Project: Utilities Power Pole Propping & Support
Location: New South Wales
Sector: Infrastructure/Utilities
Project Lead: Nick Smith
Service Provided: Enabled excavation in a zero-clearance zone without shutting down infrastructure or using bulky equipment to safely brace a live power pole
Equipment Used: Tilt prop bracing, 1.5t concrete block counterweights, Power Pole brace & Shoring System
Project Overview
This projects required precision temporary power pole support and was defined by several limitations and high-risk conditions.
The excavation zone – near a utility pole was confined, with extremely tight access restricting the use of conventional support systems such as large crane-assisted braces or expansive anchoring setups. At the same time, the integrity of the power pole had to be maintained throughout the works, as even minor displacement could pose serious safety risks and potential service disruption.
The Challenge
This project requirements were defined by several limitations and high-risk conditions, enabling excavation without shutting down infrastructure or using bulky equipment.
The excavation zone was confined with in a couple of meters, with extremely tight access restricting the use of conventional support systems such as large crane-assisted braces or expansive anchoring setups.
At the same time, the integrity of the power pole had to be maintained throughout the works, as even minor displacement could pose serious safety risks and potential service disruption.
Key challenges included, a minimal working footprint required around the pole with zero tolerance for movement during excavation. No ground penetration allowed for anchoring due to surrounding infrastructure. The need to maintain safe trench conditions for crews working at depth.
The contractor needed a solution that could deliver high load capacity and lateral stability, without compromising access or safety.
The Solution
Our engineering team designed a fully integrated modular brace support system tailored specifically to the site constraints. The approach combined proven equipment with a custom configuration to deliver both stability and efficiency during the project and avoid needing to create a power outage.
The solution included:
- Legend Power Pole Clamping Brackets: Engineered to provide a secure, non-invasive connection to the pole, ensuring a firm grip without damaging the structure.
- Tilt Prop Bracing System: Four load baring tilt props – easy capable of holding the average weight of a suburban wooden power pole which can range from 1200 kgs to 2000kgs were installed to manage and distribute lateral forces, preventing any shift or rotation of the pole during excavation activities.
- 1.5t Concrete Counterweight Blocks: A total of 6000kgs was used as a surface-mounted anchoring method, eliminating the need for ground penetration while still delivering the required resistance and stability.
- Vertishore Shoring System: Deployed within the trench to support excavation walls, ensuring ground integrity and protecting workers throughout the plumbing installation process.
This integrated system allowed all components to work together as a cohesive support structure, balancing load distribution while maintaining a compact footprint under 10meters.
