High CCA retentions and the protection of eucalypt power poles

IRG/WP 3226

L E Leightley, J Norton

Tasmanian power pole material treated to high retentions, was analysed to accurately determine the amount of CCA preservative in the timber. Material from the same disc was subsequently exposed in unsterile soil in order to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Results showed that even at high retention levels, soft-rot attack was not prevented. Fourteen further poles were sampled, but this time gradient sampling was carried out in order to determine the penetration pattern of the CCA salts. These poles were treated to retention levels in the order of 40 kg/m³. Again material from these poles was used for exposure testing. Significant weight loss was found after sixteen weeks exposure. The results indicate that high loadings of CCA present in the sapwood of these eucalypts, have not prevented the onset and progression of soft-rot decay.


Keywords: CCA; POLES; EUCALYPTUS REGNANS; RETENTIONS; MICRO-DISTRIBUTION; DISTRIBUTION; SOFT ROT; EUCALYPTUS MACULATA; WEIGHT LOSS

Conference: 83-05-09/13 Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia


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