Pole Selection Process

    ASCE Wind Maps and Design Criteria

    There are three main wind maps used for poles. There are other, newer wind maps from ASCE but, they are not often used for pole sizing and design.

    • ASCE 7-93: Made in 1993, Wind speeds on this map are formulated using the least stringent method of measurement.
    • ASCE 7-05: Made in 2005, Is quickly becoming the most commonly used wind speed map for poles.
    • ASCE 7-10: Made in 2010, Becoming more common in high-risk, coastal areas and its method of wind speed calculation is the most stringent of the 3 listed here.

    Use these ASCE Wind Maps to determine windspeed for your job site or visit the ASCE web page, where you can search by city and state to find windspeeds on a variety of wind maps.

    Link: https://hazards.atcouncil.org/

    For more information about Design Criteria, EPA, and Wind loading, check out this helpful presentation.. "How to Size a Pole Design Criteria Wind Speeds EPA 022823"  This breaks down all terms like ASCE, design criteria, loading forces and EPA. It discusses how they are related and why they are important to the pole selection process.

    Fixture Reference
    Comparison Pole Materials - Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Fiberglass vs. Concrete vs. Wood 
    Pole Specification Worksheet
    Pole Configuration Examples

     

    steel finish pic jpg
    Steel poles are the most common used today because of strength, flexibility- of-installation and available finishes. Steel poles are cost-effective, ideal for higher mounting heights and easier to modify for unique applications. 60% of poles currently sold in the U.S. are steel.

    Steel poles are available in a wide variety of finishes. See below for various option.

    Standard Finish for Steel Poles

    Prime Painted Finish For Steel Poles

    Finish Comparison for Steel Poles

    Galvanized Finish for Steel Poles

    Paint Over Galvanized Finish for Steel Poles
     
    Electro-deposition Coating Finish (E-coat)
    aluminum_finish jpg
    Aluminum poles are the perfect solution for a corrosive environment e.g. ocean salt spray, winter roadway ice control chemicals, etc.

    Aluminum poles are lightweight, low maintenance and corrosion-resistant. They are available for both anchor base and direct burial installation. Aluminum poles are available in a wide variety of finishes.

    Standard Finish for Aluminum Poles
     
    Brushed Finished for Aluminum Poles
     
    Anodizing vs. Powder Coat Finishes
     
    Hard Coat Anodizing
    fiberglass_finish jpg
    Fiberglass poles are non-conductive, lightweight and easy to install. Fiberglass is colorfast throughout the pole so you won’t have to worry about touching up the paint in high-pedestrian areas – no rust!

    Fiberglass is corrosion-resistant and is available in a wide variety of colors as well as, a textured or smooth finish.

    Standard Finish for Fiberglass Poles
     
    Natural vs. Smooth Fiberglass Pole Finish
    wood_finish jpg
    Laminated wood poles are lightweight, easy-to-install and environmentally “green”. Wood poles are treated for protection from decay and insect damage with no chemicals to harm the environment. They are the perfect complement for parks, pedestrian walkways, recreational trails and other rustic settings.

    Laminated wood poles are available as natural or stained to enhance the natural wood finish.

    Natural Finish for Standard Wood Poles
     
    Stained Natural Wood Pole Finish
     
    Standard Finish for Cedar Wood Poles