Spun Concrete Utility Poles
Learn more about our nation’s fragile grid and how StressCrete provides a solution.
Our Nation’s Fragile Grid
In the 2025 report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the United States scored a D+ in energy infrastructure, indicating a system that is on the brink of failure. Even more alarming, standards and practices are readily available to help build a more resilient T&D network, yet often not required – ultimately leading to system failures.
Recent federal initiatives, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program, are making strides in strengthening the grid. These efforts include replacing utility poles with a more durable material to withstand extreme storms, winds, and temperatures. But how does choosing the right material ultimately affect the strength of the grid? Selecting the right pole material plays a critical role in reducing future damage, shortening restoration times, and reducing maintenance needs.
When evaluating potential options, utilities come across two popular choices – ductile iron and spun concrete. But knowing the differences between the two is critical to choosing the right material for your next project.
Ductile Iron Vs. Spun Concrete
One of the factors utilities often consider is corrosion. When it comes to ductile iron, ceramic epoxy coating is often required to protect against waste pipe applications and potential corrosion. Additional ‘bare’ or ‘weathered’ coating options are also available to extend a pole’s service life in more weather-active areas, but this additional coating can be costly. StressCrete’s spun concrete poles, however, do not require additional coatings to withstand harsh weather conditions – resulting in a corrosion-free solution.
Another factor utilities often consider is customization. When it comes to customization, StressCrete spun concrete allows for more possibilities. Unlike ductile iron, which limits the number of through holes and is only available in neutral colors, StressCrete’s spun concrete solutions are designed to meet your project’s individual needs – length, strength and other applications such as mounting holes, apertures, grounding, and more. StressCrete also offers multiple décor colors for consumers to choose from such as Midnight Lace, Salt and Pepper, Aztec Jade, Oriental Jade, and many more – allowing poles to blend into surroundings or make a statement.
Another factor utilities often consider is installation. Depending on the height of the pole, ductile iron poles may be shipped within two pieces – often requiring additional equipment to bind the two parts. Such binding can damage the pole when done incorrectly or by inexperienced contractors. With StressCrete’s spun concrete poles, all poles are shipped in a single, continuous unit, resulting in an easy-to-install application.
Choosing the right material to further strengthen the grid has never been more important. Why not choose a material that will best fit your project’s specific needs?
How to Specify
Explore the various classes available and how spun concrete can support your project’s load.
Utility Pole Brochure
Check out a ‘behind the scenes’ look into our production process, application types available, and the benefits of using spun concrete poles.
Utility Pole Comparison Chart
Check out how other popular materials in the industry compare to spun concrete.
Case Study
Frustrated by the constant cycle of repairs and replacements required to maintain their system of distribution poles, the city of Keosauqua, Iowa looked into using other materials. See how StressCrete Group provided a solution.
Contact
Interested in learning more about our utility pole offerings? Or looking to talk to a local sales rep about an upcoming project? Contact us today!
American Society of Civil Engineers. 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. ASCE, 2025, infrastructuresreportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Full-Report-2025-Natl-IRC-WEB.pdf.