EVALUATION OF DEFLECTION AND BENDING STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC LIGHTING STANDARDS

The results of tests performed on six different models of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) lighting standards are presented. Four parameters, including deflection of the pole tip under a specified bending load, ultimate bend strength, degradation of coating after 2,500 hours of accelerated weathering, and coating thickness, were evaluated. Results are compared to requirements in the California Department of Transportation 1992 Standard Special Provision 86.08.5 "Fiberglass Lighting Standards". Three different styles of FRP poles, some with breakaway anchor bases, direct burial breakaway joints, and non-breakaway anchor bases (each style in lengths of 9,140 mm and 10,700 mm), were obtained from two manufacturers of FRP lighting standards. From tests performed, it was determined that many of the breakaway poles failed to meet many of the Caltrans SSP requirements. A total of three anchor base breakaway poles tested did not meet maximum deflection criteria. A total of eight breakaway poles tested did not meet the minimum ultimate bending load. From exterior protection tests, it was determined that poles from one of the two manufacturers tested did not meet the minimum 3-mil dry finish thickness requirement and a significant change in color occurred in the paint coating after 2,500 hours of accelerated weathering tests. Because of the lack of compliance with Caltrans specifications, all of the breakaway FRP poles tested except one are not permitted to be used on Caltrans contracts until problems have been corrected. All non-breakaway FRP poles tested in this project met Caltrans specifications and are allowed for use in areas where breakaway poles are not required.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Project study title: Evaluation of Deflection and Bending Strength Characteristics of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Lighting Standards.
  • Corporate Authors:

    California Department of Transportation

    Office of Materials Engineering and Testing Services, 5900 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA  United States  95819-0128

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • O'Keeffe, M
  • Publication Date: 1995-11

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; Tables;
  • Pagination: 130 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00725508
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/CA/TL-95/14, Final Report, Rept No. 636001
  • Contract Numbers: F92TL12
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 4 1996 12:00AM