DESIGN CAPABILITY
As new specifications are issued, Accord generates and modifies a family of designs to meet those specifications. Our current design database is computer stored and upon access to a specific design, can be sent through analysis programs for re-verification and then electronically linked through our in-house designed software to Auto-Cad. By using additional Accord designed software, the majority of our submittals required for production can be generated including operating company specific information templates.

Should an operating company have a requirement for the design of a structure based on load case analysis or 3-D analysis, we have the software in place to assist in these designs and tie directly to our other systems

FOUNDATION DESIGNS
Once the correct above ground pole height and strength have been determined, the required burial depth must be added to determine overall length. In many cases engineers and constructors who are familiar with local soil conditions will use "rules of thumb" for determining burial depth. This value ranges between ten percent of pole length plus two feet to ten percent plus eight feet. Material used for backfill can be native soil, crushed stone or low strength concrete; depending on loading and soil conditions.

In cases where the soil conditions are questionable or highly variable a geotechnical engineer should be consulted and a soils report prepared based on soil borings at the site. The geotechnical engineer should determine the number of soil borings required.

Once soil conditions have been determined, Accord Industries can prepare foundation designs based on the information in the soils report. The foundation is designed based on Broms equations for laterally loaded piles. The embedment depth is determined based on maximum resistance to overturning and maximum deflection and rotation at the ground line. This foundation design service is performed by a Registered P.E. who will sign and seal the designs.

It still may be necessary for the geotechnical engineer to be on site during the construction to verify that the soils encountered during installation have been accurately represented by the soil borings.

HANDLING & ERECTIONS

  1. Qualified personnel with acceptable equipment and methods shall perform transportation, site handling and erection.
  2. Concrete poles shall be lifted and supported during the manufacturing, stock piling, transporting and erection operations only at the lifting or support points, or both, as shown on the shop or erection drawings.
  3. Erection drawings shall be provided which identify the structure number, structure length, shipping weight, center of gravity and lifting points. Each pole shall be clearly marked with the corresponding information.
  4. Prior to unloading pole, shop drawings shall be reviewed to identify proper pick-up points for unloading, storage and erection procedures.
  5. WARNING SAFETY HAZARD: All necessary precautions as required by national and local safety codes for handling and erecting utility poles shall be exercised. Proper clearance from high voltage circuits must be maintained at all times. Due to the presence of longitudinal steel reinforcing within the member, PRESTRESSED CONCRETE POLES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CONDUCTORS OF ELECTRICITY.

MISCELLANEOUS

  1. Poles are designed to be directly embedded in the soil, and backfllled with compacted sand, gravel, concrete or other suitable material.
  2. For bidding and estimating purposes, an embedment depth of 10% of the overall pole length plus an additional four feet may be used.