Technoline Services

Wood Pole Overhead Line Inspection and Treatment

Technoline use a range of Non Destructive Test (NDT) Equipment (including POLUX™, POLE TEST™ and RESISTOGRAPH™) combined with conventional inspection equipment in our field inspection service. The Fibre Strength of the pole and the presence and extent of any decay within the pole are determined non-destructively.

If decay is detected during an inspection our test equipment and analysis software allow an on the spot reliability assessment of the structure to be made. Remedial treatment can be carried out using environmentally-friendly, Boron-based decay treatment products. The assessment and treatment of the structure in this way allows for safe and reliable life extension of up to 10 years.

In addition to the above the windspans, loads, height and diameter of each pole are accurately measured using the latest technology to produce data necessary for the Structural Analysis of the structure .

Structural Analysis

A complex analysis of each structure is carried out to calculate the strength of the pole and Maximum Stress it will experience between inspections. The NDT measured fibre strength for each pole combined with the measured cross-sectional area of the pole and the remaining section modulus calculated from the Resistograph™ NDT measurements provides a Strength Value for the pole. A maximum stress is calculated by taking pole height, windspan, conductor type and wind-on-ice loading into account.

The Pole Strength and Maximum Stress are compared to derive a Factor of Safety for the structure. Calculated degradation rates for the wood are then used to assess if the pole is sound enough to be left in service until the next inspection. This process allows a Cost Effective Maintenance Program to be implemented and increases the reliability of the system as a whole.

Training / Quality Analysis

Technoline also offer a comprehensive training service in the Reliability Based Life Extension of Wood Pole Assets using our proven training programs and equipment. A Quality Assurance Servive can also be provided, tailored to the customers requirements.

Destructive testing and Data from thousands of inspections have allowed Technoline to produce Strength Degradation Rates for wooden poles. This lets us predict the life expectancy of a particular pole, once its fibre strength has been measured.

Structural Engineering Analysis

The accurate and highly resolved data collected by our Line Inspectors provides the raw data from which a detailed Engineering Analysis of each structure can be made. Clients are provided with a complete report on the condition and reliability of each structure.

• Condition Assessment
• Structural Analysis
• Factor of Safety (FOS) Calculation
• Estimation of Remaining Life in Service

Asset Management Services

From the Inspection and Engineering processes described above Technoline generates an ASSET MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATION for the client. The relative condition and reliability of the Customer's Wood Pole Assets can also be Rank Ordered in a 'League Table' to help enable the client to prioritise and focus their maintenance expenditure on the wood pole structure in most need.

Past projects by Technoline in the UK., Norway, USA and Canada have shown that Technoline can provide significant savings for our clients through the reliable life extension of existing assets. The economic decision-making process is supported by Technoline's Life Cycle Cost Software Model which can be used to test various 'what-if' scenarios in conjunction with the client.

Case studies of the Technoline approach are available on request.

For further Information on Technoline's wood pole inspection and management services please contact us