Industry News

The increasing sizes of telecommunication antennas mean increasing load demands on existing towers. In many cases strengthening of existing towers is unavoidable. The common strengthening method of introducing additional members has some significant disadvantages such as weight and the windage area increase. An alternative strengthening method being investigated is the strengthening of tower legs or braces using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).

The term is used to describe a fibre reinforced composite material that uses fibres as the primary structural component and thermosetting resins such as epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester as the matrix.

Some advantages of this strengthening method include:

• negligible increase of the reference wind area and therefore of the wind forces,
• marginal increase in structural self-weight,
• no need for exchange of brace profiles,
• adjustment and fine tuning of the extent of strengthening to the design needs
• great strength to corrosion and fatigue.

Some advantages of this strengthening method include:

• A totally brittle failure. It has no plastic behavior, so it has not the ability to absorb energy
• Anisotropic response and strength. There are many variables that could change its behavior and strength. The grade and quality of materials, the manufacturing process, fiber architecture, and the quality need to be considered.

It will certainly be interesting to see if this technology is adopted within the telecoms industry.

KAEG has the capability to accurately engineer complex and challenging telecom structures, including providing cost effective workable strengthening schemes aimed at improving structural capacity and life-extension. Contact our expert team at: info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.

In our modern communication, where our interconnected world relies on seamless signal transmission, telecom towers are the unsung heroes of our digital age, enabling the flow of data that keeps us connected. At the heart of this reliability lies the structural integrity of telecom towers, which bear the weight of antennas and facilitate the transmission of signals across a wide range. However, when these towers sway and bend under the forces of nature, such as wind and temperature fluctuations, a critical issue arises. Telecom tower deflection, the subtle yet impactful bending and swaying of structures due to environmental forces, can significantly affect signal quality. Hence, precise antenna alignment becomes crucial for optimal signal transmission. Any deviation caused by deflection may lead to signal misdirection and degradation. Therefore, striking a balance between flexibility and stability in tower design is paramount to maintaining structural integrity and preserving signal quality.

Engineers employ various techniques to mitigate tower deflection and preserve signal integrity. Common approaches include using guy wires for additional support and stability, as well as implementing structural reinforcements to strengthen key components of the tower. However, implementing these strategies requires careful consideration of cost-effectiveness and practicality. Studies show how deflection affects signal quality across environments, guiding design, and maintenance practices. Additionally, advancements in materials, predictive modelling, and remote monitoring offer promising avenues to enhance tower performance and minimise signal disruption, ensuring reliable communication networks for our interconnected world.

At KAEG, we recognise the importance of telecom tower deflection on signal quality, highlighting the complex relationship between engineering, nature, and connectivity. We prioritise this understanding, acknowledging the need for effective mitigation strategies to ensure the reliability and integrity of our telecommunications infrastructure. As we look to the future, continued innovation and collaboration will be crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of signal transmission. Contact our expert team at info@ka-engroup.com for more information

In the realm of telecom infrastructure development, precision and efficiency are paramount. Traditional methods of surveying telecom structures have undergone a revolutionary transformation with the advent of Lidar technology. Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, utilises laser beams to measure distances and create detailed 3D models of objects and environments. While previously used primarily in specialised equipment, recent advancements have seen Lidar technology integrated into consumer devices, such as smartphones. Lidar, integrated into smartphones like recent iPhone models, enables capturing precise 3D models of objects.

Gone are the days of cumbersome on-site visits with dedicated cameras or expensive drones. With Lidar-equipped smartphones, surveyors can quickly capture intricate details of structures from a distance. The ability to generate detailed 3D models allows designers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing structure, eliminating the need to sift through countless photos, and hoping the surveyor did not miss a crucial angle or having to rely on guesswork.

Lidar technology in smartphones offers a cost-effective and accessible solution for surveying. Surveyors can efficiently capture and analyse data, reducing time and expenses. Portable and versatile, these devices adapt to various environments, from remote cell towers to urban infrastructure.

In conclusion, Lidar technology in smartphones streamlines surveying, enhances accuracy, and provides valuable insights into existing structures. As technology advances, further innovations will revolutionise telecom infrastructure development, making surveying tasks more efficient than ever.

Assuming that we can keep the Pandas at bay, should we be looking at replacing steel with bamboo? Can bamboo telecommunication towers be sustainable and economical? Telecom towers are usually fabricated using steel because steel has very good strength. However, due to its tightly packed fibres, bamboo has superior tensile strength over steel. Producing steel also has a lot of drawbacks like high costs, atmospheric pollution, and environmental degradation. Bamboo, on the other hand, can be produced at very low costs and has various environmental benefits.

So far so good! Unfortunately, tensile strength alone is not sufficient. Bamboo is prone to insect attacks and will degrade until sustained exposure to water which is an issue for any towers not installed in the Sahara!

Perhaps the future of bamboo will depend on its use as a composite material or more resistant strains will be cultivated to remove some of the limitations. Either way, we are excited to see what the future holds.

At KA Engineering Group, we like to think of ourselves as a solution independent structural consultancy. We leverage our extensive engineering experience to accurately design the most suitable telecom structure for your needs. We take responsible steps to consider, advise, and optimise each site, ensuring cost-effective design, installation, and maintenance for build contractors and efficient utilisation for operators. Contact our expert team at: info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.