UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

RUS BULLETIN 1724E-206

SUBJECT: Guide Specification for Spun, Prestressed Concrete

Poles and Concrete Pole Structures

TO: All Electric Borrowers

EFFECTIVE DATE: Date of Approval

Office of Primary Interest: Transmission Branch, Electric Staff

Division

PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS: None

FILING INSTRUCTIONS: File with 7 CFR Part 1724. This bulletin

can be accessed via Internet at:

http://www.usda.gov/rus/regs/

PURPOSE: This bulletin provides a basis for procuring spun,

prestressed concrete poles and concrete pole structures.

Blaine D. Stockton Jr. /s/ 12/22/97__

Assistant Administrator Date
Electric Program
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSTRUCTIONS WHEN USING RUS GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS ..................5a

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 1-34
1. Scope ........................................................ 1
2. Definitions .................................................. 1
3. Codes and Standards .......................................... 5
4. General Requirements ......................................... 6
5. Inspection and Testing .......................................16
6. Shipping and Delivery ........................................19
7. Drawings and Information to be Supplied by the Manufacturer ..20
8. Approvals, Acceptance, and Ownership .........................21
9. List of Attachments ..........................................23
Attachment A - Structure Dimensions and Other Information ....25
Attachment B - Design Loads ..................................27
Attachment C - Application Requirements .....................29
Attachment D - Drawings .....................................31
Attachment E - Bid Summary-Design Information, Weights, and
Costs(Information to be Submitted with Proposal)
..................................................................33
APPENDIX A - COMMENTARY ......................................... A-1
APPENDIX B - EXAMPLES OF ATTACHMENTS A AND B .................... B-1
APPENDIX C - SELECTED SI-METRIC EQUIVALENTS ..................... C-1
APPENDIX D - CONTRIBUTORS ....................................... D-1

INDEX:
POLES: Concrete
SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS: Guide Specifications for Spun,
Prestressed Concrete Poles
TRANSMISSION FACILITIES: Poles (Concrete)

ABBREVIATIONS
ACI American Concrete Institute
AISC American Institute of Steel Construction
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials
AWS American Welding Society
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute
IFI Industrial Fasteners Institute
kip 1,000 pounds
ksi kips (1000 lb.) per square inch
mph miles per hour
NESC National Electrical Safety Code
OLF Overload Factor
OHGW Overhead ground wire
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PCI Prestressed Concrete Institute
psi pounds per square inch
PVC Polyvinyl chloride
RUS Rural Utilities Service
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INSTRUCTIONS WHEN USING RUS GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR SPUN,

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE POLES AND CONCRETE POLE STRUCTURES

A. Purpose: This guide specification provides a basis for procuring

spun, prestressed concrete poles or concrete pole structures. If
poles are competitively bid, use of this specification will eliminate
ambiguities which might arise in the evaluation process.

Terminology used in this specification has been simplified in order

to provide consistency. Referring to the owner can also mean the
owner's representative or Engineer.

The owner is responsible for completing this specification and adding

other information, drawings and supplemental requirements as
appropriate. It may be necessary for the owner to modify this
specification in order to consider special applications or
preferences.

B. Scope: This purchase specification covers the technical aspects

of design, materials, manufacturing, inspection, testing, and
delivery of spun, prestressed concrete poles and concrete pole
structures. It does not include front-end documents or
specifications for construction. The owner has to add front-end
documents including instructions to the bidders and general
conditions. This specification may be expanded to include H-frame
structures.

C. Initial Design Considerations: There are several engineering

decisions required of the user of this specification when ordering
concrete poles or concrete pole structures that this technical
specification does not cover in detail. Some examples include, but
are not limited to:

• Amount of foundation rotation to consider for incorporating P-

delta moments;
• Location of point of fixity;
• Embedment depths;
• Guy wire modulus of elasticity;
• Load cases to be considered in addition to those required by the
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC); and
• Deflection limitations.

The user should perform the engineering required for these types of
issues or employ an engineering consultant to do so.

D. Information to be Completed by the Owner - When using these

specifications the owner should detach sheets 1a to 14a and the
Commentary, and add or complete the following:
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D.1 Documents and general information to be added to the technical

specification: A number of front-end documents and general
information needs to be added to this technical specification.

a. RUS Form 198 (Recommended for competitive bidding)

b. Supplemental Instructions to Bidders
c. General Conditions

It is recommended that RUS Form 198 be used for competitive bidding.

This form covers Notice and Instructions to Bidders, Proposal, and
Equipment Contract. Other supplemental information which the owner
may want to add includes Bid Submission, Bid Price, and Schedule, Bid
Acceptance Period, Bid Requirements, Bid Data, and Bidder's
Qualifications. A section on General Conditions could include such
items as Definition of Terms, Inspection and Acceptance,
Interpretation of Bid Documents, Addenda to the Bid Documents,
Insurance, Method of Payment (if Form 198 is not used), Quantities,
and Tabulation of Unit Prices.

D.2 Specifications and technical information to be completed by the

Owner:

a. Configuration requirements and other information (Attachment A of

the specification or equivalent):

(1) Structure dimensions;

(2) Conductor support locations (orientation and height);
(3) Shield wire support location(s) (orientation and height);
(4) General load information;
(5) Underbuild support locations (orientation and height); and
(6) Guy attachment locations (orientation and height).

b. Structural requirements (Attachment B or equivalent)

(1) Design loads, with and without overload factors for deflection
and cracking requirements.

Minimum loads have to meet the NESC requirements appropriate for the
loading district, and any local codes, the NESC extreme wind load
provisions, and any necessary extreme ice and wind conditions with
the appropriate overload factors. The ASCE Guidelines for
Transmission Line Structural Loading can be used for developing loads
produced by climate, accidents, construction and maintenance. If
crossarms are required, they should be able to sustain a minimum
working load of 500 pounds for possible loads from line crews,
conductors, and insulators. Calculations need to include the
vertical, transverse, and longitudinal loads with wind on the
structure and the dead weight of the structure for any given loading
condition applied simultaneously.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
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(2) Pole deflection limitations, if any. If deflection limitations
are required, specify the loading condition(s) without overload
factors.

(3) Embedment depth(s). The owner should specify the embedment

depth and the point of fixity, if different from the groundline. The
owner should specify the maximum anticipated foundation rotation or
deflection. If different for individual loading cases, the owner
must indicate these requirements in the loading tables (Attachment
B). The manufacturer should consider them in the design of the poles
when specified.

(4) Guys, crossarms, and bracing. The owner should specify the
location, orientation, slope, type, size and strength of guys, arms,
etc., if any are required (Attachment A or B).

c. Application Requirements (Attachment C to be completed by the

Owner).

(1) The supplier of the steel arms, guy attachments, and hardware.

(2) Diameter and taper limitations.

(3) Desired method of surface protection, if required. Any special

corrosion problems should be identified in order for the manufacturer
to recommend a solution.

(4) Location of climbing and/or working devices and the quantity of

each to be supplied with the poles.

(5) Pole tests and number of load cases for each test.

(6) Component weight and/or length restrictions.

(7) Delivery schedule, F.O.B. location, and owner's contact.

(8) Special handling requirements.

(9) Additional requirements. Additional items such as special pole

color (stain, paint, or dye additive), attachment requirements, arms,
attachment hardware, bolts, grounding requirements, guy modulus of
elasticity, hot line maintenance requirements, rigging requirements,
cant holes, pole splices, switch operating mechanisms, etc.

E. Information to be Completed by the Manufacturer

E.1 The owner should have the following information completed and
submitted by each bidder (Attachment E or equivalent).

a. Calculated weight of each concrete pole and concrete pole

structure;
Bulletin 1724E-206
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b. For the controlling load case and any other load cases as
required by owner for evaluating bids, design calculations
including the maximum reactions (moments, shears, and axial
loads, including overload factors) in poles at the
groundline or point of fixity, and guy wire loads;

c. Pole diameter at top, bottom, and groundline;

d. Tip and butt wall thickness;

e. Prestress strand - quantity, size, and dropout location;

f. 28-day compressive strength of concrete; and

g. Diameter taper (in/ft).

E.2 The owner should have the following information completed by the
successful bidder prior to pole manufacture:

a. For each load case, design calculations including the

maximum reactions (moments, shears, and axial loads,
including overload factors) in poles at the groundline or
point of fixity, and in guy wires;

b. Deflections and analyzed stress reactions every 10 feet;

c. Type of material of major components (ASTM number and

grade);

d. Quantity, size, and grade of prestressing strands or other

reinforcement;

e. Description of pole including thickness, length, diameter,

and tape.

f. Method of attaching arms, braces, hardware, and

miscellaneous equipment to the pole if supplied by the
bidder; and

g. Design exceptions.

E.3 Test reports as requested by the owner.

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 Bulletin 1724E-206
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SPUN, PRESTRESSED
CONCRETE POLES AND CONCRETE POLE STRUCTURES

1. Scope: This specification covers the design, materials,

manufacture, inspection, testing, drawings, shipping, and delivery of
spun, prestressed, concrete poles or concrete pole structures.

2. Definitions

Admixture - Any material other than water, aggregate, or cement that

is used as an ingredient of concrete and added to concrete before or
during its mixing to modify its properties.

Appurtenance - Any hardware or structural members that are attached to

the concrete pole to make a complete structure.

Bonding, electrical - The electrical interconnecting of conductive

parts, designed to maintain a common electrical potential.

Cant hole - A through hole in the pole which is used in rotating the
pole about its axis during setting. The hole is typically 1-1/2” in
diameter and located approximately 4 feet above the groundline.

Circumferential cracks - Cracks that parallel a cross-section of a

concrete pole.

Cracking moment - The moment which is developed in the pole at the

time the cracking strength of the pole is experienced.

Cracking strength - The point at which the concrete just begins to

separate due to exceeding the tensile strength of the concrete on the
tension face of the pole.

Deadend structure - A type of guyed or unguyed structure on which the

conductors are connected by strain insulators, with the usual purpose
of terminating the conductor tension.

Deleterious substance - Any substance that is not desirable in a

mixture, usually causing harm in sufficient quantities.

Dropout, steel cable - The terminating point of any longitudinal steel

that is not continuous for the length of the pole.

Efflorescence - The formation of a white film on the surface of the

pole, typically caused by the emergence of chlorides during curing.

Embedment - That portion of the pole which is designed to be located

in the ground or other supporting medium.

Factored load - See Ultimate Load.

Bulletin 1724E-206
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Foundation deflection - The magnitude and direction of displacement of

the embedded portion of the pole or supporting foundation which is
expected to occur with the response of the soil or supporting medium
to the applied loading conditions. It is usually expressed in inches
from the plumb position at the groundline or point below the
groundline where supporting soil begins.

Foundation rotation - The degree and direction of rotation of the

embedded portion of the pole or supporting foundation about the
groundline or point of fixity, if specified, which is expected to
occur with the response of the soil or supporting medium to the
applied loading conditions.

Groundline - The point at which the embedment begins. Groundline is

used for transmission line design such as determining ground
clearances. Resistance from the supporting soils or other medium
begins at or below groundline.

Group of bolt holes - All of the holes in which a single hardware

assembly will be attached.

Guyed structure - A structure in which cable supports are used to

increase its lateral load resistance.

In-line face - The face of the pole which “faces” an adjacent

structure in the line.

Load cycle - The point at which a structure has undergone the range of
loadings that are expected to occur over the life of the structure.

Load case - A group of loadings, restraints, (foundation deflections

and foundation rotations) which are simultaneously applied to the
structure at a particular point in time. Additional structural
performance requirements may also be included.

Longitudinal cracks - Cracks in concrete that parallel to the long

axis of the pole.

Longitudinal reinforcement - The reinforcing steel which is installed

along the long axis of the pole.

Manufacturer - The company responsible for the fabrication of the

poles. The manufacturer makes the poles based on the design drawings
developed by the structural designer.

Modulus of elasticity - The slope of the stress-strain diagram within

the proportional range of an elastic material.

Overload factor - A multiplier which is applied to each of the

vertical, transverse, and longitudinal structure loadings to obtain an
ultimate factored load. The multiplier takes into account the
variability of climatic events as well as the importance of the
structure.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
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Owner - The Rural Utilities Service borrower procuring the concrete

poles.

P-delta moment - The secondary moment created by vertical loads acting

on the structure which deflects from its unloaded position.

Pole end symmetry - Pole ends having the same size, shape, and
relative position of parts on opposite sides about the pole axis.

Point of fixity - The point on the pole at or below groundline where

the maximum moment occurs. Location of this point is dependent on the
characteristics of soils around the embedded portion of the pole.

Pole failure - The point at which the maximum strength of the pole is
realized. Failure usually occurs with crushing of the concrete or
permanent deformation.

Pole sweep - The measure of deviation from straightness along the

length of the pole.

Post-tensioned steel strand - The longitudinal reinforcement that has

been tensioned after the concrete has hardened.

Prestressed concrete - Reinforced concrete in which internal stresses

have been introduced to reduce potential tensile stress in concrete
resulting from loads.

Pretensioned steel strand - The longitudinal reinforcement that has

been tensioned before concrete is placed. Also referred to as
prestressed steel strand.

Pyrite staining - A pale brass-yellow colored stain in the concrete

caused from the concrete mixture containing an excess amount of iron
disulfides.

Reinforcing steel - Any steel for the purpose of reinforcement of the

concrete, including longitudinal reinforcement, spiral reinforcement,
and deformed reinforcing bars.

Release strength - The minimum concrete strength that is necessary

before the pretensioned strands can be released.

Secondary stresses - The additional stresses created by continued

application of the loads as the structure displaces or deflects from
its unloaded position.

Service load - The loading which is usually synonymous to the NESC

district loadings without overload factors applied, and sometimes
referred to as unfactored district load or working load. The service
load may also be a greater ice and/or wind load when compared to the
NESC district loads. Any service load, multiplied by the appropriate
overload factor will give the ultimate load.
Bulletin 1724E-206
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Spiral reinforcement - Steel reinforcement, continuously wound in the

form of a cylindrical helix, that encloses the longitudinal steel.

Spun concrete pole - A pole which is manufactured by placing

prestressed steel strands and spiral reinforcement in a mold, adding
fresh concrete and spinning the mold to form the pole.

Structural designer - The engineer(s) responsible for structural

design of the poles, usually employed by or is a hired consultant of a
company which fabricates concrete pole structures.

Ultimate load - The maximum design load which includes the appropriate
overload factor specified.

Ultimate moment capacity - The moment which is developed in the pole

at the time the ultimate strength of the structure is realized.

Unbalanced lateral load - Any loading of a significant duration and

magnitude which is not restrained or offset by guys or cables which
generates bending moments along a section of the pole.

Ultimate strength - The maximum strength in the stress-strain diagram.

For the pole, this is considered to be the point at which the pole
fails, usually with crushing of the concrete.

Unfactored district load - See Service Load.

Unfactored extreme load - The extreme wind, ice, or other extreme

loading without considering an overload factor.

Unfactored load - A loading in which the overload factor has not been
applied.

Working load - See Service Load.

Yield strength - The minimum stress at which a material will start to

physically deform without further increase in load or which produces a
permanent strain. This is known as the elastic limit of the material.

Zero tension strength - The moment at which a crack that was

previously created by exceeding the cracking moment strength will open
again. Under this condition, an applied moment will not cause any
tensile stress in the concrete. It will always be less than the
cracking
moment strength.

3. Codes and Standards

Codes, standards, or other documents referred to in this specification

are to be considered as part of it. In the event of a conflict between
this specification and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), the
 Bulletin 1724E-206
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NESC shall be followed. In the event of a conflict between this
specification and all other referenced documents, this specification
shall be followed. If a conflict between several referenced documents
occurs, the more stringent requirement shall be followed. If
clarification is necessary, contact the owner.

The most recent editions of the following codes and standards shall be
followed in the design, manufacture, inspection, testing, and shipment
of spun, prestressed concrete poles:

3.1 American Concrete Institute (ACI):

ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete

3.2 Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI):

MNL 116, Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of
Precast Prestressed Concrete Products

3.3 American Welding Society (AWS):

AWS D1.1, Recommended Procedures for Welding, Reinforcing Steel,

Metal Inserts, and Connections in Reinforced Concrete
Construction

3.4 American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM):

ASTM A82 Steel Wire Plain, For Concrete

Reinforcement
ASTM A416 Steel Strand, Uncoated 7-wire For
Prestressed Concrete
ASTM A421 Uncoated Stressed Relieved Steel For
Prestressed Concrete
ASTM A496 Steel Wire, Deformed For Concrete
Reinforcement
ASTM A615/A615M, Deformed and Plain Billet-Steel Bars For
Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM A617/A617M, Axle-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars For
Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM A641M Zinc Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel
Wire (Metric)
ASTM A706A/A706M, Low Alloy Steel Deformed Bars For
Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM C31 and 39, Specifications for Sampling Concrete and
Testing Concrete Cylinders
ASTM C33 Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C150 Portland Cement
ASTM C172 Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
Bulletin 1724E-206
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ASTM C289 Testing Potential Alkali-Silica

Reactivity of Aggregates
ASTM C494 Chemical Admixtures For Concrete
ASTM C881 Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for
Concrete
ASTM C1089 Standard Specification For Spun Cast
Prestressed Concrete Poles
3.5 Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI):
Fastener Standards
3.6 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C2, National
Electrical Safety Code
3.7 American Society of Civil Engineers/Prestressed Concrete
Institute (ASCE/PCI) Joint Committee on Concrete Poles:

Guide for the Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles, latest

edition

4. General Requirements The design, fabrication, processes,

tolerances, and inspection of poles shall conform to the following:

4.1 Design Requirements

4.1.1 Pole designs shall be prepared from the attached configuration

drawings and design loads. The pole shall be capable of withstanding
all specified loading cases including wind on pole and secondary
stresses from foundation deflection and rotation, and from vertical
loads acting on lateral pole deflection (P-delta effect). Design of
poles for these secondary stresses shall not consider the possible
restraining effect of conductors or shield wires. The pole shall
withstand the loads without failure and without exceeding any
specified deflection limitations.

4.1.2 Poles shall withstand the loading conditions, including

specified overload factors. The pole design shall include allowances
for loads from handling, transportation, and erection without failure,
permanent deformation, or damage to the pole when handled according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. (See Section 6.1)

4.1.3 Poles shall be designed by the ultimate strength method as

explained in ACI 318. Poles shall be designed so that the ultimate
strength of the pole exceeds the required strength calculated from the
factored loads applied to the pole including wind on the pole, as
specified by the owner. The point of fixity on the pole shall be
considered at groundline or other location as specified with the
embedment depths shown on the attached drawings.

4.1.4 Poles shall be designed so that the cracking strength of the

pole exceeds the required strength calculated from the service loads
applied to the pole, as specified by the owner.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
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4.1.5 Poles that are subjected to a permanent unbalanced lateral load

(such as unguyed angle or unguyed deadend structures), or any other
structures specified by the owner, shall be designed so that the zero
tension strength of the pole exceeds the required strength calculated
from the service loads applied to the pole, as specified by the owner.

4.1.6 Poles shall be designed in combination with the appropriate

column load applied along the pole axis as a result of the guys,
braces, etc. When guys are specified, the ultimate load in the guy
shall not exceed 65 percent of the rated breaking strength of the guy
for all load cases. For design purposes, guy wire modulus of
elasticity shall be specified by the owner. The manufacturer shall
advise the owner if the specified guy size is inappropriate prior to
submitting a bid.

4.1.7 Poles shall be designed to withstand a one-point (tilting)

pickup during erection. The manufacturer shall include the weight of
the pole with all insulators and hardware attached. The poles shall
be designed for two-point pickup for horizontal handling. All pickup
points shall be clearly shown on the fabrication drawings. All poles
shall be designed for the loads generated from handling and erecting
without exceeding the cracking moment capacity of the poles.

4.1.8 The design of each pole shall be performed using the applicable
codes and standards listed in Section 3.0 of this specification.

4.1.9 Pole design and design calculations shall be the responsibility

of the manufacturer.

4.2 Materials

4.2.1 The chemical properties of materials used in the manufacture of

the poles shall meet the requirements of the applicable ASTM
specification and be such that noticeable pyrite staining or
efflorescence due to sulfates and/or chlorides does not occur.

4.2.2 All anchors and inserts provided by the manufacturer shall be

hot dip galvanized or noncorrosive material. Cadmium-plated and
aluminum material shall not be used. All inserts shall be
noncorrosive materials designed and manufactured for the intended
purpose and used according to manufacturer's recommendations. If the
manufacturer considers lifting devices necessary or desirable,
suitable flush inserts may be cast into the pole with removable
lifting attachments.

4.2.3 The concrete shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength

of 5,000 psi with a maximum water-cement ratio of 0.40. Higher
strengths and lower water-cement ratios are encouraged and may be
necessary to offset steel cover requirements.

4.2.4 The cement shall be either Type I, II, III, or V portland

cement conforming to ASTM C 150. Flyash can be used in the cement.
Use of flyash cement requires owner approval.
Bulletin 1724E-206
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4.2.5 Fine aggregate shall be a natural sand, consisting of clean,

strong, hard, durable uncoated particles conforming to ASTM C 33, and
all specifications included therein. The aggregate shall be well
graded from No. 4 to No. 200 sieve. Deleterious substances shall not
comprise more than 5 percent of the sample.

4.2.6 Coarse aggregate shall be clean, tough, crushed stone

conforming to ASTM C 33, and all specifications included therein. The
aggregate shall be well graded from a 3/4 inch to a No. 8 sieve with
no more than 5 percent of the sample passing a No. 8 sieve.
Deleterious substance content shall not exceed 5 percent of the
sample. Resistance to abrasion shall not exceed 40 percent as tested
in conformance with ASTM C 131. Absorption shall be less than
4 percent or aggregate shall be saturated with water prior to use in
concrete.

4.2.7 Aggregate shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C 289 to

determine an alkali-aggregate reaction. Crushed rock or partially
crushed rock shall be the source of the aggregate.

4.2.8 Water shall be clean, free from undesirable amounts of oils,

acids, alkalis, salts, organic materials, or other deleterious
substances.

4.2.9 Admixtures shall conform to ASTM C 494. Air entraining

admixtures can be used if approved by the owner. Admixtures shall not
contain chloride ions in quantities that would cause the total
chloride content of the concrete to exceed 0.4 pound per cubic yard.

4.2.10 Prestressing steel mechanical properties, reinforcing steel

and spiral reinforcement shall be in accordance with the applicable
ASTM specifications listed in Section 3.0 of this specification.

4.2.11 Concrete mix design requirements listed above can be altered

with the owner’s approval.

4.3 Workmanship

4.3.1 The pole shall be circular in cross section and the diameter,
as measured at any location on the pole, shall not vary by more than
1/4 inch from any other measurement taken on that cross section.

4.3.2 The pole shall have a uniform taper from top to butt.

4.3.3 Deviation of the pole from straightness is allowed in one plane

and one direction only. A straight line joining the edge of the pole
at the butt and the edge of the pole at the top shall not be further
from the surface of the pole at any point by more than the accumulated
value of 0.25 inches for each 10 feet of length between the two ends.
The detensioning operation shall be performed in a manner to keep the
prestressing forces symmetrical.

4.3.4 Prestressing steel stress limits shall not exceed:

 Bulletin 1724E-206
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a. 80 percent of the ultimate strength or 94 percent of the

yield strength or the maximum value recommended by the
manufacturer of prestressing steels or anchorages for
jacking force;

b. 74 percent of the ultimate strength or 82 percent of the

yield strength immediately after prestress transfer; and

c. 70 percent of the ultimate strenght for post-tensioned steel

at anchorages and couplers immediately after anchorage.

4.3.5 Spiral reinforcement shall cover the entire pole length. The
minimum clear spacing of spiral reinforcement in the top 2 feet and
bottom 2 feet of the pole shall be 4/3 of the maximum coarse aggregate
or three times the strand diameter, whichever is larger, but not less
than one inch. The maximum clear spacing for the remainder of the
pole shall not exceed 4 inches.

4.3.6 Clear distance between prestressing steel strands shall be

either 4/3 times the maximum aggregate size or 3 times the strand
diameter, whichever is larger. In the event that this condition is
not met at the pole tip, closer spacing would be permitted provided
that the placement of concrete can be accomplished satisfactorily,
adequate stress transfer can take place, and appropriate provisions
are used for maintaining spacing between the prestressing steel
strands.

4.3.7 The manufacturer shall provide holes through each pole as

specified on the pole framing guide drawing(s). Preformed holes shall
be cast using rigid PVC inserts (or other suitable material) held
firmly in place. Plugs may be used with the owner’s approval.
Preformed inserts shall be sized for the specified hole diameter and
shall be full length of pole diameter for all through holes. Unless
otherwise noted on the drawings, holes shall be perpendicular to and
pass through the centerline of the pole.

4.3.8 The pole manufacturer shall provide preformed inserts at two

locations to allow air circulation within the pole. Inserts shall be
1 inch minimum diameter and shall have a louvered opening. The
inserts shall be located within 10 feet of the tip and within 10 feet
above the groundline.

4.3.9 Holes may not be drilled through the pole wall, except as
specifically necessary to correct errors or omissions and only if
approved by the owner.

4.3.10 The longitudinal steel shall not be cut for any reason unless
approved by the owner. The owner may reject any pole in which the
longitudinal steel is cut. All exposed steel resulting from drilled
holes shall be covered with an epoxy paste per ASTM C881 Type III.
Areas with moderate or severe spalling shall be cleaned and reformed
with an epoxy paste or epoxy concrete per ASTM C881 Type II.
Bulletin 1724E-206
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4.3.11 The owner shall have the right to reject any pole in which the
performance of a bolted connection may be reduced due to the lack of a
clearly preformed or drilled hole.

4.4 Manufacturing Tolerances

Manufacturing tolerances shall be limited to the following:

 Bulletin 1724E-206
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Pole Length ±2 inches, or ±1 inch ±1/8 inch per 10 feet

of length, whichever is greater (i.e. - 120
foot pole shall have a length of 120 feet ± 2
1/2 inches)

-6 inches or +12 inches for assembled spliced

structure

Pole Diameter ±1/4 inch

Wall Thickness 1/4 inch or 12 percent of wall thickness.

(Note: This requirement may be waived
provided that structural adequacy and
durability are not impaired.)

Pole End Symmetry ±1/2 inch per foot of pole diameter

Pole Sweep 1/4 inch per 10 feet of pole length

Pole Weight ±10 percent calculated value

Location of longitudinal + 1/4 inch and ±1/8 inch reinforcement

placement for the centroid of a group

Location of spiral ±25 percent of clear spacing required with

total reinforcement placement required
quantity per 3 feet of pole length
maintained.

Location of a group of ±2.0 inches

bolt holes from top of
the pole
Location of bolt holes ±1/8 inch
within a group of bolt
holes

Location of centerline ±1.0 inch

between groups of bolt
holes

Bolt hole diameter ±1/16 inch of specified diameter (Note: The

specified diameter is up to 1/4 inch greater
than bolt diameter.)

Bolt hole alignment Not to vary from the longitudinal pole

centerline of that group of holes by more
than 1/8 inch

Location of ±2.0 inch

identification plate

4.5 Grounding
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 12

4.5.1 An external pole ground wire shall be used. Threaded inserts

for attaching ground wire clips that hold the external ground wire
shall be sized and positioned per the attached drawings.

4.5.2 Except for bonding of the steel tendons, there shall be no

internal pole grounds. A minimum of one longitudinal steel strand
shall be bonded electrically to a threaded bronze insert at the top
and bottom of the pole. Each bond shall be located within the top 2
feet of the pole and at one foot below groundline (See attached
drawings). For spliced poles an additional bond shall be provided
above and below the splice to a threaded bronze insert within 24
inches of the splice. Steel splice sections shall have the
appropriate number of grounding attachments. This bonding system
shall be noncorrosive and shall be approved by the owner.

4.5.3 If required by the owner, manufacturer shall provide ground

wire clamps for all ground wire attachments.

4.6 Climbing Devices

4.6.1 Clips for removable ladders shall begin not closer than 3 feet
above the base plate or 3 feet above ground for a direct embedded pole
and extend to the top of the pole. Each ladder clip shall be designed
to support a minimum 1,000 lb. shear working load. Ladder clips shall
be located to avoid interference between ladders and other
attachments.

4.6.2 Removable step bolts shall be provided with spacing as

indicated beginning 8 feet above groundline and extending to the
structure top. Each step lug and step bolts shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum of 500 lb. working load. Step bolt mounting
nuts shall be spaced at 1 foot 6 inch intervals and oriented to
provide maximum ease of climbing.

4.7 Inserts

4.7.1 Inserts shall be made of materials which will not deteriorate

in the environment in which they are placed. The insert shall be
made of materials that will not react unfavorably with the concrete or
fasteners. The insert shall not be made of materials that will
corrode and stain the concrete.

4.7.2 Inserts shall not fail before the pole reaches ultimate
strength, unless permitted by the owner.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 13
4.8 Cover

4.8.1 There shall be a minimum of 3/4 inch of clear concrete cover

over all longitudinal reinforcement and all spiral reinforcement as a
result of the concrete spinning process. Poles not meeting this
requirement shall be rejected except as allowed by Section 4.8.2.

4.8.2 There shall be a minimum specified wall thickness of 2.5 inches

of spun concrete at all points along the pole.

4.8.2.1 An actual wall thickness of less than 2.5 inches of spun

concrete may be allowed from the pole tip to 3 feet below the pole tip
provided the cover requirements of Section 4.8.1 are met in the
spinning process and provided the pole can meet all other requirements
of the specifications.

4.8.2.2 The owner shall, as soon as possible, be notified of any

poles with less than 3/4 inch of spun concrete inside cover within 3
feet of the pole tip. At the owner’s sole discretion, the owner may
reject the pole or may allow the pole to be repaired by swabbing the
interior with an epoxy liner (per ASTM C881 - Type V, Class B or C)
and plugging with 3,000 psi. concrete to the owner’s satisfaction to a
distance of 42 inches from the tip. No pole shall be plugged or
considered for acceptance by the owner unless assurance is made by the
manufacturer that the repaired pole can meet all requirements of this
specification.

4.9 Splices

4.9.1 Flange-bolted or slip-joint type of splices are permitted.

When required, flange-bolted type splice shall be used at guyed
structures.

4.9.2 The reinforcing steel and connection apparatus comprising the

splice shall be properly anchored as part of the pole. The pole shall
be designed to fail before the splice fails by yielding of the splice
steel.

4.9.3 The axis of the pole shall not be distorted after the pole is
mated. Shims will not be allowed to straighten the pole unless
approved by the owner. The owner reserves the right to reject a pole
based on the improper mating of a pole splice.

4.10 Appurtenances

4.10.1 See Attachment C for list of appurtenances and associated

supplier(s).

4.10.2 For appurtenance material that owner supplies, owner shall

provide manufacturer connector and/or member locations, orientations,
sizes, types, and strength capacities in Attachment C.

4.10.3 All steel appurtenance connections and members designed and

supplied by the manufacturer shall be in accordance with the latest
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 14

editions of the ASCE Design of Steel Transmission Pole Structures and

the AISC Manual of Steel Construction.

4.10.4 Regardless of the supplier, the concrete pole manufacturer is

responsible for the proper design coordination and fit up of all
appurtenance connections and members to the pole(s). Manufacturer
shall notify owner if any appurtenance material supplied by owner will
not result in properly designed structure.

4.10.5 For appurtenance material manufacturer supplies, manufacturer

shall provide torque requirements for all load carrying bolts
including step bolts.

4.11 Finishing

4.11.1 The surface of the pole shall have a smooth finish with no
unsealed cracks. Cracks shall be sealed either by use of an epoxy
injection system following the epoxy manufacturer's specifications, or
by V-notching the crack on a 1:1 slope to a minimum depth of 1/4 inch,
then filling the V-notch with an epoxy seal per ASTM C881 Type IV.
Covering the crack with an epoxy coating will not be allowed.

4.11.2 Small cavities caused by air bubbles, honeycomb spots, or

other small voids, shall be cleaned thoroughly, saturated with water
and then carefully pointed with a cement mortar. A small cavity is
defined as one not larger than 1/2 inch in diameter or deeper than 1/4
inch.

4.11.3 If any cavities or voids absorb water which indicate the void
extends into wall of the pole, then the pole shall be rejected.

4.11.4 The manufacturer shall seal both ends of the pole and protect
the steel stands from corrosion. The system used shall be approved by
the owner.

4.11.5 The center void at the top and bottom ends of the pole shall
be sealed with a minimum 6 inch and 12 inch thick 1000 psi strength
concrete plug respectively. This plug shall be securely bonded to the
pole. Sharp edges shall be tooled to form smooth, chamfered corners.
The top of the pole shall be rounded to avoid ponding of rain water.

4.11.6 Where application of epoxy-aggregate mortar is specified, the

surface of the pole where the mortar is to be applied shall first be
coated with the epoxy coating. This coating shall be allowed to cure
to a tacky, but not hardened state, before the mortar is applied.
After the mortar has been applied and allowed to cure for 24 hours, a
top coat of epoxy coating, 5 mil thick, shall be applied over the
mortar and the surrounding area of the pole.

4.12 Marking

4.12.1 Each pole shall be identified with the manufacturer's

identification plate. The following information shall be stamped into
the plate with letters not less than 1/4 inch in height:
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 15

Manufacturer's name
Day, month, and year of manufacture
Structure number
Length of pole
Ultimate moment capacity at groundline or point of fixity
Pole framing designation (per framing guide) or pole type
Owner's name

4.12.2 The manufacturer's identification plate shall be fabricated

from a noncorrosive, nonstaining metal such as bronze, brass,
Series 300 stainless steel, or an aluminum alloy that will not react
unfavorably with concrete. The plate shall have suitable anchor or
anchors welded to the back of the plate to permit bonding to the pole.

4.12.3 The identification information listed above may be cast into

the surface of each pole. These marks shall be at least 3/4 inch in
height and 1/8 inch deep.

4.12.4 The identification plate or cast in-place markings shall be

located on an in-line face of the pole in the direction of the
transmission line. The bottom of the identification plate or last
line of the cast in-place markings shall be located five feet above
the groundline.

4.12.5 Each pole shall be marked with the information listed below.
A permanent marker shall be used and the writing shall be kept small
but legible. For spliced poles, each section shall be marked as
below:

a. Support points;
b. Two-point pickup location for handling the pole in the
horizontal position;
c. One-point pickup location for use in raising the pole to a
vertical position and handling during the setting operation;
d. Pole length, fabrication number, structure number, and pole
framing guide number on the butt of the pole; and
e. Cant hole locations, if required by owner.

5.0 Inspection And Testing

5.1 General

5.1.1 Manufacturing and testing procedures shall be in compliance

with applicable codes and standards listed in Section 3.0 in this
specification.

5.1.2 Upon request, the manufacturer shall furnish the owner with
certified test reports for the steel and concrete used.
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 16

5.2 Inspection

5.2.1 The manufacturer shall make adequate tests and inspections to

determine that each of the poles furnished is in strict accordance
with this specification. At the request of the owner, the
manufacturer shall submit a quality assurance report to the owner
prior to the shipment of each pole and shall include the following
minimum information:

• Fabrication number and owner’s structure number;

• Minimum and maximum tip wall thicknesses and steel coverages
(to inside and outside) measurements shall be made at 3 inches
from the tip;
• Minimum and maximum butt wall thicknesses and steel coverages
(to inside and outside) measurements shall be made at 3 inches
from butt;
• Condition of pole interior and evidence of exposed rings or
reinforcement steel;
• Proper hole and insert locations and sizes;
• Evidence of cracking during or after two-point handling.
• Actual manufactured pole weight;
• Report of any repairs made to the pole;
• Date of manufacture and inspection(s); and
• Inspector’s seal.

5.2.2 All material and workmanship shall be subject to inspection,

examination, and test for conformance to the requirements of this
specification by the owner. The inspection, examination, or testing
could be done at any time during material procurement, manufacturing,
storage periods, transit, or at the pole destination. Inspection,
examinations, and tests may be waived by the owner, but in no case
shall this be interpreted as releasing the manufacturer from the
manufacturer’s responsibilities for delivering poles that meet the
requirements of this specification.

5.2.3 The owner shall have free entry, at all times, while work is
being carried on, to all parts of the manufacturer's plant where
manufacture of the owner's poles is being performed. The
manufacturer shall afford the owner reasonable facilities, without
charge, to satisfy the owner that the poles are being manufactured in
strict accordance with this specification.

5.2.4 The manufacturer shall furnish certified test reports to the

owner, upon request, showing the results of all of the tests required
by this specification and applicable reference specifications.

5.2.5 Tests shall be in accordance with all applicable standard

specifications and codes.

5.2.6 Failure of the manufacturer to comply with these specifications

will be sufficient reason for rejection of any or all poles which do
not comply with these specifications.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 17

5.3 Concrete and Aggregate Testing

5.3.1 Concrete used on owners’ poles shall have the quality to meet
the design strength and other requirements included in this
specification.

5.3.2 For manufacturers that batch their own concrete, the

manufacturer shall take a minimum of 8 concrete test cylinders per
representative sample. Samples shall be taken at minimum intervals of
one per day, one per 25 cubic yards of concrete batched, and with each
change in raw material supplier for batches used to make the owners’
poles. The test cylinders for each day’s concrete that is batched
shall be tested for compressive strength as follows:

a. Minimum of one for determining release strength;

b. Minimum of one at 7 days;

c. Minimum of one at 14 days; and

d. Minimum of one at 28 days.

5.3.3 For manufacturers that acquire concrete from outside sources,

test cylinders shall be taken from each truck load of concrete and
tested in accordance with this specification.

5.3.4 Test cylinders shall be prepared, then cured in the same curing
environment as the pole itself or cured per the applicable ASTM
specification.

5.3.5 Upon request from the owner, the manufacturer shall provide
owner statistical data on concrete strength quality in accordance to
applicable ACI and ASTM specifications. A correlation factor between
rodded cylinders and the spun concrete, substantiated by test data,
shall be provided.

5.4 Structure Testing

5.4.1 Details of all test procedures contained herein and methods of

measuring and recording test loads and deflections shall be specified
by the manufacturer and approved by the owner prior to manufacture.

5.4.2 Material procurement for test poles shall be identical to

material procurement procedures for regular production run poles.

5.4.3 The design load testing of any specific pole shall be on a

full-scale basis. Costs for such testing shall be the responsibility
of the owner, shall be separated from the manufacturer's bid, and
shall be negotiated in advance of any test preparation.

5.4.4 The number, location, direction, holding time, sequence, and

increments of the test loads along with the number, location, and
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 18

direction of deflection readings for an individual pole test shall be

approved by the owner prior to pole testing.

5.4.5 The method of attaching the test loads to the pole, applying
the test loads, measuring and recording the test loads, and measuring
and recording the deflections shall be approved by the owner prior to
pole testing.

5.4.6 A full report listing results shall be submitted to the owner

after completion of all testing. Copies of mill test reports shall be
included in the load test report. The report shall also include a
complete description of the load tests with diagrams and photographs.
If required, the manufacturer shall provide the owner with the
following testing data:

a. Location of testing;
b. Method of full scale testing: upright or horizontal; and
c. The pole tester shall issue the owner three (3) copies of
the Pole Test Report. This report shall include
descriptions, tools, and drawings describing the above test.

5.4.7 Use of any factory tested poles to meet order requirements

shall be determined by the owner.

6.0 Shipping And Delivery

6.1 Shipping

6.1.1 If appurtenances are to be supplied by the manufacturer of the

concrete poles, each shipment shall be accompanied by a list of all
parts, identifiable by structure type and number. Arms, bolts, and
miscellaneous hardware shall be identified by the list for match up
with the respective pole shaft. All parts required for any one
structure shall be in one shipment, if possible.

6.1.2 The owner and owner’s representative shall be notified prior to

shipment that such shipment is to take place, and the owner reserves
the right to postpone a shipment. The owner has the right to inspect
the components prior to shipment. The notification of a shipment
shall give quantities, weight, name of common carrier used, and
expected time of arrival.

6.1.3 Poles shall be lifted and supported during manufacturing,

stockpiling, and transporting only at the lifting or support points,
or both, as designed by the manufacturer.

6.1.4 Transportation and site handling shall be performed with

acceptable equipment and methods by qualified personnel. The
manufacturer shall exercise precaution to protect poles against damage
in transit.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 19
6.1.5 Poles shall be sufficiently cured before shipment to resist
forces from handling, transportation, and construction.

6.1.6 Handling instructions shall be included with the pole shipment.

6.2 Delivery

The owner (or the owner's construction contractor) may take delivery
at a designated location or with the delivering carrier's cooperation
and consent, have the poles transported to the installation locations
with the carrier’s equipment. The manufacturer shall coordinate and
cooperate with the owner to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of
poles. The owner will provide all labor, equipment, and materials for
the unloading of poles at the project site. A pole is considered
delivered when the pole is lifted from the trailer or semitrailer of
the delivery carrier by the owner.
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 20

7.0 Drawings And Information To Be Supplied By The Manufacturer

7.1 Information To Be Supplied With The Proposal:

a. Calculated weight of each concrete pole and concrete pole

structure.

b. For the controlling load case and any other load case
required by owner, the maximum reactions (moments, shears,
and axial loads, including overload factors) in poles at the
groundline or point of fixity and guy wire loads.

c. Pole diameter at top, bottom, and groundline.

d. Tip and butt wall thickness.

e. Prestress strand - quantity, size, and dropout location.

f. Design strength of concrete (28 day compressive strength).

g. Diameter taper in/ft.

For all other load cases specified by owner the above information
shall be provided by the manufacturer following award of bid.

7.2 Information And Drawings To Be Supplied For Owner’s Approval

Prior To Fabrication:

7.2.1 For each load case, design calculations including the maximum
reactions (moments, shears, and axial loads, including overload
factors) in poles at the groundline or point of fixity, guy wire
loads, deflections, and analyzed stress reactions every 10 feet.

7.2.2 After the manufacturer's proposal has been accepted, the

manufacturer shall submit to the owner two prints of each fabrication
drawing. One set of these drawings will be returned to the
manufacturer with indication of review corrections. Where a
correction is required, two sets of revised prints shall be
resubmitted to the owner. These prints shall be marked “Revised” and
dated.

7.2.3 Final fabrication drawings for each different framing pattern

and pole calculations for each load case shall be submitted to and
approved by the owner before release of order for manufacture.

7.2.4 All design and detail drawings shall be reviewed and approved
by the owner before pole manufacture.

7.2.5 Information To Be Provided On Drawings: The manufacturer shall

be responsible for the correctness of dimensions and details on the
drawings. The review of such drawings by the owner shall not relieve
the manufacturer of this responsibility.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 21
Drawing titles shall clearly indicate the owner's name and pole-type
identification. Each detail drawing shall include the following
minimum information:

a. Complete dimensional information;

b. Description and location of all steel reinforcements, and,

if dropout system is used, the location of each steel cable
dropout;

c. Twenty-eight day strength of concrete and strength of

concrete at time of release of pretensioning strands;

d. Steel strand prestress loads;

e. Size, description, quantity, and location of all holes and

hardware that is a part of the pole;

f. Weight and location of the center of gravity of the pole;

g. Location of pickup points and storage points. Both pickup

locations and recommended storage locations shall be shown;

h. Location of climbing devices and grounding inserts;

i. Pole identification plate location and details;

j. Location of groundline;

k. The ultimate moment and cracking moment capacities at the

groundline or point of fixity; and

l. Any other special information deemed necessary by the

manufacturer and owner.

8.0 Approvals, Acceptance, And Ownership

8.1 Final designs must be approved by the owner before material

ordering. Material ordering and fabrication prior to approval of the
owner will be at the manufacturer's risk. Award of the contract to
the manufacturer does not constitute acceptance of design calculations
submitted with the bid. If corrections are required in the final pole
designs due to manufacturer's errors, omissions, or misinterpretations
of the specifications, the quoted price shall not change. Approval of
the drawings and calculations by the owner does not relieve the
manufacturer of responsibility for the adequacy of the design,
correctness of dimensions, details on the drawings, or the proper fit
of parts.

8.2 Upon delivery, poles shall be free of defects and blemishes which
would have a detrimental effect on the structure capacity and/or
longevity of the pole. They also shall be smooth, attractive,
unscarred and in new condition. Poles not meeting these requirements
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 22

shall be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer at no additional

cost to the owner.

8.3 Poles failing to meet strength requirements, poles with

circumferential or longitudinal cracks, poles failing to meet
manufacturing tolerances or cover requirements, poles with exposed
steel, poles with cavities that absorb water, and spliced poles that
do not fit together properly or are distorted after mating shall be
rejected by the owner and replaced by the manufacturer at no cost to
the owner.

8.4 If the delivered weight of a pole will exceed the calculated

weight by 5 percent, the manufacturer shall notify the owner of the
actual weight before pole delivery. Any pole whose delivered weight
exceeds or is below 10 percent of its calculated weight may be
rejected by the owner.

8.5 All final drawings shall become the property of the owner, who
shall have full rights to reproduce and use them, but shall not share
them with other concrete pole suppliers.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 23

9. List of Attachments
(Attachments A,B,C, and D to be completed by the engineer.
Attachment E to be completed by the manufacturer.)

• Attachment A, Structure Dimensions and Other Information

• Attachment B, Design Loads

• Attachment C, Application Requirements

• Attachment D, Drawings

• Attachment E, Bid Summary-Design Information, Weights, and

Costs (Information to be Submitted with Proposal)
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 24

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 Bulletin 1724E-206
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Attachment C
Application Requirements

1. Appurtenance Material

a. Arms and mounting hardware to be supplied by..__________

b. Guy attachment and mounting hardware to be

supplied by ..................................__________

c. Hardware other than items 1 and 2 above to be

supplied by ..................................__________
For appurtenance material that owner supplies, owner shall
provide manufacturer connector and/or member locations,
orientations, sizes, types, and strength capacities with this
Attachment.

2. Pole deflection limitations

a. Structure Type................................__________
b. Amount of deflection limits ..................__________
c. Loading conditions for deflection limits......__________

3. Maximum anticipated foundation rotation

measured from the vertical axis(degrees)
and maximum anticipated deflection at the
groundline (inches)...............................__________

4. Maximum diameter at groundline (in) a. Tangent: _________

b. Angle: _________

c. Deadend: _________

5. Maximum taper (inches/foot) based on total

difference between top and bottom diameters.......__________

6. Guy wire modulus of elasticity....................__________

7. Climbing device desired by owner..................__________

8. Unguyed angle poles to be raked or plumb..........__________

9. Unguyed tangent deadends to be raked or plumb.....__________

Bulletin 1724E-206
Page 30

Attachment C (Cont’d)
Application Requirements
10. Special handling requirements.....................

11. Component weight restrictions.....................__________

12. Pole length restrictions..........................__________

13. Delivery schedule.................................__________

14. Free on board destination (F.O.B.)................__________

15. Structures to be tested:

Structure Type Load Cases to be Tested

a.

b.

c.

16. Additional Requirements

 Bulletin 1724E-206
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Attachment D
Drawings
(Drawings to be added by owner)
Bulletin 1724E-206
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 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-1
APPENDIX A

COMMENTARY

A. General

The necessity of a clear bid specification for the purchase of

concrete poles is very important to the bid evaluation process and the
acquisition of structurally adequate poles. The specification should
contain sufficient requirements and information so that all bids can
be evaluated equally and so that the manufacturer clearly understands
what is expected of the manufacturer.

B. Section 4. Design

Loads (Section 4.1)

The primary loads for concrete poles are weather and erection loads.
Common handling loads are determined by the manufacturer and included
in the manufacturer’s design. Weather, construction, and maintenance
loads need to be clearly specified by the owner. The location and
direction of loads should be indicated in a loading agenda or loading
trees, and should have units of Newtons, pounds, or kips (or for
uniform wind loads on the structure, pascals, lb. per square feet, or
kips per square feet). The specifying of loads in the form of general
environmental criteria such as wind velocity or radial thickness of
ice, is insufficient. Not only is there difficulty in evaluating
bids, but there also is a greater possibility of error in calculated
design loads. Overload factors for NESC light, medium, and heavy
loading districts should be at least equal to those given in the
applicable edition of NESC for Grade B construction. Overload factors
for extreme ice and extreme wind shall be at least 1.1. The
manufacturer’s analysis should include secondary moments due to the
vertical moving from its original position (see p-delta effect).

Reliability based design has shown that the NESC district loading
alone may not be a desirable service loading in some locations. For
service loads, some owners may wish to consider a more stringent ice
and/or wind loading than the NESC district loads. For example, in
some locations, it may be desirable to consider an 80 mph wind loading
(or other wind speed as appropriate for the location) as a service
load. This wind loading would be more stringent than the 60 mph NESC
Light loading. The owner may consider this 80 mph loading as
occurring with the same frequency as the NESC district loading occurs
in other locations, hence the need to designate the 80 mph wind as a
service load.

An extreme loading condition occurs infrequently. Statistically, the

extreme load will occur once every 50 to 100 years. The overload
factor of at least 1.1 is applied to this type of loading. In the
example above, the owner which considers the service load to be an
80 mph wind, will consider a much higher wind loading as the extreme
wind load.
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-2

In addition to using the NESC district loading requirements, the ASCE

publication, “Guidelines for Transmission Line Structure Loading” can
be used to provide owners with procedures for the selection of design
loads and load factors related to climate, accidents, construction,
and maintenance.

Point of Fixity (Section 4.1)

Point of fixity for this specification is defined as the location on

the pole where maximum moment occurs. Maximum moment is calculated by
the pole designer using the loadings provided by the owner and
multiplying those loadings by the appropriate moment arms. The
existing soil and backfill has to be able to support the pole with
these bending moments applied. The location of this point of fixity
could be at or below the groundline. The exact location is
theoretical and depends on the soil condition and backfill used to
support the pole. The owner should determine where the location of
the point of fixity is and convey it to the structural designer.

The point of fixity should be determined by someone familiar with

soils engineering. This point could be located at groundline if very
good structural supporting soil is present all the way to the ground
surface. However, this point is usually assumed to occur below the
groundline depending on the resistance of the soil and any soil
disturbance that has or could occur at the ground surface. Soils
investigation and a proper analysis should be done by the owner to
locate this point if the resistance of the soil is in doubt.

Cracking Strength (Section 4.1)

While it is desirable to avoid pole cracking under the service load

conditions, such as unfactored NESC district loading and any other
service loads specified by the owner, care should be taken when
considering cracking strength requirements under extreme conditions
with small overload factors. Initial cracking occurs at about
40-55 percent of ultimate strength of the pole. If an extreme wind is
applied to a pole with a 1.1 overload factor, this load would be the
same as the ultimate (factored) load. If the pole were designed with
the cracking strength equal to or greater than the extreme wind load
with a 1.1 overload factor, the resulting ultimate strength of the
pole would be about double the strength necessary based only on the
ultimate strength loading requirement.

Zero Tension Strength (Section 4.1)

The zero tension strength will always be less than the cracking
strength. It is about 70-85 percent of the first cracking strength.
The avoidance of open cracks may be necessary to protect the steel
reinforcing. The conditions which may be important in order to avoid
open cracks will be in situations of significant unbalanced lateral
loading and in extremely corrosive environments.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-3
Typical structures with permanent unbalanced lateral loads are unguyed
angle and unguyed deadend structures. Without the owner specifying
that the pole should be designed for a zero tension strength, the
manufacturer may not consider this aspect in the pole design. For
example, some structures may be unguyed at the static wire location,
but guyed at other load points. It may be desirable for this
structure to meet the strength requirements for the zero tension
strength due to the cantilevered static loading.

The owner should specify which structures are to be designed for the
zero tension strength requirement. In the absence of this, the pole
designer should consider the unfactored loading conditions to
determine if there are significant lateral loadings to warrant
adherence to this strength requirement.

P-Delta Effect (Section 4.1)

Whenever there is a transverse or longitudinal load, the pole will

deflect in the direction of the load. As a result, the vertical load
is no longer in its original position. The vertical load moves over
as the pole deflects, causing additional moments in the pole. Also,
the pole weight can place significant secondary moment loads in the
pole. This specification requires this moment to be included in the
analysis. The additional stress caused by this secondary moment is
dependent on the magnitude of the vertical load and deflected shape of
the pole. Many pole designs, particularly tall poles, have to be
calculated for the position of equilibrium of forces in the fully
displaced position. The solution typically takes many iterations. A
full nonlinear analysis will consider the change in orientation of the
loads relative to the displaced positions of the structural members.
The design of the pole should have this analysis performed to take
into account secondary moments. Pole deflection and resulting
secondary moments should be calculated for the loads (including
overload factors) indicated in the loading agenda.

Foundation Rotation and Deflection (Section 4.1)

This specification allows the owner the option of specifying a

foundation rotation (and point of fixity), either as a maximum for all
load cases or as a certain amount for each load case. For purposes of
bidding and design, the owner also has the option to specify a fixed
base with no foundation rotation or deflection.

When specifying the maximum value for the foundation rotation and
deflection for all load cases, the owner establishes performance
requirements for the concrete pole and foundation. In determining
this value, the owner may perform an engineering analysis of soils in
the area where the poles are to be installed, and may consider
aesthetics, phase-to-structure clearances, phase-to-ground clearances,
or even the ability to replumb a structure.

The specifying of a rotation and deflection for each load case is a

refinement in analysis and design which allows the owner to match
types and probability of loads with foundation response. For
Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-4
instance, under a 50-year extreme wind load, one may allow more
foundation rotation and deflection than under NESC heavy loading
district loads.

If foundation rotation and/or deflection is specified, the

manufacturer should include such effects in the calculations of final
deflected pole stresses. The rotation and deflections when specified
should be for the respective loads with overload factors.

Longitudinal Loads (Section 4.1)

Because concrete poles are flexible structures, there may be a

reduction in induced moments in a pole under some types of
longitudinal loads due to the restraining effect of the overhead
ground wires. Traditionally, static longitudinal loads are specified
due to the complexity of calculating the influence of structure
flexibility. The results of the EPRI project, Longitudinal Loads on
Transmission Line Structures, published in August 1978, suggest design
procedures for longitudinal load analysis, taking into account
deflections of wires, insulators, and structures. Design curves have
been developed and can be used to approximate the longitudinal loading
on the structure for given line systems. Although the EPRI project is
extremely worthwhile, utilization of these results by some of the
bidders does present certain difficulties in bid evaluation. In order
to be certain that concrete pole bids can be evaluated on an equal
basis, this specification requires that all longitudinal loads
specified in the loading agenda are not to be reduced due to
flexibility of the structure. If the owner wishes to take advantage
of structure flexibility, then the owner's engineer should estimate
structure and line parameters. Using the design approach suggested in
the EPRI project, the longitudinal design loads should then be
specified on the loading trees. It is felt that this approach is
better than having the concrete pole manufacturer account for
structure flexibility for several reasons: 1) not all manufacturers
have the capability to perform such an analysis, 2) the owner will
have to evaluate the manufacturer's design anyway, 3) and plan and
profile drawings would have to be included in the contract documents
in order to properly evaluate the effect of longitudinal loads between
deadends.

Guy Wires (Section 4.1)

Any time a concrete pole structure is guyed, the guy type, size,
modulus of elasticity, and guy slope or angle has to be specified by
the owner. The manufacturer needs this information to properly
analyze the structure. This specification limits the load in the guy
to 65 percent of its ASTM rated breaking strength. The manufacturer
should design the pole and guy wire(s) as a system. The manufacturer
may wish to reduce pole capacity by using a larger than specified guy
wire size. This action should be avoided unless the owner approves
the use of a larger guy size, and subsequent anchor changes.

In design, the loads with the respective overload factors are applied
at appropriate locations on the guyed structure.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-5

The guy modulus of elasticity can increase from a minimum value at the
time of manufacture, to a maximum value which results from periodic
stretching and relaxing during the load cycles. Ranges from
19,000 ksi to 28,000 ksi have been stated. The ASCE steel pole
specification (ASCE Manual 72) has suggested a guy wire modulus of
elasticity of 23,000 ksi be used by the pole designer whenever it is
not specified.

Wind Induced Vibrations

Appurtenances to concrete structures may occasionally be subject to

wind induced vibrations. The owner should advise the manufacturer if
the structure will be prone to wind induced vibrations. The
manufacturer should detail each structure using good design practices
considering this possibility. If vibrations are experienced, the
owner should add additional damping to the structure. Damping may be
particularly important on structures which are to be installed without
conductors for an extended period of time.

Air Entrainment in Spun Concrete Poles (Section 4.2)

Air entrainment in spun concrete poles is similar to air entrainment

in normal concrete except the fabrication processes of pumping,
vibrating, and spinning causes a large percentage of the entrained air
to migrate out of the concrete. The general effects of air
entrainment are to increase workability, decrease density (unit
weight), decrease strength, reduce bleeding and segregation, and
increase durability. For a spun concrete pole, the spinning process
creates a very dense concrete and counteracts the air entrainment
effects. Since pumping occurs prior to the pole being spun, the air
entrainment effects are present during the fabrication of spun poles.
The percentage of air entrained in a spun concrete pole after it is
spun is unknown. However, it is believed poles that have concrete
containing an air entrainment agent will have a higher void ratio than
those without this agent. The owner has to be aware that as the
percentage of air entrainment increases the concrete strength
decreases.

Grounding (Section 4.5)

All internal reinforcing should be bonded electrically to the external

pole ground wire. This will keep the external ground and internal
reinforcing potential voltage differences lower in lightning events.
There have been cases reported of step lugs and other materials
embedded in the concrete that were near or in contact with the
reinforcing being dislodged from lightning. Spliced poles should have
reinforcing on each side of the splice bonded electrically to the
external pole ground wire. This should lower potential voltage
differences of embedded material between each pole section.

C. Section 5.4 Structure Testing

Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-6
An option is available in the specification for full scale testing of
poles. For a manufacturer which has been designing and fabricating
concrete poles with the same processes for a good number of years, the
need for testing of a concrete pole is questionable. Pole testing may
be appropriate in cases where there are unusual requirements, new
fabrication techniques or when new suppliers are used to validate
their design.

D. Section 7.0 Drawings and Information to be Supplied by the

Manufacturer

In order to properly evaluate bids, the specification requires certain

information to be supplied with the bid. This information may be
supplied on the preliminary drawings from the Bidder. If the forms in
Attachment B are used, one will be able to quickly review the
information on the forms and simultaneously compare the information
from the different manufacturers.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page A-1

APPENDIX B
EXAMPLES OF
ATTACHMENTS A & B
Bulletin 1724E-206
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Bulletin 1724E-206
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Bulletin 1724E-206
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BLANK PAGE
 Bulletin 1724E-206
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APPENDIX C

SELECTED SI-METRIC CONVERSIONS

Bulletin 1724E-206
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APPENDIX C

SELECTED SI-METRIC CONVERSIONS

AREA

To Convert From To Multiply by

circular mil (cmil) square meter (m2) 5.067075 E-10
square centimeter (cm2) square meter (m2) *1.000 E-04
square foot (ft2) square meter (m2) *9.290304 E-02
square inch (in2) square meter (m2) *6.451600 E-04
square kilometer (km2) square meter (m2) *1.000 E+06
square mile (mi2) square meter (m2) 2.589988 E+06

FORCE

To Convert From To Multiply by

kilogram force (kgf) Newton (N) *9.806650
kip Newton (N) 4.448222 E+03
pound force (lbf) Newton (N) 4.44822

FORCE PER LENGTH

To Convert From To Multiply By

kilogram force per
meter (kgf/m) Newton per meter (N/m) *9.806650
pound per foot(lb/ft) Newton per meter (N/m) 1.459390 E+01

DENSITY

To Convert From To Multiply By

pound per cubic inch kilogram per cubic
(lb/in3) meter (kg/m3) 2.767990 E+04
pound per cubic foot kilogram per cubic
(lb/ft3) meter (kg/m3) 1.601846 E+01

LENGTH

To Convert From To Multiply By

foot (ft) meter (m) 3.048 E-01
inch (in) meter (m) *2.540 E-02
kilometer (km) meter (m) *1.000 E+03
mile (mi) meter (m) *1.609344 E+03

*Exact Conversion.
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page C-3
Selected SI-Metric Conversions, Cont.

LOAD CONCENTRATION

To Convert From To Multiply By

pound per square kilograms per square
inch (lb/in2) meter (kg/m2) 7.030696 E+02
pound per square kilograms per square
foot (lb/ft2) meter (kg/m2) 4.788026
ton per square kilograms per square
foot (ton/ft2) meter (kg/m2) 9.071847 E+02

PRESSURE

To Convert From To Multiply By

kip per square inch
(kip/in2) Pascal (Pa) 6.894757 E+06
kip per square foot
(kip/ft2) Pascal (Pa) 4.788026 E+04
Newton per square
meter (N/m2) Pascal (Pa) *1.000
pound per square
foot (lb/ft2) Pascal (Pa) 4.788026 E+01
pound per square
inch (lb/in2) Pascal (Pa) 6.894757 E+03

BENDING MOMENT

To Convert From To Multiply By

kilogram force meter
(kgf-m) Newton meter (N-m) *9.806650
kip-foot (kip-ft) Newton meter (N-m) 1.355818 E+02
pound-foot (lb-ft) Newton meter (N-m) 1.355818

VELOCITY

To Convert From To Multiply By

foot per second(ft/s)meter per second (m/s) *3.048 E-01
kilometer per hour
(km/h) meter per second (m/s) 2.777778 E-01
mile per hour(mi/h) meter per second (m/s) 4/370300 E-01
meter per hour(m/h) meter per second (m/s) 2.777778 E-04

*Exact Conversion.
Bulletin 1724E-206
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BLANK PAGE
 Bulletin 1724E-206
Page D-1

APPENDIX D

CONTRIBUTORS

The following members of the Transmission Line Subcommittee of the

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Transmission and
Distribution Engineering Committee provided invaluable assistance in
preparing this document.

1. Anderson, Craig, Dairyland Power Coop., Lacrosse, WI

2. Ballard, Dominic, East Kentucky Power Coop., Winchester, KY
3. Burch, John, Florida Keys Electric Coop., Tavernier, FL
4. Emmons, Doug, Hoosier Energy REC, Bloomington, IN
5. Green, Emmett, Allgeier, Martin & Assoc., Joplin, MO
6. Heald, Donald, U.S.D.A, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C.
7. Hetherington, Bill, Lee County Electric Coop., North Fort
Myers, FL
8. Johnson, Robert, Arkansas Electric Coop., Little Rock, AR
9. Kunze, Allan, Lower Colorado River Authority, Austin, TX
10. Lukkarila, Charles, United Power Association, Elk River, MN
11. McCall, Charles, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Tucker, GA
12. Oldham, Robert, Southern Maryland Electric Coop., Hughesville, MD
13. Shirey, Steve, Allegheny Electric Coop., Harrisburg, PA
14. Sidney, Scott, Lee County Electric Coop., North Fort
Myers, FL
15. Smith, Art, Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Decatur, GA
16. Twitty, John, Alabama Electric Coop., Andalusia, AL