Communication is the ever changing phenomenon that shapes numerous lives every day. With the never ending boom in the telecommunication industry, a large number of towers have to be set up in order to create more communication channels. The construction of these can impact the future of a country greatly.
It is indeed an extremely expensive task to develop telecom infrastructure. Quality management and safety measures have to be adhered to while setting up communication towers. The towers act as antennas. The only difference is that they are attached to the ground. Antennas that are supported by other structures are called masts.
A wide variety of construction materials are used to set up the towers.
Tubular Steel is used in the construction of masts. It is harsh-weather resistant. It also gives a better aesthetic appeal. Tubular steel is known to reduce dead weight of the structure. It is also considered to be very economical and reduces the overall cost of construction drastically.
Lattice steel is extremely wind resistant, tensile and shows great strength. It is one of the most widely used steels in construction. It is generally used for construction in transmission towers as it suits tapered structures well.
Fiber Glass is used for broadcast transmissions. While the cost of using this material is expensive, it is much lighter than steel and offers great strength. It is also durable and weather resistant.
The wood is used for the construction of small towers. Wood is not generally used in the construction of telecommunication towers as it is not as strong as steel. But in case of low budget constructions of small towers it might be used.
As stated earlier, the telecom towers work as antennas. These antennas require support structures. Below are lists of support structures that are erected by various construction services to lend support to the antenna.
Poles are the most basic support structures for antennas. They can be made from wood or steel. They are relatively cheaper and easier to construct compared to other support groups.
Since the support structures are generally not aesthetically appealing, the use of disguised cell structures comes into picture. This is why the towers are sometimes concealed strategically behind trees so that the large projection does not look crude to the eye.
While this may not be aesthetically sensible, positioning an antenna on a tall building serves as a good vantage point for communication. Low power FM antennas are erected on buildings.
One of the most creative and quirky ways of hosting a supporting antenna is by setting it up on a kite or a balloon. Of course, the antennas placed within it are generally small, and the risk damage as the support is not weather resistant.
The above furnished details on Telecom construction barely graze the surface of the vast information present. The setting up of these structures is vital and requires experts to develop it.
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