature, wind, ice, and long‑term creep—to determine accurate sag and tension values. In SAPS, this analysis focuses on precise conductor mechanics, helping engineers evaluate clearance, loading, and performance for both everyday and extreme conditions. The results support safe, code‑compliant transmission designs and integrate directly into broader Power Line Systems workflows. 

Sag‑tension analysis is the process of calculating how transmission line conductors sag and the tension they experience under different conditions, such as temperature changes, wind, ice loading, and long‑term creep. It ensures conductors maintain required clearances while keeping tensions within safe limits for both the conductor and supporting structures. 

Finite element analysis (FEA) is used because overhead transmission lines behave as long, flexible systems with nonlinear responses to loading. FEA divides the line into small elements to accurately capture sag, tension, load redistribution, temperature effects, and long‑term creep. In SAPS, this approach enables precise modeling of conductor behavior across multiple spans and conditions, supporting reliable clearance assessments, realistic structure loading, and code‑compliant transmission line designs. 

RESOURCES

Your hub for all things SAPS

Build your SAPS expertise with free, on-demand webinars, community forums, technical documentation, and more.