Do base station antennas reduce tower weight & wind load issues?

Performance factors aside, antennas with better frontal loading design and lesser weight will decrease overall tower weight and wind load issues. Base station antennas add load to the towers not only due to their mass, but also in the form of additional dynamic loading caused by the wind.

How does wind load affect a tower?

In addition, antennas, connections, mounts and equipment add load to the towers not only due to their mass, but also in the form of additional dynamic loading caused by the wind. Depending on the aerodynamic efficiency of the overall tower, the increased wind load can be significant.

How does a hybrid cable affect tower weight & wind load?

The trend toward advanced optical fiber and hybrid cables supplanting coaxial cable in support of the latest antenna applications also has a significant impact on tower weight and wind load. A single hybrid cable can do the work of eight or more power and fiber cables, supporting multiple Remote Radio Units (RRUs).

Why are wireless towers being pushed to the limits?

As wireless services continue to soar, providers are deploying more and more base station antennas, fiber connections and other equipment in order to meet the growing demand. The result is towers, support structures and mounts being pushed to the limits of their load capacity.

Why do wireless operators use wind load data?

That’s why wireless operators often use wind load data presented by base station antenna manufacturers when deciding on which antennas to deploy. Therefore, it is important for operators and tower owners to fully understand how wind load data is calculated so fair comparisons can be made between various antennas.

How do self-supporting towers work?

Self-supporting towers can either utilize a single foundation supporting all of the tower legs or individual foundations below each leg. Due to wind loading, lattice tower foundations can experience both vertical loads and horizontal loads. The vertical loads act in both, the upwards and downwards directions, as the tower attempts to overturn.