Project Overview
DTE retained NTH to review and evaluate wood pole and NetBank platform structures on 68 utility poles in Detroit, Michigan. NTH visually reviewed the timber poles and the NetBank platforms with a truck-mounted manlift to identify and evaluate wood pole and platform defects and the structures’ soundness for duty. NTH developed report forms and inspection protocols to document the structures current condition and identify remediation needs. Each assessment report includes the structure’s ID, a brief description of findings, GPS location, previous repairs observed, the type and extent of defects, field measurement and testing for deterioration / decay, representative photographs, and recommendations for remediation or replacement, as necessary. A key area of concern was how to best mitigate hazardous conditions and structures identified through the inspection effort. During our steel structure inspection program, our team identified several structures that, in our opinion required DTE’s immediate attention.
Project Scope
Our initial scope of services included establishing inspection procedures, safety protocols (HASP), report formats, preparing an inspection schedule based on structure locations, as well as reviewing available documentation associated with the wood pole NetBank structure design criteria and previous condition assessment reports, and maintenance activities.
We then coordinated an inspection kickoff meeting DTE’s interested parties, our subcontractor’s representatives to review our proposed safety protocols, the project specific Health and Safety Plan, and preliminary schedule. Our plan was to perform field inspections 3 to 4 days per week, allowing for field report writing on the 4th / 5th day of the week. We anticipated inspecting / evaluating 3 to 4 units per day.
NTH prepared, coordinated, and maintained a tracking spreadsheet and submitted it weekly to DTE’s leadership. We also maintained regular communications with DTE’s project team to address questions, condition findings, access issues, scheduling, and any concerns regarding our observations.
NTH included a contingency to cover minor engineering analysis, design, field work, meetings and communications associated with major concerns identified in the field. Examples of services included: design of temporary repair plates, stabilizing structures, and temporary supports to mitigate hazardous conditions until a more permanent solution can be designed.
Client Benefit
NTH was able to complete the assessment of the timber poles and netbank platform with only minor delays due to structural concerns. The program was completed on time and schedule and the fees were within DTE’s allocated budget.
