STRUCTURE TESTING - Prestressed Concrete Transmission Pole Structures - page 116

Test Arrangement
The structure is placed in a horizontal position. Locations along the
shaft will be selected as the load pulling point for each test load case. The
purpose of the load pull will be to duplicate the maximum design stress
at all critical sections in the pole shaft based on the cross-sectional geom-
etry of the shaft and yield strength of the materials. Critical sections are
those sections on the shaft with the highest stress.
Equipment Used in Test
The load is pulled at predetermined points along the shaft by a crane
or other suitable pulling device. Loads should be determined with a cali-
brated load instrument located in the pulling line. A tape or transit should
be used to take defl ection measurements.
Test Procedure for Pole Test—Horizontal Pull
The pole is placed between the reaction blocks and locked in place. One
or more wheeled support devices should be used to support the weight
of the cantilevered end of the pole (see Fig. 10-3). An initial load of at least
10% of the maximum test load should be applied to “set” the pole into
the blocking. When the “setting” load is removed, the zero position is then
established from which to measure subsequent defl ections.
Some concrete poles may require an intermediate, free-rolling vertical
support(s) to minimize moment created by the weight of the pole.
Fig. 10-3. Horizontal testing confi guration
Source: Illustration courtesy of American Electric Power. Reproduced with
permission.