Precast post-tensioned segmental pole system

Abstract

A precast post-tensioned segmental pole system capable of supporting a load is provided. The pole system includes a plurality of pole segments that use connectors and strands to anchor them together. The strands extend within a cavity formed in the pole segments and are external to the wall structure of the pole segments. The strands may be coupled between both of the pole segments, or be anchored to a connector. The connector includes an upper piece that is coupled to one pole segment, and a lower piece that is coupled to the other pole segment. Upper and lower pieces interlock with each other to join the pole segments to one another. The strands are placed in tension so that pole system is capable of withstanding forces imposed by the load.

1 . A device for precasting a pole segment comprising: 
 an external mold comprising a bottom piece and a plurality of top pieces, said top pieces being hingedly coupled with said bottom piece, said bottom piece and said top pieces having inner surfaces defining a channel;    a yoke coupled to said top pieces; and    an internal mold having an outer surface, said internal mold adapted to be placed within said channel to thereby define a cavity between said outer surface of said internal mold and said inner surfaces of said bottom piece and said top pieces, whereby said inner surfaces shape an exterior surface of a pole segment and said outer surface of said internal mold shapes an interior surface of said pole segment when a formable material is placed between said external mold and said internal mold.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable holding mechanism that extends through said external mold and braces said internal mold to hold said internal mold in position within said channel.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the adjustable holding mechanism consists of at least one bolt.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said internal mold includes top and bottom pieces.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said bottom piece is tapered along its length.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said top piece is tapered along its length.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein a top portion of said top piece is further tapered to form a thickened portion in the pole segment.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one tube coupled to said tapered portion of said internal mold.  
   
   
       9 . A method for forming a pole segment used in a post-tensioned pole system, said method comprising: 
 providing an external form;    providing an internal form;    placing said internal form within said external form;    securing said internal form within said external form to thereby define a cavity between said internal form and said external form; and    placing a formable material within said cavity to form the pole segment.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the external form includes a plurality of top pieces and a bottom piece.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the top pieces are hingedly coupled to said bottom pieces to form a channel.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising providing at least one adjustable holding mechanism coupled to the external form.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising adjusting said holding mechanism to secure internal form within said channel.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said internal form is tapered to form a thickened portion of the pole segment.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said external form is tapered along its length.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further including: 
 providing at least one tube; and    coupling said tube to said tapered portion of said internal mold prior to placing concrete mixture between said external and internal forms to create an aperture in the thickness portion of the pole segment.    
   
   
       17 . A method for forming a pole segment used in a post-tensioned pole system, said method comprising: 
 providing a external form having a plurality of top pieces and a bottom piece, said top pieces being hingedly coupled to said bottom piece having inner surfaces defining a channel;    providing at least one adjustable holding mechanism coupled to said external form;    providing an internal form with an outer surface;    placing said internal form within said channel to thereby define a cavity between said outer surfaces of said internal form and said inner surfaces of said bottom and top pieces;    adjusting said holding mechanism so that said internal form is secured within said channel; and    placing a concrete mixture within the cavity to form the pole segment.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said internal form is tapered to form a thickened portion of the pole segment.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further including: 
 providing at least one tube; and    coupling said tube to said tapered portion of said internal mold prior to placing concrete mixture between said external and internal forms to create an aperture in the thickness portion of the pole segment.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said external form is tapered along its length.