NZ725601A - A method and apparatus for joining pole segments - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for joining wooden pole segments together to increase the overall length of a pole which is less prone to structural failure or fire from surface conductivity is disclosed. The method comprises forming a first channel at a joining end within a body of a first wooden pole segment, wherein the first channel extends into the body of the first pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first pole segment, forming a second channel at a joining end within a body of a second wooden pole segment; wherein the second channel extends into the body of the second pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the second pole segment, inserting a first portion of a connector into the first channel and inserting a second portion of said connector into the second channel, and securing the connector to the first segment and the second segment thereby joining the first and second segments.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR JOINING POLE SEGMENTS TECHNICAL FIELD The t invention relates to a method and an apparatus for joining pole segments, especially wooden pole segments. It is thought that one application where the t invention may find use is in joining together wooden pole ts to create wooden poles which may be used as, for example, utility poles (e.g. power poles). However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to this particular application and may find other uses.

BACKGROUND There is a growing demand for long length wooden y poles, for example power poles with lengths g from around 10m to around 15m.

The need to increase the height of a utility pole is a task frequently encountered by, for example, telephone and electricity utility companies. For instance, when an electricity distribution system is upgraded such that ical transmission lines (power lines) carry higher es, the distance between the ground and the electrical transmission lines must be increased.

The distance may be increased by methods of replacing or splicing wooden power poles, but those methods are costly and onsuming.

One previously proposed method for increasing the height of a wooden utility pole is to connect two shorter pole segments (e.g. an upper pole segment and a lower pole segment) to form a single pole. This has previously involved using an external casing-type pole connector that envelops the end portions of the two joined pole segments. That is, the casing envelops and holds the upper end of the lower pole t, and it also envelops and holds the lower end of the upper pole segment, and it thereby connects the pole segments together to form a single pole.

This method requires precise external machining of the portions of the tive pole segments that are to be enveloped and held by the casing/connector, in order to match the size/shape of the outer end portion of the relevant pole segment to the al shape and profile of the casing/connector. This has been found to be cumbersome and labour intensive. Furthermore, joints formed in this way are sometimes prone to structural failure, and the external metallic casing may even create a fire risk due to its surface conductivity. It may therefore be desirable if these issues could be overcome or at least alleviated to some extent.

It is to be clearly understood that mere reference herein to previous or ng apparatus, products, systems, methods, practices, publications or other information, or to any problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things individually or in any combination formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field, or that they are admissible prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in view, the present invention, in one form, resides broadly in a method for joining wooden pole segments, the method comprising: inserting a first portion of a connector into a first channel, the first channel being located at a joining end within a body of a first wooden pole segment and extending into the first pole segment; inserting a second portion of the connector into a second channel, the second channel being located at a joining end within a body of a second wooden pole segment and ing into the second pole segment; and securing the tor relative to the first pole segment and second pole t thereby joining the said joining ends of the first and second pole segments.

In another form, the invention provides a method for joining wooden pole segments, the method comprising: g a first channel at a joining end within a body of a first wooden pole segment, wherein the first l extends into the body of the first pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first pole t; forming a second channel at a joining end within a body of a second wooden pole segment; wherein the second channel extends into the body of the second pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the second pole segment; inserting a first portion of a connector into the first channel and inserting a second portion of said connector into the second channel, and securing the connector to the first segment and the second segment thereby joining the first and second segments.

The pole segments, which may be connected and used as y poles (for example), are typically in the form of round wooden pole segments derived from various types of trees. The pole segments derived from such trees generally vary in er and girth. Providing a method for internally connecting the pole segments using the above described connector being received in the al channels may be highly advantageous because it may take away the ement for machining outer walls of the pole segments that are likely to differ in diameter and girth.

Such an internal connecting method and ism may also e an added advantage of being able to withstand greater bending stresses during use.

In some embodiments, the two ns of the connector may be inserted iently into the respective channels within the respective pole segments so as to form a substantially rigid join that resists g or deflection (and/or longitudinal tension) at the join. In fact, it has been found that, for a given pole segment, a preferred (possibly even optimum in some instances) distance for the connector to insert into the pole segment is approximately double (i.e. two times) the diameter of the pole segment.

The step of securing the connector may comprise inserting one or more fasteners.

Each fastener may be ed from the outside into a pole segment such that the fastener engages with the tor through the body of the pole segment and secures the pole segment ve to the connector. A ity of the fasteners may be arranged in a substantially spiral or helical ement around one or both pole segments. The fasteners may se nails, screws, bolts, rivets or the like (mechanical fasteners). atively, or additionally, an adhesive (structural adhesive) might be used.

The first and second channels may be formed by machining of the joining ends of the pole segments, and more specifically by drilling into the joining ends of the pole segments with a hole saw drill bit. Thus, each of the channels may comprise a ring-shaped recess extending into the pole segments. Each of the ring-shaped channels may create, in the respective pole segments, a core portion inside the channel and a peripheral r portion outside the channel.

The step of securing the connector to the first pole segment and second pole segment may comprise securing the core portion and the peripheral portion of each of the segments to the connector. The securing step may further comprise positioning a reinforcing strap around at least one pole segment adjacent its joining end and fastening the strap onto said at least one pole t under tension.

In yet another form, the invention provides an apparatus for joining wooden pole ts, the apparatus comprising: an elongate connecting sleeve with a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, each of the said portions configured for being ed into a channel provided at joining ends of respective wooden pole segments; and securing means for securing the sleeve relative to a first wooden pole segment and a second wooden pole segment.

In this form of the invention, the sleeve may be cylindrical in shape. The sleeve may be made of metal (e.g. a suitable steel alloy) and it may have a wall a thickness of at least 2mm and more preferably in the range of 3mm to 6mm for withstanding stresses and loads imposed during use. The cylindrical sleeve may have a circular cross-section with an external diameter of at least 60mm and more ably in the range of 80mm to 180mm. However, it is also possible that other embodiments might be provided in which the sleeve has a non-circular cross-section (making the sleeve a non-circular "cylinder" such as a hollow shape with a constant triangular, rectangular other polygonal cross-section).

Preferably the sleeve should have a stiffness (which is at least approximately) equivalent to the stiffness of the upper of the pole segments ted thereby.

Embodiments of the above apparatus form of the invention may further se one or more reinforcing straps. Each strap may be dimensioned for positioning around a ference of, and at the joining end of, at least one wooden pole segment, and the strap may be configured for being fastened to said at least one wooden pole segment under tension.

In yet r form, the invention provides a wooden pole member comprising: two opposite ends, wherein at least one end comprises a channel d in a body of the pole member and extending into the body of the member, the channel being dimensioned to receive a connecting sleeve from said at least one end, and wherein the channel defines an inner core portion and a annular peripheral portion of the member.

In yet another form, the invention es an ly for a pole sing: at least two wooden pole segments, each segment comprising two ends with at least one of the ends of each segment further comprising a channel in a body of the segment extending into the body of the t; at least one connector, each connector for connecting two wooden pole segments, each connector comprising an elongate sleeve with a first connecting portion and a second connecting n, each of the said portions being configured for being received into the channels provided at a joining end of each of said two wooden pole segments to be connected by said connector; one or more fasteners for ing each sleeve to it's said two wooden pole segments.

In another aspect, the presnet invention es a method for joining wooden pole segments, the method comprising: inserting a first portion of a connector into a first ring-shaped channel already formed in a joining end of a first wooden pole segment, the first ring-shaped channel extending into the first pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first pole segment such that, at the joining end of the first pole segment, there is a core portion on the inside of the first ring-shaped channel and a peripheral portion on the outside of the first ring-shaped channel; inserting a second portion of the connector into a second ring-shaped l already formed in a joining end of a second wooden pole segment, the second ring-shaped channel extending into the second pole segment in a direction of a udinal axis of the second pole segment such that, at the joining end of the second pole segment, there is a core portion on the inside of the second ring-shaped channel and a peripheral portion on the outside of the second ring-shaped inserting a first portion of a connector into the first channel and inserting a second n of said connector into the second channel, the connector comprising a hollow tube having open ends; securing the connector relative to the first pole segment and the second pole segment thereby g the said joining ends of the first and second pole segments, wherein securing the connector includes ing a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener is inserted from the outside into a pole t such that the fastener: engages and extends h the peripheral portion of the pole segment, engages and extends through the connector, and engages and extends into the core portion of the pole segment thereby ng the pole segment relative to the connector, wherein the plurality of the fasteners are arranged in a ntially spiral or helical arrangement around one or both pole segments.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any ation with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the ion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed ption which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wooden pole t being drilled using a hole saw drill bit.

Figure 2 is a side view of a wooden pole segment just before it is drilled using the hole saw drill bit.

Figure 3 is an end view of a wooden pole t after the channel has been formed therein using a hole saw drill bit.

Figure 4 is similar to Figure 1 in that it shows a wooden pole segment being drilled using a hole saw drill bit, however Figure 4 also shows the drill motor and the jacks used to support the pole t during drilling.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of two pole segments that have been joined in ance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a substantially end-on view of the join between two wooden pole segments, but n one of the segments has been subsequently removed (i.e. one of the segments has been cut away around the connector and cut off just beyond one end of the connector) to reveal the arrangement of nails used in the formation of the joint.

In Figure 7, (A) to (F) represent images of s (A) to (F) in Example 1 after destructive testing.

Figure 8 is a plot of tip load versus external wall diameter & wall thickness for the samples in Example 3.

Figure 9 is a plot of Modulus of Rupture (MOR) (at the loading point) versus external wall diameter & wall thickness for the samples in Example 3.

Figure 10 is a plot of MOR (at the joint) versus external wall diameter & wall thickness for the samples in Example 3.

Figure 11 is a plot of tip load versus the diameter of the butt log at the joint for the samples in Example 3.

Figure 12 is a schematic of the experimental set-up used for the finite element analysis in Example 2.

Figure 13 contains the results of finite element analysis in Example 2.

Figure 14 is a schematic view representing the three-point bending test used in Example 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a wooden pole segment in the form of a wooden pole member 12 is machined (drilled) at one end using a rotary hole saw drill bit 14. The hole saw drill bit 14 is driven by a motor (see Figure 4) and is used to machine a channel 16 in the form of a ring-shaped kerf. The walls of the ring-shaped kerf (channel) 16 define an inner core n 19 on the inside of the channel, the core portion being inward relative to and surrounded by an annular peripheral portion 17 on the e of the channel 16.

Referring to Figure 5, two wooden pole members 22 and 24 are depicted, each with machined ring-shaped channels therein (225 and 245 respectively). Pole segments 22 and 24 are joined to form a pole 100 (e.g. a utility pole or power pole) with an extended height. The pole members 22 and 24 are joined to each other at their respective joining ends 221 and 241. A connector in the form of a hollow cylindrical steel sleeve 30 is used to connect the pole members 22 and 24. A first connecting n (end) 320 of the connector 30 is inserted into the l 245 in the pole member 24, it being appreciated that the channel 245 is suitably dimensioned to e the connecting portion 320 therein. Similarly, a connecting portion (end) 330 of the connector 30 is inserted into the channel 225 in the pole member 22. In some ular ments (like the one in Figure 5), the connector 30 may take the form of a cylindrical steel tube, and it may have a length in the range of around 600mm to around 1000mm and an overall er in the range of around 60mm to around 180mm (although possibly up to 400mm).

However, the connector 30 is not necessarily limited to being made from steel. It could alternatively be made from other materials, for example (but not limited to) composites like wood veneer composites, fibre (e.g. carbon fibre) rced composites, etc. Also, as the examples discussed below clearly demonstrate, the invention is in no way limited to the specific dimensions of the connecting sleeve 30 discussed above (or any specific dimensions).

The diameter and the thickness of the connecting sleeve may be chosen according to the diameter and the length of the pole segments which it is to be used to connect/are joined.

Note that, often (like in the situation discussed herein with reference to Figure 5), two pole ts (e.g. 22 and 24) may be connected to form a single pole. However, it is to be y understood that the invention could also be used to create poles where three or more segments are joined together to create a single pole. The diameter and/or wall ess of the connecting sleeve may be selected such that the overall bending stiffness of the joint performed using the sleeve is substantially similar to the bending stiffness of the pole members themselves (e.g. 22 and 24) joined thereby. This may assist in reducing the stress concentration effect in the wood that is adjacent the ting sleeve 30 (i.e. adjacent the join).

In the ment depicted in Figure 5, the rical sleeve 30 is secured to the pole members 22 and 24 using fasteners in the form of nails 45. The locations where the nails 45 are inserted are arranged in a helical arrangement, as is evident from Figure 6. Such a helical arrangement has been found to be advantageous in ting crack propagation along the pole members 22 and 24 (as ed to placing nearby nails vertically above and below one another along the wood grain, which can cause splitting). In a typical joint formation, after the pole segments and the sleeve are positioned relative to one another, the nails 45 are driven in so as to penetrate the r eral portion 17 of the nt pole member (22 or 24), extend through the cylindrical wall of the steel connecting sleeve 30 and into the central core n 19 of the relevant pole member (22 or 24). It has been found that using nails in this way also es the performance of the joint in sheer. The number of nails used, and their spacing/pattern/arrangement, may be varied according to the length of the connector 30 used to form the joint. Typically, the nails will be inserted using a nail gun or similar machine (due to the size of the nails and the forces required). A commercial paste formulation may also be inserted or applied into the channels (225 and 245) to t the connection against, for example, wood-destroying fungi, insects, etc.

Whilst embodiments of the invention may operate using nails as described above, it is possible that the connector 30 may be secured relative to the channel in one or both of the pole segments using (or also using) adhesive or glue. Hence, adhesive/glue may be used d of, or together with (i.e. in addition to), nails as described above.

In order to further improve the strength of the join between pole members 22 and 24 connected by the connecting sleeve 30, one or more reinforcement straps 60 may be positioned and tightened around the circumference of the pole members 22 and/or 24 in the vicinity of the join. As illustrated in Figure 5, the reinforcing straps are positioned adjacent the respective joining ends of the pole members 22 and 24 and they have the effect of applying a reinforcing inwardly directed (squeezing) force to push the annular peripheral portion 17 of the relevant pole members 22 and 24 towards/against the connecting sleeve 30. The reinforcement straps 60 can be further fastened or secured in place on the outside of the relevant pole members using fasteners 65 (typically small screws or . The tension with which individual rcement straps 60 are applied should preferably be adjusted in order to compensate for the effect of, for example, movement of the wood due to moisture content variations such as shrinkage which can induce loose strapping, etc.

Experiments ing bending tests indicate that one stress concentration location is in the annular peripheral portion 17 of the relevant pole members 22 or 24 adjacent the joining ends 221 and 241. Therefore, positioning and fastening reinforcement straps 60 ally steel straps) may assist in significantly improving strength in this area. The reinforcement straps 60 may also prove useful as a visual indicator of possible/potential mechanical damage to the pole due to high bending moments being applied during events such as car collisions, snow, flood etc.

This is because, in the event of significant bending stress on the pole at the join, the straps will often snap before the pole itself fails, and ore a snapped strap can indicate a pole that may have been subject to a significant g event (e.g. due to a car collision, high wind, flood, etc) and which may therefore be in need of inspection (and/or possible repair, etc).

The present invention as described herein provides several advantages. Firstly providing an internal joining system, which in the described embodiment includes the connecting sleeve 30 inserted and d in the internal co-axial channels 225 and 245, enables the use of a rdised machining system for machining the channels 225 and 245 in pole segments t the need to modify the machining procedure for pole members of differing girth or thickness. The importance of this will be recognised when it is considered that wooden pole segments will very often (if not always) be made from tree trunks (after processing, treatment, etc, of the trunks). ore, as the external size and shape of tree trunks typically varies considerably from one tree to another, accordingly the external size and shape of the pole segments that may be used with the t invention will also vary. Nevertheless, as illustrated in Figure 5, the invention enables two pole segments to be joined to one another even where the external size and/or shape of one of the segments at the joining end differs considerably from the other at its joining end. In contrast, in the joining system discussed in the Background section above, considerable external ing of both pole segments is required so that the joining ends of both pole segments fit y inside the external metal casing used to form the joint.

Another benefit of the presently ed al joining system is that the internal fixing (i.e. the internal sleeve 30) does not prevent things such as signs (e.g. road signs and the like) from being attached to the pole using nails or the like in the vicinity of the joint. This may not be possible with the joining system discussed in the Background section above because, in that case, the metal casing used to form the joint is on the exterior of the pole and may be too hard to e nails or screws for affixation of signs.

The present invention also has the benefit that it requires little (if any) change to the way poles such as power poles are handled, transported, etc. Therefore, there may be little (if any) need for users of power poles (e.g. energy and mmunications companies) to change their existing pole logistics and handling practices.

The present invention may be used, for example, to repair or extend existing power poles t the need to completely replace an existing power pole. The need to repair an existing power pole may arise because, for example, wooden poles lly have one end buried in the ground. This can lead to deterioration (rot) of the pole at or below ground level.

Similarly, an existing power pole may need to be extended (heightened), for example, for reasons discussed in the Background section above. In either case, rather than simply ing the entire existing power pole with a completely new power pole, the present invention could be used if a lower portion (segment) of the existing power pole is first removed but the upper portion (segment) of the existing pole is kept. Then, the present invention could be used to insert a new segment to form the lower/base end of the pole. In the above case of a pole requiring repair, the newly inserted lower segment could be made from new wood, which could then be buried in the ground and the pole ed to use. Similarly, in the above case of a pole that must be extended (heightened), the newly-inserted lower segment could be longer than the previous one, thus increasing the overall height of the pole. In both of these examples, wastage is reduce not only because the upper n of the existing pole continues in use r than being discarded), but also because pole segments (which might not themselves be long enough for use as a stand-alone pole) can nevertheless be used to increase the life and/or height of an existing pole. Furthermore, the invention could be used in circumstances where the upper portion (segment) of a pole is damaged (e.g. by a falling tree or the like) but the lower portion (segment) remains undamaged. In this situation, if the upper portion (segment) of the existing power pole is first removed but the lower portion (segment) of the existing pole is kept, the present invention could then be used to insert a new segment to form the upper end of the pole before returning the pole to service.

Referring to Figure 7, ical g of the samples (A) to (F) was carried out based on the ASTM D 1036 - 99 (Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Wood Poles). A three point static bending test was applied. In the testing method, the pole was supported near the butt and tip, and a load was applied at the theoretical ground line by the head of a mechanical testing machine.

For these tests the span between butt and tip supports was approximately 11.3 m (maximum machine span). The ground line load was applied at 2.1 m from the butt end. The position of the pole joint was varied from approximately 5 m to 7.5 m from the butt support.

Test results are e in Table 1 showing: • the span, ground line and length from the butt support to the join; • the diameter at the join; • the maximum force applied; • the number of straps used on the butt and tip sides of the join; and • the failure type.

Table 1 Pole Span Ground Length Diameter Max. Tip Butt Tip Failure type label (m) line (m) to join at join Force load restraint restraint (m) (mm) (kN) (kN) A 11.34 2.1 4.97 306 88.9 16.46 none none n - butt end B 11.32 2.1 7.53 315 180.9 33.56 2 straps 1 strap join in butt straps C 1134 2.1 7.03 274 125.4 23.22 2 straps 1 strap shear - butt end D 11.32 2.1 5.57 280 125.5 23.29 2 straps none tension - top end E 11.34 2.1 5.01 283 102 18.89 3 straps 1 strap shear - butt end F 11.32 2.1 5.48 315 128.2 23.78 2 straps 1 strap join in butt straps Figure 7 (A) to (F) each correspond to samples (A) to (F) listed above and visually rate pole failure in these samples.

Example 2 Finite element analysis was carried out to ascertain the effect of varying the external diameter of the connecting sleeve, and in order to understand the correlation between diameter of the connecting sleeve and stresses experienced by the wood and the connecting sleeve. The external diameter of the ting sleeves was varied from 75mm to 135mm and the thickness of the sleeve wall in each of the s was 3.2mm. A tic of the experimental set up used for the finite element analysis is shown in Figure 12. All measurements shown in Figure 12 are in millimetres (mm). The finite element analysis results are represented in the Tables 2-3 below and in Figure 13.

Table 2 Table 3 Example 3 Several samples of pole members and connecting sleeves were tested, again using a three point bending test represented schematically Figure 14.

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) at the loading point and the joint, tip loading and er of the butt log were recorded for varying connecting sleeves with diameters 72mm and 82mm and sleeve wall thicknesses of 3.9mm, 5.9mm and 7.5mm. Furthermore, reinforcement straps s) were also used to ascertain any changes due to the reinforcement straps in the tested parameters. Figures 8 to 12 related to this Example 3 illustrate s of these tests.

In the t ication and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one ment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to ural or methodical es. It is to be understood that the invention is not d to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The ion is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 pole (A) pole (B) pole (C) pole (D) pole (E) pole (F) Figure 7 Tube Exterior Diameter Tube Wall Thickness Figure 8 Tube Exterior er Tube Wall Thickness Figure 9 Tube or Diameter Tube Wall Thickness Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 13 nued) Figure 14

Claims (12)

1. A method for joining wooden pole ts, the method comprising: inserting a first portion of a connector into a first ring-shaped channel already formed in a joining end of a first wooden pole segment, the first ring-shaped channel extending into the first pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first pole segment such that, at the joining end of the first pole t, there is a core portion on the inside of the first ring-shaped channel and a peripheral portion on the outside of the first ring-shaped channel; inserting a second portion of the connector into a second ring-shaped l y formed in a g end of a second wooden pole segment, the second ring-shaped channel extending into the second pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the second pole segment such that, at the joining end of the second pole segment, there is a core portion on the inside of the second ring-shaped channel and a peripheral n on the outside of the second ring-shaped channel; and inserting the first portion of the connector into the first channel and inserting the second portion of the connector into the second channel, the connector comprising a hollow tube having open ends; and securing the connector relative to the first pole segment and the second pole segment thereby joining the said joining ends of the first and second pole segments, wherein securing the tor includes inserting a ity of fasteners, wherein each fastener is inserted from the outside into a respective first pole segment and second pole segment such that the fastener: engages and extends through the peripheral portion of the pole t, engages and extends through the connector, and engages and extends into the core portion of the pole t thereby securing the pole segment relative to the connector, wherein the plurality of the fasteners are arranged in a substantially spiral or helical arrangement around one or both pole segments.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the two portions of the connector are inserted sufficiently into the respective channels within the respective pole segments so as to form a substantially rigid join that resists g or deflection at the join.

3. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein an adhesive is also used in securing the connector to the first pole segment and the second pole segment.

4. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second ls are formed by drilling into the joining ends of the pole segments with a hole saw drill bit.

5. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the method further comprises positioning a reinforcing strap around the peripheral portion on at least one pole segment and fastening the strap onto said at least one pole segment under tension.

6. A method in ance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector comprises: a hollow first connecting portion, the hollow first connecting portion being configured for ion into the first channel already formed in a joining end of the first wooden pole segment, wherein the first channel extends into the body of the first pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first pole segment, such that when the first ting portion is inserted into the first channel, at the joining end of the first pole t, the core portion of the body of the first pole segment becomes positioned inside the hollow first connecting portion and the peripheral portion of the body of the first pole segment becomes positioned on the outside of the first ting portion; and a hollow second connecting portion, the hollow second ting portion being ured for insertion into the second channel already formed in the joining end of the second wooden pole segment, n the second channel extends into the body of the second pole segment in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the second pole segment, such that when the second connecting portion is inserted into the second l, at the joining end of the second pole segment, the core portion of the body of the second pole segment becomes positioned inside the hollow second connecting portion and the peripheral portion of the body of the second pole segment becomes positioned on the outside of the second connecting n.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6 n: the hollow first connecting portion of the connector is a hollow cylindrical shape, and the first channel in the first wooden pole segment is ring-shaped, such that the core portion of the body of the first pole segment is substantially solid and cylindrical and it s positioned inside the hollow cylindrical first connecting portion when the first connecting portion is inserted into the first channel, and the hollow second connecting portion of the connector is also a hollow cylindrical shape, and the second channel in the second wooden pole segment is also ring-shaped, such that the core portion of the body of the second pole segment is substantially solid and cylindrical and it becomes positioned inside the hollow cylindrical second connecting portion when the second connecting portion is inserted into the second channel.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7, wherein the whole connector has an elongate hollow cylindrical shape.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the connector is made of metal and has a wall a thickness of at least 2mm and more preferably in the range of 3mm to 6mm.

10. A method in accordance with claims 8 or 9 wherein the cylindrical connector has an external diameter of at least 60mm and more preferably in the range of 80mm to 180mm.

11. A method in ance with any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises nails, screws, bolts, or rivets.

12. A pole assembly comprising two wooden pole ts connected together in accordance with the method as claimed in any one of the ing claims.