Why Choose GridCore™ Composite Utility Poles?
GridCore™ composite poles from Avient are engineered to enhance grid resilience as an excellent alternative to wood, steel, ductile iron, or concrete poles and structures. Compared to these traditional materials, FRP composites are more durable, require less maintenance, and provide a long service life. They are also significantly lighter in weight, enabling simple installation.
Benefits of Composite Utility Poles
- Lower total system and lifecycle cost: twice the expected service life of wood poles reduces replacement and outage expenses
- Low maintenance, pest-resistant: will not sustain damage from woodpeckers or termites, require only visual inspections
- One-piece, pultruded composite: manufactured for consistent quality that will not warp, shrink, or splinter like wood
- Simple installation: one piece, non-modular design installs with light-duty equipment; excellent dielectric strength allows for easy installation near energized lines
Technical Specs
See below for essential mechanical and physical properties of GridCore poles. Full product data is available to download, linked below.
| Pole Size | 14.0 x .750 in | 14.0 x .500 in | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer diameter (in) | 14 | 14 | ||
| Wall thickness (in) | 0.75 | 0.5 | ||
| Inner diameter (in) | 12.5 | 13 | ||
| Moment of inertia, I (in⁴) | 687 | 484 | ||
| Flex. stiff., EI (lb-in² 10⁶) | 3870 | 2419 | ||
| Section modulus, S (in³) | 98.2 | 69.1 | ||
| Allowable moment ΦFS (kip-ft) | 368 | 259 | ||
| Wall cross-sectional area, A (in²) | 31 | 21 | ||
| Weight (lb/ft) | 26 | 17.7 |
Featured Case Study
Case Study: Weathering the Storm
Reliability and resilience of electrical transmission and distribution components gets a boost with fiber-reinforced composites.
Learn More
Why Utilities are Choosing GridCore™ Poles
Utility companies are increasingly adopting GridCore™ Composite Utility Poles due to several converging trends in the energy sector. The shift toward electrification—driven by the rise of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles—is boosting overall power demand, necessitating grid expansion. At the same time, aging wood poles are becoming a liability due to their limited lifespan and vulnerability to damage and decay from harsh weather and wildlife. GridCore poles offer a durable, low-maintenance alternative that supports long-term infrastructure reliability. Additionally, as utilities focus on grid hardening to withstand extreme weather and reduce outages, GridCore poles stand out for their resilience, non-conductivity, and ease of installation in remote areas, making them a strategic choice for modernizing and future-proofing the power grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are GridCore™ poles made?
GridCore™ poles are made in a pultrusion manufacturing process, where continuous glass fibers and woven fabrics are pulled through a thermoset resin bath, formed and cured through a heated die, and cut to specific lengths. The poles are fabricated to include customer-specified drilled holes, a top cap, and base plate.
How long do GridCore™ poles last?
With an expected service life of up to 80 years, GridCore™ poles are developed for resilience. The extended lifecycle can result in overall cost savings compared to wood poles, which can require replacement every 30–40 years due to aging, damage, or failure.
Are composite poles more expensive than wood or steel?
The initial cost can be higher than that of wood or steel poles, but based on Avient’s calculated economic value estimation, GridCore™ poles offer 40–60% savings over their lifecycle due to lower maintenance and replacement costs.
How do they perform in extreme weather?
Composite poles have shown excellent performance in hurricanes, wildfires, and coastal environments, far exceeding wood poles in resilience and durability.
Are GridCore™ poles affected by UV (ultraviolet) exposure?
An integrated UV protective barrier is incorporated into the outer layer of GridCore™ poles, enabling resistance to UV degradation over the lifespan of the pole.
Are they fire-resistant?
Yes, GridCore™ composite poles are less likely to ignite or contribute to wildfires compared to wooden poles. Additionally, a protective flame retardant component is currently in development at Avient that we expect to provide even greater fire resistance.
Do composite poles require special installation?
GridCore™ poles are engineered to be installed using the same equipment and methodology as wood poles with some minor modifications such as rubberized lifting straps and protective coverings on metal grabber claws. Installation instructions are available on this website or by contacting Avient.
Are they environmentally friendly?
GridCore™ poles enable sustainable infrastructure by providing an increased lifespan and reduced chemical treatments, which make them more sustainable over time.
Can they be used in all environments?
Yes. They are excellent for coastal, forested, and fire-prone areas, and are resistant to moisture, termites, and woodpeckers.
Are GridCore™ poles compatible with existing grid infrastructure?
Yes. They are formulated to match standard pole class and load requirements, making them compatible with current utility systems.
