Structural reliability of wood and composite poles

Abstract

The mathematical reliability of wood and composite utility poles is investigated. Numerical reliabilities at factored loads for 18 poles are computed and compared. The main inference from the study is that composite poles showed higher structural reliability than wood poles. The average reliability index of composite poles is observed to be more than three times that of wood poles. It is suggested that composite poles offer better long-term performance, resilience and reliability when used in hurricane-prone areas.