AU2021206857A1 - A monopole strengthening system - Google Patents

Abstract

A strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system comprising a plurality of elongate support members and a brace, each support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member is configured to be affixed to ground proximal a base of the monopole, wherein the second end of each support member is configured to connect to the brace, and wherein the brace is configured to be affixed to the monopole. 1/6 100 30 24 10 34 20 20 22 Fig 1

Description

1/6

100

30 24

10

34

20

22

Fig1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTSACT1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original)

APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART:

NAME OF APPLICANT: Roam Pty Ltd

ACTUALINVENTOR: Fernando Serra

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of PO Box 530, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872, AUSTRALIA.

INVENTION TITLE: "A MONOPOLE STRENGTHENING SYSTEM" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S:

Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2020902593 filed on 24 July 2020

The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us:

TITLE "A MONOPOLE STRENGTHENING SYSTEM" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a monopole strengthening system.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a monopole strengthening system providing greater ease of installation than those currently known in the art.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Monopoles are a widely used form of infrastructure, for example in the telecommunications industry.

[0004] Initially a monopole may be installed, with the structure designed to support particular equipment or loading.

[0005] Over time, newer and possibly more complex and large equipment may be required, resulting in increased loading or other changes in the performance requirements. Where the existing monopole is not structurally adequate to support any new loading, the available options are either to replace with a new monopole, or to strengthen the existing monopole so that it can accommodate the new loading and / or meet the new performance requirements.

[0006] Methods and apparatus for strengthening monopoles are known, and include methods such as installing external shells, installing external lattice frame-work, guying the monopole or directly fixing strengthening plates.

[0007] One example of a known monopole strengthening system is disclosed in Australian Patent 2012201882.

[0008] Such examples are costly to both produce and install, comprising large shell sections, which are deficient for a number of reasons, they may be costly to produce and install, not practical due to restricted site space or structurally inefficient.

[0009] Such pole strengthening solutions using strengthening shells are generally not cost effective, the majority of the load is transferred from the existing monopole to the large shell sections, which wastes the capacity of the existing monopole. Additionally, access to feeder cables running inside the existing cable tray, attached externally to the monopole, would be limited once the shell structure is installed, which creates additional maintenance and access issues.

[0010] Another example of known pole strengthening solutions is using guywires which, though cost effective in required strengthening steelwork, generally require large extension of site lease area to accommodate the guy anchor blocks at some distance from the monopole base. Even where there is sufficient space around the pole to add guy anchors, time and financial costs associated with increased lease area can make this method very unappealing.

[0011] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous monopole strengthening system by providing a more structurally efficient system capable of being installed in various configurations and / or being produced at a lower cost than presently known methods.

[0012] The present invention may further be installed with less interference with existing equipment, and may further provide a more visually attractive structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system comprising a plurality of elongate support members and a brace, each support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member is configured to be affixed to ground proximal a base of the monopole, wherein the second end of each support member is configured to connect to the brace, and wherein the brace is configured to be affixed to the monopole.

[0014] Preferably, the support members are arranged substantially parallel to, and offset from, an axis of the monopole.

[0015] Preferably, the brace comprises a support collar and a plurality of first bracing members, wherein each first bracing member is radially aligned with a corresponding support member.

[0016] Preferably, each first bracing member is affixed at a first end to the support collar and at a second end to the second end of the corresponding support member.

[0017] Preferably, the brace further comprises a plurality of second bracing members, wherein the first end of each second bracing member is affixed to the support collar at a location axially spaced from the first end of the first bracing member, and wherein the second end of each second bracing member is affixed to the second end of the elongate support member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support collar comprises a single clamp.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support collar comprises an upper clamp and a lower clamp.

[0020] In some embodiments, the strengthening system comprises at least one intermediate brace, configured to be affixed to the monopole, between the ground and the second end of the support member.

[0021] Preferably, the intermediate brace comprises bracing members, wherein each bracing member of each intermediate brace is affixed at a first end to the support collar and at a second end to a location on an adjacent support member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the intermediate brace comprises both first and second bracing members.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate brace comprises only first bracing members.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate brace comprises a collar with integral offset lugs, instead of individual bracing members.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, alternative configurations of intermediate braces are used at different locations on the monopole.

[0026] Preferably, first bracing members are arranged substantially horizontally between the elongate support member and the collar.

[0027] Preferably, second bracing members are arranged diagonally between the elongate support member and the collar.

[0028] Preferably, each support member comprises multiple sections, connected end to end to form a complete support member.

[0029] In some embodiments, the multiple sections are of different diameters, so that the diameter of each support member is less at the second end than the first end.

[0030] Preferably, the support members are oriented to minimize the obstruction of equipment mounted to the monopole, and to facilitate the ease of construction.

[0031] Preferably, the support members are substantially equally radially spaced around the monopole.

[0032] Alternatively, radial angles between the support members can be made unequal to suit specific site conditions and / or loading requirements.

[0033] Preferably, the support members are offset an equal distance from the monopole.

[0034] Alternatively, the support members can be offset at unequal distances from the monopole to suit specific site conditions and / or loading requirements.

[0035] Preferably three support members are used, radially spaced approximately 120 degrees apart.

[0036] Alternatively, four support members are used, radially spaced approximately 90 degrees apart.

[0037] It is recognised that other quantities of support members may be used, and the invention is not limited to three or four.

[0038] Preferably, a plurality of intermittent supports are installed along a length of each support member, wherein each intermittent support is configured to affix between the monopole and the support member, so that the support member is restrained by the monopole, to prevent buckling.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system is configured to receive shroud panels affixed to the support members.

[0040] Preferably, the shroud panels are curved sheets.

[0041] Preferably, the shroud panels are perforated.

[0042] Preferably, each bracing member has a radial position that corresponds to a radial position of each support member.

[0043] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system comprising a plurality of elongate support members affixed to the monopole with a plurality of intermittent supports, each support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member is configured to be affixed to ground offset from a base of the monopole, and wherein the second end of each support member is configured to connected to the monopole.

[0044] Preferably, the support members are arranged at an angle with respect to an axis of the monopole, wherein different lengths of intermittent supports are used at different positions along the support member, with longer intermitted supports being used at lower positions, and shorter intermittent supports being used at higher positions.

[0045] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method on installing a strengthening system around an existing monopole, the method comprising the following steps:

a. arranging a plurality of elongate support members around an existing monopole, wherein an axis of each support member is substantially parallel with an axis of the monopole,

b. affixing first ends of the plurality of support members to a footing proximal a base of the monopole,

c. affixing intermittent supports as required between each support member and the monopole, wherein the intermittent supports are configured to offset the support member from the monopole,

d. affixing a brace around the monopole, proximal to second ends of the support members, and connecting the second ends of the support members to the brace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a monopole with a strengthening system installed.

[0048] Figure 2 is an elevation of a monopole with a strengthening system installed, further showing shroud panels located between the elongate support members.

[0049] Figure 3a is a detail elevation of an embodiment of the brace comprising the support collar, and the first and second bracing members, in which the support collar comprises a single clamp, generally suitable for concrete monopoles.

[0050] Figure 3b is a detail elevation of an embodiment of the brace comprising the support collar and the first and second bracing members, in which the support collar comprises an upper and lower clamp, generally suitable for steel monopoles.

[0051] Figure 4 is a cross section showing the arrangement at the lower end of the brace.

[0052] Figure 5 is across section showing the arrangement at the upper end of the brace.

[0053] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are cross sections showing examples of alternative means of affixing the intermittent supports to the monopole.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a strengthening system 10 for a monopole 100, the strengthening system 10 comprising a plurality of elongate support members 20 and a brace 30, each support member 20 having a first end 22 and a second end 24, wherein the first end 22 of each support member 20 is configured to be affixed to ground proximal a base of the monopole 100, wherein the second end 24 of each support member 20 is configured to connect to the brace 30, and wherein the brace 30 is configured to be affixed to the monopole 100.

[0055] The support members 20 may be arranged substantially parallel to, and offset from, an axis of the monopole 100.

[0056] The brace 30 may comprise a support collar 32 and a plurality of first bracing members 36, wherein each first bracing member 36 is radially aligned with a corresponding support member 20.

[0057] Each first bracing member 36 may be affixed at a first end 36i to the support collar 32 and at a second end 36ii to the second end 24 of the corresponding support member 20.

[0058] The brace 30 may further comprise a plurality of second bracing members 38, wherein the first end 38i of each second bracing member 38 may be affixed to the support collar 32 at a location axially spaced from the first end 36i of the first bracing member 36, and wherein the second end 38ii of each second bracing member 38 is affixed to the second end 24 of the elongate support member 20.

[0059] The arrangement of two bracing member 36,38, connected from the second end 24 of each support member 20 to the support collar 32 at axially spaced locations allows load to be distributed across two load vectors for each support member 20.

[0060] The support collar 32 may comprise a single clamp.

[0061] The support collar may comprise an upper clamp 32ii and a lower clamp 32i.

[0062] The strengthening system 10 may further comprise at least one intermediate brace 34, configured to be affixed to the monopole 100, between the ground and the second end 24 of the support members 20.

[0063] The intermediate brace 34 may comprise bracing members 36, wherein each bracing member 36 of each intermediate brace 34 may be affixed at a first end 36i to the support collar 32 and at a second end 36ii to a location on an adjacent support member 20.

[0064] The intermediate brace 34 may comprise both first bracing members 36 and second bracing members 38.

[0065] Alternatively, the intermediate brace 34 may comprise only first bracing members 36.

[0066] Alternatively, the intermediate brace 34 may comprise a collar with integral offset lugs, instead of individual bracing members.

[0067] In some embodiments, alternative configurations of intermediate braces 34 may be used at different locations of the monopole 100.

[0068] The first bracing members 36 maybe arranged substantially horizontal between the elongate support member 20 and the support collar 32.

[0069] The second bracing members 38 may be arranged diagonally between the elongate support member 20 and the support collar 32.

[0070] Each support member 20 may comprise multiple sections, connected end to end to form a complete support member 20.

[0071] The multiple sections may be of different diameters, so that the diameter of each support member 20 is smaller at the second end 24 than at the first end 22.

[0072] The support members 20 may be oriented to minimize the obstruction of equipment mounted to the monopole 100, and to facilitate ease of construction.

[0073] The support members 20 maybe substantially equally radially spaced around the monopole 100.

[0074] Alternatively, radial angles between the support members 20 may be made unequal to suit specific site conditions and / or loading requirements.

[0075] The support members 20 maybe offset an equal distance from the monopole 100.

[0076] Alternatively, the support members 20 may be offset at unequal distances from the monopole 100 to suit specific site conditions and / or loading requirements.

[0077] Three support members 20 may be used, radially spaced approximately 120 degrees apart.

[0078] Alternatively, four support members 20 may be used, radially spaced approximately 90 degrees apart.

[0079] A plurality of intermittent supports 40 may be installed along a length of each support member 20, wherein each intermittent support 40 is configured to affix between the monopole 100 and the support member 20, so that the support member 20 is restrained by the monopole 100, to prevent buckling.

[0080] As shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the intermittent supports 40 can be affixed to the monopole 100 in a number of ways. For example, using collar segments as shown in

Figure 6a, using a strap as shown in Figure 6b, or by being bolted directly into the monopole 100 as shown in Figure 6c.

[0081] It is recognised that further means of affixing the supports are possible, and the invention is not limited to the means described.

[0082] Different constructions of monopole 100 may require different means of fitment of intermittent supports 40. For example, a concrete monopole 100 may be unsuited to receive bolts directly into the structure, as shown in Figure 6c, so alternative method of fixing may be used.

[0083] The system 10 may be configured to receive shroud panels 50 affixed to the support members 20.

[0084] The shroud panels 50 may be sheet.

[0085] The shroud panels 50 may be perforated.

[0086] Each bracing member 36, 38 may have a radial position that corresponds to a radial position of each support member 20.

[0087] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system may comprise a plurality of elongate support members affixed to the monopole with a plurality of intermittent supports, each support member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member may be configured to be affixed to ground offset from a base of the monopole, and wherein the second end of each support member may be configured to connected to the monopole.

[0088] The support members maybe arranged at an angle with respect to an axis of the monopole, wherein different lengths of intermittent supports may be used at different positions along the support member, with longer intermitted supports being used at lower positions, and shorter intermittent supports being used at higher positions.

[0089] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method on installing a strengthening system 10 around an existing monopole 100, the method comprising all of the following steps:

a. arranging a plurality of elongate support members 20 around an existing monopole 100, wherein an axis of each support member 20 is substantially parallel with an axis of the monopole 100,

b. affixing first ends 22 of the plurality of support members 20 to a footing proximal a base of the monopole 100,

c. affixing intermittent supports 40 as required between each support member 20 and the monopole 100, wherein the intermittent supports 40 are configured to offset the support member 20 from the monopole 100,

d. affixing a brace 30 around the monopole 100, proximal to second ends 24 of the support members 20, and connecting the second ends 24 of the support members 20 to the brace 30.

[0090] The support members 20 may comprise a number of sections joined together, wherein the length and diameter of each section is selected to suit construction constraints.

[0091] Multiple sections maybe joined together using bolted connections.

[0092] Alternatively, multiple sections may be welded together.

[0093] The support members 20 maybe offset from the monopole between 100mm and 2500mm.

[0094] The support members 20 maybe offset from the monopole between 200mm and 1000mm.

[0095] In use, the first ends 22 of the plurality of elongate support members 20 are affixed to either existing or new footings using anchor bolts.

[0096] The angular position of the support member 20, and the affixed position of the first end 22 thereof, may be selected to avoid any cable ladders or obstructions along the length of the monopole 100.

[0097] Any required intermittent supports 40 are installed to affix each support member 20 to the existing monopole 100 at selected intervals.

[0098] Where existing cabling or features of the monopole 100 are obstructing the installation, the location of intermittent supports 40 may be selected to avoid any such obstacles.

[0099] The second ends 24 of the support members 20 are connected to the brace 30, and the brace 30 is affixed to the monopole 100.

[00100] The support members 20 are thus affixed to the monopole 100 at the second ends 24, and to footings at the first ends 22.

[00101] The capability to select the angular position of the support members 20, and the spacing of any intermittent supports 40, provides flexibility to avoid clashing with features located on the monopole 100 such as cable runs or hardware attached at various positions.

[00102] The support members 20 provide additional stiffness and transmit load from the upper portion of the monopole 100 to the footing, thus reducing the load on the existing monopole 100.

[00103] Importantly, as the support members 20 are affixed at both ends, and intermittent struts provide buckling restraint, the support members 20 are able to act in both compression and tension.

[00104] This is in comparison to known strengthening systems, which are less adaptable to site requirements, and therefore result in more costly and overengineered systems.

[00105] As the strengthening system 10 comprises simple support members 20, at least one brace 30, and intermittent supports 40 as required, the material volume cost of the system 10 is significantly less than some presently known systems.

[00106] The reduced volume and complexity allows the system 10 to be fabricated and transported at much lower cost than presently known shell strengthening systems.

[00107] One example of a known system which is similarly low cost to fabricate is a guy wire system, however the system 10 according to the present invention provides a significantly smaller foot print, having reduced impact on the site and lower requirement for lease extensions.

[00108] The smaller overall size of the structure 10 provides additional benefit where a site has limited available space, for example a fence or other structure in close proximity may be more readily avoided by positioning the elongate members in a chosen manner. 1

[00109] Aesthetically the impact of the structure 10 according to the present invention is less than known structures, where a lattice section is effectively built around the existing monopole.

[00110] Furthermore, the strengthening system 10 can incorporate shroud panels 50, which may be coloured or designed to minimise the visual impact or otherwise complement the surroundings.

[00111] Shroud panels 50 maybe a low cost solution to improve the aesthetics of the monopole 100 significantly.

[00112] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system comprising a plurality of elongate support members and a brace, each support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member is configured to be affixed to ground proximal a base of the monopole, wherein the second end of each support member is configured to connect to the brace, and wherein the brace is configured to be affixed to the monopole.

2. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 1, wherein the support members are arranged substantially parallel to, and offset from, an axis of the monopole.

3. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brace comprises a support collar and a plurality of first bracing members, wherein each first bracing member is radially aligned with a corresponding support member.

4. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 3, wherein each first bracing member is affixed at a first end to the support collar and at a second end to the second end of the corresponding support member.

5. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the brace further comprises a plurality of second bracing members, wherein the first end of each second bracing member is affixed to the support collar at a location axially spaced from the first end of the first bracing member, and wherein the second end of each second bracing member is affixed to the second end of the elongate support member.

6. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 5, wherein the strengthening system comprises at least one intermediate brace, configured to be affixed to the monopole, between the ground and the second end of the support member.

7. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate brace comprises bracing members, wherein each bracing member of each intermediate brace is affixed at a first end to the support collar and at a second end to a location on an adjacent support member.

8. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein first bracing members are arranged substantially horizontally between the elongate support member and the collar.

9. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein second bracing members are arranged diagonally between the elongate support member and the collar.

10. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any preceding claim, wherein each support member comprises multiple sections, connected end to end to form a complete support member.

11. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 10, wherein the multiple sections are of different diameters, so that the diameter of each support member is less at the second end than the firstend.

12. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are substantially equally radially spaced around the monopole.

13. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are offset an equal distance from the monopole.

14. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of intermittent supports are installed along a length of each support member, wherein each intermittent support is configured to affix between the monopole and the support member, so that the support member is restrained by the monopole, to prevent buckling.

15. A strengthening system for a monopole according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to receive shroud panels affixed to the support members.

16. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 15, wherein the shroud panels are curved sheets.

17. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the shroud panels are perforated.

18. A strengthening system for a monopole, the strengthening system comprising a plurality of elongate support members affixed to the monopole with a plurality of intermittent supports, each support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support member is configured to be affixed to ground offset from a base of the monopole, and wherein the second end of each support member is configured to connected to the monopole.

19. A strengthening system for a monopole according to claim 18, wherein the support members are arranged at an angle with respect to an axis of the monopole, wherein different lengths of intermittent supports are used at different positions along the support member, with longer intermitted supports being used at lower positions, and shorter intermittent supports being used at higher positions.

20. A method of installing a strengthening system around an existing monopole, the method comprising the following steps:

a. arranging a plurality of elongate support members around an existing monopole, wherein an axis of each support member is substantially parallel with an axis of the monopole,

b. affixing first ends of the plurality of support members to a footing proximal a base of the monopole,

c. affixing intermittent supports as required between each support member and the monopole, wherein the intermittent supports are configured to offset the support member from the monopole,

d. affixing a brace around the monopole, proximal to second ends of the support members, and connecting the second ends of the support members to the brace.