Mechanical pole testing case study

摘要

In the absence of a reliable acceptable system of testing poles, many utilities over-condemn poles 'just to be on the safe side'. Old poles are systematically replaced or reinforced. This method can be unnecessarily wasteful as often old but sound poles are rejected. Currently, most utilities use the 'sound dig and drill' method of testing their power poles. In trials it has been shown that this method often condemns over 50 per cent of still sound poles. It also misses many weak poles. The basic problem with it is that it is subjective. The assessment of poles is very much dependent on the experience of the operator. Different operators invariably come up with different results.