Wood pole strength data base for reliability-based design

For the past decade or so, Ontario Hydro has been involved in developing Reliability-Based Design (RBD) methods for the design of transmission and distribution lines. A sound database is essential for the successful application of the RBD design methods. Ontario Hydro´s program to develop a database for strength of wood poles is described and the limited data collected to date is statistically analyzed. The application of these statistical parameters to calculate strength factors for reliability-based design is briefly discussed. The use of nondestructive evaluation technique to establish database for wood pole strength is also described