Title: Aligned Steel Fibers in Concrete Poles

Author(s): Philip L. Rotondo and Kurt H. Weiner

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 8

Issue: 12

Appears on pages(s): 22-27

Keywords: centrifugal casting; computers; concrete piles; metal fibers; fiber reinforced concretes; poles (supports); precast concrete; prestressed concrete; Manufacturing

DOI:

Date: 12/1/1986

Abstract:
Until the recent introduction of aligned steel fiber reinforced concrete (ASFC) poles and piling, there had been little significant change in the basic materials and processes in centrifugally cast concrete for over 35 years. In 1973, Northeast Utilities initiated an investigation to determine suitable alternatives for wooden electric distribution poles. A manufacturing method was devised to produce centrifugally cast fiber concrete poles that contain axially aligned steel fibers as primary reinforcement. Computer-controlled machines are now producing these poles for the southeastern United States and Australia. This is one of the first applications of steel fiber reinforced concrete in highly stressed precast products.