Best Practice

SABP-P-008 21 January 2007

Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles
Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Introduction..................................................... 2
2 Best Practice Objectives................................ 2
3 References..................................................... 3
4 Wood Pole Natural Defects and Limitations.. 3
5 Wooden Pole Inspection and
Maintenance Procedures....................... 5
6 Remedial Treatments.................................... 8
7 Pole Top Protection...................................... 10
8 Pole Strength Restoration............................ 11
9 Pole Performance Evaluation (In-Service)... 11
10 Quality Assurance for New Products........... 11
11 Record Keeping Requirements.................... 12

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012

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Primary contact: Anazi, Ayed Gaisoum on 966-3-8736119

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2007. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

1 Introduction

Wood poles are the most commonly used method of supporting distribution overhead
line conductors for the electricity supply industry. Periodic and thorough inspections of
wood poles are vital for maximizing service life and determining requirements for
repair, modification or upgrading. Inspections provide knowledge of the component,
loadings to which it is subjected, quality of materials involved, condition, and
effectiveness of fasteners and other hardware. All must be known in order to evaluate
the ability of a structure or its components to perform its intended function, and to
determine necessary maintenance procedures for improving performance.

Poles exposed to wetting can decay when water remains in contact with them or when
rapid drying is restricted. Steel support sleeve slacking base drain hole is a good
example. Periodic pretreatment of such poles will significantly increase service life.
Decay can typically be found where seasoning checks or bolt holes have exposed
untreated wood found beneath the treated shell. Openings may result from deep
seasoning checks, from gouging by pointed tools, from loosened fastenings such as
bolts, or when cuts or holes made after treatment are left unprotected. That is why it is
vitally important to treat with preservatives, all areas that are exposed to probing,
cutting or drilling. Periodic pretreatment of areas prone to moisture contact and
accumulation must also be done on a scheduled basis.

2 Best Practice Objectives

The objectives of this best practice are to develop a standardized set of knowledge and
skills required to perform condition assessment of wood poles. This must include:
• Identification of species and treatments
• Collection of essential data (e.g., length, class, age, etc.)
• Identification and quantification of external and internal decay, wear and other
deterioration using basic test and evaluation techniques (e.g., sounding, below
ground bore testing).
• Knowledge, understanding and skills with other non-destructive testing tools in
common use.
• Identification of insect, woodpecker, lightning and mechanical damage including
evaluation and recommended maintenance tasks
• Application capabilities of preventive treatment for life extension
• Identification of other problems related to ageing of the pole and its’ attachments.
• Assessment of remaining pole strength as a proportion of original strength.

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

3 References

This Best Practice is based on the latest edition of the references below, unless
otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Inspection and Testing Requirements

175-142100 Wood: Utility Pole

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American National Standards Institute

ANSI 05.1 Wood Poles - Specifications and Dimensions

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D4442 Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture
Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-
Based Materials

American Wood Preservers Association

AWPA C1 All Timber Products-Preservative Treatment by
Pressure Processes
AWPA C4 Poles--Preservative Treatment by Pressure
Processes
AWPA M1 Standard for the Purchase of Treated Wood
Products
AWPA M2 Standard for Inspection of Treated Timber
Products
AWPA M4 Standard for the Care of Preservative-Treated
Wood Products
AWPA P1 Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and
Fresh Water Use

4 Wood Pole Natural Defects and Limitations

4.1 Checks

Checks are openings in the surface of the pole that are formed when the wood
dries and shrinks. Checks penetrate the wood but do not go through to another

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

side. Checks have no significant effect on the strength of the pole and are not
limited by the specification.

4.2 Splits

Splits are similar to checks but penetrate completely through the pole. Splits
almost always occur on the ends of the pole and can occur as a result of
mechanical damage as well as drying. Splits can form when checks join and
divide the end of the pole into two or more parts completely separated from each
other. Splits in the top and butt of a pole are limited by the distance down the
length of the pole that they can be traced continuously. In the top, the split can
be caused for rejection when it goes down the pole more than one foot from both
sides. In the butt, the split can go no more than two feet up both sides of the
pole.

4.3 Knots

A knot on the pole is where a branch grew out of tree. Knots are measured in
the direction around the pole at right angles to the direction of the length of the
pole. The ANSI specification limits the amount of knot diameters in any one
foot section of the pole. If the length of the pole is 50 foot long, the total of all
the knot diameters can not be more than ten (10) inches. If the pole is less than
50 foot long, the total of the knot diameters can not be more than eight (8)
inches. Knots one half inch diameter or less are not counted.

4.4 Decay

Decay is caused by a group of plants called fungi. Fungi are very small and are
invisible. As fungi grow in the pole, they eat the wood and by the time damage
becomes visible as decay, a great amount of damage has been done in the
infected area and the wood has lost its strength. Decayed wood is usually soft
and breaks easily when mashed or twisted. Only one type of decay is allowed in
Southern Pine and Douglas Fir. This is decay in knots that does not go into the
body of the pole outside the knot. Knots that show decay is half or less of their
surface are almost always ok however, knots that show most or all their surface
being decayed and the decay going deep into the knot (2 inches or more) are the
type that should be checked.

4.5 Shakes

A shake is a separation between growth rings in the butt or top caused by drying.
It appears as a ring and can go part of the way or all the way around the end of
the pole. In the top of the pole, a shake is acceptable if the distance across it is
not more than one half the distance across the top. In the butt, a shake is
allowed within two inches from the edge if it does not go more than two feet up

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

the pole and the opening of the shake is not more than 1/8 inch wide. If the
shake is more than two inches from the edge, it can not go past the ground line
area and can be more than 1/8 inch wide.

4.6 Spiral Grain

Spiral Grain is the result of the wood grain growing at an angle instead of
straight up the tree. As the wood dries and checks develop, where spiral grain is
present, the checks will follow the angle of the grain and will circle around the
pole as they are traced up the pole. For poles 30 foot or shorter, the grain can
not circle completely around the pole more than once in ten foot of pole length.
For poles 35-45 foot, only one circle in 16 foot of pole length is allowed; for
poles 50 foot or longer, one full circle in 20 foot of pole length is the limit.

5 Wooden Pole Inspection and Maintenance Procedures

5.1 Inspection & Maintenance Procedures for Wood Poles

5.1.1 Internal Decay

When performing inspections and maintenance on distribution poles it is

important to know that internal decay occurs as a result of fungal
infestation:
(1) Start in poles before treatment or
(2) Where wood destroying organisms are able to penetrate the outer
protective shell of preservative treated wood which surrounds the
non-treated wood in the center.

Deep checks which develop after treatment, mechanical damage from

improper handling, woodpecker holes or other actions which break the
protective shell, provide avenues for entry of decay fungi. Internal decay
will also develop in pole tops cut or holes bored in the field when the cut
surface is not coated with a topical preservative.

5.1.2 External Surface Decay

External decay is most common at or below the ground lime. As poles

age, external decay may develop as the effectiveness of the treatment
begins to decline.

5.1.3 Insects

Attacks of the untreated interior portions of poles by subterranean

termites or carpenter ants are difficult to detect. However, if insects can

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

gain entry, so can decay fungi. Therefore, the two will often occur
together.

5.1.4 Inspection Procedures

The purpose of a pole inspection is to:

(1) Identify poles that are dangerous and should be replaced and
(2) Identify poles which are in the early stages of deterioration so that
corrective actions can be taken.

Visual: A visual examination of the poles, using binoculars to inspect

tops, can provide valuable information regarding the pole’s condition.

Decay: Machine-damaged areas and checks should be critically

examined during visual inspection. The size and location of seasoning
checks should be noted. In general, the wider the check, the deeper it
penetrates and the more likely untreated heartwood is exposed.
Remember, only decay in the advanced stages is readily apparent. The
presence of fungi in wood where decay has not progressed appreciably
can be detected only by culturing or microscopic examination of the
wood. Early decay can extend four feet or more above internal, visibly
rotten areas in Douglas-fir poles. Surface decay usually occurs within
the first 12 to 18 inches below the ground line, so digging is generally
necessary to detect it. Periodic application of groundline preservative
treatments will prevent and/or control this type of decay.

Termites and Carpenter Ants: These insects infest the internal untreated
portion of poles. Therefore, little external visual evidence of their
presence is apparent. Some termite galleries may be present if the
insects are trying to bridge over treated wood. In addition, if a carpenter
ant infestation has occurred, scattered bits of very fibrous and
sawdustlike frass may be present in the area. Since a break in the
protective shell must occur before these insects can reach and infest the
untreated wood, decay is also likely to be present.

Vertebrate Organisms: Damage from vertebrate organisms, such as

woodpeckers, is usually apparent. Binoculars should be used when
inspecting large poles. If the damage is fresh, broken pieces of wood
from the excavated hole should be present on the ground. Decay will be
associated with older damage.

Mechanical: Mechanical damage is generally obvious and found in the

ground line area to a few feet above the ground.

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

Physical Tests: In addition to visual inspection, several physical tests

are available to aid pole inspectors in determining the presence of
biological damage. Some of these methods are very basic while others
involve sophisticated electronic equipment. In all cases, considerable
experience is required to interpret the results, especially with the newest
nondestructive testing devices for wood poles.

Sounding: Sounding is a common method of inspecting poles for

internal voids. The pole is firmly hit with a hammer from ground level
to as high as one can reach. A crisp sound usually indicates the pole is
solid. A dull sound thus indicates wet and possibly rotten wood and a
“drum” sound indicates a void. To develop experience, poles that are
sounded should then be bored to confirm which defects are actually
present.

Boring: Where decay or insect attack is suspected, the pole is generally

bored for confirmation. Increment borers are most commonly used.
The core can be closely examined at the site and also saved for later
culturing or microscopic examination. An effective, but simple way to
save increment cores is to insert them into soda “straws”, seal the ends
and label for identification. Protected in this manner, increment cores
can be shipped to a laboratory for biological studies.

Poles that sound suspicious should be bored near deep checks and at the
pole base or at ground line. If rot is detected, the poles should be bored
at three or four points around the circumference. The shell thickness,
depth of preservative treatment, and pole circumference are determined.
Requirements for replacement, reinforcement, field treatments or
schedules for reinspection can then be determined.

When boring holes above ground, the tool should be oriented slightly
upward. This prevents water from accumulating in the hole. All
openings made during inspection should be treated with a registered
preservative and plugged with preservative-treated dowels. Protective
goggles and other safety equipment, as appropriate, should be worn.

Biological Tests: It is important to detect and treat decay fungi as early

as possible if the strength properties of the wood are to be maintained.
Biological tests are still the most reliable means for detecting early
stages of decay.

Shell Thickness Indicator: A shell thickness indicator can be used to

determine the thickness of the non-decayed wood when poles are drilled
rather than using an increment borer. The rod is inserted into the hole
and then pulled back with pressure against the side of the hole. The

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

hook at the end will catch on the remaining sound wood. When pushing
a tight fitting shell-thickness indicator into a hole, you can feel the tip of
the hook pass from one growth ring to another in solid wood, but not in
rotten wood.

Culturing: The early or “invisible” stages of decay can be detected by

culturing in the laboratory the core samples you have collected in the
field using increment borers. Each core is placed in a plastic straw,
labeled and the ends of the straw stapled shut. The cores are brought to
the laboratory and culturing begins within 24 hours.

Insect Identification: It is usually beneficial to identify insects if an

infestation has occurred. If field identification is not possible collect the
insect, their boring dust (frass), and a portion of the wood with typical
damage, and consult the cognizant Pest Management Consultant (See
Appendix A) for assistance with identification.

Determination of Serviceability: The results of your visual and physical

inspections and lab reports help you determine the serviceability of the
wood member. As the integrity of a wood member is destroyed by
biological agents, its ability to withstand the load it was designed for is
diminished. As more and more wood is destroyed, the structure becomes
weaker. With poles, the location of the wood that is destroyed is more
important than the amount of wood destroyed. The outer 44% of the
pole radius contributes most (about 80%) of the bending strength.
Therefore, decay in the center of the pole will reduce strength
substantially less than if the outer shell is deteriorated. Decay in the
above ground portions of the outer shell of a well-treated pole is an
indication that the pole was decayed before treatment. This is why it is
important to specify “white wood” inspection of treated products to be
purchased.

6 Remedial Treatments

6.1 Superficial Preservative Treatments

Preservative applications by brush, spray or pinstream (oil squirt can) do not

penetrate deeply into the wood. These treatments are therefore not intended to
protect the wood from sustained exposure to degrading organisms but more so
as an adjunct to a good initial pressure preservative treatment. Brush treatments
should be flooded onto the surface and not brushed out thin, like paint. Checks
and other openings should be saturated to the point of refusal. A pinstream
application using a squirt type oil can applicator can be used effectively in this
type of application. Wood should be well dried before treatment or it will not

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

accept preservatives applied in this manner. If spraying, a course spray should

be used to minimize health hazards. Special precautions should be taken to
avoid drift. Topical treatments recommendations for the major preservative
classes are as follows:

Oil borne Preservatives. At least two brush applications of either creosote or a

solution of at least 5% pentachlorophenol in a suitable solvent or one heavy
application of a grease/paste containing at least 10% pentachlorophenol.
Cleanliness requirements should dictate the type of treatment.

Water borne Preservatives. At least one application of a 5% solution of the

same preservative used in the original treatment. For either of the above
preservatives, appropriate copper napthenate solutions can be utilized as this
preservative is compatible with either of the above preservative formulations.

6.2 Ground line or Bandage Treatment

Ground line brush or bandage treatments are very effective in controlling

surface decay in the outer shell of poles at and below ground line. With these
treatments, the soil is excavated from the bases of poles to a depth of
approximately two feet. The exposed surfaces of poles then are checked for
decay and, if present, the decayed wood is removed using a sharpened shovel.

Next a bandage wrap containing a preservative is fastened around the below

grade portions of the poles or preservative is applied directly to the pole surface
and covered with a water-impervious wrap such as polyethylene that is fastened
tightly to the poles. The wrap should not be damaged as the backfill is being
replaced. Before treatment, the surface to be treated should be cleaned of any
decayed or loose wood. No more sound wood than necessary should be
removed. All debris should be removed from the excavated area around the
pole.

6.3 Internal Void Treatment

Liquid preservatives or fumigants may be used to control decay and insect attack
within the central core of poles. These treatments require drilling holes into the
decayed areas and placing the preservatives or fumigants in the holes. The holes
are plugged following treatment. Internal void treatment with liquids is most
successful on cedar and other woods that develop well defined rot pockets and
where the transition from rotten to sound wood is abrupt; they are least effective
in Douglas-fir with poorly defined rot pockets.

For Douglas-fir, use a fumigant alone or in combination with a water-soluble

preservative solution. To arrest internal decay, water-soluble chemicals, e.g.,
arsenicals, fluorides or borates are forced into the voids and diffused through the

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

wet wood. Ants in pole voids can be controlled by injection with volatile liquids
combined with preservatives such as creosote or pentachlorophenol. Poles shall
be bored with a 3/8 inch drill bit, a sufficient number of times to assure uniform
internal coverage. Preservatives are pumped into the bottom hole until it runs
out the next higher hole. The hole is then plugged with a preservative-treated
plug, and preservative is then pumped into the next higher hole until it runs out
the hole above. This procedure is repeated until the entire cavity is flooded or a
maximum of one gallon of preservative is used. Preservative pastes also can be
injected into holes to treat internal voids.

6.4 Fumigant Treatment

Fumigants can control internal decay for at least nine years. As a result, the use
of fumigants is now common technology. Sodium N-methyl dithiocarbamate
(Vapam), methylisothiocyanate (MITC-Fume) (Vorlex), and
tricholoronitromethane (chloropicrin) are currently registered with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for application to wood. These are
restricted use pesticides and can only be applied by a certified applicator. Label
directions for applications of individual fumigants must be followed. In general,
starting at the ground line, 5/8 to 7/8 inch diameter holes are drilled directly
towards the center of the pole at a steep downward angle. The hole should not
be through the pole or intersect seasoning checks which would allow the
fumigant to escape. To assure good distribution of the fumigant, holes are
spaced evenly (and drilled in a downward direction) around the pole in an
upward spiral pattern with a vertical spacing of 6 to 12 inches. If more than two
treating holes intersect an internal void or decay pocket, re-drill the holes further
up the pole into relatively solid wood where the fumigant will gradually
volatilize and move through the wood.

7 Pole Top Protection

Pole top deterioration is caused by decay fungus and weathering action. Depressions,
splits, and checks create water holding pockets which cause wood to expand and
contract freeze and thaw and subsequently split and check. These conditions present an
ideal condition for decay fungi. When left unchecked, the pole top continues to
deteriorate until pole topping or removal is necessitated. Pole top products are now
available which effectively protect pole tops from weathering. Decay fungi and
ultimately degradation.

Pole tops (caps) are designed to keep the roof portion of poles free of moisture thus
preventing attack by decay fungi. Preservative fluids are also available which should be
applied to the pole tops prior to capping or topping.

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

8 Pole Strength Restoration

Carpenter ants, decay fungi and termites can cause extensive damage to wood poles.
Left unheeded they can cause serious damage and result in early pole failure. When
poles are found to be structurally damaged and accompanied by significant strength
loss, repair alternatives versus replacement must always be considered. New state-of-
the-art techniques, using epoxy resins, fibers, and fillers can restore poles to their
original strength. When cured, these epoxies are stronger than wood and can also be
drilled, sanded, painted or sawn and be applied to wet surfaces. When applied in
conjunction with preservative supplements for preventing further deterioration, poles
can be restored to original condition. When site conditions make pole replacement
prohibitively costly, pole restoration can become a viable solution via cost reduction
and prevention of down time. Therefore, this should become an available procedure in
any pole maintenance program.

9 Pole Performance Evaluation (In-Service)

Wood inspection surveys conducted at several sites around the world determined that
many poles are performing extremely well, even in the most hostile environments.
Preservative assays were conducted at these sites. Surprisingly, retention assays for
these poles (all creosote preservative treated) indicated exceptionally high retention
levels. Keeping in mind also that many of these poles have been in service for over
25 years during which time some preservative leaching has occurred. The exceptional
performance being experienced can be primarily attributed to superior original
preservative treatment. In order to continue this exceptional performance, preservative
treatments found in these poles should be duplicated when ordering new replacement
poles.

10 Quality Assurance for New Products

10.1 Certificate if Compliance

This document, offered by the treater, signifies that treatment standards have
been complied with. This document is not reliable and is the least desirable
method of insuring quality. Unless the activity has the capability of inspecting
wood products to verify quality, the certificate of conformance should never be
accepted in lieu of physical inspections or Quality Marks. The contractor is
responsible for the quality of treated wood products. Each treated product must
be branded by the producer. The Contractor must provide the Contracting
Officer’s Representative (COR) with the inspection report of an independent
inspection agency, approved by the Contracting Officer that verifies that
products comply with applicable Standards.

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Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-P-008
Issue Date: 21 January 2007
Next Planned Update: 21 January 2012 Inspection and Maintenance for Wooden Poles

10.2 Quality Assurance Guidance

All personnel involved in the receipt of treated wood products should familiarize
themselves with the quality assurance procedures detailed, Field Guide for the
Receipt and Inspection of Treated Wood Products by Installation Personnel.
This document provides users with a step by step process for quality assuring
wood products.

11 Record Keeping Requirements

Complete records on the replacement and preservative in-place treatment of wood

components are often either not kept or are incomplete. Historical records maintained
on poles are invaluable in determining structural performance, identifying potential
biological problem areas (decay), and for evaluating effectiveness of in place
maintenance procedures. Records on in-house inspections can also provide significant
and useful information to inspection teams thereby enabling inspection efforts to be
more selective during the overall structural evaluation. Specific information needed;

Component Replacement
• Specific component replaced and location within SYSTEM.
• Date of replacement.
• Cause for replacement.
• Photographs of damage causing replacement.

In-House Inspections
• Date of inspection.
• Type of inspection; sounding, drilling, visual, etc.
• List of components inspected and findings.

In-Place Maintenance Efforts

• Date of treatment.
• Type of treatment.
• Material used.
• Identification list of components treated.

Revision Summary
22 January 2007 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice.

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