Non-destructive testing of utility poles in service

Wooden utility poles provide safe, economic, easily obtainable means of delivering power, communications, and cable television to the masses of industrial and residential locations worldwide. However, when a pole has been in service for a substantial number of years, its failure becomes more likely. Hence, the proposed project focuses on the strength estimation of in-service utility poles using non-destructive technology (NDT). The advantage of using NDT is that no further damage is caused to the poles during the investigation, which can further lead to reduced service life. The collected data will be statistically analyzed, and predictions will be made on the remaining service life of study area utility poles. The greatest economic benefit from regular inspection is in locating the decaying/serviceable group. Treating poles in this group can extend pole life, thereby saving emergency replacement costs. With the costs of replacing poles rising, the economics of extending service life is more favourable. To avoid costly failures of utility lines, many utility poles are condemned annually based on a precautionary basis. This represents a significant irresponsible waste of natural resources. Our industrial partner Stella-Jones Inc. is North America’s leading producer of industrial pressure-treated wood products and supplies utility poles to Canadian electric utilities companies. Keeping in view the environmental benefits of this study, Stella-Jones is happily supporting this proposed research. The outcomes will also help Stella-Jones expand the knowledge of the pole system, increase relative safety for the ones working on poles, and facilitate customer relations and quality perceptions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Quan Sophia He

Student:

Partner:

Stella-Jones Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: