Mastering the Art of Welding: A Guide to the World of Welding
Welding is not merely a trade; it's an art form, a science, and a crucial aspect of countless...
How Caissons Can be an Alternative to Concrete Foundations
When it comes to designing structures, the foundation is a critical component that contributes to...
Manufacturing Month: A Celebration of Innovation
October is a time to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our everyday lives: manufacturers. ...
Distinguishing the Difference Between DIS-TRAN Steel's Product Families: How the Divide Benefits You
DIS-TRAN Steel takes pride in being able to offer two types of products. We manufacture both...
Peeling Back the Layers of Weathering Steel: When and Why to Choose it for Your Projects
If you’ve ever seen structures with a reddish-brown color and thought it's rusting and needs to be...
Transmission Projects on the Rise: How to Get the Best Lead Times
When customers ask about our services, we consistently encounter one question: "What's your lead...
Announcing Carbon Negative Scope 1 & 2
We proudly announce that the Crest Industries Family of Companies is officially carbon negative for...
DIS-TRAN Steel Participates in Career and Adult Education Program
Chillicothe, OH — DIS-TRAN Steel, located in Washington Court House, reunited with neighboring...
DIS-TRAN Steel's Ribbon Cutting at the Ohio Facility
New ventures bring new adventures. In September of 2020, DIS-TRAN Steel announced the opening of a...
Announcing New Facility
Keeping projects on schedule can be tough. At DIS-TRAN Steel we believe our customers deserve a...
Benefits of Choosing an AISC Certified Fabricator
Billions of dollars go into grid hardening and utility pole and substructure replacements to ensure...
Introducing a New Look for DIS-TRAN Steel
We are proud to announce the launch of our updated Brand Identity. Crest CEO, Kenneth Robison says...
Celebrating 25 Years
Thank you to those customers who have been with us from the start! We are proud to look back at our...
Meet the Team: A Look Inside the Ohio Facility
Dylan Ford and Scott Bordelon have been busy! They took a break from overseeing production at the...
Your Energy Grid Project: 4 Ways to Maximize Time and Budget
The utility infrastructure in the US is undergoing massive change. In federal, state, and municipal...
Engineering Schools, Jobs and Resources
UPDATED 1/11/2023
Engineering is such a broad industry with so many different disciplines. So,...
Better... What's your ONE word for the year?
Okay, so I may be a little late for this post but I wanted to make sure it got posted. As I sat...
What Steel Structures Does Your Utility Project Need?
Anyone in the utility industry today knows the importance of high-quality products so preparing for...
DIS-TRAN Steel’s Quality Engineering Practices Ensure Towers Are Built to Last
On Dec. 14, 2009, the failure of a broadcast tower in Tulsa, Oklahoma had engineers scratching...
The Billionaire’s Guide On DIS-TRAN Steel’s Alliance Partners That Will Get You Rich.
Okay, maybe not RICH but Powerlinx recently conducted a study and the results concluded that...
DISCOLORATION: THE MARKS OF SUPERIOR QUALITY
For hundreds of years steel has served as the physical backbone of civilization. Landmark...
Pros and Cons of using 3D Detailing for Steel Structures...
Trying to find technical blog topics that can be useful and interesting can be difficult. Welcome...
Steel Structures Can be a HOT Business
I just got back from vacation and it was HOT. I started thinking that this must be the hottest time...
3 Transmission Structures Broken Down
When designing transmission structures...
It’s not as simple as saying “ok, I want self-supporting...
Tips for Successful Galvanizing Touch-Ups in the Field
“How do I successfully touch-up galvanizing in the field?” This is a common question about ...
DIS-TRAN Take2: How to Calculate the Anchor Bolt Embedment of Transmission Poles
It's been a while, but we are still at it... That's hopefully creating useful tips that make your...
9 Must Haves for a Steel Structure Specification
Specification are to Steel Structures like...Cherries are to a Banana Split.
Specifications come in...How to Avoid Weld Symbol Miscommunication with AWS A2.4
Being a fabricator, we see a variety of fabrication drawings. Not only do we fabricate from...
SUBSTATIONS: 3 Common Steel Structures Found Inside
Updated 2/9/2024
Before electricity can travel into your home, it must pass through a substation...
Follow-Up: 10 Quick Tips to Help Save Money on Structural Steel
Last week we pointed out how to reduce lead times and save money from the customer’s perspective by...
Tips from Steel Fabricator: How To Reduce Lead Times and Save Money
A few years ago, TLC came out with a show called Extreme Couponing where everyday people mastered...
How to Avoid Excessive Galvanizing Buildup on Steel Structures
Something that might be viewed as a small, insignificant venting hole on a 10,000 pound steel...
DIS-TRAN Take2: How to Design Anchor Bolts
In this edition of DIS-TRAN Take2, led by Senior Civil Engineer, Bill Elliott, PE, he will explain...
DIS-TRAN Take2: Calculating Anchor Bolt Loads
Calculating anchor bolt loads can be tricky when you have more than your standard four anchor bolts...
What is Chemthane 2260 and Why Is It Used on Steel Poles?
After fabrication, every utility structure made from carbon steel undergoes some type of protective...
4 Things to Keep in Mind When Testing Transmission Davit Arms
We like to call our engineers at DIS-TRAN Steel “myth busters.” Their day is spent crunching...
VIDEO: Manipulating Loads for Steel Transmission Pole Design
Check out our first DIS-TRAN Take2 where Bill Elliott, senior civil engineer at DIS-TRAN Steel,...
Proper Draining and Venting Provisions for Steel Structures
Something that might be viewed as a small, insignificant venting hole on a 10,000 pound steel...
Increased Thickness Doesn't Always Give Enough Deflection in Steel Pole
In marketing, catchy titles and inspiring phrases are myforte. However, when it comes to...
Industry Standard Pre-Engineered Steel Pole Compared to RUS Requirements
Previously called Wood Pole Equivalents, Pre-Engineered Steel Poles are classified by the ground...
Headaches Customers and Steel Fabricators Run Into with Production Backlogs
We all appreciate on-time delivery. Whether it’s ensuring your new G. Loomis fishing rod is in...
How To Slip Joint Fit Up on Hermetically Sealed Steel Poles
When preparing specifications for weathering steel transmission pole projects, utilities will often...
10 Tips: How to Save Money When Submitting a Bid to a Steel Fabricator
Every structural steel fabricator is different when it comes down to pricing substation and...
What Everyone in the Hot-Dip Galvanizing Industry Should Know
If you ever have the opportunity to visit a galvanizing plant and watch firsthand the hot-dip...
How to Make a Transmission Pole Plumb Using Raking or Cambering
Appearance can determine a lot just to the naked eye. Without knowing any specifics, when we look...
Direct Embedded versus Drilled Pier Foundation for Transmission Poles
Before I started writing and learning about the utility industry, I honestly never really noticed...
5 Tips to Land You the Most Talked About Exhibitor at IEEE PES T&D Expo
Five decades later, it is evident of the monumental influence that IEEE PES T&D Conference and...
Preventing Vibrations of Steel Transmission Arms Through Dampening
We all have our own “fidgety” fixes: whether it is clicking a pen, tapping our feet, or...
Back to Basics: Slip Fit Pole Assembly Procedure
There are a number of ways to slip a pole: some can be very basic, while others require more...
What Affects Lead Time for Substation and Transmission Steel Structures?
In the utility world, "lead time" is the magical word. It’s one of the main aspects that can make...
5 Clues About Low Voltage Substation Structures
I’m not too sure how many Nickelodeon-or should I say past Nickelodeon viewers, are reading this...
How Leading versus Lagging Indicators Will Change Your Thinking
Growing up as a kid, I’m sure you heard one too many times, “Get down from there! You’re going to...
How to Apply Theory of Constraint in Manufacturing
You’re only as fast as your slowest process…or Herbie.
10 Ways Knowing About Structural Steel Pricing Will Save You Money
Every structural steel fabricator is different when it comes down to pricing substation and...
How to Avoid Excessive Galvanizing Buildup in Steel Structures
Something that might be viewed as a small, insignificant venting hole on a 10,000 pound structure,...
What You Need To Know About Weathering Steel Hardware Assembly
Last week we focused on the importance of pairing suitable galvanized hardware together, so what...
The Insider's Guide to Steel Hardware Assembly
I heard this quote once about “the perfect couple,” and I think it could relate to different...
Why Most Companies Don't Sustain Lean Principles in Manufacturing
Today’s companies freely state Lean principles are practiced within their organizations and relay...
3 Rules to Make Electric Utility Contractors' Lives Easier
Remember the game Messenger? It starts off with one person telling someone something, and then by...
What Separates Hot-Dip Galvanizing From the Pack
"Galvanizing is galvanizing. Hot-Dip Galvanizing is the same as any other type of galvanizing."
How Do Electrical Transmission and Distribution Systems Work? Find Out.
A Transmission and Distribution (T&D) System, has a notorious job of delivering electricity to...
ASCE Issues America’s Infrastructure a D Report Card
Is a D average sufficient enough? Well, to answer that I’d guess you would need to take into...
The Sustainable Truth About Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Over the past couple of decades, environmental awareness has been on the rise as more people are...
The 8th Deadly Sin of Shipping Steel Structures
Last week we provided a blog of what we felt were the 7 Deadly Sins of Shipping Steel Structures...
7 Deadly Sins of Shipping Steel Structures
Just like fuel is needed for an engine or a bowl is needed for soup, communication between the...
The Beginner’s Guide to Bolts of Assembly Hardware
Who knew steel assembly hardware could be so complex? There’s shop bolts verses field bolts,...
Two ASCE Must-Have References for Transmission & Substation Design
Whether you’re a seasoned Engineer or still working on your P.E., there are a few ASCE must-haves...
8 Most Common On-Site Concerns With Galvanized Steel
When steel is delivered on-site the first thing that is noticed is the coating appearance. Upon...
A Fool-Proof Formula For Value Stream Mapping
Around now for over 10 years, Lean Manufacturing has proven to be an essential tool. The concept...
Structural Detailing and Where It's Heading
Structural detailing is headed in a new direction, and this time, it’s three dimensional.
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider an Alliance Partnership
Being a VIP, no matter the situation, is always a good feeling. Not only is it a feeling of...
5 Useful Steps for Hand Safety
Culture is a powerful thing. It affects the way we think, operate, our instincts and reactions.
TechAdvantage 2013: 5 Things To Do When the Sun Goes Down
Question: So what comes next after Mardi Gras week full of jazz music, elaborate floats, king...
A Two-Part Recipe for Understanding Galvanized Coating Appearances
In last week’s post I outlined the 5 different grades of zinc used for hot-dip galvanizing; LME,...
What You May Not Know About Hot-Dip Galvanizing
When you think of a galvanizing kettle, you might only think it’s a bunch of hot melted silver...
Wood Structures: Still in the Game or Ancient History?
While many say “Out with the old and in with the new,” this might be true for hairstyles, tube...
LEAN: How to Achieve Success Using 6S
Every manufacturer wants their product to be at the world-class level, but the question is “Can...
A 10 Step Guide to the Best Kind of Christmas
Even if it’s just for a few weeks out of the year, I’ll take it.
Back to Basics in Transmission Structures
Updated August 15, 2023.
Transmission lines are an essential component of the utility...
Be Aware of Scrap Pricing and How to Stay in "The Know"
In the old days, steel was made in integrated mills, but today, vast amounts of steel are produced...
Road to Recovery After Hurricane Sandy
DIS-TRAN Wood Products has kicked it into overdrive as storm restoration orders began pouring in...
How to Use Lean Manufacturing to Increase Production
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could eliminate all of our problems so that life would be much easier?
DIS-TRAN Goes Pink!
While October brings the ghouls and goblins and witches fly through the night on their...
Behind the scenes look at Substations and Transmissions
Turning on a light happens within a blink of an eye. But it’s a little more complicated than just...
The Secret to Building Morale by Maintaining Your Plant
If a potential customer does a walk-through at your plant and the first thing they notice is...
Design Practice for Flange Plates versus Slip Joint Connections
Having a good relationship with your vendor will ensure a smooth and confident outcome.
How do we ensure safety?
Shortcuts can be killers. So, in every endeavor, DIS-TRAN makes sure to provide the highest level...
More than just Standard Steel Poles...
It’s always hard when you’re first starting out and trying to establish yourself and your company,...
Distinguishing the DIS-TRAN Difference
It’s funny how things change. When we’re young and impressionable, we want to blend right in with...
DIS-TRAN Steel's Quick Response for Storm Restoration
When August graces us with her presence, we cringe, and I’m not just referring to the scorching...