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At KA Engineering Group, we recently completed a project involving the structural analysis of a sequence of towers supporting netting enclosing a sports complex to ensure that the structures could withstand the wind and weight loading on the, tower, connecting wires and netting, protecting the public from stray balls.

The towers are connected as an array, so it is important to analyse the full connected structure to properly define the system response. However, analysing a large number of lattice towers in a single finite element analysis is complex and computationally expensive. To simplify, we completed preliminary analysis by replacing the lattice towers with single poles. We had to ensure that the poles were representative of the global behaviour of the individual towers. The closer the poles are to the towers, the more analogous the global interaction between the actual tower sequence.

We determined the global properties such stiffness, deflection, of each individual lattice tower. The structural characteristics of the poles (main inner and outer diameters) were iteratively refined until the pole and lattice tower responses were equal. The benefit of continuous refinement is greater accuracy. Using the resulting loads (forces, moments) from the sequence analysis of the poles, we were able to assess then perform detailed analysis of each lattice tower.

Using poles in the sequence analysis allowed us to deliver the project in good time to the client. At KA Engineering Group, we continue to push boundaries, developing new and unique ways to tackle structural issues and advancements in a range of applications. The dynamic nature of the development in our company sets us apart from our competition as we are always seeking to improve existing methods.

Contact our expert team at: info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.

In wall mounted pole structures, the design loads on ancillaries, i.e. wind load and vertical gravitational loads, are transferred to the walls through the anchors.The anchor pull-out load is limited by anchor and wall capacity. In the event of pull-out load being higher than anchor capacity, internal load bearing back plates can be installed. But if the pull-out load is higher than the wall capacity, a different strategy is adopted to redistribute the loads.

At KA Engineering Group, we have recently analysed and proposed diagonal bracing in wall mounted pole structures at two sites to reduce the cantilever overhang causing high anchor pull loads and posing risk to the primary structure (the wall). The braces are designed to reduce the dynamic loads on wall by redistributing the loads to rooftop. This design also optimises the primary pole and wall brackets and results in a cost-effective solution. If the primary pole is mounted near the corner of wall, the braces can also be installed to secondary wall mounted poles in two orthogonal directions.

KA Engineering Group not only completes structural due diligence for all telecommunication support structures, we also take further 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.

The Special Hexagonal Lattice Tower is a good solution for site-share, aimed at accommodating several telecom industry operators and to provide for spare capacity for future technological upgrades. The design and analysis of these structures pose unique engineering challenges requiring specialist finite element modelling and analysis knowledge.

Some of the unique challenges are

• The modelling complexity due to the hexagonal configuration requires unconventional modelling skills to generate accurate structural model. The verification of such complex system response is only possible by an engineer with clear fundamental knowledge and experience.
• The several levels of connection design check due to the various combinations of loads (bending, shear, and tensile forces) requires efficient pre and post-processing tools.
• Finally, reporting must be simple and clear to both technical and non-technical users.

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 or kingsley.sunday@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.

At KAEG, our core engineering strength is the culture of upholding fundamental structural understanding as one of the most important attributes of being engineers. The introduction of software into engineering design and analysis is perhaps one of the greatest engineering breakthroughs. However, this undeniable good, is also threatening core understanding of civil/structural engineering fundamental first principles by fostering complete reliance on these powerful black-box software.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, including 3D modelling, with spectacular 3D visuals are valuable telecoms engineering tools, enabling efficiency, improved modelling and accuracy, and presentation. However, these tools do not negate the need for understanding of the fundamental engineering principles. Some important axioms that we live by at KAEG are:

1. Engineering software, including powerful FEA can serve as garbage-in and garbage-out.
2. It is paramount to develop fundamental understanding of structural load-path and response behaviour.
3. Always fall back to first principles structural engineering to sense check software results/outputs.
4. Master and understand your recommended engineering design codes and standards.

A trained software technician can complete design and analysis, but a true engineer can understand, manipulate, validate, and interpret the structural model and response. At KAEG, we continue to drive quality by leveraging fundamental knowledge, techniques and skills enhanced by appropriate use of industry standard software.

Get in touch at kingsley.Sunday@ka-engroup.com or info@ka-engroup.com to discuss how we can best serve your needs.

The fast pace delivery schedule of 5G roll-outs mean that there is an increasing demand to deliver within tight programme schedule and to higher quality, utilising existing and bespoke structures to support heavier antennas and RRUs.

KAEG delivered more than 180 telecoms structural design and inspection projects in the month of August. We continue to demonstrate our dedicated support to our clients which includes other design consultants, design & build contractors, and operators. Our team of seasoned chartered and experienced engineers working to the highest engineering standards are well positioned to support the needs of the telecom industry.

Please get in touch at: kingsley.sunday@ka-engroup.com or info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can support and address your structural needs.

The assessment of monopole base flange and hold-down bolts (HDB) assembly is often overlooked by structural designers and consultants. It is generally assumed that this assembly is structurally suitable and less critical. Furthermore, in cases where they have been assessed, crude analytical methods are adopted which results in over-conservative or under-designs.

We are finding that an increasing number of structures are being decommissioned before their useful life due to over-stressed flange and HDB assembly as it can be expensive to engineer and implement a suitable strengthening solution.

KAEG are at the forefront of adequate engineering of new structures and providing cost-effective strengthening solutions to over-stressed but underutilised structures to ensure continuous safe operations.

Contact our expert team at: info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.

KAEG visited the Charity Helping Hand to show our support and appreciation for their good work. KAEG made a charitable contribution to Helping Hand to mark this season of sharing and goodwill.

Helping Hand supports the immediate needs of children and their parents at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The organisation provided a great deal of support for one of staff during a challenging episode when a family member was involved in an accident.

Although still in relative infancy, we at KAEG are very clear about what kind of company we want to be: the kind that shares its successes no matter how small or large with its community. As we celebrate this season we encourage everyone to stop and reflect on how we can support others in dire need with our time and resources.

At KAEG, we take the welfare of our staff seriously. We do not count numbers but unique individuals who are also entitled to succeed as they contribute to the success of KAEG business and stakeholders. As such, KAEG’s visit to Helping Hand is dedicated to the memory of a dear loved family member of one of our staff who is more than a colleague.

Great to see one of our detailed engineering design of lattice tower foundation successfully constructed in a challenging terrain with technical support and witnessing provided by one of our seasoned KAEG engineers. KA Engineering Group not only completes structural due diligence for all telecommunication support structures, we take pride in extending operators’ assets life, optimising and improving capacity whilst ensuring confidence and enhancing in-service safety. 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.

We are finding that an increasing number of towers (lattice and monopoles), standard or bespoke are being sanctioned to meet growing demand from telecommunications and meteorological services. These towers require expert structural engineering with flexibility to conform to British Codes and Standard, European Design Standards, and other international Design Standards in-line with the region of operations and operators’ requirement. The engineering must be holistic, taking into consideration safety and quality which feeds into activities such as procurement, fabrication, delivery, and installation maximise cost efficiency and minimise delivery schedule.

Please contact our expert team at: info@ka-engroup.com to learn more and discuss how we can best serve your needs.