Wood Pole Support
Extending Wood Pole Life – Reducing CIs and CMLs
EP Marine & Rail Ltd (EPM&R) provides specialist wood pole reinforcement and support systems for electricity and telecommunications networks, extending the service life of suitable poles by up to 20 years.
By combining specialist wood pole testing, structural assessment and targeted reinforcement, we identify where poles can be safely retained and returned to service rather than replaced.
In 90% of cases, decay occurs at groundline or just below, where bending moments and overturning stresses are highest. Traditionally, deterioration in this critical area can result in pole replacement, bringing costly downtime, outages, CIs, CMLs and the logistical challenges of working in restricted locations.
Our proven reinforcement system provides an engineered alternative where assessment confirms that continued service is appropriate. Widely used in Australia for more than 20 years, the system can reduce the need for replacement while minimising disruption, traffic management and the use of heavy plant and lifting equipment.
With more than two decades of experience supporting the UK electricity and telecommunications industries, EPM&R takes an assessment-led approach to extending pole life, reducing unnecessary replacement and helping network operators make confident, evidence-based asset management decisions.
How Wood Pole Reinforcement Works
EPM&R’s pole support process begins with specialist wood pole testing and structural assessment to determine condition, remaining strength and suitability for reinforcement.
Following the above, the reinforcement system is installed alongside the existing pole to restore strength at the critical ground-line area.
Installation involves:
- Positioning the pole support system alongside the existing pole
- Driving the support element 1.5 metres into the ground to replace the pole’s lost structural strength
- Securing the reinforcement system to the existing pole structure
- Restoring structural capacity and stability around the ground-line region
Operational & Asset Management Benefits
Fast Installation with Minimal Network and Customer Disruption
Pole support provides a fast and efficient alternative to replacement as multiple poles can be supported in the time needed to replace one single pole. Poles are reinforced while remaining in service, eliminating CIs and CMLs and the wider inconvenience of outages.
Minimal Impact on Existing Infrastructure
Pole support minimises disturbance to the existing pole, attached hardware and surrounding environment. Its compact profile limits additional impact on the pole while maintaining access for future inspection and maintenance.
Restores Original Pole Design Strength
The pole support system restores the original design strength giving up to 20 years’ extended life.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement
Where assessment confirms suitability, pole support provides a cost-effective alternative to wood pole replacement. The pole supports can be recovered and reused when a pole is eventually replaced.
Supports Sustainable Asset Management
Extending the life of poles reduces timber consumption, transport and construction activity while supporting whole-life asset management and environmental objectives.
Why Assessment-Led Reinforcement Provides Better Outcomes
Effective reinforcement starts with accurate knowledge of the existing structure.
EPM&R combines specialist testing and structural assessment to determine whether a pole should be retained, reinforced or replaced.
Traditional Replacement Approach:
- Deterioration identified
- Pole classified for replacement
- Outages noted to the affected community
- Pole removed and replaced
EP Marine & Rail Approach:
- Pole tested and structurally assessed
- Remaining capacity determined
- Reinforcement suitability evaluated
- Appropriate intervention selected
This approach moves DNOs and telecommunications providers away from replacement-by-default strategies towards evidence-based asset management.
The EP Marine & Rail Difference
Extending wood pole life requires the right combination of testing capability, engineering expertise and practical experience in safety-critical infrastructure.
EP Marine & Rail combines:
- More than 20 years’ experience supporting UK electricity and telecommunications networks
- Specialist wood pole testing and structural assessment
- Engineering-led recommendations based on asset condition
- Proven pole reinforcement solutions
- Integrated support covering assessment, reinforcement, treatment and replacement decisions
By combining testing, assessment and targeted intervention, EPM&R helps you make confident, evidence-based decisions about ageing overhead line infrastructure.
EPM&R helps you, maximise pole life, improve resilience, reduce CIs, CMLs, and eliminate customer inconvenience.
Speak to our team about your project
Asset Assessment Coordinator: Kate Hartley
Tel: 0161 706 2910
20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW
Our Promise
- Every enquiry is reviewed by a qualified engineer or technical lead
- We respond within one working day
- All conversations are confidential and obligation-free