Self Supporting Telecom Towers - and the Network Backbone
Telecommunication, as a service, involves transmission of information over large distances and it requires a strong backbone network infrastructure. The network is made up of a complex web of various devices, among which self supporting telecom towers form a crucial component.
These telecom towers are used to hold transmission equipment at elevated levels, especially at places where there is no other base structure like the rooftop of a tall building. Self supporting telecom towers, like the name implies, are independent constructions typically erected at offsite locations to hold wireless transmission equipment through vast expanses of uninhabited lands, between cities of coverage.
Key Types of Self Supporting Telecom Tower Structures and their Durability
Depending on the applicability, and terrain of the installation site, there are different types of telecom tower structures that are recommended.
Steel Lattice structure: Steel lattice structures, are modular in construction and are made up of latticed steel elements. The elements may have a triangular, or a square cross section. They are usually four legged with taper toward the top. Steel lattice constructions are very widely used since they offer the advantage of minimum wind resistance and easy maintenance.
Tubular Steel structure: Tubular steel structures offer great load bearing capacity. They are made up of elements with tubular section that are bolted and welded together to get great strength. The sections of tubular towers have their own advantages, but offer very less durability at places with corrosive environment, like a coastal area or an industrial zone. This is because in a tubular section the inside surface cannot be monitored regularly and treated with anti-corrosion paints.
Reinforced concrete towers: These towers are among the most expensive to construct. However, reinforced concrete towers provide maximum rigidity against high wind-loads. Exceptionally designed towers such as CN tower in Toronto, can add to the aesthetics of the city by proving to be a tourist landmark. These towers can house within it, a control center to monitor and control operations of the tower.
Fiberglass towers: These towers are used for very niche and limited applications such as low power non-directional beacons and medium wave transmission. Good quality fiberglass can have its own advantages as far as durability is concerned. But its load bearing capacity is far lower than that of its steel counterparts, and hence is used for very limited requirements.
Selection of self supporting telecom towers is a decision that should critically weigh durability of the tower with its cost. A specialized telecom turnkey solutions construction partner such as Mer Telecom, with its experience can help optimize your telecom network plans with the right selection of telecom towers to suit the terrain as well as your budget.
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