Psychophysical measurements as an effective way of evaluating climbability of wood treated utility poles

The aim of this study is to evaluate linemenʹs perception of hardness during the climbing of different wood species and treatment combinations in order to determine if psychophysical measurements could be used to evaluate “climbability” of wood treated utility poles. Twenty-four (24) linemen participated in the study. Twelve (12) wood poles, different species, preservative treatments and hardness, were erected inside a large tent. Each lineman was instructed to climb a pole and to record his perception of hardness on a visual analog scale (VAS). The results revealed that linemenʹs perception of hardness, measured using the VAS, can discriminate a difference of 1 mm in Pilodynʹs penetration. The VAS is also found to be an effective tool to discriminate different species-treatment combinations. It is concluded that the use of a VAS to evaluate linemenʹs perception of hardness could be an effective way to address “climbability” of wood treated poles.