Utility Pole Inspection

The main focus of MasterTek Utility Solutions is to contract with the owners of utility poles to locate, inspect, test, treat, and take inventory of every pole in their system. Our approach is to implement new devices such as the Resistograph® and our proprietory software which will make testing wooden poles more accurate than older methods, and the results of the test more easily accessible. In addition to getting more accurate test results with the Resistograph®, using our Pole Manager software will allow MTUS to deliver up to date results to our clients with built-in accountability. This allows the client to review the results on a daily basis.

Our solution is to provide more detailed data, more accurate readings, with considerably

less damage to your infrastructure

Click photo for Video of IML Resistograph in Action

In Germany and all over the world the IML Resistograph® System

has been used for years to inspect utility poles.

This method is particuarly

useful in testing poles encased

in concrete or asphalt.

MasterTek Inspection Process

Using Resistograph® Technology and Customized Pole Manager Software

Visual Inspection Only

Criteria set by client

1. We approach pole and visually scan for any obvious defects

2. We GPS the location of pole

3. We list and record all attachments on the pole

4. We record all pertinent information branded into pole

(Date, manufacturer, height, class, wood type, original treat method, etc.)

5. We look for and record any liability, safety and maintenance issues.

6. We tag each pole

7. We photo every rejected pole or additional poles at clients request

Full Inspection Utilizing the Resistograph®

All elements of a visual inspection plus the following:

1. Marking a point at the base of the pole the first drill is made at

a tilted thirty degree angle, with a 3mm drill needle.

2. At a point ninety degrees from first drill a second drill is preformed

tilted at a thirty degree angle.

3. Using preset algorithms the pole is deemed Pass, Fail, or Service

and marked for Service or Replacement.

4. Pole is also measured for leaning issues.

5. Information is recorded and uploaded for review on MasterTek website.

Resistograph® Inspection Results

The Resistograph® data is transferred via Bluetooth to a hand held device where the findings can be evaluated by RUS or client standards and a treatment method can be determined. Graphs are uploaded with all other pole data gathered.

The Resistograph can detect the following:

• Shell rot or decay

• Heart rot or decay

• Cracks

• Voids

• Deterioration by insects

Traditional Methods of Inspection

Sound and Prod

Pros: • Better than nothing

• Should detect the most obvious issues

• Inexpensive

Cons: • Very inaccurate method

• Subject to interpretation

• Preformed by untrained personal.

• Enhanced by outside distractions

• Work can be manipulated

Sound and Bore

Pros: • Most popular method

• Test below ground line

• Better than sound and prod

• Checks for heart rot

Cons: • Destroys part of pole with large hole from drill

• Forces excavation and expensive treatment

• Subject to human interpretation

• If not preformed correctly could cause more

harm than good

• Work and results can be manipulated

• Most expensive

Ultrasound Devices

Pros: • Better than just sounding and prodding.

• Does not leave a giant hole

• Non subjective test results

Cons: • Does not measure below ground line

• Not cost effective (expensive)

• Accuracy of test results

• Data collection problems

Resistograph® Testing

Pros: • Accurate test results above and

below the ground line

• Considerably less damage to pole

• Requires trained technicians

• All work accounted for

• Requires little oversight

• Fast and easy computerized data

collection and retrieval

• Test results are non subjective

• Work and results cannot be omitted

or manipulated

• More data on each pole, available online

• Very Cost-Effective

Cons: • People have to learn new technology

Drone inspection High tech inspect	Bad top exposed Can't hide from the eye in the sky	Needle goes in at a 30 degree angle 3mm drill needle tip. Prevention of unnecessary wood damage: the sawdust remains in the tiny bore hole.
Needle going through pole Simultaneous reading on drill.	Voids detected	Computerized Data Collection Cavities and decay analyzed with the Resistograph® Technology.
Data uploaded to MasterTek website Clients login to personal account to view all pole reports and data. Pole markers colored for Pass, Fail, Service or Abandoned.	Satellite view of poles Each pole has a reference number.	Zoom into failed pole
Street view of failed pole	Individual pole data page Shows decay and cavity data, plus pole inventory. Result of Pass, Service or Fail.	Pole data page Shows maintenance issues, and treatment or other actions taken.
Graphing of Resistograph drill data Shows obvious cavities.