There are two common types of wind-induced vibration observed in poles…First Mode Vibration and Second Mode Vibration.

First Mode Vibration
In first mode vibration, sometimes referred to as sway, the maximum deflection occurs at the top of the pole. First mode oscillation typically occurs at a low frequency of approximately one cycle per second. Normal deflection of this shape usually is not harmful to the pole or luminaire, but first mode oscillating vibration will cause damage and failure.

Second Mode Vibration
Second mode vibration can be the most damaging form of vibration. It occurs approximately at the midpoint of the pole with the deflection off center equal from side-to-side. It occurs at a higher frequency, typically three to six cycles per second. Second mode vibration occurs when the wind synchronizes with the pole’s natural frequency of vibration. This is known as resonance. As the steady low level wind moves past the pole, vortices are shed alternately from either side of the structural shaft causing displacement oscillations in a direction perpendicular to that of the wind.

Wind induced vibration can be caused by steady, relatively low-speed wind (10-30 mph), by topography and by the structure to which the pole is mounted or nearby structures. Destructive vibration is not an indication of substandard material, workmanship or design of pole.

Vortices are a swirling motion or pattern of the wind. The most serious situation arises when the vortex-shedding frequency synchronizes with the natural period of vibration in the pole, which can ultimately fatigue the pole to structural failure.

animation of vortex shedding
Vortex Shedding

Light Pole Design
Pole design requires consideration of field conditions such as wind speed (sustained/gusts), pole height, appendages and local conditions. Wind induced vibration is a local, site-specific condition that may be overlooked by those selecting a pole because it is difficult to predict accurately. Poles which perform satisfactory in many installations all across the country may experience destructive vibration at a select location for no apparent reason. Typically, poles are designed or selected based on AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) criteria. The standards and codes take into account direct wind pressures on the pole and luminaire, the associated bending, shear, axial and torsional stresses on the pole, secondary moment effects (the pole and fixture being off center of the pole base when the wind deflects the pole) and the effect of heat on the base material in the area adjacent to the weld.

Hapco Damper Solutions

To minimize the effects of first or second mode vibration, Hapco has developed dampers which very effectively quell wind induced vibration of lighting poles.

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Variables

Each job site has different variables that may contribute to structural fatigue vibration. These pole variables should be taken into consideration, along with environmental and structural factors, to determine if the potential for vibration exists.

This is not a complete list. Other factors can influence the effects of wind.

Total Load (EPA) and Shaft Length – Light loading, less than 2.0 EPA, and shaft lengths at or above 25 feet can significantly increase the probability of destructive vibration.

Shape – Straight Square Poles historically experience more effects of destructive first mode vibration. Round poles historically experience more effects of destructive second mode vibration. However, no shape is exempt.

Installation Procedures – Poles are designed to carry a load, and a pole cannot be installed before the luminaire is mounted. Never install a pole without the intended luminaire in place.

Parking Deck Installation – Influences from surrounding structures and transferred vibration generated by moving vehicles.

Near or at Airports – Little or no objects to break the wind currents and the presence of turbulence created by aircraft.

Bridge Installation – Little or no objects to break the wind currents and the transfer of vibration generated by moving vehicles.

Mountain Foothill Areas – Air currents traveling from the higher elevations can create steady damaging winds.

Large Expanse of Flat Ground or Water – In tandem with little or no structures, the wind currents will not be disrupted which sets up the possibility for low steady winds and destructive vibration.

Steady Low Level Winds – The upper Midwest and Plains States have shown this trend.