All poles thus excavated and not
condemned should be given a
groundline treatment. Excavating
aerates the soil and encourages the
growth of fungi, and the cost of such
maintenance is largely taken care of
when crew and equipment are at the site
and excavating has been performed. If
either of the two readings indicates a
defect, take additional readings to better
localize the defect and its extent.
condemned should be given a
groundline treatment. Excavating
aerates the soil and encourages the
growth of fungi, and the cost of such
maintenance is largely taken care of
when crew and equipment are at the site
and excavating has been performed. If
either of the two readings indicates a
defect, take additional readings to better
localize the defect and its extent.
Once the defect is established and
localized, bore into the pole quarters in
which the irregularity was noted to
determine its nature and extent. If decay
is found, bore the other two quarters and
also bore one hole 2 feet above the
decay pocket. From these borings
determine the serviceability of the pole
(see sec. 4.4). Finally, inject Vapam
(pole gas), as specified in
localized, bore into the pole quarters in
which the irregularity was noted to
determine its nature and extent. If decay
is found, bore the other two quarters and
also bore one hole 2 feet above the
decay pocket. From these borings
determine the serviceability of the pole
(see sec. 4.4). Finally, inject Vapam
(pole gas), as specified in
into the bore holes and internal voids or
pockets. Another approximately equal
treatment, such as "Os-mose Hollow
Heart," may be used. After internal
t r e a t m e n t , d r i v e t i g h t - f i t - t i n g
preservative-impregnated plugs into the
bore holes.
pockets. Another approximately equal
treatment, such as "Os-mose Hollow
Heart," may be used. After internal
t r e a t m e n t , d r i v e t i g h t - f i t - t i n g
preservative-impregnated plugs into the
bore holes.
NOTE: It is suggested that Vapam or a
penta solution be injected into the bored
holes even if no sign of decay is
detected. Decay may also be found
between the groundline and the top of a
pole. Spot checks should also be made
at the bottom of cracks terminating
above ground. If decay is found, a
complete inspection should be pro-
grammed.
penta solution be injected into the bored
holes even if no sign of decay is
detected. Decay may also be found
between the groundline and the top of a
pole. Spot checks should also be made
at the bottom of cracks terminating
above ground. If decay is found, a
complete inspection should be pro-
grammed.
4.4. SERVICEABlLITY OF POLES. From the
boring results, determine the amount of sound
wood left. Figure 6 shows a typical pocket of
decay.
boring results, determine the amount of sound
wood left. Figure 6 shows a typical pocket of
decay.
of decay.
NOTE: When boring at a 45
E
angle, the thickness
of good wood is approximately two-thirds of the
bit length (fig. 6).
bit length (fig. 6).
Figure 6. Longitudinal cut through pole with a decay
pocket.
pocket.
Poles are severely decayed and should
be replaced immediately (a) if any
quarter has 2 inches or less of good
wood and the decay as shown in
be replaced immediately (a) if any
quarter has 2 inches or less of good
wood and the decay as shown in
is more than 10 percent of the bored
cross section or (b) if at least three
quarters have 3 inches or less of good
wood. Mark poles like the one in
cross section or (b) if at least three
quarters have 3 inches or less of good
wood. Mark poles like the one in
with a band of red paint or similar
identification.
NOTE: To determine the decayed area
in
identification.
NOTE: To determine the decayed area
in
distance across the decay pocket by the
minimum distance across it.
Poles with advanced decay pockets
minimum distance across it.
Poles with advanced decay pockets
replacement, if all quarters have less
than 5 inches but more than 3 inches of
good wood. Mark poles like the one in
figure 8 with a band of red paint or
similar identification and replace the
poles within 3 years.
than 5 inches but more than 3 inches of
good wood. Mark poles like the one in
figure 8 with a band of red paint or
similar identification and replace the
poles within 3 years.
7 (FIST4-6)