CFRP Prestressed Concrete Lighting Columns

Aspects of the design and installation of a novel carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) prestressed high strength concrete lighting column (Carbolith®) are presented. The tapered cylindrical columns have a nominal height of 8 m and contain an opening above the foundation to allow for the insertion of the lamp fuse box. The bending/torsion behaviour of a total of five full-scale prototype columns was tested in accordance with the relevant European standards (EN). In the experimental programme, the location of the fuse box opening relative to the loading direction was varied. All five poles fulfilled the EN serviceability and ultimate limit state requirements for lighting columns in pedestrian and/or low speed lightly trafficked areas. This successful outcome has lead to the first field application of the CFRP prestressed concrete lighting columns.