Research Status & Deliverables
Task: Evaluation of Ductile Iron Properties Applied to Utility Poles
Task Description: The suitability of ductile iron as applied to utility poles depends on its mechanical and environmental properties. Samples from ductile iron poles will be tested to evaluate the durability of the manufacturer’s standard coatings. In addition, comparative testing will be conducted to evaluate the corrosion rate of the uncoated material vs. weathering steel. Another property to be evaluated is the low temperature performance of ductile iron – specifically impact resistance - to determine if special handling should be recommended to avoid damage when off-loading ductile iron poles in cold weather
Update:
- Several ductile iron poles have been acquired for testing
- Manufacturer has been requested to provide small scale samples, both coated and uncoated.
Task: Guide to Recycling of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials
Task Description: Even though structures fabricated from composite materials have suggested life expectancies of 60 years or greater, attention is being paid by utilities to the end of service life disposal scenario for these structures. To date, only a small quantity of composite poles have been removed from service, however in time this subject will obviously become more significant. A study will be made of existing and potential future recycling technologies applicable to glass fiber composite materials.
Update:
- A suitably qualified and experienced organization is being contracted to assist EPRI with this research
Task: Composite Structures Workshop: Theory, Research, and Applications
Task Description: The following items will be some of those covered during the workshop. Enhancement of transmission engineers’ knowledge of the material composition, performance characteristics, and manufacturing processes of composite transmission poles. Exposure to engineers of ongoing research at EPRI’s High-Voltage Laboratory in Lenox, MA through several live demonstrations of composite material test rigs. Education of engineers on the proper application and design of composite transmission structures through both EPRI-led and inter-utility discussions.
Update:
- Planning for the workshop is underway, and invites have been sent to funding utilities and others
Task: Effects of Accelerated Aging on Composite Crossarm Materials
Task Description: Representative crossarms from all US suppliers have been installed in custom accelerated aging chambers and are undergoing aging according to ASTM G154
Update:
- This is a long-term test and completion is expected in 2026
- Components are photographed every two months to identify changes to hydrophobicity and/or appearance
- Loading to failure will be conducted at the end of the accelerated aging phase to determine any changes in mechanical performance relative to new components
Planned Deliverables for 2024
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Evaluation of Ductile Iron Properties Applied to Utility Poles |
Technical Update |
| TBD | Guide to Recycling of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials |
Technical Update |
| TBD | Composite Structures Workshop: Theory, Research, and Applications |
Technical Update |
2023 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002026959 | Evaluation of Wildfire Protection Methods for Composite Utility Structure Materials |
Technical Update |
| 3002026961 | Guide to Selection of Composite Pole Types for Mitigation of Cascading Wood Pole Failures |
Technical Update |
| 3002026963 | Effects of Accelerated Aging of Composite Pole Material Samples |
Technical Update |
Key Deliverables
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002026959 | Evaluation of Wildfire Protection Methods for Composite Utility Structure Materials |
Technical Update |
| 3002021480 | Composite Structures Application Guide |
Technical Update |
| 3002022653 | Composite Pole and Crossarm Material Evaluation |
Technical Update |