Energy Queensland Stay Rod Non-destructive Test Trials & Utility Asset Monitoring
- tonypham35
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Project Overview:
Energy Queensland (EQL) engaged CoEng to conduct a comprehensive engineering investigation into commercially available Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) solutions for identifying subsurface corrosion and material degradation in utility stay rods. Recognizing that below-ground deterioration often goes undetected in power distribution networks, this project focused on enhancing infrastructure asset management through the implementation of advanced condition monitoring technologies.
The initial phase involved a rigorous global technology review to identify international corrosion detection systems, specifically targeting ultrasonic inspection and mechanical testing methods suitable for electrical utility infrastructure. Following this research, CoEng developed a controlled structural integrity testing plan utilizing stay rod samples with manufactured defects to calibrate and validate the accuracy of various NDT devices.
The execution phase included the oversight of initial viability trials and on-site field inspections to evaluate the real-world performance of these tools across diverse soil environments. Finally, a detailed engineering performance analysis was conducted to compare field data against actual steel section loss, providing EQL with evidence-based recommendations for the preventative maintenance and long-term durability of their critical power line assets. By bridging the gap between emerging forensic engineering tools and practical utility pole maintenance, this project established a robust framework for improving network reliability and ensuring the ongoing safety of the distribution infrastructure.
Key Activities:
Technology Review: Utilising our experience in corrosion assessment and our global
networks we identified four devices from three suppliers that were most likely to succeed and had been used for similar investigations.
Sample Preparation: A range of samples with manufactured defects, including abrupt section loss and gradual loss were created. These samples were buried in Townsville to simulate field conditions.
Initial Trials: Two suppliers were selected and sent representatives to the Townsville site to test the manufactured samples and a range of in-service stays.
Data Analysis: The results from the trials were analysed, comparing the performance of different NDT devices in detecting and classifying defects.
Reporting and Recommendations: A detailed report was prepared, summarizing the trial results, discussing key findings, and providing recommendations for future actions.
This project has provided valuable insights into the available NDT technologies for stay rod inspection and how they could be used in a meaningful way. It has laid the groundwork for future trials and the development of a comprehensive stay inspection program for Energy Queensland
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