The THOR Hammer Tester - a step change in the management of wooden utility poles

Thumbnail Image

Files

CIRED 2019 - 569.pdf (629.88 KB)

Paper number

569

Working Group Number

Conference name

CIRED 2019

Conference date

3-6 June 2019

Conference location

Madrid, Spain

Peer-reviewed

Yes

Short title

Convener

Authors

Eyre-Walker, Ralph, SP Energy Networks, United Kingdom
Dow, Catherine, SP Energy Networks, United Kingdom
Bryans, Russell, SP Energy Networks, United Kingdom
Sriskantharajah, Baraneedaran, Groundline Engineering, United Kingdom

Abstract

With over two million wooden utility poles in use across the United Kingdom (UK), assessment and management of wood pole decay has been an issue for many years. Various techniques and approaches exist for this, but each has disadvantages, such as subjectivity in the results, or time implications associated with the test. At present, there is no suitable technique for obtaining an accurate consistent pole health assessment, including below ground assessment, with enough efficiency for mass-scale deployment across the UK networks.Recently, SP Energy Networks has trialled a new, non-destructive seismic pole tester, “THOR”. The device is considered to have great potential, combining an innovative use of technology with real practical application. This paper presents the outcome of the trials to date; considers the device’s applicability to the UK networks; and outlines the proposed future development work to integrate the device as a Business as Usual inspection method for the UK industry.

Table of content

Keywords

Publisher

AIM

Date

2019-06-03

Published in

CIRED 2019 Conference

Permanent link to this record

https://cired-repository.org/handle/20.500.12455/69
http://dx.doi.org/10.34890/148

ISSN

2032-9644

ISBN

978-2-9602415-0-1