Powerbeams

Powerbeams are a series of steel beams, suitable for the reinstatement of up to 75% of existing wooden utility poles, from lightly laden to massive key pole structures.
Utilities have found they can extend the life and upgrade the class of pole at the same time. The unique patented Powerbeam system has been used by Utilities in Australia and New Zealand for more than 15 years, and one utility is already saving at least $1 million per month.The unique design method of the Powerbeam makes it possible to use lighter and more efficient structures.

Powerbeam can economically convert a pole that is at the end of its useful life to a reinstated composite pole with double the original life expectancy. Powerbeam is not a pole repair system but rather a pole reinstatement system.
Wooden poles can be reinstated for around one third the cost of pole replacement, typically by a two man crew averaging 8 poles a day, and reinstated live without any interruption to the power supply.

The Powerbeams (the reinstatement of which raises the fulcrum point of the pole from groundline to the top of the Powerbeam), have been designed so that the bending capacity in all directions is approximately equal. This means that the beams can be placed at the most convenient position around the pole, thus avoiding underground services and above ground assets (see Powerbeam reinstated in-line and the raised fulcrum point illustrations).The Powerbeam has been designed to fail in a ductile manner and University tests clearly demonstrate this.

Field tests show that the Powerbeam is still able to support the weight of the pole even when it is leaning at an angle of 50 degrees or more to the vertical. With this mode of collapse, there is adequate warning and time for remedial steps to be taken before catastrophic collapse occurs.

The Powerbeam’s unique design has been developed, with proven success by utilities internationally, and has endured, even under extreme conditions including fire and flood (see photographs below, taken by Ergon Energy Corporation Limited in Queensland, Australia).

For further information regarding our vast range of Powerbeams click on the Contact us link on the main menu bar.