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Why Concrete?: Myths |
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- Limited Selection: Concrete poles are available in a larger selection of designs and finishes than steel, aluminum or fiberglass poles. Ameron offers over forty standard colors, aggregates and textures to make the largest selection of finishes in the industry.
- Light Loading Only: Ameron designs and manufactures concrete products from Bollards to Transmission poles. All of our products are designed to meet the standards of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials, United Building Code, American National Standards Institute, American Concrete Institute, and more which enables us to meet guidelines for all projects.
- Expensive Shipping Costs: Ameron uses consolidated loads for less than truckload orders, consequently the customer is not penalized for small orders. Ameron's freight rates are competitive and lead times to all 50 states are consistently within 6-8 weeks, which is quicker than most manufacturers.
- Fragile: Ameron compacts the concrete by spinning at speeds to produce forces over 39 times the gravitational force of the earth. This compaction fills air and water voids with cement paste, which protects the pole from environmental, shipping and handling damage. The concrete is so dense and strong that when we fired a 22-caliber ramset at point blank range at the concrete surface it was merely deflected with no damage to the pole.
- Difficult to Install: Spun concrete poles require the same equipment to install as metal poles do. The weight of the concrete does not warrant the use of special equipment. Ameron's small and medium series poles can use the same foundation design, bolt circle or transformer base as a metal pole. Using direct burial poles, installation can be dictated by the customer not the soil conditions. We have installed embedded concrete poles in river beds, sand beaches and in the water directly adjacent to docks and piers.
- Heavy: Concrete poles usually weigh more than competitive materials. Most poles are installed with a crane because with a lighting fixture installed the weight and awkwardness can be too much for an installation crew to handle. Using a direct burial pole can reduce the weight of material delivered to the jobsite by 46%. Our "Direct Burial Installation Guide" has more information on improving the installation and reducing costs.
- Impossible to Field Modify: Concrete poles can be drilled in the field allowing a customer to modify their product. A customer will receive a "Field Drilling Guide" once our engineering department approves their modification. Following our guidelines will ensure the integrity of the pole and maintain Ameron's Ten Year Warranty.
- Easy to Vandalize: Prestressed concrete poles are resistant to vandalism in many ways. The density and durability of the concrete in these poles keep the product looking great for decades. With the addition of our anti-graffiti coating and an application of Amerase, spray paint vandalism is wiped away with ease. Concrete poles are also resistant to carving, scratching, and taping damage due to its density and texture.
- Expensive Maintenance: Ameron's prestressed concrete poles are built to last, and require little to no maintenance. Clean up costs can be lowered with the addition of an anti-graffiti coating. Ameron is the only pole manufacturer that offers a ten-year warranty with a reinstallation rebate. Ameron's warranty underwrites our commitment to producing high quality, long lasting products for the customer.
- Expensive: Ameron utilizes mass production, consolidated truckloads, and "Service First" to stay competitive. With low or no maintenance, anti-graffiti protective coating, and versatile installation methods, Ameron prestressed concrete poles have a lower total installed cost and life cost than competitive products.
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