Examining Tower Guy Wire Anchor Rods

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Examining Tower Guy Wire Anchor Rods

• Matthew J. Parker
• Atmospheric Technologies Group
• William R. Hinz
• Non-Destructive Examinations Group
• Westinghouse Savannah River Company
• Aiken, South Carolina

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Outline Problem Corrosion Options for
Examinations SoundAnchor(TM) Long-term
protection Standards
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Potential Problem?Anchor rod failure can lead
to tower collapse!
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How can this happen?CORROSIONGalvanic
orElectrolytic
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Corrosion--Natures Way of Creating Balance
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The Galvanic Series
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Anchor Rod / Block
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Anchor Rod Corrosion Scenarios

• Connections between unlike metals
• Unlike soils--strata or backfill
• Soil corrosivity--metals or concrete
• Nearby underground electricity (electrolytic
  corrosion)

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Where can this happen?(unofficial survey-NUMUG,
industry, consultant, Internet)
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Excavations--Should I Dig?Common Industry
Practice

• Negative Factors
• Labor intensive
• Inherently damaging
• Inadequate visual examination
• Safety compromised during fill removal
• Trenching regulations
• Difficult to repeat

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SoundAnchor(TM)A Nondestructive Examination
Technique Patent 6,311,565 received Nov 6, 2001

• Advantages
• After minor initial surface preparation,
• test is conducted quickly
• Non-damaging
• More thorough examination
• Inherently safe
• Easily repeatable
• Trending possible
• One-tenth of the cost of excavations

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Protection--How do I savewhat I already have?

• Options for Protection
• Protective coatings
• Bituminous (carcinogenic)
• Galvanized
• Polymers
• Cathodic Protection
• Encase new rods in concrete

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Where can I find moreinformation?

• TIA/EIA Standard Structural Standards for Steel
  Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures
• Reputable tower erection companies