TCB Industrial has been awarded a unit pole replacement scope supporting reliability at a Northern California hydroelectric facility. Structural and support elements within hydro facilities play a vital role in maintaining alignment, load transfer, and safe operation of mechanical systems.
This award focuses on replacing a degraded unit pole to restore structural integrity and support long-term performance.
Importance of structural support components
Unit poles and similar structural elements are subject to sustained loads, vibration, and environmental exposure. Over time, these conditions can lead to material degradation or reduced load-carrying capacity.
Replacing compromised supports before failure helps prevent secondary damage and maintains proper alignment of connected equipment.
Scope and execution planning
TCB’s approach includes field verification to assess existing conditions, confirm load paths, and plan removal and replacement activities. Work sequencing is developed to maintain stability of adjacent components throughout execution.
Replacement activities may involve controlled removal of the existing support, installation of the new element, and verification of proper seating and alignment.
Rigging and handling considerations
Structural components often require controlled handling due to weight and access constraints. TCB applies appropriate rigging methods to ensure predictable movement and stable positioning during replacement.
Communication and coordination are emphasized to maintain safe conditions throughout the operation.
Safety and quality focus
Structural replacement work introduces risks related to suspended loads and temporary instability. TCB’s safety controls include exclusion zones, defined lift plans where required, and continuous monitoring during critical steps.
Quality checks confirm that the installed component meets design intent and integrates cleanly with surrounding structures.
What this award represents
This project demonstrates TCB’s capability to execute targeted structural maintenance within hydroelectric facilities. By addressing support components proactively, TCB helps maintain safe, reliable operation of critical infrastructure.
