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Utility Pole Inspections with the IML Resistograph by Oliver Hein |
The IML Resistograph is revolutionizing the utility pole inspection industry. Utility poles require regular inspections to evaluate the quality of the timber and level of wood decay present in determining whether the pole should be replaced. Most pole inspection services use primitive techniques that do not measure or record wood decay. More sophisticated procedures are needed to gather accurate data to assess a pole�s life span.
When I first started in the telephone business, I was shocked at how crude and inaccurate the old way of sound testing poles seemed. Imagine my surprise to find a device like the IML Resistograph in 2000. It is the only method of testing wooden poles that will give an accurate and reproducibleresult every time. It is the only accurate method of testing poles encased in concrete. It is the only way to test for compression weakness at the brand level. The fact that the test results can be referenced and compared from year to year is invaluable to all utility systems. This is a product that is a welcomed addition to our industry.
Wayne B. Camick, Director, International Operations, WELTEC
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| 1:1 graph profile recorded and downloaded to the F-Tools software via Bluetooth illustrates the accuracy of the output. |
The IML Resistograph is an instrument used for detecting and measuring cracks, voids, cavities and decay inside a structure (utility pole). The small drilling needle extends as it penetrates the wood, measuring the resistance of the wood to reveal the relative density distribution. The density measurements, at a scale of 1:1, are recorded on waterproof wax paper strips or stored in an electronic unit to be downloaded with the integrated wireless Bluetooth adapter.
It�s the first tool we have found for testing the integrity of poles that gives you hard, tangible, verifiable data at a fraction of the traditional cost. Our clients were very pleased at the savings they realized in using the IML Resistograph over existing industry methods.
Jerry Farrell, Regional Manager, Byers Engineering Company
The IML Resistograph provides an exact measurement of the current condition of the inspected utility pole. The instrument is positioned at the base to measure wood decay at ground level. The inspector then attaches the 45-degree adapter to measure and record the wood density below ground level. With this technology, digging is no longer required and many times, costly reinforcement of the pole is avoided.
In our 15 years of experience working in the utility industry, we have used various methods for testing poles (sound, drill and cork), but nothing compares to the accuracy and reliability of the IML Resistograph. We have found that it not only gives us very accurate and real-time results, but also has increased our productivity in the field, which in turn saved our customers needless replacement of poles and maintenance costs.
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The thing we like most about the IML Resistograph is that it is non-destructive to the pole. With the 45-degree adapter, we are able to test the pole below grade where most decay begins. We used to have to dig around the pole to test below grade and disturbing the compaction of the soil around a pole can do much more harm than good.
Over the last two years we have researched and compared various methods of testing utility poles and all types of wooden structures. We have found the IML Resistograph to be the most accurate and reliable form of testing. We are not only pleased with the product but the service as well.
Shawn Palmer, President, TMS TECHNOLOGIES
Vendors, using the �old� method, charge $45 - $50 per pole inspection. Vendors, who use the IML Resistograph, charge $25 - $30 for the typical inspection, resulting in a savings of up to 50% in today�s increasingly competitive environment.
About the Author: Oliver Hein joined IML in 1988, at the age of fifteen, for a four-year internship in mechanical engineering. Oliver relocated to the US in 1995 to pursue his International Business degree. In April 1997, Hunger and Hein formed the US division of IML, Inc.
IML, Inc.
1275 Shiloh Road, Suite 2780
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Toll Free: 800-815-2389
Local: 678-819-2030
Fax: 678-819-3661
Contact: Oliver Hein
Email: imlusa@gmail.com
www.imlusa.com
About IML: Instrument Mechanik Labor, GmbH, manufactures the IML Resistograph in Germany. Founded in 1985 by Erich Hunger, a mechanical engineer, the company initially focused on inventing instruments to assess the strength of timber structures in response to fatalities resulting from fallen trees and structures. The IML Resistograph was originally designed for tree services, arborists, universities, public works departments and municipalities. Recently, IML expanded its market to include inspectors in the timber bridge, building, termite, playground equipment and utility pole industries. European Telecoms have been using the IML Resistograph for the last 10 years. German Telecom currently has approximately 900 IML Resistographs in the field.
