Paper
Detection and Assessment of Decay in Wooden Utility Poles Using an Acoustic Approach
- Authors:
- Adam Senalik; Megan McGovern; Frank C. Beall; Henrique Reis
- Abstract
- A plane strain, two-dimensional, finite-difference time domain model is used to simulate wave propagation through wooden utility poles cross-sections. Simulation results are then used to develop metrics capable of detecting and assessing the level of internal decay. Computer tomography scans of utility pole cross-sections are used to create simulations that accurately reflect the poles both in terms of wood density and geometry. The dependence of both the wave velocity and attenuation upon frequency and mass loss is included in the model. After model validation using analytical and experimental data, the developed metrics are then used to estimate the defect size and location within cross-sections of three different utility poles. Results indicate that detected regions of decay are within 2% of the wooden poles cross-sectional area.
- Keywords
- Wooden Utility Poles; Structural Lumber; Wood Decay; Mass Loss; Safety; Damage
- StartPage
- 13
- EndPage
- 28
- Doi