Comparison of Three Methods of Determining Whether Southern Pine Poles Are Well Air Seasoned

The study compares three methods for determining moisture content in commercial poles–an ohmmeter, a resistance-type moisture meter, and moisture determinations made from 0.16- inch borings. Southern pine poles were piled stickered on timber foundations under a galvanized steel roof. After the poles had been stacked and air-dried for 96 days, megger (ohmmeter) readings, moisture meter readings, and increment borings were taken from a selected number of poles. Results showed that the readings obtained with the moisture meter and the moisture content of the borings (determined by distillation method) were not statistically different at the 5 percent level. Also, within the moisture content range of 20 to 30 percent, moisture meter readings taken at a depth of 3/10 of the pole radius correspond to moisture content indicated, by megger readings. Any of the three methods may be used to determine when southern pine poles are ready for treatment.

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