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Technoline Technology
Polux™ Field Unit
IPEC Engineering are the UK distributor for one of two commercially-available NDT Technologies for measuring pole strength. This is called Polux™ Strength Analyser and is produced by Concept Bois Structure of Switzerland. The Polux Fibre Strength Analyser determines the fibre strength of the wood by driving two probes into the pole which have the dual purpose of measuring the wood resistance force (hardness) and moisture content of the pole between the probes. The unit calculates the fibre strength of the wood pole through it's empirical, proprietary software model. For the assessment of pole strength in the field two measurements are made, one in parallel to the line direction and then transverse to the line and an average is recorded. The unit has recently been accredited by EDF of France as ISO9000 compliant and is for this reason likely to become the most prominent NDT tool in Europe for quantitative assessment of wood pole strength. |
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PoleTest™ Field Unit
The PoleTest™ field unit is the other commercially available, non-destructive devices for measuring the actual fibre-strength in (N/mm²) of in-service wood poles. The technology applies low frequency acoustic transducers which detect both the speed of sound through the wood and the frequency response (acoustic waveform) of a controlled sound wave produced by a pendulum impactor. In some respects the PoleTest unit can be considered as a quantified, calibrated mini-hammer which uses the same principle as the traditional hammer test to assess the strength of the wood i.e. a controlled impact force is applied to the pole. Whilst the hammer test gives a qualitative estimate of condition (good/bad) the PoleTest unit gives a quantiative result (strength of wood in N/mm²). |
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Resistograph™ Technology
The Resistograph™ (from IML of Germany) is an NDT tool to evaluate the condition and density of the wood and also to measure the size, shape and location of cavity/decay within the wood pole structure. The field unit comprises a constant force drill and electronic analysis pack. As the drill penetrates the wood the Resistograph unit measures the resistance the wood exerts against it. If the wood resistance output falls to zero, or close to zero, than a cavity of decayed wood is detected. In the hands of an experienced user the device is a very effective way to assess decayed and partially-decayed wood.
The output of the Resistograph Drill is used to calculate the Remaining Section Modulus of the pole through IPEC Engineering's Structural Analysis Software Package (D-Calc). The image on the right shows a typical Resistograph output for a decayed pole. This particular pole has a large pocket of decay which is where the wood resistance plot falls to zero. In order to measure the 'depth' of this decay a second drilling is made perpendicular to the first, through the mid-point of the decayed region. Further Drillings are made by Inspectors, as required, to determine the extent of the decay. |
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