GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Glossary of Terms
A
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ABD Anchor Bolt Diameter
ADVERTISING means of communication with end users of a product or service
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www.adpoles.com
A/F Across the Flats or outside diameter
AIRPORT Aerodrome with extended facilities for commercial air transport
AISC American Institute of Steel Construction
ALLOWABLE STRESS Maximum permissible stress as defined by design criteria.
ALLOY Mixture of metals or a mixture of a metal and another element
AMERICAN POLES Buy America and Buy American
AMPACITY Current-carrying capacity of electric conductors expressed in amperes
ANCHOR BASE Non-breakaway pole-to-foundation attachment
ANCHOR BOLT Steel threaded rod embedded in concrete to connect the pole to the foundation
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AREA LIGHTING ADVERTISING Pole mounted advertising device
AREA LIGHTING POLE
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www.arealighting.org
ARM Extension of a cross section used to mount a single fixture
ARM RISE Vertical distance from the center line of the simplex connection to the center line of the arm end
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTRO BRACKET Attach a traffic signal tthe pole or mast arm, rigid mounted or free swinging
AWG American Wire Gauge as applied to non ferrous conductors
AWS American Welding Society
B
BACK-UP-BAR Steel bar used to secure the handhole cover
BACK-PLATE Border surrounding traffic signal heads
BANNER ARMS Parallel pipe extensions bolted to pole shaft to mount a special banner
BARRIER Roadside barriers blocks suitable for highways and infrastructure
BARRIER SADDLE Roadside barrier sign support system
BASE COVER Shroud used to enclose the base plate and anchor bolts
BASEPLATE Steel plate welded to the bottom of the pole shaft to connect the pole to the foundation
BCD Bolt Circle Diameter
BEARING PLATE Steel plate attachment of an anchor bolt designed to prevent bolt pull-out
BEND RADIUS Radial dimension of a curvature of a bend, typically measured from the inside surface
BENDING MOMENT Product of a wind force or weight force multiplied by its distance from a section
BOLLARD Ornamental post used as a pedestrian or traffic barrier
BOLT Metal rod or pin for fastening pole accessories together
BOLT CIRCLE Dimension from one anchor bolt to another which intersects the center line of the pattern
BOLT COVER Ornamental cover fastened to the base plate covering the anchor bolts
BOLT PROJECTION Length of anchor bolt extending above the base plate surface
BONDING CONDUCTOR Conductor which connects the non-current carrying parts of electrical equipment
BRANDING name, slogan, sign or design elements that identify products or services of a company
BREAKAWAY SIGN SUPPORT
BSQ Bolt Square – center to center distance on a square base plate
BULLHORN Pipe bent 90 degrees upward to mount light fixtures and pole accessories
BUMP FORMED Pressing a flat steel plate at equal spacing forming a geometrically correct shape
BUTT WELD Circumferential weld joint used to connect two pole shaft sections
C
C-HOOK Steel rod formed into shape of a “C” for support or handling purposes.
CBC Canadian Building Code
CSA Canadian Standards Association
CWB Canadian Welding Bureau
CAD Computer-Aided Design
CAMBER Curving of sign structure, mast arms or poles during the manufacturing process
CAPITAL Ornamental pole top
CANTILEVER Vertical and horizontal cantilevers poles and arms affixed at one end free at the other
CASTING Products produced by molding in a form with a molten alloy
CIRCUIT BREAKER Device designated to open and close a circuit by non-automatic means
COMMUNICATION POLE
CERTIFICATION Documents confirming products and/or designs meets or exceeds specified conditions
CLEARANCE The vertical distance from the road surface to the lowest point of an overhanging device
COATING Covering a pole product with galvanizing, painting and/or metallizing
COBRA HEAD Generic term for some street lighting fixtures
COD
COIL MATERIAL Steel which is rolled into coil form after processing from the steel mill
COIL SET Curvature of the material stock from being wound under tension
CONDUIT Raceway of circular cross-section other than electrical metallic tubing
COR-TEN Trade name by United States Steel Company for high strength, low alloy, self-weathering steel
COUPLING Internally threaded steel fitting for wiring access of controller cabinets and junction boxes
CRITERIA Written specification used in control stages of the design procedure
CROSSARM Steel tubing or angle that attaches ta pole shaft for mounting a single row of lighting fixtures.
D
DD Double Davit pole with two arms
DAMPER Mechanical device to eliminate or reduce harmonic vibrations
DAVIT Radial formed pole/luminaire arm
DEAD LOAD Total weight of structure and all added appurtenances
DECORATIVE POLE
DEFLECTION Movement of pole/arm as a displacement or rotation, from dead loads or other applied loads
DERATE Material’s loss of physical or mechanical properties due ta manufacturing process such as welding
DIE CASTING Molten metal is forced under pressure into the cavity of a mold tform shapes
DODECAGONAL Cross-section consisting of 12 equal sides
DRAG COEFFICIENT Numerical factor used in wind force calculations applied tthe EPA
DRILL PATTERN Layout of hole size and spacing for a given fixture
DRIVE RIVET steel or aluminum fastener utilized on square sign posts
DUNNAGE
DUTY Requirement of service that demands the degree of regularity of the load
E
EFFECTIVE PROJECTED AREA (EPA) Area of a given fixture and/or structure resisting wind force
ELEVATION Distance above or below sea level, ground level or another referenced surface
ELLIPTICAL Having the shape of an oval
EMBEDDED POLE fixed in concrete or compacted soil by means of an extended portion •
EMERGENCY Immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment.
EV STATION Electric vehicle charging station
EXTRUSION The process of forcing material through a die to form a desired cross-section shape
F
FASTENER Part used to attach or secure two components together
FINIAL Sculptured ornament located at pole top or end of arm
FINIAL CAP Cast or spun ornamental pole top cap
FINISH Protective and usually decorative coating applied to structures and their components
FIXED BASE Type of pole-to-foundation attachment not designed to breakaway if impacted by a vehicle
FIXTURE A lighting fixture, which provides area light
FLANGE PLATE Connection plate between two pole sections or bottom pole and arms
FLOOD LIGHT Projecting a broad beam in parking lots, sports fields, and other area lighting applications
FLUTING Formation of rounded grooves tcreate a ornamental motif on the shaft or column
FOB Free on Board or Freight on Board. Shipping terms, transferring title tthe customer.
FORCE Vector quantity that tends to produce stress and deflection in the structure twhich it is applied
FOUNDATION Support for a pole structure, consisting of concrete, steel reinforcing bars and anchor bolts
FRANGIBLE BASE Designed to breakaway when struck by a vehicle
FULL BASE COVER Ornamental shroud used to enclose the base plate and anchor bolts
G
GALVANIZE Zinc coating applied by a hot dip process or other approved methods
GASKET Natural or synthetic rubber seal used between piece parts to prevent the intrusion of moisture
GAUGE Whole number representing an equivalent decimal thickness
GROMMET Natural or synthetic rubber ring placed in drilled wire way holes to prevent damage to wires
GROSS without tax or other contributions having been deducted
GROUND ROD A rod driven into the ground to carry current safely away from a circuit
GROUNDING Pole for connecting a cable which makes an electrical connection with the earth
GROUND STUD Bolt attached inside of the hand hole providing the means for electrical grounding
GROUT Mortar used for filling space between the bottom of the pole base plate
GUSSET Steel plate used to strengthen a welded connection
GUST FACTOR Numerical factor applied ta constant wind velocity for an instantaneous outburst of wind
GUY WIRE a tensioned cable designed to add stability ta free-standing structure.
H
HAND HOLE Reinforced opening providing internal access ta structure
HARDWARE
HARMONIC VIBRATION Motion of a member moving the same distance in opposite directions
HEAT TREAT Heating and cooling a material in a controlled manner to develop different mechanical properties
Heavy Hex Nut
HEXDECAGONAL Cross-section consisting of sixteen equal sides
HEXAGONAL Cross-section consisting of six equal sides
HEIGHT COEFFICIENT Increased wind pressure due to smoother flow of air at higher elevations
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HIGH MAST Light large areas by fixture attachment higher than an average area lighting structure www.highmastpoles.com
HIGHWAY
HINGED POLE Top access using a hinge by which the pole top can be lowered tground level www.hindgedpoles.com
HSS Hollow Structure Section
I
IOT Internet of Things
ISOMETRIC DRAWING 3 faces of a solid object shown with the lines parallel tthe edges drawn in true length
ISOTACH Line on a map connecting points of equal wind speed
J
J-HOOK Steel rod in the shape of a “J” used for wire support or handling purposes
JACKING LUGS Steel nuts welded ta pole shaft t assist in slip fitting pole sections together
JUNCTION BOX In-ground plastic wiring vaults
K
KEEPER PLATE Thin steel plate to keep the connecting bolts of a slip base assembly in place
KIP Unit of measure equivalent t1000 pounds.
KSI Kips per Square Inch
L
LADDER BAR Ornamental tenon with provision for resting a ladder
LAMINATED SHAFT Firmly pressing two tapered tubes, one inside the other, to increase wall thickness
LAMP POST
LED Light emitting diode
LIGHTNING ROD Metallic rod attached ta pole structure creating a continuous conducting path tthe ground
LIQUID COAT Finish applied ta material in a liquid form
LMA Luminaire Mast Arm
LOCK WASHER Split washer used to prevent loosening by exerting pressure on a nut
LOCKNUT A nut tightened down on another
LOGISTICS
LOWERING DEVICE Apparatus capable of lowering fixtures to ground level for ease of maintenance
LUG WASHER Steel plate washer used in transformer base connections •
LUMINAIRE Complete lighting unit
M
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT
MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION Non-destructive method of detecting cracks
MANDREL FORMED Produce round tapered tubes by forming steel coil around a mandrel
MAST ARM Horizontal member typically used to support luminaries, traffic signals or roadway signs
MILD STEEL Comparatively soft and easily worked steel capable of being extended or shaped
MILL CERTIFICATION Document issued by the steel mill stating the physical and chemical properties
MOMENT Force multiplied by the distance the point of rotation
MONOTOWER Tubular self supporting structure
MOUNTING HEIGHT Vertical distance to particular part of a pole structure
N
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NEMA BOX An enclosure mounted ta pole used for breaker switches and terminal blocks
NET Free from all charges or deductions
NOISE BARRIER PANEL
NUT CAP Ornamental cover usually fastened tthe pole covering the anchor bolt
NUT HOLDER Small bracket usually welded to the inside of a pole for grounding purposes
O
O-RING Ring made from natural or synthetic rubber, used as an air-tight or water-tight sea
OBSTRUCTION LIGHT mounted on a structure to warn aircraft of its presence
OCTAGONAL POLE having an eight-sided cross section
ONE PIECE SLIP OVER BASE One-piece shell base, which slips over the pole during installation
OPTICON Control device acting as a switch upon sensing motion or light
ORNAMENTAL POLE
OXIDATION Chemical reaction of a material when exposed to oxygen
P
PARKING LOT Area, usually divided into individual spaces, intended for parking motor vehicles.
PARKING STOP
PEC Photo Electric Cell
PSI Pounds per Square Inch
PED POLE designed to support pedestrian signal heads
PIPE Hollow steel cylinder manufactured ta specific nominal inside diameter
POLE Vertical member of a structure
POLE DESIGNS
POLE TOP Steel rubber or plastic cap mounted to the top of a pole for weather protection
POLYCARBONATE Lightweight thermoplastic used for traffic signal housings and back plates
POS Point of sale terminal
POWDER COAT Electrostatically applied dry powder coating, oven-baked for a smooth, durable finish
PLASTIC Synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers
PROJECTED AREA Surface area subjected to wind pressures
PROJECTION Length of anchor bolt protruding beyond the top of a foundation
Q
QUOTE Estimated cost for a particular job or service
R
RADIAL INDEX Illustration showing the orientation of appurtenances
REBAR Deformed steel reinforcing bar
RECYCLE Return material ta previous stage in a cyclic process
REST AREA Interstate Highway motor vehicle and highway tractor operator recovery facility
RFQ Request for quotation
RIV-NUT Metal fastener serving as the female threaded portion of a bolted connection
ROUND POLE Hollow Pipe uniform in shape from base to top
RUMBLE MAT
RUMBLE STRIP
S
SAG Distance a wire or cable droops from its attachment point
SD Single Davit pole with one arm
SBC Standard Building Code
SECURITY POLES
SETBACK Distance from the roadway edge tthe location of the pole
SHEAR FORCE within a member that acts perpendicular to the axis of the member
SHOE BOX Term used for describing a rectangular shaped outdoor lighting fixture
SIGN STRUCTURE designed to support signs, signals or other devices
SLEEVE Additional layer of steel wrapped around a specific area of a pole shaft
SLIP BASE ASSEMBLY Connects the pole to the anchor bolts, designed to breakaway upon impacted
SLIP FITTER Short piece of pipe/tube used as the internal portion of a connection
SLIP JOINT Friction connection between two tapered shafts
SMA Signal Mast Arm
SMART POLE
SPEED BUMP Ridge set in a road surface, typically at intervals, to control the speed of vehicles
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SPEED HUMP Parabolic, circular, or sinusoidal in shape and a gentle version of the speed bump www.rubberspeedhump.com
STEEL UTILITY POLE
STRAIN POLE To support wires or cables from which traffic signals or signs are suspended
SPECIFICATIONS Organized listing of requirements for materials, products, design or testing
SPORTS FIELD POLES Hold large lighting banks to illuminate playing fields
SQUARE POLE Hollow Structural Steel tube consisting of four equal sides
STATIC LOAD Constant or non-varying load
STEPPED POLE An enlarged pole base with incrementally smaller sections up to the top
STEPS Removable headed bolts fastened to pole shafts used for climbing
STRAIGHT POLES Tapered or non tapered poles without any curvature
STREETLIGHT STANDARD Steel pole and light fixture for illuminating a roadway or highway
STRESS Internal force per unit area within a member, usually expressed in PSI
STRUCTURAL BASE Welded to the shaft and contributes to the structural integrity of the pole
T
TAMPER RESISTANT SCREW Fastener that requires a unique driver for removal
TAPERED POLE Continuous gradual reduction of a shaft’s diameter from base to top
TAPPING Formation of an internal screw thread in a hole
TELESCOPIC TUBING perforated welded steel tubing in various sizes and gauges
TEMPLATE Guide or pattern used for the proper placement of anchor bolts
TENON Short length of pipe or tubing used to mount luminaries, signals or brackets
TORSIONAL MOMENT Action of external forces causing twist in a structure
TRAFFIC SIGNAL Automatically operated colored lights for controlling traffic junctions and crosswalks
TRANSFORMER apparatus for reducing or increasing the voltage of an alternating current
TRANSFORMER BASE Box used under a pole for wiring access
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TRANSMISSION POLE Structure to carry high voltage power lines over great distances www.transmissionlines.com
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TROLLEY POLE to transfer electricity from overhead wire to the control and the electric traction motors
TRUSS ARM two main supporting members with one or more struts between them
TUBE Generic term used for hollow steel shafts
U
UPRIGHT Vertical pipe portion of a sports lighting cage
UL American Safety Consulting and Certification company
USMCA United States Canada Mexico trade agreement
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UTLITY POLE a tall pole that is used to support telephone wires and electrical wire www.utilitypolestructures.com
V
VEHICLE POLE designed to support vehicular and/or pedestrian signal heads
VIBRATION DAMPER Device placed on or inside a pole or arm to reduce or prevent harmonic vibration caused by win
W
WASHER
Wi-fi computers or smartphones ability to connect to the Internet wirelessly
WIND ENERGY
WIND LOADING Live load pressures of wind acting on a structure
WIND SPEED Velocity of wind (MPH) noted either as a basic/iso tach speed or as a gust/maximum velocity
WROUGHT Beaten out or shaped by hammering.
WROUGHT ALLOY Mixture of base elements whose physical and mechanical properties favor wrought
X
Xylene Used as a solvent in industrial applications with a mixture of isomers
Y
YIELD The stress in a material at which plastic deformation occurs
YIELD MOMENT in a pole or arm that will cause the member to yield
Z
Zinc Chemical element in hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion barrier protection to steel.