Effect of Preservative Type and Gaff Style on Gaff Penetration into Wood Poles

摘要

This study is part of an ongoing investigation to better understand the relationship between wood preservative formulation and gaff impregnation. In this laboratory study, a mechanical clamped jig was used to emulate the force required by a typical utility pole lineman to climb wooden utility poles that were manufactured from either Southern Yellow Pine or Douglas-fir. Included in this study is a series of popular commercial pressure applied preservative treatments to also investigate if the treatingchemicals or treating processes employed to achieve adequate penetration and retention, to meet or exceed AWPA Standards, altered the gaff penetration properties of the wood. This is the fourth of a wood pole basic research program to gain insight intowood properties that can influence use and purchase and specification decisions.