Power Transmission, Distribution, and Substations

Whether developing new infrastructure or rehabilitating and replacing existing systems, we are ready to meet the power industry’s need for resilient and efficient facilities. GFT understands what it takes to improve power infrastructure because we’ve been helping power and industrial clients reshape the power transmission grid for more than 80 years.

Services

Transmission & Distribution
Our firm offers efficient, reliable design solutions for system optimization, expansion, and replacement.
Our team employs advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet all types of electric power needs. As a multi-discipline firm, we offer a consolidated suite of services, from asset management to construction services. We also offer in-depth design of related facilities for stand-alone building and MEP projects. We can educate your in-house team with customized training courses and services that help you meet environmental regulations.
We partner with you to provide services such as:
- Energy management.
- Electrical studies.
- Air quality analysis.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing design.
- Modeling.
- Training.
- Programming.
- Plant evaluation.
- Inspections.
- Plans for projects that involve rehabilitation, expansion, new construction, or process changes, including sustainable and resilient design.
In short, whatever your needs, our professionals are equipped to help you assess, design, deliver, monitor, and protect your organization’s power infrastructure.
At the core of our services is power engineering for substations, transmission, and distribution systems. We have experience with storm hardening to incorporate resiliency measures intended to withstand weather challenges and protect assets. Our services include:
- New & expanded substations.
- Equipment replacement.
- Gas Insulated Systems (GIS).
- Relay upgrades.
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) & communication systems.
- Overhead & underground transmission & distribution systems.
- Power studies & relay settings.
- Routing studies & permitting.
Power Transmission
We understand the latest transmission technology and deliver cutting‐edge transmission system design to power companies, industrial clients, and rapid transit providers. We are knowledgeable about the engineering and design requirements needed to successfully complete transmission projects as well as the environmental and permitting requirements required when working with overhead and underground transmission lines.
Our engineers can provide efficient, reliable design solutions for system optimization, expansion, and replacement, from routine distribution projects to unique challenges. Whether your transmission project is in the planning stage or ready for construction, our engineers and project managers are here to offer expert guidance.
Power Distribution
Utility customers demand reliable services. From routine distribution projects to unique challenges, our engineers can provide efficient, reliable design solutions for system optimization, expansion, and replacement. Our distribution expertise is built on extensive field experience, including overhead and underground distribution replacement projects, so you can rely on us to create practical, real‐world designs that meet your project objectives.

Power Substations
We have an extensive history of providing full design, upgrade, and expansion services to substations. Our team is familiar with all aspects of substation engineering from relay and control measures and analytical services to the design of structural modifications, site work, and permitting. Our experience includes construction services for substation upgrades, reconstruction, and replacement. Our modern approach ensures the latest technology for resiliency and security are integrated into your project. Our substation design work ranges from 69 kV to 345 kV.
Our substation services include:
- AC/DC station power.
- Air & gas insulation.
- Arc flash studies (NFPA-70E).
- Blast wall design.
- Circuit breaker (SF6, OCB) replacements.
- Communication systems interface & fiber optic systems.
- Geotechnical evaluations.
- Grading & grounding plans.
- Major equipment & construction specifications.
- Operating manuals & commissioning.
- Outdoor enclosed switchgear.
- Physical design & layout.
- Protective relay design & modifications.
- Site acquisition, selection, & grounding.
- Structural foundations & fabrication details.
- Substation automation & SCADA systems.
- Transformer replacements.
Utilities face enormous pressure to:
- Maximize profits.
- Upgrade aging infrastructure.
- Incorporate new energy sources.
Industrial companies are in a race against time to route necessary power to projects while market prices support expansion. As the power market evolves, our team can help you:
- Meet market challenges.
- Manage demand.
- Guide you through rigorous safety, reporting, and environmental requirements.
Geosciences for Power Delivery
GFT is home to geotechnical engineers, geologists, and technicians with extensive experience in the power delivery market. We have earned the trust and respect of utilities across the country, serving in roles ranging from owner’s engineer to engineer of record.
Our thought leaders conduct applied research to advance the industry, develop geotechnical standards for our utility clients, share knowledge through FAD Tools development and training, and support our clients with pressing geohazard needs through rapid response services.
Our geoscience services include:
- Owner’s engineer and design review services.
- Geologic and geotechnical hazard identification:
  - Geohazard relative risk assessments for route planning.
  - Landslide remediation and slope stability.
  - Karst expertise.
  - Mine subsidence and stabilization.
- Foundation analysis and design:
  - Drilled shaft.
  - Direct embedment.
  - Vibrated caisson.
  - Specialty (micropile, helical, etc.).
- Retaining structures:
  - Anchored mesh systems.
  - Soil nails and tiebacks.
  - Gravity structures.
- Field services:
  - Geotechnical site characterization.
  - In-house geophysical services.
  - In-house “blue” unmanned aerial vehicle surveys, including photogrammetry and Lidar.
  - Construction observation for foundations and retaining structures.
  - Load testing programs.
- Expert witness services.
FAD Tools
FAD Tools is a collection of three foundation design modules used to design and analyze foundations for electric transmission line structures. Each module is based on a semi-empirical model developed from full-scale foundation tests and calibrated for reliability-based design. The modules are:
- MFAD designs drilled shaft and direct embedded pole foundations subject to high overturning loads, moment and axial loads.
- HFAD designs drilled shaft and direct embedded pole foundations for H-frame pole structures subject to a combination of overturning loads, horizontal shear and uplift or compression loads.
- TFAD designs drilled shaft foundations for tower structure legs subjected to a combination of horizontal shear under uplift or compression loads.
For additional information or FAD training, please visit www.fadtools.com or contact our expert listed below.
Walter Kutschke, PhD, PE
Vice President & Senior Manager, Geotechnical - Dams & Hydraulics
Walter Kutschke has over 30 years of experience developing subsurface investigation programs for geotechnical site characterization and geotechnical recommendations for major roadway, railway, pipeline, power, and civil infrastructure projects.
Email Walter Email Walter Kutschke

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Walter Kutschke, PhD, PE
Vice President & Senior Manager, Geotechnical - Dams & Hydraulics
Walter Kutschke has over 30 years of experience developing subsurface investigation programs for geotechnical site characterization and geotechnical recommendations for major roadway, railway, pipeline, power, and civil infrastructure projects.
Email Walter Email Walter Kutschke

Connect on LinkedIn Connect with Walter Kutschke on LinkedIn

Walter Kutschke, PhD, PE
Vice President & Senior Manager, Geotechnical - Dams & Hydraulics
Walter Kutschke has over 30 years of experience developing subsurface investigation programs for geotechnical site characterization and geotechnical recommendations for major roadway, railway, pipeline, power, and civil infrastructure projects.
Email Walter Email Walter Kutschke

Connect on LinkedIn Connect with Walter Kutschke on LinkedIn