Utility Poles
There are approximately 185 million utility poles in North America.
Approximately two million to four million are replaced annually.
AISI is working with steel pole manufacturers to grow this market. In
1997, steel distribution poles were not widely used among electric
utilities. Today, more than 600 electric utility companies in the U.S.
are using steel poles, with some converting their entire distribution
system to steel.
Why do these companies prefer steel? Steel distribution poles are
strong and durable. They are impervious to insects and rot, and are 100
percent recyclable at the end of their long service lives. Unlike
traditional wooden poles, steel poles do not need toxic chemical
preservative treatments and do not create future hazardous waste
disposal concerns.
Steel distribution poles are fabricated with uniform dimensions from
ASTM tolerance materials, providing superior strength, consistent
performance, and enhanced reliability. Steel poles also have the
flexibility to be designed as direct wood pole replacements, or can be
engineered to meet any specific loading criteria. To prevent corrosion,
steel distribution poles can be galvanized or manufactured with
weathering steel. They are light in weight and easy to install, require
less maintenance, and offer lower overall life cycle cost.
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