Inventors:
Lloyd Docter - Tacoma WA, US
International Classification:
E04C003/30
Abstract:
The invention provides a utility pole that comprises an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end having a butt end. The butt end of the pole is encased in a substantially non-corrodible metallic cladding, that is formed from a sheet of the metal, so that the cladding protects the buried end of the pole from attack by microorganisms in the surrounding soil, when the pole end is buried. Further, the metallic cladding substantially prevents migration of any biocidal chemicals from the pole into the surrounding environment. In certain embodiments, the metallic cladding may also be connected, through a ground conductor, to form an electrical grounding means for the pole.