The future of utility poles is here, and it’s stronger, lighter, and more efficient than ever before. Traditional utility poles, made from wood, steel, and concrete, face challenges such as corrosion, weight, and high maintenance costs. GridCore™ Composite Utility Poles, made from fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) and manufactured using a continuous pultrusion process, offer a modern solution that addresses these issues and more.
Read on to learn more about fiber reinforced polymers, the pultrusion process, and the overall benefits to be gained from this manufacturing technique.
Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Fiber reinforced polymers are strong and lightweight composite materials widely used in industries such as construction and manufacturing. Avient’s FRPs are produced by combining two main components: fibers and a polymer matrix. The fibers, typically made from materials like glass, carbon, or aramid, provide the necessary strength and stiffness to the composite.
The polymer matrix, a type of plastic resin, holds these fibers together and protects them from environmental factors. This combination results in a material that is not only robust and durable but also highly resistant to corrosion and other environmental factors.
The Pultrusion Process
Pultrusion manufacturing is a continuous process that provides constant cross-section profiles. These can vary in diameter from very small to large, and can be formed in a variety of shapes, from solid rods and bars to tubes and poles, or even more complex, customized shapes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how GridCore Composite Utility Poles are made via pultrusion:
1. Fiber Preparation
- Glass fiber strands are continuously pulled from creels
- These strands are then passed through a resin bath, where they are thoroughly coated with a thermoset resin
2. Curing
- The resin-coated fibers are pulled through a heated die
- The heat in the die causes the resin to cure, forming a strong composite structure
- The die shapes the pole to the desired diameter and wall thickness
3. Customization
- An automated cut-off saw cuts the pole to the specific length required by the customer
- Poles are fabricated to customer specifications with pre-drilled holes, and a top cap, base plate, hole plugs and nameplate are installed
Advantages of Pultruded Poles
GridCore utility poles, constructed via composite pultrusion, offer a range of benefits that can improve performance, installation, and operational efficiency.
Performance Benefits
- Engineered to have consistent strength and a uniform appearance
- Customized diameters and wall thickness to meet specific wood pole equivalencies
- Can withstand severe weather events, providing reliable support in harsh conditions
Installation Benefits
- Lightweight, single-piece, non-modular pole design installs similarly to wood with light-duty equipment
- Excellent dielectric strength can improve flashover and lightning resistance
- Composite poles can be pre-drilled or easily field-drilled, simplifying the installation process and allowing for quick adjustments as needed
Operational and Maintenance Advantages
- Unlike filament-wound composite poles, GridCore pultruded poles are not tapered, requiring only a single length of hardware for through-bolting, reducing complexity and labor in assembly
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion, pests, and environmental damage
- Improved grid resilience and lower maintenance costs contribute to more efficient operations
Conclusion
GridCore utility poles offer robust, reliable, and cost-effective technology for utility companies. By addressing the common challenges of traditional poles, they provide a more durable, lightweight, and corrosion-free option. Whether you are an engineering, operations, or purchasing manager, GridCore poles can help you achieve your goals and improve the efficiency of your projects.
Ready to see the difference GridCore utility poles can make? Contact us today to discuss your project needs and how we can help you take the next step in modern utility pole solutions.
