STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY OF WOOD AND COMPOSITE POLES SUBJECT TO HURRICANE WINDS Page No: 5775-5782

Sriram Kalaga , Scott Holmes and Galen Fecht

Keywords: Composite, distribution, modular, poles, polymer, reliability, wood

Abstract: In this study, the structural reliability of wood and composite distribution poles in hurricane wind environments is investigated. Numerical values of reliabilities of ten selected poles ranging from 10.7 to 16.7 m (35 ft. to 55 ft.), with standard embedment, are computed and compared. Applied loads correspond to a typical, 4-wire distribution pole subject to 210 kmph (130 mph) wind. Though preliminary, this study showed that composite poles can offer more than twenty times the reliability of wood poles for the high-wind loading considered. Based on results of this study composite poles are deemed ideal for pole replacement in hurricane-prone areas and to meet the additional demand for resilience and reliability.



[View Complete Article]