Product Selection Guide
Learn more about technical specifications and performance data for GridCore™ utility poles.
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Installation Guide
Download our literature to learn more about installing GridCore™ Composite Utility Poles.
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Why GridCore™ Poles?
As utility companies seek to modernize and future-proof their transmission and distribution infrastructure for increased electrification, grid expansion, and the replacement of aging infrastructure, composite poles offer significant advantages over traditional wood, concrete, and steel. GridCore fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite poles are lightweight yet incredibly strong and durable, with a lifespan that exceeds wood and concrete. They can resist rot, corrosion, and insect damage, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing environmental impact. Plus they can provide excellent dielectric strength, enhancing line worker safety.
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Why Now?
The utility industry is undergoing a significant evolution as it adapts to meet growing demand and evolving customer expectations. Factors driving the transformation:
Increased Electrification
Demand for power is increasing, supported by the transition to renewable sources like solar and wind
Grid Expansion
Increased demand requires increased capacity of transmission and distribution networks and the need to expand and strengthen the grid
Aging Infrastructure Replacement
A significant number of existing utility poles are over 50 years old, increasing the risk of failure and the need for replacement
Grid Hardening
Climate and weather events are driving the need to fortify infrastructure to mitigate and recover from disruptions and outages, and improve reliability
The Composite Difference
GridCore™ poles are engineered to enhance grid resilience. Compared to traditional pole materials, FRP composites are durable and require less maintenance, leading to a long service life. Their lightweight design enables ease of installation.
Lower Total System and Lifecycle Costs
The service life of composite poles is estimated at 80 years, nearly twice that of wood. This extended lifecycle means significant cost savings from replacement due to aging, damage, or failure.
Customized & Consistent Material
GridCore™ poles are engineered for consistent strength and uniform appearance, with customized dimensions. They resist warping, shrinkage, and splintering, and can withstand strong storms without breaking.
Lightweight & Easy to Install
Significantly lighter than wood and concrete, GridCore™ composite poles can be installed using light-duty equipment. Excellent dielectric strength allows for easy installation near energized lines.
Low Maintenance & Pest-resistant
Composite poles require only visual inspections and are resistant to woodpeckers and insects, reducing maintenance costs. Superficial damage can often be easily repaired, contact Avient for instructions.
One-piece Pultruded Composite
GridCore™ poles are manufactured in a continuous pultrusion process and are delivered fully fabricated and ready to install. They are easily field-drilled and the uniform diameter requires only one length of through-bolt for the entire pole.
Built for Extreme Environments
Composite poles are highly resistant to decay and corrosion, making them excellent for grid hardening and installation in harsh environments. They can enhance grid resilience and reduce storm-related downtime, especially when used in sub-transmission lines. Their lightweight, one-piece design also simplifies maintenance and installation in remote areas.
Weatherability Applications
Featuring excellent deflection strength, weatherability, and resistance to decay and deterioration, GridCore™ poles can withstand ice storms, hurricanes, and high winds.
Grid Hardening Applications
Utility companies are successfully preventing cascading events in existing infrastructure by alternating a composite pole in line between 4 to 5 wood poles, primarily on sub-transmission lines, reducing line downtime after storms.
Limited Access Applications
GridCore™ composite poles are one-piece, non-modular structures that simplify the installation process for crews working in limited access areas and reduce maintenance needs, making them an excellent option for remote locations.
Environmental Applications
For corrosive environments, GridCore™ FRP utility poles are highly resistant to decay, rust, and deterioration from moisture, salt, chemicals, and harsh weather, outperforming traditional materials.
Featured Case Study
Case Study: Weathering the Storm
Reliability and resilience of electrical transmission and distribution components gets a boost with fiber-reinforced composites.
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Let’s Talk GridCore™ Poles
Ready to upgrade your utility infrastructure? Contact our team to learn more or request a quote today.
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