This paper outlines recent research by Bristol County Council (BCC) into lighting column construction and protection methods, which has led to the Bristol Column Specification. This new specification was introduced in March 1998, after several months of investigation, design, and product evaluation. Through this initiative, BCC has learned much about the column design and manufacturing industry. The paper presents its views on column design and specification, based on this recent experience. BCC identified the following objectives before developing its specification: (1) developing an affordable lighting column with 40-50 year design life; (2) extending this life further if galvanised steel columns are to be used; (3) ensuring that the construction method for galvanised steel columns is not exclusive to one manufacturer; (4) reviewing possible alternatives to galvanised steel columns; and (5) making reasonable allowance for column attachments, to ensure that their design criteria are not exceeded on site. The column specification is based on British Standards BS 5649 and BS 26/94 with some additional features. The paper covers the K factor, luminaire criteria, sign attachments design, column and bracket construction, protective system, and column installation.
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