ASTM C1089-19

Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles

ABSTRACT
This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete poles for use as structural supports for streetlights, traffic signals, and transmission, distribution, and communication lines. The acceptability of the poles shall be determined by the results of full-scale bending and torsional tests. The requirements for the following are specified: (1) materials such as cement, aggregate, water, chemical admixtures, steel, and inserts; (2) general requirements including concrete cover, circumferential wire, grounding, exterior surface treatment, and prestressing; and (3) loading requirements. Load test procedures for bending and torsional tests are detailed. Sets of fabrication and detail drawings shall be furnished as prescribed in this specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete poles for use as structural supports for electric transmission, distribution, and communication lines; streetlights; and traffic signals.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C27 - Precast Concrete Products
• Drafting Committee: C27.20 - Architectural and Structural Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1089-13 - Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM A1064/A1064M-24 - Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24a - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM A416/A416M-24 - Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM A1064/A1064M-18 - Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-18 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-18 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM A416/A416M-17a - Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM C618-17 - Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-17b - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM C330/C330M-17 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM A416/A416M-17 - Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM C1089-19: Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles establishes minimum requirements for the manufacture and performance of spun cast prestressed concrete poles. These poles are widely used as reliable structural supports for electric transmission, distribution, and communication lines, as well as for street lighting and traffic signals. This specification, developed by ASTM International, outlines the necessary materials, general construction guidelines, loading requirements, fabrication tolerances, and testing methods to ensure safety, performance, and durability. Compliance with ASTM C1089-19 is essential for manufacturers and purchasers seeking high-quality concrete poles meeting internationally recognized standards.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements: Specifies the acceptable types of cement, aggregates, water, chemical admixtures, prestressing and reinforcement steel, and corrosion-resistant inserts for use in concrete pole production.
• Construction Guidelines: Addresses minimum concrete cover, circumferential wire spacing, grounding provisions, exterior surface treatments, and prestressing procedures.
• Performance and Loading Criteria: Details methods for determining acceptability through compressive strength, full-scale bending, and torsional tests.
• Testing and Inspection: Outlines procedures for initial concrete strength testing, load testing, and purchaser-approved inspection throughout the manufacturing process.
• Dimensional Tolerances: Establishes allowable variations in length, cross-sectional dimensions, wall thickness, reinforcement placement, and hardware location.
• Documentation: Requires detailed fabrication and structural drawings, including reinforcement layouts, 28-day concrete strength, hardware details, and ultimate load capacities.

Applications

Spun cast prestressed concrete poles specified by ASTM C1089-19 are crucial infrastructure components for:

• Electric Transmission and Distribution Lines: Providing robust support for overhead cables in power grids and utility networks.
• Communication Lines: Enabling reliable installation of telecommunication cables across diverse terrains.
• Streetlighting: Supporting luminaire fixtures for urban, suburban, and rural roadways.
• Traffic Signals: Serving as primary supports for traffic control devices in transportation systems.
• Corrosive and High-Load Environments: Suitable for areas with demanding environmental conditions, such as coastal zones or heavy industrial regions, due to high durability and required crack resistance.

Project designers, public agencies, and utility companies benefit from implementing this standard to ensure compliance with safety and durability expectations, as well as alignment with local and international codes. Typical end-users include transportation authorities, electric utilities, telecom providers, and municipalities.

Related Standards

Implementing ASTM C1089-19 often involves referencing allied standards for materials and testing, including:

• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C595/C595M - Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
• ASTM C33/C33M - Specification for Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C39/C39M - Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• ASTM C494/C494M - Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• ASTM A416/A416M - Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
• AASHTO LTS-5 - Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals
• IEEE National Electrical Safety Code - Referenced for electrical loading and safety provisions

By adhering to ASTM C1089-19 and related standards, stakeholders can be confident in the structural integrity, durability, and regulatory compliance of spun cast prestressed concrete poles for critical infrastructure projects.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1089 −19
Standard Specification for
Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1089; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for
Concrete
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
poles for use as structural supports for electric transmission,
Specimens in the Field
distribution, and communication lines; streetlights; and traffic
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
signals.
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
drical Concrete Specimens
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
and are not considered standard.
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- crete
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- for Concrete
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Structural Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
2. Referenced Documents
Concrete
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
A416/A416M Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
A421/A421M Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire
Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs,
for Prestressed Concrete
Luminaires and Traffic Signals (LTS-5)
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
2.3 IEEE Standard:
A641/A641M Specification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized) National Electrical Safety Code
Carbon Steel Wire
2.4 PCI Guides:
A706/A706M Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-
Guide for Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles
Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
Guide Specification for Prestressed Concrete Poles
A722/A722M Specification for High-Strength Steel Bars for
Prestressed Concrete 3. Terminology
A996/A996M Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel
3.1 Definitions:
Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
3.1.1 cracking load—a load which creates a bending mo-
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and
ment of enough magnitude to produce a tensile stress greater
than the sum of induced compression plus the tensile strength
of the concrete resulting in tensile cracks on the tension face of
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C27 on Precast
the pole.
Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
Architectural and Structural Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C1089 – 13. DOI: Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
10.1520/C1089-19. Officials, 444 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE),
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 445 Hoes Ln., Piscataway, NJ 08854, http://www.ieee.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Prestressed Concrete Institute, 209 West Jackson Blvd.,
the ASTM website. Chicago, IL 60606.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1089 − 19
3.1.2 spun pole—a pole in which the concrete is distributed 6.1.1 Concrete Cover—The minimum concrete cover over
and compacted through centrifugal force. all reinforcing steel shall be ⁄4 in. (19 mm) unless specified
otherwise by purchaser. For street lighting poles, cover can be
3.1.3 ultimate load—maximum load the pole will carry in
reduced to ⁄2 in. (13 mm).
the specified direction, before the concrete or steel will reach
6.1.2 Circumferential Wire—Circumferential wire center-to-
its limiting state.
center spacing shall be a maximum of 4 in. (102 mm), except
at the ends (measured from either the top or bottom to a
4. Basis of Acceptance
distance of 1 ft (305 mm)) where the maximum spacing will be
4.1 Acceptability of spun prestressed concrete poles pro-
1.25 in. (32 mm).
duced in accordance with this specification shall be determined
6.1.3 Grounding—The purchaser shall specify any ground-
by the results of compressive strength tests of concrete
ing requirements needed.
cylinders and mill certificates for the reinforcing steel. A
6.1.4 Exterior Surface Treatment—Exteriorconcretesurface
written statement, signed by the manufacturer, shall verify that
finish shall be as specified by the purchaser.
the cement, aggregates, admixtures, and steel conform to the
6.1.5 Prestressing—Initial prestress shall not be applied
applicable specifications for the material. Concrete strength
until the concrete strength has reached the greater of 3500 psi
shall be determined by the compressive strength tests of
(24 MPa) or 1.67 times the maximum expected stress in the
cylinders. The manufacturer’s statement shall also certify
concrete due to the prestressing forces immediately after
adherence to tolerance on dimensions and mass. Acceptability
transfer and before losses occur.
ofthepolesproducedinaccordancewiththisspecificationmay
6.1.6 The minimum 28-day compressive strength for con-
also be determined by the results of full-scale bending tests.
crete used in poles shall be 8000 psi (55 MPa) as determined
using Test Methods C39/C39M or C42/C42M. For street
5. Materials
lighting poles, the compressive strength may be reduced to a
5.1 Cement—Portland cement shall conform to the require-
minimumof5000psi(35MPa).Thecylindersforcompression
ments of Specification C150/C150M or shall be portland
tests shall be made in accordance with Practices C31/C31M
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement con-
and C172/C172M.
forming to the requirements of Specification C595/C595M.
6.2 Load Requirements:
5.2 Aggregate—Aggregates shall conform to Specification
6.2.1 Poles shall be designed to withstand ultimate load.
C33/C33
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1089 − 13 C1089 − 19
Standard Specification for
Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1089; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers spun cast prestressed concrete poles for use as structural supports for electric transmission,
distribution, and communication lines; streetlights; and traffic signals.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A82/A82M Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 2013)
A416/A416M Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete
A421/A421M Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire for Prestressed Concrete
A496/A496M Specification for Steel Wire, Deformed, for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 2013)
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A617/A617M Specification for Axle-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement (Withdrawn 1999)
A641/A641M Specification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel Wire
A706/A706M Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A722/A722M Specification for High-Strength Steel Bars for Prestressed Concrete
A996/A996M Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A1064/A1064M Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C33C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
C150C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C172C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C260C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C330C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C595C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals (LTS-5)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
Architectural and Structural Products.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013May 1, 2019. Published February 2013May 2019. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20062013 as
C1089 – 06.C1089 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/C1089-13.10.1520/C1089-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 444 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1089 − 19
2.3 IEEE Standard:
National Electrical Safety Code
2.4 PCI Guides:
Guide for Design of Prestressed Concrete Poles
Guide Specification for Prestressed Concrete Poles
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 cracking load—a load which creates a bending moment of enough magnitude to produce a tensile stress greater than the
sum of induced compression plus the tensile strength of the concrete resulting in tensile cracks on the tension face of the pole.
3.1.2 spun pole—a pole in which the concrete is distributed and compacted through centrifugal force.
3.1.3 ultimate load—maximum load the pole will carry in the specified direction, before the concrete or steel will reach its
limiting state.
4. Basis of Acceptance
4.1 Acceptability of spun prestressed concrete poles produced in accordance with this specification shall be determined by the
results of compressive strength tests of concrete cylinders and mill certificates for the reinforcing steel. A written statement, signed
by the manufacturer, shall verify that the cement, aggregates, admixtures, and steel conform to the applicable specifications for the
material. Concrete strength shall be determined by the compressive strength tests of cylinders. The manufacturer’s statement shall
also certify adherence to tolerance on dimensions and mass. Acceptability of the poles produced in accordance with this
specification may also be determined by the results of full-scale bending tests.
5. Materials
5.1 Cement—Portland cement shall conform to the requirements of Specification C150C150/C150M or shall be portland
blast-furnace slag cement or portland-pozzolan cement conforming to the requirements of Specification C595C595/C595M.
5.2 Aggregate—Aggregates shall conform to Specification C33C33/C33M except that the requirements for grading shall not
apply. If a producer can demonstrate that aggregates conforming to Specification C330C330/C330M could be used to manufacture
an acceptable product, those aggregates may be used.
5.3 Water—Water used for mixing concrete shall be free of oils, organic matter, and other substances in amounts that may be
deleterious to concrete, and it shall not contain concentration of chloride ions in excess of 500 ppm or sulfate ions in excess of
1000 ppm.
5.4 Admixture—Chemical admixtures shall conform to Specification C494/C494M. Air-entraining admixtures shall conform to
Specification C260C260/C260M. Fly ash or other pozzolanic admixtures shall conform to the requirements of Specification C618.
Admixtures shall not cause the chloride ion content of the concrete to exceed 0.06 % by mass of cement.
5.5 Steel—Prestressing steel shall conform to Specifications A416/A416M, A421/A421M, or A722/A722M. Non-tensioned
longitudinal reinforcement shall conform to Specifications A615/A615M, A617/A617M, A706/A706M, A996/A996M or
A496/A496MA1064/A1064M. Circumferential wire reinforcement shall conform to Specification A82/A82MA1064/A1064M,
A496/A496M, or A641/A641M. Base plates, anchor bolts and top mount couplings shall conform to the ASTM specifications
designated on contract drawings.
5.6 All inserts shall be corrosion resistant and used according to the manufacturer’s specifications. No aluminum inserts shall
be allowed.
6. Requirements
6.1 General Requirements:
6.1.1 Concrete Cover—
...