“LIGHTWEIGHT” GRP POLES FOR AERIAL TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK

In the paper, the main properties of the new “lightweight” poles and of its constituent GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) material are described with reference to the former type of GRP poles which have been used for more than 20 years in the Telecom-Italia network. Details of a few test procedures developed to highlight behaviour differences among different types of poles are provided, whilst test results determined on material specimens and on full scale elements to assess pole carrying capacities, are presented and discussed. Though retaining most of the properties of the traditional poles, the new type has a weight about 20% lower and enables proportional savings in terms of cost and of environmental impact.