Communications & Telemetry Support Tower Construction
Working with a steel tower, rebar, and concrete, this project involved the design, construction, and installation of a 180-foot communications and telemetry support tower. The tower itself was made of extra-heavy, solid steel in an effort to adhere to the client's tight tolerances. Additionally, clusters of antennas were mounted on the tower and held in a constant position to enable the calibration of a 18.2 meter and 5.2 meter up/downlink satellite tracking dishes.
The construction site included two communications shelters, and was completed using geotech fabric, gravel, and chain-link fencing. All materials and tools were delivered to the client on location by USTS and a subcontractor.
The drilled caisson tower foundation was leveled with a transit, and concrete was delivered by a local plant. The transmission lines were then installed in concrete duct banks, and the tower was assembled on the ground and erected by a 100-ton crane. Because the tower was fitted with work access platforms, United States Tower Services provided climber training for the customer staff. Rebar cages were tied by the local subcontractor. Inspections and testing were performed on the foundation and rebar cage, and anchor bolts were replaced. Concrete testing and crane testing were also done in-process, and all antennas and coaxial systems were swept after installation. The project took 5 weeks to complete.
Specifications:
| Capabilities Applied/Processes | The augmented grounding system was designed and installed using several specialized ground rods. The site included two communication shelters and was completed with geotech fabric, gravel, and chain link fencing. The tower was designed by the manufacture based on the design loads required and installed with a crane. The tower was fitted with work access platforms. USTS provided climber training for the customer staff. |
|---|---|
| Equipment Used to Install Tower | 100 Ton Crane Bob Cat skid Loader Caisson Drill Rig Concrete Pump Track Back Hoe |
| Overall Tower Size | 180' tower |
| Construction Methods | Concrete was delivered from local concrete plant Rebar cages were tied by the subcontractor. The drilled caisson tower foundation was leveled with transit. Tower was assembled on ground and erected by crane. Transmission lines were installed in concrete duct bank trenches. |
| Logistics | All materials and tools were delivered to the customer on site by United States Tower Services or the subcontractor. |
| Materials Worked With | Concrete Rebar Steel Tower |
| Finishing | Site Finish Grade Material |
| In process Inspections performed | Foundation excavation, rebar cage, anchor bolt placement, concrete testing and crane. All antennas and coax systems were swept after installation. |
| Industry for Use | Government/Space Research |
| Installation Location | Mid Atlantic USA |
| Completion Time | 5 weeks |
| Tower Type | Self support HF antenna tower and self support UHF/VHF antenna tower |
