In-grade Testing of Utility Poles in Australia

An extensive in-grade testing program for timber utility poles in Australia aims to test 1200 new polesand over 450 in-service poles to establish grading parameters for utility poles, characteristic strength values for round timber poles, and examine methods for determining residual strength of in-service poles. The project has yielded some preliminary results, which indicate that current design and grading rules are overly simplistic.