Effect of Steaming and Kiln Drying on the Properties of Southern Pine Poles

Data were obtained on the effect of method of conditioning on the bending and compression strength of southern pine utility poles and piling sections. Three conditioning methods were studied: Steam conditioning at 245?F. for 14 hours, kiln-drying at a maximum dry bulb temperature of 152?F., and kiln-drying at a maximum dry bulb temperature of 182?F. Kiln-dried poles had significantly higher strength values than the steamed poles for all strength properties except MOE. Differences in strength between kiln-dried and steam-conditioned poles ranged from 14 percent in maximum crushing strength to 37 percent for fiber stress at the proportional limit. Poles kiln-dried at 152?F. had higher strength values than those dried at 182?F., but the differences were not of practical significance. Poles dried for 7 days at 182?F. had significantly smaller retentions of creosote than did poles either kiln-dried at lower temperatures or steam conditioned.

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