Rocla manufactures traction masts for the railways. Rocla masts are specifically designed for limited deflection under loading and capable of handling very high loads. These masts are used for OHTE (overhead track equipment) and come in lengths of 9m, 11m, 12m and 13m with strength ratings of either 64KN.m or 84KN.m. Concrete masts are ideal for long term OHTE structures which don't need to be maintained and aren't affected by natural elements, vandalism or rust.
Rocla cast concrete masts have many advantages because they are:
- Maintenance free
- Do not require expensive foundations
- Aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly
- Resistant to vandalism and theft because they have no scrap value
- Resistant to fire
- Resistant to rust
- Standard in dimensions
- Made to client's specifications with preformed holes
- No drilling necessary - assembly of fittings is easy
- Amenable to being stored and stockpiled even in remote areas, because :
- Weight of poles discourages theft
- Poles will not corrode or rot
- Rectangular profile is easy to stack
Rocla is the pioneer in the manufacture of concrete poles and masts in South Africa. Our concrete poles are used for lighting, electricity distribution, telecommunications and other applications. We have worked closely together with Eskom over the last 3 decades in the research and development of concrete poles for electrification.
The past ten years has seen particularly rapid growth in the use of concrete poles as timber and steel poles lost their cost effectiveness and became increasingly unacceptable environmentally.
The Rocla product range falls into two broad categories:
- cast concrete poles which are cost effective for a wide range of applications and are made in lengths up to 13m;
- spun concrete poles which are manufactured in single lengths up to 24m and in jointed lengths to make a pole of 39.6m length.
Tractional Masts - Rocla manufactures electrification masts for the railways which require a concrete structure that is designed for limited deflections and capable of handling very high loading. These masts are used for OHTE (overhead track equipment) and come in different lengths with different rated strengths. Concrete masts are ideal for long term OHTE structures which don’t need to be maintained and aren’t affected by natural elements, vandalism or rust.
Cast Poles for Lighting - Rocla’s reinforced, hollow, spun concrete poles are the “benchmark” product for long life, zero maintenance, street lighting poles. The poles are available in a wide range of heights, load capabilities and fitting requirements. The elegant appearance of the poles with it’s smooth light grey finish and continuous taper, makes it very attractive for street lighting.
Cast Poles for Electricity - A vision of electricity for all the people of South Africa was well established in Eskom more than two decades ago. Rocla fully subscribed to and supported it. Together we researched and developed concrete poles for use in electrical power transmission and distribution. The pilot concrete pole project was Orange Farm, a cooperative effort between Eskom, Rocla and other companies. Rocla now provides economical cast concrete pole systems to the electrical distribution market. The technically advanced tall spun pole has been used on transmission lines for new development areas such as Richards Bay, Venetia Mine etc.
Cast Poles for Electrification - The electrification of South Africa’s townships needs to be done on a cost effective, productive basis. The Rocla cast concrete pole has become a standard for this purpose with many advantages over traditional wooden poles and is used extensively by Eskom and other developers. An optimised design enables the use of standardised fittings and aids productivity of installation. The concrete pole is resistant to vandalism and fire and is maintenance-free with a long design life. Rocla concrete poles tackle the challenge of township electrification with a system that has the versatility of above ground installation while being a cost effective long term product.
Reticulation Poles - Reticulation systems for electricity typically refer to the supply of 11kV and 22kV power to farming communities and other outlying facilities. One of the particular advantages of the concrete pole for this purpose is its resistance to veld fires. The cost of replacing damaged wooden poles far outweighs the cost of a concrete pole. These days it is, in any event, normally more cost effective to install an original concrete system, than a wooden one based on life-cycle costing.
Transmission and Distribution Poles - Rocla’s technically advanced spun concrete poles are well suited for the exacting requirements of electrical distribution line construction. The durable, maintenance free poles are not only very strong but are uniformly strong through 360º unlike the normal cast concrete poles which have a major and minor load axis. The spun pole derives its extra strength properties from the unique centrifugal manufacturing process which gives uniform densely compacted concrete along the whole length of the pole. The last stage of the spinning cycle also removes water that is surplus to cement hydration requirements.
Telecom Poles - The recent rapid coverage of the country’s main urban areas and connecting roads with tall microwave cellular telephone masts had been handled with appropriate concern for the environment. Rocla was able to satisfy the need for an environmentally friendly structure with their elegant spun concrete pole. Rocla’s product is also more cost effective than traditional alternatives, while offering a maintenance-free, longer lifespan.
