Valmont Pole Blast Test

Performed in Colombia
 Site Preparation

Concrete Mixing Concrete Placing

Anchor Bolts / Template Workers Finishing Concrete Top

Pole Characteristics
•Pole Diameter = 1.5 mts
•Pole Thickness = 13 mm
•Plate Mtl : 65 ksi
•Anchor Bolt Material :
ASTM A615 Gr. 75
 Pole Erection

An 8.00 mts pole section is placed on top of the

concrete section.
 Explosive Placement

Bottom section is place and secure with

anchor bolts.
20 kilograms of explosive was placed
around the bottom of the pole
Explosive Wiring
 Blast Test and Results

Blast 70 % failure after blast

View of failure from View from the back

another angle
 Additional Charge

An additional 1.0 kg of explosive is used to

bring down section.
 Summary Of Test
ISA tested a Valmont Pole.
Based on ISA previous
experience an initial
charge of 20 kilograms of
explosive type ANFO was
used. The pole failed as
shown in the slide. The
slide shows the results of
the blast right after
detonation.
Since the pole did not
failed completely an
additional charge of 1
kilogram was used.
 Conclusions
• Steel pole required a lot more explosive. Typically a
lattice tower requires about 1.5 lbs of explosive for leg
failure.
• Bottom Section can also be filled with concrete or soil to
provide additional shock protection.
•Anchor Bolts did not failed at all
• Steel poles can also be retrofitted with a steel sleeve for
additional protection.