Florida's Big Bellies

by Jerry Wong, P.E., (M.ASCE), Florida Power and Light, Juno Beach, FL,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1997, Vol. 67, Issue 12, Pg. 14A-16A


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

FPL designed and installed double reverse tapered poles, affectionately called big belly because the width gradually increases toward the middle and narrows at both ends. The poles replace wooden transmission line poles in the St. Johns River. Concrete was chosen because it holds up better to water exposure, heavy winds and marine borers. The unusual shape allowed the poles to fit existing foundations, designed originally for conventional wood poles, saving FPL nearly 40% over the estimated cost of replacement.

Subject Headings: Wood and wood products | Power transmission poles | Foundation design | Wind engineering | Rivers and streams | Power transmission lines | Power transmission | Florida | United States

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