Questions about utility poles....?

Question

How much longer do concrete poles last compared to treated wood poles?

Answer 1

Peter K is right, wood poles can last a LONG time.

The material used for transmission and distribution poles is somewhat dictated by the environment. For example, Florida and other hot moist climates uses a lot of concrete poles because wood poles would decay too quickly. Termintes and other bugs don't affect the concrete the way they do wood poles.

I know of wood transmission poles that have lasted more than 70 years and are still standing strong.

I don't know how long a typical concrete pole will last. In winter climates with a freeze-thaw cycle, concrete poles are easily damaged. If they're near a road, the road salt increases the decay of concrete poles and the internal re-bars.

Answer 2

The other guy must be joking. Treated wood poles only last 30-40 years at best. UV still damages wood, even if termites and fungi can eat the wood. Concrete lasts a very long time, and corrosion is not really a problem (there are concrete smokestacks that are 100's of feet tall that have lasted for over a century).

The obly trouble with concrete is thermal cracking and storm damage. Most of them last well over 50 years, though.

Answer 3

Trouble with concrete is that they are made with steel reinforcement wires. When this rusts the pole falls apart after about 50 years. A treated wood pole will last 60 at least years and some are still going after 100 years.