Applications of Reinforced Plastics for Laminated Transmission Poles

Considerable interest has developed in recent years in the applications of high strength glassfiber reinforced plastics to wood. Materials applied for the most part consist of, either completely reinforced plastics or composite laminates of several materials. In this investigation, untreated full size wood poles used in transmission lines were laminated with reinforced plastics over their entire length. Full sized static and dynamic mechanical tests were conducted on prototype laminates. Experimental results and the theoretical values obtained from elasticity solutions of these composite poles were compared with those from similar structures not having reinforced plastics jackets. After testing, these poles were installed in a pole yard of the Kentucky Utilities Company for further testing on weathering and durability. The principal advantages of composite poles seem to be greater strength, resistance to deterioration, and better, appearance. The encasement of reinforced plastics created an unfavorable environment for fungi and insects that degradate the durability of poles. Also the hard glasslike shell prevented woodpeckers from clinging to the poles.

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