Part 1 Monopole Tower Structures

1 of 5 training modules created for simple understanding of types of tower structures for vertical applications used in the Wireless network development industry

1. Engineer Training Series – Monopole Towers (1) Monopole (2) Self Supporter (3) Guyed Tower The following information is presented in a 3 part series that cover the Parts, Foundations, Erection, and Maintenance efforts for each of the following structure types: Fred Teichman 03/2014 Part 1 Objective: Understand, Confirm, and Explore ... Past and Most Common

2. Part One – Monopole Typical Use Purpose, Space, Capacity & Location Great for Urban areas and Most Aesthetically pleasing

3. Part One – Why use a Monopole? Monopoles S trength , reliability and adaptability. The tapered , slip-fitted design is the most common and the least offensive visually for today's strict zoning and permit requirements . With a footprint of less than 50 square feet, monopoles are perfect for small sites. Other distinguishing advantages include: Easy assembly L ess expensive installation Interior routing of cables which reduces wind loading Can be designed for multiple carriers plus microwave capability Platforms and antenna arrays can be rotated to any azimuth

4. Part One – What & How ... Monopoles Monopoles 6 5 % of the photos used in this material are from actual projects and referenced by customer & site. Project drawings and costs information is available upon request. [email protected] Typical Parts & Pieces (Structure & Accessories) Manufactures Foundations Assembly and Erection Installation & Maintenance

5. Monopole Typical Parts Vertical Shaft

6. Monopole – 2 typical designs - Tapered or Stepped The Shaft - Continuous Tapered and Stepped pipe monopoles in a variety of sizes and configurations  Stepped Pipe - where the sections reduce in size T apered monopoles are designed as 12 , 16, or 18-sided and to various heights

7. Monopole Typical Parts The Connection

8. Monopole 2 Types Connections – Sleeved or Flanged Slip Sleeve Tapered Pole with Low Profile platform Flanged Pipe Poles F langed pipe poles can be Internally or externally flanged. T apered monopoles are designed as 12 , 16, or 18-sided and to various heights

9. Monopole – Slip Joint is the favorite and easiest Slip Joint is the most common Typical 150 pole will come in 3 sections Sections weight various depending on design – typical B ottom section: 10K – 13K lbs Mid section : 7K – 9K lbs Top Section : 3K – 6K lbs

10. Monopole – Base Plates – Lots of Varity Base Plates come in many shapes and sizes Unfortunately the type of base plate does not lead insight to the manufacture

11. Monopole – By Who Manufacture

12. Monopole – Manufactures: Who and Where Is now Valley NE Sioux City IA Ontario NY South Bend IN Newbury OH Ft Worth TX Pensacola FL Peoria IL Plymouth IN

13. Monopole – Manufactures: Who does what These Companies manufacture primarily continuous-taper slip jointed monopoles These Companies manufacture both continuous-taper slip jointed and step taper with internal and external flange monopoles

14. Monopole Typical Parts Accessories & Mounts

15. Monopole Basic Parts & Accessories Platforms & Mounts Safety climb systems Exit and Entry ports – Hand holes ? Step Bolts Bolt on typical for multiple and large mount structures Chain mounts used for lighter application

16. Monopole – Specific Parts: Mounts Triple T – Arm for 6 antennas Ultra Low Profile Mount Source: SitePro 1 ( valmont ) Low Profile Platform for 12 antennas Full Platform with Hand rail Most Carrier Networks are designed using 3 sectors with at least 1 antenna / sector Difficult access for technician Safe access

17. Monopole – Entry and Exit Ports ATC Designs – Cricket W. Elgin IL Entry Ports Exit Ports Hand holes and Pipe exit are used

18. Monopole Foundations Foundations

19. Monopole Foundation Types Drilled Caisson most common .... Pad & Pier occasionally Why: Area disturbed by Fnd Excavation Equipment Shelter or Cabinet Soil conditions Schedule Costs Pegasus Twr – Scott PA

20. Monopole Foundation Installation – Caisson Drill Rig, Bits, Casing and Equipment needed Clean Hole Typical sizes 6-8’ diameter with depths ranging from 18 – 28’

21. Monopole Foundation Installation – Challenges 14 ’ down limestone becomes a problem so the step method - drilling down to depth with a 2’ auger and then going up in size in 1’ steps. MNDOT - Silver Creek MN Burned up replaceable tips

22. Monopole Foundation Installation – Caisson After hole is drilled to required depth - Rebar cage is lifted into hole and secured /positioned prior to pouring concrete. Note: the Drill Rig is used for, drilling removing spoils, and lifting the required material used in the foundation Majority of concrete is poured into hole prior to setting anchor bolts

23. Monopole Foundation Installation – anchor bolts Anchor bolts and template are lowered into hole once the concrete is filled to a certain level Anchor bolts assembly Then the concrete is poured out Note - Anchor bolts projection critical for final plumbing of pole

24. Monopole Foundation Installation – Pad & Pier The Pad & Pier requires more area & s chedule but clearly is a more costs effective approach. 21’ x 21’ pad with 6’ pier Pegasus - Scott PA

25. Monopole – Offload, Assembly & Erection Offload Assembly & Erection

26. Monopole offload and Assembly Depending on the size of the structure the pole could be delivered on one or many truck loads. 90 ton crane typical for stacking 150 – 190’ Monopole

27. Monopole offload and Assembly Platform First step is to install the step bolts Prep the anchor bolts with the elevation nuts Each new structure has come with an identity name plate – Manufacture, Site Name, Date etc. Everything is assembled on the ground to minimize the work in the air.

28. Monopole Erection – First Section (bottom) First step – Know proper orientation for bottom Entry ports as it relates to the equipment One of the workers will be responsible to providing the crane with hands signals to safely raise, lower and position the 10,000+ lbs steel section on the anchor bolts This hand signal means “ Hold” while they rotate the section

29. Monopole Assembly & Erection Another view – Setting the base section Slip joint in action – note no step bolts in area Overlap of sections Tag lines are used to guide and pivot the section for correct alignment Note the straps used to lift the pole – choked and not at the top – why ?

30. Monopole Erection section by section 90 ton crane typical for stacking 150 – 190’ Monopole Each section is lifted in place a nd set. The self weight of the s ection causes the slip joint to seat fully with the help of a l ittle soup acting as a lubricant.

31. Monopole Erection - topping off The platform is always assembled on the ground prior. Most of the time it is the last large section to be raised and installed. Sometimes it is bolted on the top section prior

32. Monopole – How are Antennas installed ? Installing Equipment

33. Installing Equipment on Monopoles Once the pole is stack - next is to Install the equipment. S ince the hourly rate for crane is expensive, the Crew b reaks down the crane (removes jib), and gets the crane off the project to stop the billable clock. Then a block is used at the top of the structure and the tower is now part of the lifting equipment Capstan winch w ith foot switch Single drum winch with Rope capstone on the side

34. Most Common Equipment – Support Hardware Here are a few of the most common equipment accessories (support hardware) used to secure the equipment to tower, on the mounts and into the equipment enclosure: Angle Adapter Round Member Adapter (with standoff) Hoisting Grip Snap-in and Standard hanger

35. Installing & Alignment on Monopoles Antenna Alignment Tool for proper Azimuth Digital Level LTE, PCS, Cellular, M/W antennas jumpers, etc all need to be secured and protected from high winds & extreme weather conditions Tools used to Align the antennas

36. Installing Equipment on Monopoles Needs details (2) Which coax Goes to which Antenna ? Color coding is used to i dentify top and bottom

37. Monopole Typical Service Maintenance Up and Down

38. Monopole Maintenance – Keeping things clean Maintenance – Debris removal and or Surface repair Debris removal often is required Upstairs a s well as at the b ase of the pole Most surface Repair is done Using ZRC Galv Compound

39. Monopole Maintenance – Keeping things clean Close up look reveals the size and qty of the debris ... Sometimes we find left over dinner

40. Monopole Maintenance – at times stops work ! Nesting is common on all types o f towers at all various heights In some geographical areas some Bird species are protected and prevent w ork on the towers during nesting periods View looking at the bottom of the platform Top view – old nest Large bird... o r lots of them

41. Monopole – Summary & Key Points Requires Smallest Area Shorter Heights Low Maintenance Fast to Construct Continuous Taper with Slip Joint is the most c ommon Drilled Caisson most common

42. Specialized Suppliers & Resources www.sabretowersandpoles.com www.valmont.com/valmont-structures/products/wireless-communication www.wirelesscomponents.com Specialty Manufacturing LLC www.ep-ind.com Fred Teichman www.linkedin.com/in/fredteichman www.engend.com www.primuselectronics.com www.us-instrument.com www.wirelessestimator.com