044 - 3 : 1996

CEB
STANDARD

ACCEPTANCE TEST OF CONCRETE POLES

CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD

SRI LANKA

Specification
for

ACCEPTANCE TEST OF CONCRETE POLES

CEB Standard 044-3: 1996

CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD

No. 50, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 2.

Sri Lanka

Telephone: 24471-8

Telex : 21368 CE

Facsimile: 94-1-449572

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

CONTENTS

Page No.

1.

SCOPE

2.

WITNESSING OF TEST

3.

SELECTION OF SAMPLES FOR TESTING

4.

STANDARDIZED TYPES/SIZES OF POLES

5.

TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT

6.

ANNEXURES

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

SPECIFICATION FOR
ACCEPTANCE TEST OF CONCRETE POLES

1.0

SCOPE
This Standard covers the testing of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete poles:

2.0

WITNESSING OF TEST:
2.1

Inspection Officer (Engineer)

The witnessing of test shall be carried out by a suitable officer nominated by the Ceylon
Electricity Board (CEB) herein after called the "Engineer". The Engineer who
witnesses the tests shall totally satisfy himself that the poles are tested strictly in
accordance with the guidelines given in this Standard.
The Engineer shall have the right to inspect the manufacturing plant, machinery and
raw materials used for manufacture of poles at any time which is deemed to be
necessary.

2.2

Test Apparatus

Testing of poles shall be done in a testing bench using contractors' own testing
equipment/apparatus. The Engineer should thoroughly inspect the testing equipment
before any testing commences and totally satisfy himself that all the equipment is in
perfect order and as per the requirements given in Clause 5.1.3 to 5.1.6. The
contractor shall rectify any inaccuracy in the test apparatus and replace unsuitable test
equipment to the satisfaction of the Engineer before any test commences. The
Engineer has the right to request for the calibration reports of the equipment involved in
the testing. However Engineer reserves the right to use a dynamometer belonging to
the CEB, if deem to be necessary.

3.0

SELECTION OF SAMPLES FOR TESTING :

3.1

Batch of Pole

Every 100 poles or part thereof is considered a batch of poles. the contractor shall
submit the following details of the batch of poles at least two weeks before the testing is
arranged :
1)
2)
3)
4)

Type of Poles
Lot Number
Dates of Casting
Serial Numbers

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

3.2

Inspection of Batch of Pole

The contractor shall arrange the batch of Poles ready for testing in such a
manner that visual examination is easy and markings, serial numbers etc. with
hole positions are easily seen. Whole batch of poles shall be fully matured and
even the last pole of that particular batch should have passed the 28th day of
maturing before testing.
Following visual inspection shall be carried out by the Engineer before selecting
a test pole.
a)

Random overall, dimensions shall be checked and the hole positions,

hole size and straightness shall be in accordance with the CEB
Standard 044-1:1996 and 044-2 : 1996 for RC Poles and Pre-stressed
Poles respectively. Dimensional tolerances for the above shall comply
with the values given in Clause 3.2.1 below for both RC and Prestressed Poles.

b)

Reinforcement bars or stirrups shall not be exposed.

c)
The poles shall be of a good finish and free from honey combing and
shall be of a neat appearance.
d)

The poles shall be properly marked as per Clause 3.3 below.

Any individual Pole/Poles which are not complying with one of the above
hysical parameters shall be rejected. However, this will not affect the
acceptance/rejection of the remaining poles in the particular batch of poles to
be tested.
3.2.1

Dimensional Tolerances

The permitted variation from a stated dimension or cross sectional shape of the
finished pole and hole positions shall be as follows:

Length

15 mm

Cross Section

Overall dimensions and dimensions of parts such

as webs etc. + 4mm, - 2mm

Straightness

Deviation from a straight line joining the top and

the widest dimensions at the butt 15 mm

Holes

Size - 0, + 2 mm
relative position 5 mm

Location of Reinforcement

3mm but specified covers shall not be

reduced

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

3.3

Markings

The following markings in accordance with CEB Standard 044-1:1996 & 044-2:1996 for
both Reinforced and Pre-stressed Poles shall have been embossed on each pole
during casting.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Letters "CEB"
Pole size and working load
Date of casting
Serial No. of the pole
Name/Identification No. of manufacturer

Marking the poles subsequent to casting (on freshly applied grout/mortar layers) shall
not be allowed. Any pole so marked shall neither be considered for testing, nor be
recommended for purchase by CEB.
In addition to the above a horizontal line (testing line) shall be marked at a point 1/9
and 1/6 of the total length of the pole from the butt end, for RC Poles and Pre-stressed
poles respectively, as indicated in the particular drawing.
No two poles manufactured by one and the same contractor can bear the same serial
number.
3.4

Selection of Poles for Testing

The contractor shall produce the full batch of poles for inspection by the Engineer who,
himself has to select randomly among the whole batch, the required pole for the test.
The batch of poles produced shall be stacked and necessary arrangements shall be
made by the Contractor so that any pole selected by the Engineer could be drawn out
for testing.
In case the test pole fails, the pole to be tested again also shall be selected in the same
manner.
4.

STANDARDISED TYPES/SIZES OF POLES

4.1

Reinforced Concrete Poles

HEIGHT OF POLE
(m)

BURIED LENGTH
(m)

WORKING
LOAD(kg)

TESTING
LINE
FROM THE BUTT
END (mm)

CEB
NO.

6.0

1.0

50

670

DS&S/98/7710

8.3

1.40

100

930

DS&S/2002/7709

8.3

1.40

500

930

DS&S/2002/7720

9.0

1.5

115

1000

DS&S/99/7707

10.0

1.7

300

1120

DS&S/98/7705

DRAWING

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

4.2 Pre-stressed Concrete Poles

HEIGHT
POLE (m)

OF RIED LENGTH (m)

WORKING
LOAD (kg)

TESTING LINE FROM THE

BUTT END (mm)

CEB
NO.

DRAWING

8.3

1.4

100

930

DS&S/2003/7803

11.0

1.8

350

1800

DS&S/98/7713

11.0

1.8

500

1800

DS&S/2002/7715

11.0

1.8

850

1800

DS&S/98/7730

11.0

1.8

1200

1800

DS&S/2003/7732

13.0

2.2

500

2200

DS&S/98/7714

13.0

2.2

850

2200

DS&S/98/7712

13.0

2.2

1200

2200

DS&S/99/7725

5.0

TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT :

5.1

Type Test
5.1.1

General

This is a destructive test, carried out to check whether the batch of poles conform to the
design requirements, set out in the CEB Standards.
Once the manufacture of poles in a contract has commenced, a minimum of one pole
for each batch of 100 poles or part thereof manufactured, has to undergo this test.
Selection of pole/additional poles for this test shall be done as stated in Clause 3.4.
Acceptance criteria for this test is given in Clause 5.3.

5.1.2

Testing Arrangement

Testing arrangement shall be horizontal where the pole is supported in horizontal

position on roller tracks as indicated in the Drawing No. DS&S/2000/44-3 annexed
(Annex A). Vertical arrangement is not recommended for testing of concrete poles.
5.1.3

Test Apparatus

The contractor shall arrange test apparatus of his own, as per requirements given in
Clause 2.2 for horizontal testing arrangement, as shown in the drawing No.
DS&S/2000/044-3.

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

5.1.4

Loading of Pole

The loading of the pole shall be effected by applying suitable standard/calibrated

weights, or any other tensioning equipment approved by the Engineer as shown in the
Drawing No. DS&S/2000/44-3. However, due to the friction of pulleys and cables,
100% of the actual weight used for loading, will not be transferred to the pole, as such,
a dynamometer shall be connected to the loading system just before the point of
loading of the pole, in order to read the exact value of load transferred to the pole.
Loading shall be transferred to the pole through a hook made of flat iron not more than
50mm width, going round the pole exactly at 0.6 m below the top end of pole.
It is very important to place the pole in correct orientation, on the test bed, so that the
end loading is applied in a transverse direction of the pole. The distance of pulley
located horizontally away from pole shall not be less than twice the height of pole to
ensure an angle of 900 between the rope and test pole, while the pole is subject to
deflection.
5.1.5

Supporting the top part of Pole

When the pole is tested in horizontal position, the length of it beyond the points of fixing
(i.e. length above the testing line) shall be properly supported on a bed of roller tracks,
so that the effect due to the self-weight of the pole is neutralised. These roller tracks
shall be friction free as much as possible and offer no resistance to the lateral
movement of the pole.
The length not more than 150mm and the diameter not less than 30mm Galvanised
Iron pipes may be used as rollers. Rollers shall be mounted on a channel iron frame
using ball bearings. These rollers have to be attached to the above frame in such a
way that the top surface of those rollers are located in an exactly horizontal plane, and
all the rollers are absolutely free to move. (construction of a roller track is indicated in
the drawing). The roller track frames shall be placed on a cement rendered continuous
pavement, which shall be exactly horizontal, in order to prevent any relative settlement
of them during loading.
A minimum number of 03 roller track units shall be used spaced equally between the
pole testing line and a point just before the application of load of the test pole.
However, the number may be limited to 2 for poles of 6m. height. Before any testing
commences, the Engineer has to inspect the movement of the trolleys and totally satisfy
himself that they are friction-free and do not offer any resistance to the horizontal
movement of the pole during loading or unloading.
In case of poles which are having a tapering section along the narrow face also, the two
roller tracks close to the top end of pole shall be provided with suitable means in order
to compensate the height difference arising due to the variable section.

5.1.6

Fixing the Pole at Butt End

Pole shall be properly fixed at the butt-end using a suitable arrangement. Important
requirements in these arrangements are given below:
i)
Pole shall be fixed in such a way that there is absolutely no movement during
the process of loading, in the bottom part of pole between the butt-end and the line of
testing (level of fixity)
6

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

ii)

The balance length of pole shall be absolutely free to move in the lateral
direction ie., the fixing shall be done only between the butt end and the line of
testing.
A typical arrangement of a horizonal testing apparatus is shown in Drawing
annexed. In this arrangement fixing of butt-end is done by resting it on a
concrete/steel bed as shown in the drawing. Tightening shall be done using
wooden/steel wedges of appropriate size placed in between the pole and the
steel/concrete base, in order to fix the pole properly.

The arrangement shown in the drawing shall be used for any of the pole sizes to test
RC Poles or to test Pre-stressed Poles as shown in the corresponding figure in the
Drawing. It is important to note that, as the position of the pulley through which the load
is applied is fixed, any pole which is tested shall be positioned in such a way that the top
of the pole is only 0.6m beyond the point of loading. Butt end of poles of different sizes
shall be fixed by tightening with wooden/steel wedges. Before the test load is applied,
10% of the ultimate load shall be applied to the pole and released there after tightening
the wedges to ensure fixity of the butt end of pole.
5.1.7

Testing Procedure

Pole shall be held rigidly between the butt end and the testing line. specified in the
corresponding pole drawing. Method of fixing the butt end is described in Clause 5.1.6.
Before starting the test, Engineer shall inspect the testing arrangement and confirm
whether all the requirements mentioned in previous Clauses with regard to the testing
arrangements are met with. After this, the loading of the pole shall be commenced.
Loading shall be applied at a point 0.6m below the top of the pole for any type of pole.
Initial loading shall be 10% of the ultimate load. Ultimate load is obtained by multiplying
the working load indicated in the corresponding drawing of pole by a factor of 2.5.
Loading shall be raised by increments of 10% of the ultimate load. Measurement of the
deflection of the top end of the pole shall be recorded for each increment of load. these
measurements shall be taken with the help of a pointer and ruler. Also pole shall be
carefully observed at every 10% increment of loading for formation of hair cracks and it
shall be recorded properly (A specimen pole test recording sheet is attached as Annex
B). For the purpose of recording hair crack measurements shall be made from the butend of the pole.
After applying 40% of the ultimate load, the loading should be reduced to zero, and the
permanent set of the top of the pole shall be measured.
Increase the loading again, starting from zero in 10% increments, carefully observing
the formation of hair cracks, if any, on the surface of the pole, until 60% of ultimate load
is applied, and then again loading shall be reduced to zero, and the permanent set shall
be measured, and recorded. For each step of loading, deflection of the top end of pole
and the formation of hair cracks on the pole, if any, shall be recorded.
After the removal of 60% of the ultimate load, pole shall be carefully examined and
verified whether all the hair cracks formed during loading have been completely
closed and observations shall be recorded.

CEB STANDARD 044-3: 1996

Loading shall be increased again from zero in steps of 10% of ultimate load and
measurement of deflection shall be taken after each increment, maintaining each load
above 60% of ultimate load for at least 02 minutes, until complete failure of the pole
occurs. Also hair cracks shall be observed and recorded.
After the failure has occurred, the Pole shall be removed from the test bed, and
concrete has to be broken sufficiently from any place/places as required by the
Engineer, and the reinforcements and stirrups should be exposed. Reinforcement
should be carefully examined and verified whether the following factors are meeting the
requirements of relevant drawing/specification.
i)
Type, diameter, length, number of bars and positioning of the main
reinforcement.

5.2

ii)

Type, diameter, shape and spacing of stirrups.

iii)

Length and correct positioning (staggered) of lap joints.

Recording of Observations

All testing shall be carried out by the Contractor, but all aspects shall be observed by the
Engineer.
A typical format for recording of observations is shown in Annex - 2.
The remarks column of the format generally is meant for the recording of the opening of hair
cracks under loading, and their closure under the release of load. However, any other remarks
which Engineer, considers worth recording, could be entered in it.

5.3

Acceptance Criteria

5.3.1

Test Results

Any pole subjected to the type test mentioned above, shall satisfy all the five acceptance criteria
mentioned below.
i)

During the application of load upto 40% of the ultimate load, the pole shall not have
developed any hair cracks.

ii)

The permanent set recorded, after removal of a test load of 60% of ultimate load shall
not exceed 10% of the deflection recorded for same test load.

iii)

The hair cracks produced while loading upto 60% of the ultimate load, shall clearly
close up on removal of the above test load.

iv)

The test load at failure shall exceed the ultimate load.

CEB STANDARD 044-3 : 1996

v)

5.3.3

On breaking the concrete after failure it shall be established that the following
requirements are in accordance with the corresponding drawing/specification of Pole.
a)

Type, diameter, length, number of bars and positioning of the main

reinforcement.

b)

Type, diameter, shape and spacing of stirrups.

c)

Length and correct positioning (staggered) of lap joints.

Acceptance

If the test pole satisfies all the acceptance criteria given in Clause 5.3.1 the batch of 100 poles
shall be acceptable, except the test pole and poles rejected at visual inspection (Clause 3.2).
Rejected pole/poles shall be marked with a permanent ink in the presence of the Engineer and
removed from the site immediately. Engineer has to make note of the serial numbers of the
poles rejected in the test report.
If the test pole fails to satisfy any one or more of the acceptance criteria, then one more pole
from the same batch shall be selected as per Clause 3.2 to be tested again. If that pole satisfies
all the acceptance criteria, then the batch shall be acceptable except tested poles and rejected
poles. If that pole also fails to satisfy any one or more of the acceptance criteria, then the
entire batch shall be rejected. The entire batch rejected shall be marked with a permanent ink,
in the presence of the Engineer, and removed from the site immediately. Engineer has to make
a note of the serial numbers of the poles rejected in the test report.

5.4

Cost of Testing

The cost of poles tested as well as all the above testing shall be born by the Contractor.

5.5

Pole Transportation

Depending on the contract, poles which are accepted by the Engineer may be transported to the
site or handed over to a CEB Officer at the contractor's work site. Taking Over Officer shall
have right to reject any pole/poles that are damaged/which have developed cracks before taking
over. Rejected poles shall be removed from the site immediately. CEB Officer has to make a
note of the serial numbers of such poles in the delivery note issued by the contractor. Delivery
notes shall be dully signed by the CEB Officer after making the necessary remarks.

6.0

ANNEUXRES

A B -

Horizontal arrangement for pole testing - Drawing No. DS&S/2000/44-3

Pole Test Report

CEB STANDARD 044-3 : 1996

Annex - 2
My No. ....................
Branch ......................
POLE TEST REPORT

NAME OF THE CONTRACTOR & PLACE OF SITE

....................................................
....................................................

DATE OF TESTING : ...............

TYPE OF POLE : ..............
WORKING LOAD : ................
FACTOR OF SAFETY : ............
ULTIMATE LOAD : ...............
PLACE OF TESTING :......................................................................................................
SERIAL NO. OF THE TEST POLE : ......................
SERIAL NOS. OF BATCH OF POLES FROM ................... TO .....................
INSPECTION OF POLE BATCH :
(a)

Whether all the poles satisfied the visual inspection criteria given in Clause 3.2 .....................
If not,

(b)

Serial
No.

Following poles have been rejected due to non-conformity to aspects mentioned herein.

Pole
Height

Cross
Section

Hole
Position

Hole
Size

Straightness

Finishin
g

Pole
Marking

Remarks

CEB STANDARD 044-3 : 1996

TEST POLE :

a) SERIAL NO. : .....................

b) DATE OF MANUFACTURE : ................

STAGE

LOAD APPLIED

% OF ULTIMATE

DEFLECTION IN

IN kg.

LOAD

mm

10

20

30

40

10

20

30

10

40

11

50

12

60

13

14

10

15

20

16

30

17

40

18

50

19

60

20

70

21

80

22

90

23

100

24

110

25

120

26

130

27

140

28

150

29

160

30

170

REMARKS

CEB STANDARD 044-3 : 1996

31

180

32

190

33

200

1.

Whether any hair crack/cracks developed during the application of load upto 40% of
the ultimate load : ............................

2.

Whether the hair cracks, produced while loading

upto 60% of the ultimate load, have closed. :..........................

3.

Permanent set after 60% of the ultimate load : ..................mm

4.

Test load at the destruction of the pole : ......................kg.

5.

Verification of reinforcement after breaking of the concrete of the tested pole

a)

Main Reinforcement
(1) Type ......... (2) Diameter .........mm (3) Lap length .........mm
(4) Lap positioning .....................

b)

Stirrups
(1) Diameter ...........mm (2) Spacing ................mm

Whether the tested pole satisfied the acceptance criteria : ..................

If not what is the pole No. selected for second test : ..............
In view of the above this batch of poles is accepted/rejected with the exceptance of the
rejected pole/poles mentioned in page 01 of this report and the tested pole

Name and Designation of CEB

Testing Officer/Engineer

...............................................................

Signature

..............................................

Tested in the presence of

(Name of Contractor or his Agent)

..............................................

Signature

.............................................

Date : .........................