AU2021103528A4 - Apparatus and Method for Strengthening a Tower - Google Patents

Apparatus and Method for Strengthening a Tower Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2021103528A4
AU2021103528A4 AU2021103528A AU2021103528A AU2021103528A4 AU 2021103528 A4 AU2021103528 A4 AU 2021103528A4 AU 2021103528 A AU2021103528 A AU 2021103528A AU 2021103528 A AU2021103528 A AU 2021103528A AU 2021103528 A4 AU2021103528 A4 AU 2021103528A4
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Australia
Prior art keywords
elongate
members
tower
pairs
further structure
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AU2021103528A
Inventor
Tri Huynh
Robert Little
Qi Zhang
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Leblanc Pty Ltd
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Leblanc Pty Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2020902077A external-priority patent/AU2020902077A0/en
Application filed by Leblanc Pty Ltd filed Critical Leblanc Pty Ltd
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Publication of AU2021103528A4 publication Critical patent/AU2021103528A4/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/1242—Rigid masts specially adapted for supporting an aerial
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G23/00—Working measures on existing buildings
    • E04G23/02—Repairing, e.g. filling cracks; Restoring; Altering; Enlarging
    • E04G23/0218—Increasing or restoring the load-bearing capacity of building construction elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
    • E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
    • E04H12/10—Truss-like structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
    • H02G3/0493—Service poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G5/00—Installations of bus-bars
    • H02G5/06—Totally-enclosed installations, e.g. in metal casings
    • H02G5/061—Tubular casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack

Abstract

An apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including at least one elongate member shaped to fit with and substantially along an associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members and a clamp arranged to secure the at least one elongate member to the associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members. A related system and method are also disclosed. 1/8 12 12a 10 12b 12c Figure 1

Description

1/8
12
12a
10
12b
12c
Figure 1
Apparatus and Method for Strengthening a Tower
Technical Field
[001] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for strengthening a tower, in particular, pipe or tubular space frame towers that may find use to support telecommunication infrastructure.
Background
[002] Towers are commonly used to support telecommunication infrastructure such as antennas and associated electronics. With an increase in use of telecommunication devices such as mobile phones, it is also desirable to increase the supporting telecommunication infrastructure. Accordingly, there is a desire to increase the telecommunication infrastructure and/or upgrade telecommunication infrastructure carried by existing towers.
[003] A problem with existing towers is that the structural load carrying capacity may not be sufficient to allow an increase in telecommunication infrastructure and/or upgrades.
[004] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.
Summary
[005] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including at least one elongate member shaped to fit with and substantially along an associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members and a clamp arranged to secure the at least one elongate member to the associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members.
[006] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including: at least one elongate member shaped to fit with and substantially along an associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members; at least one clamp arranged to secure the at least one elongate member to the associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members; and an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple an end of the at least one elongate member with a further structure.
[007] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including: pairs of elongate members each having a profile shaped to fit with and substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; at least one clamp arranged to clamp the pairs of elongate members together and along opposing sides of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; and an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple ends of the pairs of elongate members with a further structure such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
[008] In an aspect, at the least some of the plurality of elongate tower members are round and the profile of the pairs of elongate members is shaped to extend at least partly about a circumference of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members.
[009] In another aspect, pluralities of the at least one clamp are secured at spaced apart locations along the pairs of elongate members.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the existing coupling of the tower is a flange coupling between an upper section and lower section of tower each with associated upper ones of the plurality of elongate tower members and lower ones of the plurality of elongate tower members.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the upper ones of the pairs of elongate members extend along associated ones of the upper ones of the plurality of elongate tower members and lower ones of the pairs of elongate members extend along associated ones of the lower ones of the plurality of elongate tower members, the lower ones of the pairs of elongate members providing the further structure.
[0012] In yet another aspect, ends of the pairs of elongate members include tabs arranged to be connectable via the interface arrangement to the further structure.
[0013] In yet another aspect, ends of the upper and lower pairs of elongate members include tabs and the interface arrangement includes clamping parts adapted to clamp the tabs together.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the plurality of elongate tower members are outermost structural members of the tower that are supported by tower bracing members there between.
[0015] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a system for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the system including: pairs of elongate members each having a profile shaped to fit with and substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; at least one clamp arranged to clamp the pairs of elongate members together and along opposing sides of one of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; and an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple ends of the pairs of elongate members with a further structure such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
[0016] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a method for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the method including: arranging pairs of elongate members substantially along opposing sides of least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; securing the pairs of elongate members together and along the plurality of elongate tower members with one or more clamps; and connecting the pairs of elongate members with a further structure via an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0017] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;
[0018] Figure 1 is a side view illustrating an example tower fitted with an apparatus for strengthening the tower;
[0019] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating an example sectional arrangement of the tower;
[0020] Figure 3a is an example sectional view illustrating a typical tubular section of the tower fitted with opposing strengthening plates of the apparatus;
[0021] Figure 3b is an example sectional view illustrating a typical tubular section of the tower fitted with opposing strengthening plates and a clamp of the apparatus;
[0022] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating an example section of the tower without the apparatus;
[0023] Figure 5a is a side view illustrating the example section of the tower as shown in Figure 4, now fitted with the apparatus;
[0024] Figure 5b is perspective view illustrating an interface arrangement of the apparatus;
[0025] Figure 5c is perspective view illustrating a clamp of the apparatus;
[0026] Figure 5d is a top view illustrating a cable bracket;
[0027] Figure 5e is a top sectional view illustrating another example of a clamp of the apparatus;
[0028] Figure 5f is a perspective view illustrating another example of an interface arrangement of the apparatus;
[0029] Figure 5g is a perspective view illustrating another example of an interface arrangement of the apparatus in which allows bolting to the tower frame;
[0030] Figure 5h is a top view illustrating a plate or plate segments of the interface that may be used in some examples to provide contact between the proposed strengthening end plate tabs and existing leg end flange;
[0031] Figure 6a is a side view illustrating another example section of the tower fitted with the apparatus;
[0032] Figure 6b is a perspective view illustrating another example of a clamp of the apparatus;
[0033] Figure 6c is a perspective view illustrating another example of an interface arrangement of the apparatus;
[0034] Figure 6d is a top view illustrating a cable bracket;
[0035] Figure 7a is a side view illustrating yet another example section of the tower fitted with the apparatus;
[0036] Figure 7b is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of a clamp of the apparatus;
[0037] Figure 7c is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of the interface clamping arrangement of the apparatus; and
[0038] Figure 7d is a top view illustrating yet another example of a cable bracket.
Detailed Description
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 7d, there is shown an apparatus 10 for strengthening a tower 12 formed of a plurality of elongate tower members 14. The tower 12 may be any form of vertical structure formed of members such as, but not limited to, a triangular tower that has a space frame type structure as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Such a triangular tower includes the larger elongate tower members 14 and bracing members with associated gussets 13.
[0040] The apparatus 10 includes a set or system 18 of pairs of elongate strengthening members 16 each having a profile 20 shaped to fit with and extend substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members 14, clamps 22 adapted to secure the pairs of elongate members 16 together and along opposing sides 23 of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members 14, and an interface arrangement 24 adapted to bridge an existing coupling 26, in this example an existing flange 27, of the tower 12 to couple ends 28 of the pairs of elongate members 16 with a further structure 30 such that a load is transferable between the further structure 30 and the pairs of elongate members 16.
[0041] The curved shape of the profile 20 of the strengthening members 16 is shown in Figures 3a and 3b as fitted to one of the tower members 14, and is arranged to fit with and about part of the circumference of the associated tower members 14. The profile 20 allows clearance of the gussets 13. The pairs of strengthening members 16 are fitted to opposing sides of the tower members 14 and secured together with one or more clamps 22 that may take various forms such as those shown in Figure 3b or Figure 5c.
[0042] The tower 12 may be split into sections or zones, for example, 12a, 12b, 12c etc. as shown in Figure 1 that are each interconnected via existing couplings 26 such as flanges 27. An example of a section of the tower 12 sans the apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 4. Examples of the apparatus 10 fitted to different sections of the tower 12 as shown in Figures 5a to 5f, Figures 6a to 6d and Figures 7a to 7d.
[0043] Accordingly, generally, for each section of the tower 12 the apparatus 10 may include upper ones of the pairs of elongate members 16 that extend along associated ones of the upper ones of the plurality of elongate tower members 14 and lower ones of the pairs of elongate members 16 extend along associated ones of the lower ones of the plurality of elongate tower members 14, the lower ones of the pairs of elongate members 16 providing the further structure 30. Although, in a lower most section of the tower 12 for example, the further structure 30 may be an anchor to secure the apparatus to the ground or a base structure. In any event, as the apparatus 10 is generally similar for each section of the tower 12, like numerals are used to denoted like parts.
[0044] Referring now to Figures 5a to 5f, the apparatus 10 is shown fitted to the section of the tower 12 as shown in Figure 4 and includes the pairs of elongate members 16 secured to each of the plurality of elongate tower members 14 by a series or set of spaced apart clamps 22. The clamps 22 may include opposing clamping parts 32 shaped to fit about the profile 20 and fasteners 34 to secure the clamping parts 32 together, as shown in Figure 5c and 5e.
[0045] The interface arrangement 24 includes, as best shown in Figure 5b and 5f, a first or upper clamping part 36 and a lower clamping part 38 and a plurality of fasteners 40. The ends 28 of the pairs of elongate strengthening members 16 each include tabs or end flanges 42 in the shape of semi-circular segments that are, for example, welded at each of the ends 28 so as to extend perpendicularly therefrom.
[0046] The ends 28 are directly secured together and connected with the clamping parts 36, 38 so as to complete a circle using the fasteners 40. The arrangement is such that the end flanges 42 stand proud of the flanges 27 which allows the fasteners 40 to bridge the flanges 27. This allows a continuous load path to be transferred across the flanges 27 between the apparatus 10 fitted to upper and lower sections of the tower 12.
[0047] The apparatus 10 may include cable brackets 44 that may be relocated or new brackets to allowing moving of cables to allow the fitting of the pairs of elongate strengthening members 16.
[0048] In some examples, one or more of the clamping parts 36, 38 may need to be omitted due to obstruction and a bracket 39, shown in Figure 5f, may be included to allow bolting to the existing tower gusset 13. In some examples, there is also a plate or plate segments 41 shown in Figure 5g to provide contact between the proposed strengthening end plate tabs 42 and existing leg end flange 27.
[0049] Referring now to Figures 6a to 6d, and also Figures 7a to 7d, further sections of the tower 12 may be fitted with the apparatus 10 in a similar manner to that described above in relation to Figures 5a to 5f, and are not again described here. However, it is noted that in some instances the further structure 30 may be a further structural member 46 of the tower 12 that may be at or interface with an anchor and terminate the apparatus
10. Accordingly, the apparatus 10, namely the fasteners 40 thereof, may be tensioned against the structural member 46. In these examples, the interface arrangements 24 may simply connect to the further structural member 46 rather than bridge an existing structure. Of course, other adaptations may be required depending on the existing tower configuration and installation requirements.
[0050] Turning now to a method ofuse, the apparatus 10 may be provided as the system 18 of the elongate members 16, clamps 22 and interface arrangement 24. The pairs of elongate members 16 may be fabricated from a metal such as steel and sized and shaped to fit with the appropriate tower member 14, such as being curved or semi-circular in profile. The end flanges 42 may be welded to each of the ends 28 of the pairs of the elongate members 16. The clamps 22 may also be sized accordingly, and selected to couple the pairs elongate members 16 to the tower member 14. The above parts of the system 18 may be fabricated offsite to fit the existing tower structure.
[0051] The apparatus 10 may then be fitted to the tower 12 in-situ by arranging pairs of the elongate members 16 substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members 14 as shown in the Figures. The pairs of the elongate members 16 are then secured together and along the plurality of elongate tower members 14 with the one or more clamp 22, and then ends 28 of the pairs of elongate members 16 are then secured in place with the further structure, such as corresponding pairs of the elongate members 16 or an anchor, via the interface arrangement 24 adapted to bridge the existing coupling 26 of the tower 12 such that the load is transferable between the further structure 30 and the pairs of elongate members 16.
[0052] The interface arrangement 24 may then be tensioned such as by tightening the fasteners 40 thereof to apply a tensile load to the pairs of the elongate members 16. Thereby the apparatus 10 creates a "skeleton" structure in addition to the existing tower structure that increases the strength and load bearing capacity of the tower 12. For example, the tower 12 fitted with the apparatus 10 may have reduced deflection and be able to carry a larger load such as more telecommunication infrastructure.
[0053] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
[0054] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.
[0055] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.
[0056] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (12)

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:
1. An apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including at least one elongate member shaped to fit with and substantially along an associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members and a clamp arranged to secure the at least one elongate member to the associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members.
2. An apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including: at least one elongate member shaped to fit with and substantially along an associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members; at least one clamp arranged to secure the at least one elongate member to the associated one of the plurality of elongate tower members; and an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple an end of the at least one elongate member with a further structure.
3. An apparatus for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the apparatus including: pairs of elongate members each having a profile shaped to fit with and substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; at least one clamp arranged to clamp the pairs of elongate members together and along opposing sides of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; and an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple ends of the pairs of elongate members with a further structure such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at the least some of the plurality of elongate tower members are round and the profile of the pairs of elongate members is shaped to extend at least partly about a circumference of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein pluralities of the at least one clamp are secured at spaced apart locations along the pairs of elongate members.
6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the existing coupling of the tower is a flange coupling between an upper section and lower section of tower each with associated upper ones of the plurality of elongate tower members and lower ones of the plurality of elongate tower members.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein upper ones of the pairs of elongate members extend along associated ones of the upper ones of the plurality of elongate tower members and lower ones of the pairs of elongate members extend along associated ones of the lower ones of the plurality of elongate tower members, the lower ones of the pairs of elongate members providing the further structure.
8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein ends of the pairs of elongate members include tabs arranged to be connectable via the interface arrangement to the further structure.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein ends of the upper and lower pairs of elongate members include tabs and the interface arrangement includes clamping parts adapted to clamp the tabs together.
10. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of elongate tower members are outermost structural members of the tower that are supported by tower bracing members there between.
11. A system for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the system including:
a. pairs of elongate members each having a profile shaped to fit with and substantially along opposing sides of at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; b. at least one clamp arranged to clamp the pairs of elongate members together and along opposing sides of one of the at least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; and c. an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower to couple ends of the pairs of elongate members with a further structure such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
12. A method for strengthening a tower formed of a plurality of elongate tower members, the method including:
a. Arranging pairs of elongate members substantially along opposing sides of least some of the plurality of elongate tower members; b. Securing the pairs of elongate members together and along the plurality of elongate tower members with one or more clamps; and c. Connecting the pairs of elongate members with a further structure via an interface arrangement adapted to bridge an existing coupling of the tower such that a load is transferable between the further structure and the pairs of elongate members.
AU2021103528A 2020-06-23 2021-06-22 Apparatus and Method for Strengthening a Tower Active AU2021103528A4 (en)

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AU2020902077A AU2020902077A0 (en) 2020-06-23 Apparatus and Method for Strengthening a Tower
AU2020902077 2020-06-23

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