Concrete poles for lighting: characteristics, types, installation tips

For lighting installations, concrete poles are a common option because of their strength and adaptability. These poles, which offer dependable and durable support for lighting fixtures, are frequently utilized in streets, parking lots, and public areas. Concrete poles are a great option for a variety of settings because they are resistant to rust, rot, and weather damage, unlike metal or wooden poles.

Concrete poles come in a variety of forms, each intended to satisfy particular requirements and tastes. Steel strands are used to reinforce pre-stressed concrete poles, giving them additional strength and load capacity. A centrifugal process is used to create spun concrete poles, which improves durability and ensures uniformity. Furthermore, there are decorative concrete poles that offer a variety of designs and finishes to match a range of architectural styles, combining aesthetic appeal with functionality.

To guarantee stability and safety when installing concrete poles for lighting, careful planning and execution are needed. The installation procedure entails picking a suitable spot, preparing a foundation, and firmly positioning the pole. It is imperative that during installation, variables like soil type, pole height, and lighting requirements be taken into account. For long-term prevention of tilting or shifting, proper alignment and a strong anchor are crucial.

Regular maintenance and inspections are required to keep concrete lighting poles long-lasting and functional. This entails looking for damage indicators like cracks or erosion and taking quick action to fix any problems that are found. Concrete poles can improve the security and aesthetics of outdoor areas for many years by providing dependable and effective lighting support when installed and maintained properly.

Description of concrete structures

Concrete posts are positioned both inside and outside of cities with high population density. They are employed in the installation of lighting fixtures on public and private roads, city streets, sidewalks, squares, and public and industrial buildings.

The foundation of both pedestrian and vehicular safety is adequate outdoor lighting.

Whatever roles it performs, it needs to fulfill these requirements:

  • be durable and economical;
  • have the required power;
  • be resistant to external mechanical and climatic influences.

Installation of lighting uses a variety of masts, poles, and supports.

A concrete lighting pole’s height can vary based on its intended use:

  • To illuminate the territory of stadiums, airports, production sites, highways or warehouses, masts with a height of 15 to 40 m are installed.

  • The most popular are poles with a height of 7 … 15 m, which are used to install lighting fixtures on roads, railways and crossings.

  • To ensure optimal visibility on sidewalks, public transport stops or in park areas, it is enough to install supports with a height of 3.5 to 10 meters.
  • Low poles (up to 3 m) help to provide lighting for advertising or informational structures, as well as small architectural forms.

If wooden stands were the most common constructions in the past, then concrete poles that took their place have better performance qualities. Although installing metal masts is currently a more technologically advanced option for lighting, concrete supports are still applicable.

Their popularity is mostly based on how well their technical attributes and price category match. Although composite material masts are also produced and have exceptional strength and durability, their cost prevents the widespread use of these models.

Concrete pillars are typically installed by businesses or individuals who lack the funds to build more elaborate structures. In actual use, reinforced concrete supports—that is, supports that can support loads several times higher than those for which standard concrete lighting pillars are intended—are typically utilized. Concrete pre-stressing technology has applications in manufacturing.

Positive qualities like these contribute to the popularity of concrete pillars:

  • low (compared to metal analogues) cost;
  • low operating costs;
  • long service life (subject to the production, transportation and installation technology, concrete pillars will last at least 50 years);
  • resistance to fire and chemicals;
  • insulation from electric current;
  • good resistance (if properly processed) to corrosion and rotting.

Because of a large production base that offers customers high-quality products, product availability is also considered when selecting reinforced concrete structures.

But one should also consider the drawbacks of concrete constructions:

  • unpresentable appearance, which does not allow the use of such supports as decorative elements;
  • heavy weight, which causes additional difficulties during loading, transportation and installation;
  • difficulty of dismantling and subsequent disposal;

Crucial! A diamond wheel can be useful when cutting down concrete structures.

  • not very high resistance of structures to shocks, impacts and other loads.

Sometimes lighting poles are also used to support power transmission lines, so they need to be built with a safety margin.

Vibration pressing or centrifuging are used in the manufacturing of concrete poles for lighting in compliance with GOST 13015.0-83 and GOST 22687.0-85 standards.

There are two kinds of electrical cable supports available:

  • Power. They are used when the aerial method of cable installation is used.

  • Non-power. Used for underground placement of current-carrying cables. The height of such poles is limited to 12 meters.

Junction boxes (inside or outside) can be positioned on the supports in order to branch the power cable to the lighting equipment. These consist of a pole fuse mounted on a DIN rail or reinforced concrete support, entry points and connection contacts for charging wires, and the power supply cables’ entry points and connection contacts. Metering boards are also fixed, if required.

The support’s electrical apparatus Galvanized steel brackets are fastened to concrete poles so that lamps can be installed on them.

One to six lighting fixtures can be mounted on a single pole, depending on the model of bracket.

For a variety of outdoor lighting applications, concrete lighting poles offer a strong and adaptable solution. Depending on the use, they are available in various forms such as tapered, prestressed, and precast, each with unique advantages. Their long lifespan, high strength, and low maintenance requirements make them perfect for both urban and rural environments. A sturdy foundation, accurate alignment, and the use of the right lifting equipment are all important installation tips for safely positioning the poles. You can create a dependable and long-lasting lighting infrastructure by adhering to these recommendations.

Models of concrete supports

The dimensions, weight, and methods of reinforcement of concrete pillars vary, as do the material properties, such as the allowable load, operating temperature range, density of the concrete, resistance to frost, and moisture absorption.

The most popular types of reinforced concrete poles are as follows:

Production of poles

Concrete poles for street lighting installations are made by centrifugation (for voltages above 35 kV) and vibration pressing (for lighting poles and lines with a voltage of 0.38 to 35 kV).

Steel wire reinforcement is used to achieve the necessary strength indicators. If supports must be installed in seismically hazardous areas, models with thicker walls are the preferred option.

Reinforced concrete is made with the necessary ingredients to guarantee resistance to moisture and cracks as well as frost.

Concrete pillar production stages:

  • preparation of a metal frame consisting of metal rods, contour spirals, inserts, process tubes and loops;
  • fixation of the frame to the formwork;
  • production of concrete mortar from Portland cement, inert components, additives and water;
  • pouring the mixture into molds, compaction;
  • manual leveling of the support surface;
  • isothermal treatment of concrete structures covered with thermal insulation.

Disassembling the formwork, cutting the reinforcement, welding the grounding rods, inspecting the products for quality, and storing them are the last steps in the production process.

Installation of supports

Route selection, assembly, and support installation should be guided by STO 70238424.29.240.20.001-2011 requirements, SNiP 3.05.06 85, and a typical process map.

A crucial phase in the pole installation process involves designing the structure, considering the communications infrastructure in the area, and securing authorization for the installation. The design documentation takes into account the kind of cable being laid, its cross-section, the kind of lighting fixture, and some fundamental technical information.

This article’s video will provide you with additional information about the topic of interest.

Specialized equipment is used to assist in the installation of supports. Racks are installed using two techniques:

  • installation of concrete poles for lighting in holes made in the ground and pouring concrete mortar;

  • flange fixation on a reinforced concrete base.

Installing a pole in a hole in the ground

Drilling holes in the ground is necessary to position the supports. Their depth is determined by the dimensions, kind of support, and soil type.

The image illustrates how the depth varies with the support’s dimensions:

Guidelines for setting up the ground support:

  1. The production of the installation work itself begins with the construction of a square-section recess (one meter by one meter and at least 1.2 m deep).

  1. After this, drilling is carried out to a depth determined by the type of support. The diameter of the well should exceed the size of the pole by at least 10 cm.

  1. If necessary, to protect against aggressive environments, part of the support should be covered with a special compound (the entire underground part and 50 cm above ground level).
  2. If the soil soft enough, it is necessary to make a sand and gravel cushion under the post.
  3. A concrete pillar of lighting is lowered into the well -arranged well using a crane installation. It should be sentenced, aligned vertically and fixed with temporary supports.

  1. In the voids formed between the soil and the pillar, a concrete solution is poured. During its production, additives that increase frost resistance and moisture resistance can also be introduced into the mixture. In order for no voids left in concrete, the processing of the deep vibrator should be carried out.
  2. When the concrete solution dries, the installed support can be used as intended.

Crucial! Prior to beginning the concrete process, work on the installation and laying of cable lines using this technique of installing supports should be completed.

Flanger installation of a pillar

An analogous technique entails mounting the support on the foundation block rather than in the ground. Because it makes it easier to disassemble the supports and adjust the position in the event that the mast deviates from the vertical due to soil shrinkage, this method is more technologically advanced.

Placing the pole involves pouring the block directly at its location with your hands (or bringing it in). Building a pit and a cushion of sand and gravel is the first step in the process. After that, a supporting frame with welded anchor bolts is inserted into the formed formwork, and concrete mortar is poured into it.

Flange method can be used to secure a lighting pole made of reinforced concrete after the base hardens, which is at most five days after concreting. To enhance the dependability of the fastening, swap out the lock nuts for crown nuts and secure them with a cotter pin. They will assist in preventing vibration and wind loads from weakening the structure.

Characteristic Details
Material Durable concrete with steel reinforcement
Height Varies from 10 to 30 feet
Types Pre-stressed, spun, and standard
Installation Tips Ensure a stable base, use proper lifting equipment, check alignment

For outdoor lighting applications, concrete lighting poles provide a sturdy and long-lasting solution. They are a great option for a variety of environments, from urban streets to rural pathways, because of their strength, durability, and low maintenance needs. These poles are long-lasting because they are impervious to corrosion, adverse weather, and pests.

Concrete poles come in a variety of varieties, each meeting distinct needs. Pre-stressed concrete poles are popular because of their lighter weight and increased strength, which make installation and transportation easier. Another choice are poles made of spun concrete, which have a consistent shape and smooth surface. Choosing the right type of lighting is essential for both safety and optimal performance, depending on the particular requirements and ambient factors.

To guarantee stability and efficacy, installing concrete poles for lighting requires a number of important procedures. It is crucial to prepare the site properly, which includes evaluating the soil’s qualities and making sure the foundation is sturdy. The poles need to be precisely positioned and firmly fastened, which frequently calls for expert knowledge. Furthermore, taking into account elements like the poles’ height and spacing as well as the kind of lighting fixtures being used can have a big impact on the lighting system’s overall efficacy.

In conclusion, concrete poles are a dependable and effective option for applications involving outdoor lighting. They are adaptable for a range of settings due to their longevity, variety of types, and installation considerations. You can get a reliable lighting solution that improves visibility and safety by being aware of its features and adhering to installation best practices.

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Marina Petrova

Candidate of Technical Sciences and teacher of the Faculty of Construction. In my articles, I talk about the latest scientific discoveries and innovations in the field of cement and concrete technologies.

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