"Shakespeare energy absorbing Tuff-Poles® are another application of the newest technologies in fiberglass and resin systems design, along with advanced manufacturing process controls," said Dr. Jim Davidson, vice-president of research and development. "We've been able to create and test these these complex designs in computer simulations, then observe them in full scale testing. Our computer models predicted what would happen with uncanny accuracy, and the result is a pole that meets or exceeds the design requirements."

"In 1999, there were 1,070 fatalities and 60,000 injuries related to utility pole crashes," he reported. "Our Tuff-Pole® design puts energy absorbing composite materials to work, to provide a solution to implementing safer utility poles." The design process included design development, finite element analysis, prototype manufacturing, developmental testing, and full-scale crash testing in accordance with safety performance test and evaluation criteria identified in NCHRP Report 350 (4).

The Shakespeare Composite Structures solution tailors the fiberglass reinforcement to introduce locally weakened zones at specific locations along the length of the pole. The manufacturing process is computer controlled to achieve the desired fracture behavior during impact without degrading the strength of the pole required for environmental loads. In developing the new product, occupant risk criteria established in coordination with DOT/FHWA were in accordance with NCHRP Report 350 (4). The "preferred" limit for Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) is 9 m/sec, and the "maximum" OIV is 12 m/sec, with "preferred" and "maximum" limits for Occupant Ridedown Acceleration at 15 G" and d 20 G's respectively. These values are a tiny fraction of those experienced with wood pole impacts. Shakespeare Composite Structures™ energy absorbing poles comfortably meet these criteria. For example, during full-scale tests, maximum occupant ridedown acceleration from a 70 km/h (43 mph) impact were 5.6 G's longitudinal and 0.9 G's lateral.

Composite utility Tuff-Poles® will not rust or rot, and do not contain any chemicals which can leach into the soil and water table. The Tuff-Pole® formula contains advanced UV inhibitors and coatings that provide even longer lasting protection in extreme weather conditions.

Energy absorbing distribution poles are available now, up to 50 feet long, with ground line moment of 87,600 foot pounds. Other sizes and specifications will also be available. The poles come in an array of eight color choices, with pigments formulated into the resins for long lasting color retention and virtually no maintenance. Energy absorbing distribution poles are available now, up to 50 feet long, with ground line moment of 87,600 foot pounds. Other sizes and specifications will also be available. The poles come in an array of eight color choices, with pigments formulated into the resins for long lasting color retention and virtually no maintenance.

Shakespeare Composite Strucures is a Philips group brand. Shakespeare Composite Structures™ is on the World Wide Web at www.skp-cs.com. For more information, just call. (800-800-9008)