Customer

American Electric Power

Location

Ohio

How AEP Leveraged Rapid Field Response to Prevent Pole Failure in Unstable Soil

The Challenge

While excavating for new underground primary conduits, a contractor crew encountered unstable soil conditions near a utility pole guy. Continuous ditch slippage—aggravated by rain—compromised the integrity of the pole anchor guy. Without immediate intervention, there was a significant risk of pole failure, which could have endangered personnel and disrupted active circuits.

The Solution

Recognizing early signs of anchor instability, the crew immediately halted work and escalated the issue. A distribution crew was dispatched to install a secondary anchor guy at a safer distance from the excavation area. This new support structure provided lateral stabilization and allowed excavation activities to resume safely. The site was then reassessed for additional soil reinforcement and drainage considerations.

Key Benefits

  • Rapid Risk Containment: Early identification and swift communication prevented a potentially catastrophic pole failure.
  • Structural Stabilization: Strategic installation of a secondary pole anchor mitigated ongoing soil movement and ensured structural integrity.
  • Field-Centric Decision-Making: Demonstrated effective escalation protocols and field judgment under changing site conditions.
  • Improved Safety Culture: Reinforced the practice of stopping work at the first sign of instability and prioritizing crew safety over schedule pressure.

The Results

  • Zero injuries and no equipment damage, despite deteriorating site conditions.
  • No service interruption occurred, and conduit installation resumed with reinforced site safety measures.
  • This incident now serves as a reference case for dynamic excavation response planning in poor soil environments.
  • The response validated Think Power Solutions’ emphasis on real-time monitoring and field-level safety decision-making protocols.

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