Abstract
This paper describes methods for condition assessment of wood poles in the electricity distribution network. The paper provides a short review of common practice in inspection and condition assessment of wood poles in Norway. It is shown that there is a need to improve currently used methods for condition assessment, because the methods applied today do not take into account all relevant parameters that influence the remaining strength of the poles. The paper will suggest several new methods for condition assessment. Four methods are described in more detail, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Furthermore, the paper will present examples where one of the methods is used in a case study. In addition, the examples show how the methods can be used as basis for estimation of remaining lifetime of the poles. The examples also show that the use of new methods improves the accuracy of the condition assessment, leading finally to a better estimate of the remaining lifetime.