Pole testing – How stable is the wooden pole?

Get automatic pole inspection results

How stable is the wooden pole?

As only faultless poles comply with the high security requirements timber poles must be examined regularly for stability.

The problem:

Often, possible defects of utility poles are found internally and cannot be identified from the outside. About 90% of all the utility pole defects or damages are located below the soil level and without the inspection drill it can become necessary to carry out complex investigations or excavations to detect them. Take the guess work out of the equation and provide real data to support better decision making. By using a resistance drill, you are capturing data from the utility pole in a fast and efficient manner exercising a minimally invasive method.

With the IML-RESI PD-Series digital inspection drill you can drill at every height of the pole, from the soil level to the top end of the pole. This provides you with a fast and efficient method of capturing the internal state of the wood. The inspection drill captures the resistance of the wood against a 1/10” bit providing you with an outline of where decay or cavity may be found inside the pole. A general speed for pole inspections is 40 inches per minute, with each drilling typically taking under one minute, the result is a quick capture of the internal state of the wood with an automatic inspection conclusion with our Wood Inspector software. Many utility companies and contractors concentrate on inspecting the regions of concern focusing on the soil level and angling at 30 degrees down at the base level. The PD-Series can also be used in conjunction with timber or tree inspections by turning off the pole inspection software, WoodInspector.

The IML-RESI F-Series inspection drill is rarely used for inspecting utility poles alone, due to the digital PD-Series compatibility with WoodInspector automatic pole inspection software, which automatically evaluates the pass or fail result. The F-Series drill is a favorite as essential tool housed in each line truck (buckets and derricks) and acts as a preliminary safety device prior to climbing or working on utility poles. With a few quick drillings, the line worker can check for warning signs of decay or cavity found inside the pole.

The IML-RESI System Advantages:

• Profitability due to minimal time with high efficiency
• Budget friendly by cutting out a third-party inspection company
• Provides you with measurement & data results for your records
• Inspect prior to climbing to increase safety
• Compatible with GIS and third-party software programs
• Prevention of unnecessary damage to the pole; the inspection bit is 1/10” and is minimally invasive – inspects without removing a large portion of valuable material

Wood Inspection technology for pole inspections:

• PD-Series Digital Inspection Drill – (Drilling resistance inspection tool) Digital drill captures the internal state of the wood with automatic results.
• WoodInspector Pole Inspection Software – (Software) Capture automatic pass or fail results including remaining strength – Used in conjunction with the PD-Series
• F-Series Wax Paper Inspection Drill – (Drilling resistance safety tool) Accurate identification of cavity or decay with a few quick drillings.