Utility Structures
Since the early 90s, FWT has supplied thousands of tubular structures nationwide for a variety of applications including utility, telecommunications and sports lighting. The advantages of tubular structures in the utility industry are well documented and include:
- Efficiency: Modern design software combined with the latest manufacturing techniques allows tubular structures to be optimized for the task at hand.
- Ease Of Installation: Tapered, slip-fit transmission poles can be installed in a fraction of the time required to install a lattice structure. Additionally, base sections can be designed to be direct embedded.
- Reduced Maintenance: Compared to lattice towers, tubular steel structures eliminate the numerous bolted connections that require periodic inspection and/or tightening. Unlike wooden poles, steel poles are not subject to natural hazards such as insects, woodpecker damage, fire or rot.
- Corrosion Resistance: Numerous protective coating options are available for tubular structures. They include galvanizing, paint over galvanizing and weathering steel.
The same sound engineering practices that made FWT a leader in tower design have carried over to the Utility Division product line. FWT’s engineering department utilizes state of the art design software including PLS Pole and STAAD Pro to design each tubular structure to meet such industry standards as AISC, ASCE, EIA/TIA-222, NESC and NEMA. Specific customer design requirements are also taken into account during the engineering process. Working side by side with engineering, FWT’s drafting department generates detailed fabrication drawings for manufacturing and easy to read erection drawings for use during construction.
Pole sections up to 60 feet in length are produced on a computer-controlled press brake. Automated seam welders are used on vertical seams and a high-speed milling machine ensures that base plates are accurately drilled. Certified welders with years of experience in steel fabrication perform all manual welds. If required, galvanizing is performed at a state-of-the-art galvanizing facility immediately adjacent to manufacturing. Ensuring quality is a top priority and FWT’s QA/QC program has earned the company an Approved Fabricator certificate from the ICBO.