In monopole structures, such as those used for telecommunication towers and lighting masts, The base flange is one of the most crucial parts of a monopole because it acts as the structural interface between the slender steel shaft and the heavy concrete foundation. This component transfers the structural loads such as axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments from the pole to the anchor bolts and ultimately into the concrete base. A base flange check is essentially the structural verification that this connection can safely withstand all applied loads without failure or excessive deformation. A proper check ensures that the flange thickness, diameter, and overall stiffness are adequate to prevent excessive bending, local yielding, or plate instability.
When a base flange is under designed, it may deform or dish, leading to uneven load distribution into the foundation. This deformation can compromise both the durability and stability of the monopole, even if the upper shaft remains intact.
At KA Engineering Group we rigorously check the flange focusing on plate bending capacity, stiffness against out-of-plane deflection, and resistance to localized stresses. By ensuring the flange can sustain all applied forces without distortion, we guarantee a reliable foundation connection, prolonging the service life of the monopole and safeguarding the structure against premature failure.
Contact our expert team at info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.