Optimizing the Geometric Configuration and Manufacturing Process of High Mast Illumination Poles

Galvanization is a widely used, effective method to protect steel from corrosion. However, in the past two decades, post-galvanizing inspections have reported the presence of cracks in high mast illumination poles (HMIPs), particularly at the toe of the welded connection between the pole and the base plate, on the pole. The main objective of this project is to provide guidance to engineers, galvanizers, and fabricators on how to minimize the likelihood of crack initiation during the fabrication process of high mast illumination poles (HMIPs). The research work includes the development of a finite element model that will account for the cumulative influence of welding and hot-dip galvanizing. This model will be used to conduct a parametric study in which the HMIP geometric configuration and parameters of the welding and galvanizing processes will be varied in order to determine their influence on the critical stress/strain demands that are induced during manufacturing. Different models will be evaluated corresponding to standard details used in Texas, Wyoming, and a historical socket connection that is present throughout the entire U.S. This information will be used to provide a better understanding of the root causes of galvanizing cracks in HMIPs, propose variations in the design and manufacturing practices of HMIPs with the aim of increasing their durability, and ensure safety for the traveling public.

• Record URL:
  https://transet.lsu.edu/research-in-progress/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $100017
• Contract Numbers:

  19STUTSA02

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Transportation Consortium of South-Central States

  Louisiana State University
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Project Managers:

  Melson, Christopher

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Texas at Arlington

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Box 19308
  Arlington, TX  United States  76019
• Principal Investigators:

  Montoya, Arturo

  Matamoros, Adolfo

• Start Date: 20190815
• Expected Completion Date: 20210215
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Deformation curve; Finite element method; Galvanizing; Geometric design; High mast lighting; Optimization; Residual stress; Welding
• Geographic Terms: Texas; Wyoming
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01713586
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Consortium of South-Central States
• Contract Numbers: 19STUTSA02
• Files: UTC, RiP
• Created Date: Aug 7 2019 10:17AM