Extreme Environments

Some locations are far harsher on infrastructure than others. In these regions, traditional materials like wood, steel, and concrete degrade rapidly - leading to shortened service life, higher maintenance costs, and more frequent outages. Whether across an entire service territory or concentrated in high-risk zones, environmental forces can reduce a wood pole’s expected 40-year lifespan to less than 30 years.

Common Challenges in Extreme Environments

• High Wind Regions – Resilience Factor design allows poles to flex under extreme loads and return to vertical.
• Ice Storms – Strength and flexibility help withstand ice accumulation and wind stress.
• Wildfire Vulnerability – Non-combustible composites maintain integrity after exposure to heat and flames.
• High Moisture & Humidity – Wetlands, coastal zones, and regions with high groundwater won’t rot or weaken RS poles.
• Corrosive Coastal or Roadway Environments – Inert materials resist rust, spalling, and chemical degradation.
• Destructive Wildlife & Pests – Woodpeckers, carpenter ants, and other pests undermine structural integrity.

RS advanced composite poles are chemically inert and resistant to decay from weather and pests, with reserve strength beyond class load that extends service life. They offer the longest service life—80–100 years—thanks to its polyurethane construction and integrated finish. In the most demanding environments, RS poles provide utilities with the durability, resilience, and reliability needed to reduce replacements, control maintenance costs, and keep the grid strong for decades.