Steel Tower Inspections & Restoration

Structural Ratings & Corrosion Potential Assessment

The assessment process involves both a structural and a corrosion potential evaluation.  During the structural assessment, each foundation member of each tower is assessed and assigned a structural rating based on the extent of existing corrosion.

During the corrosion potential assessment, each structure is evaluated and given a rating based on the likelihood of future corrosion. This comprehensive rating is indicative of its current corrosive condition and its potential for future deterioration based on environmental factors.

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Options​

When non-destructive evaluation of an asset is necessary, our technicians utilize electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) technologies such as Intelli-Pole™ and Anchor-Inspector™ to help identify below-grade structural defects.  These proprietary technologies are specialized NDE methods designed to estimate the extent of the defects.  EMAT technologies are particularly useful for inspecting structures that cannot be excavated, or for structures that have been classified as having severe corrosion potential and require further evaluation without the risk of excavation.  Data compiled from the NDE field inspections is validated by means of a separate engineering analysis and delivered via written report to the customer as their final deliverable.

Corrosion Mitigation & Structure Life Extension

Application or installation of corrosion mitigation measures such as specialized coatings or sacrificial anodes (cathodic protection) can help extend the useful service life of steel poles, towers, and other similar structures for many years. PPSI has the knowledge, experience, and skilled work force to help utilities develop optimal corrosion remediation programs that provide long-term protection and life extension.

Coatings
Application of specialized coatings adds an improved measure of protection and can help alleviate potential corrosion concerns, effectively extending the structure’s useful service life.

Cathodic Protection
Cathodic protection is often used as a secondary mitigation method to target specific structures that require additional protection. Attaching sacrificial anodes to steel structures and placing them in the same soil profile provides an additional layer of corrosion mitigation. Cathodic protection does not eliminate corrosion activity, it simply transfers the corrosion activity from the steel to the anodes which “sacrifice” themselves in order to protect the structure.

Steel Pole & Tower Restoration

Whether secured by a concrete foundation or direct-buried in soil or water, PPSI provides engineered repair solutions for damaged steel towers and poles.  At a fraction of the cost of replacement, these repair solutions restore original strength and can even increase capacity when greater strength is required.

Benefits of restoration include:

• Corrosion rehabilitation to restore original strength

• Structure is temporarily supported and lines remain in service

• Poles and towers receive structural updates

Concrete Foundation Restoration

PPSI concrete foundation repair is designed and implemented to industry standards. Our services provide:

• Concrete repair or replacement

• Capacity increases

Data Deliverables

All relevant data, both structural and environmental, collected during the assessment process is recorded and delivered to the utility.  Customers receive raw data, as well as project summary reports, which summarize the findings and provide recommendations for logical and cost-effective next steps.

Accurate, comprehensive data removes the guess work, allowing customers to address priority concerns immediately and design a condition-based assessment and mitigation program for the second cycle.  Most customers find that lifecycle costs diminish substantially in the second assessment cycle, while service life and reliability are enhanced.