Wood pole management-utility case studies

The availability of NDE (nondestructive examination) of wood poles makes possible, for the first time, true management programs which can maintain nearly the original design reliability of wood pole utility lines or can be used to evaluate the effects of upgrading existing lines. A description of NDE methods is given. It is shown that by combining conventional maintenance, including retreatment, replacement, and/or repair, with NDE of wood pole strength, a complete wood pole management program can be established to assure reliability levels for the life of a line