Lighting Column Testing Programmes

In situ load testing of a column carried out in conjunction with our partner, Roch Services Ltd

Poor condition of a column base. As can be seen from the surrounding debris, this crack was not revealed until the superficially sound surface was removed.

Recently there has been a significant increase in failures of lighting columns, in one recent case tragically resulting in a fatality.

Sandberg has for many years been working closely with many Local Authorities to assess the condition of their lighting column stock and to design and implement a testing programme that significantly reduces the risk of lighting column failure.

The problems detected during our testing programmes are often well concealed, to the extent that a less technical inspection, such as that carried out by an Authority's Term Maintenance Contractor, should not be expected to discover significant defects. As an example, loss of section is often difficult to identify since it can occur just below ground level. Furthermore the corrosion may be hidden by a non-structural decorative skirt or be most prevalent on internal surfaces which are difficult to access.

In conjunction with Roch Services Ltd, our surveys have recently included a new innovative method for determining the integrity of these columns. The system involves the non-destructive testing of the column and assessing the integrity of the column's base section, both above and below ground.

This rapid in-situ load test is carried out with minimal disruption. The results form a useful part of our appraisal of the column's condition. In conjunction with other testing procedures such as ultrasonics and visual inspection, our reports identify which columns are most at risk, and recommend which columns should be removed. The testing can also immediately identify those columns at risk of imminent failure.

Our programme can include management of the condition of the lighting column stock. This interfaces the results of our testing programme with the type and age of the existing stock. The report can include a decision tree identifying where action is best placed. From our testing programme we are able to recommend a maintenance approach designed to avoid peaks and troughs of Authority spending.