Computational analysis of FRP tapered utility poles

Abstract

Utility poles are fabricated from glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRP) using filament winding (FW). Available codes of standards do not provide guidance on how both the structural performance and manufacturing efficiency of GFRP poles can be improved. This paper uses a computational approach to investigate which pole design parameters improve these issues. Through a parametric study, it was determined that both the winding time and amount of material used in the FW process to fully enclose a pole are reduced when winding the fibres closer to the hoop direction. Using a more tapered mandrel and a wider comb reduced the amount of material and winding time required, respectively. The material overlap was reduced by using lower winding angles (i.e. closer to pole axis) and narrower comb widths. However, although such procedural settings enhance the manufacturing efficiency, they can be detrimental to the structural performance. This paper demonstrates how a trade-off between structural performance and manufacturing cost can be achieved by the pole designer.