Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.005, Composite and Ductile Iron Structures, including those listed below:
- Develop Guidance on Accounting for Fiber Reinforce Polymer Degradation: Over the last several years EPRI has been producing an application guide for composite structures built upon research performed in this project. The guide covers topics such as composite pole and crossarm manufacturing, degradation modes, installation, maintenance, and more. In 2026, EPRI intends to update the Composite Structures Application Guide focusing on the degradation of FRP composite materials. An emphasis will be placed on how engineers can account for material degradation to ensure reliable performance.
- Develop Guidance from Ductile Iron Strength Testing: EPRI is undergoing a multi-year effort to develop the Ductile Iron Structures Application Guide for utility engineers. In 2026, EPRI intends to update to this guide focusing on the findings from full-scale pole breaks as well as a detailed overview of the ductile iron manufacturing process.
- Test Effects of Composite Material Outdoor Exposure: In 2026, EPRI plans to kick-off a multi-year effort to understand the real-world aging of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials subject to ultra-violet radiation and moisture. EPRI has done extensive research on FRP aging in an accelerated laboratory environment, but correlations to outdoor exposure durations remain difficult. This initiative seeks to close the gap between real-world and accelerated aging of FRP materials, providing insights to transmission engineers on expected lifespans of FRP composite poles. Photo courtesy of Q-Lab.
- Perform Mechanical Tests on Accelerated Aged Composite Cross-Arm: For the last three years, EPRI has been engaged in accelerated aging of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite crossarms at its laboratory in Lenox, MA. The target three-year aging cycle is set to finish in 2026. Upon completion, EPRI intends to subject the cross-arms to full-scale mechanical testing.
- Provide Cost Comparisons for Different Pole Types: This multi-year research effort is focused on helping engineers make the best decisions with regards to transmission pole material selection between wood, steel, concrete, fiber-reinforced polymer, and ductile iron. The Optimal Pole Material Selection Guide contains a qualitative review of each material type, representative structural designs, and pertinent design recommendations. In 2026, EPRI plans on updating the guide to include cost estimates for each material type to include procurement and installation expenses.
- Provide Ductile Iron Transmission Structure Basics Training: While ductile iron poles are becoming more common in the transmission industry, many utilities are unaware, or lack the knowledge base for implementation. This training course, in partenrship with EPRI U4T, will cover the basics of ductile iron transmission structures. Course topics may include material fundamentals, manufacturing, design process, and installation recommendations.
2026 Engagement Opportunities
| Event Name | Date | Location | Contact | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | February 9 - 12 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | March 30 - April 1 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Composite Structures, Line Design, Increasing Line Resiliency (P35.005, P35.007, P35.008) | June 3 2:00-3:00 pm ET | Webcast | David Folk Pierre Marais |
More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 18 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Ductile Iron Transmission Structure Basics Training | July 28 | Webcast | David Folk Pierre Marais |
More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | July 30 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | August 10-14 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | August 31- September 2 | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Composite Structures, Line Design, Increasing Line Resiliency (P35.005, P35.007, P35.008) | November 18 2:00-3:00 pm ET | Webcast | David Folk Pierre Marais |
More information coming soon |
| Ductile Iron Poles Plant Visit - McWane - Coshocton, Ohio (P35.005) | Coshocton, Ohio | David Folk Pierre Marais |
More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable | Deliverable Type |
|---|---|
| Composite Structures Application Guide | Technical Update |
| Ductile Iron Structures Application Guide | Technical Update |
| Optimal Pole Material Selection Guide | Technical Update |
| Ductile Iron Transmission Structure Basics Training | Training |
2025 Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead Line Design Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Overhead Transmission Program (P35) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | April 3 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Composite Structures, Line Design, Increasing Line Resiliency (P35.005, P35.007, P35.008) | May 29 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Overhead Line Design Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: Composite Structures, Line Design, Increasing Line Resiliency (P35.005, P35.007, P35.008) | November 13 2:00-3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
| Product ID# | Deliverable | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3002032745 | Composite Structures Application Guide : Wood Pole Equivalency | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| 3002032744 | Ductile Iron Structure Application Guide: Coating Testing & Pole Break Results | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| 3002032743 | Transmission Pole Material Selection Guide: 2025 Edition | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| 3002033727 | Composite Utility Pole Fundamentals - search "Composite" | Workshop | December 2025 |