GB2358030A

GB2358030A - Foundation for combined aerial and housing structure

Info

Publication number: GB2358030A
Application number: GB0030215A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Anthony Smith
Original assignee: Portasilo Ltd
Current assignee: Portasilo Ltd
Priority date: 1999-12-18
Filing date: 2000-12-12
Publication date: 2001-07-11
Also published as: GB0030215D0; GB2358031A; GB9929862D0; GB0030217D0

Abstract

The foundation 31, primarily for use with a combined telecommunication aerial and housing structure, is formed from a pile 33 comprising an elongate, hollow, threaded metal element, the greater part of which is disposed below ground level 50 with an upper portion extending above ground level. The metal element is received in a grout body 35 and at least a portion of the element is surrounded by an outer element 32 which is filled with cement. A nut 44a is received on the upper end of the metal element upon which the structure 10 being supported is positioned. The foundation may alternatively be formed from one or more containers which are located in a trench and filled with concrete and which contain ducts for receiving cables and suitable mounting elements for supporting the structure and/or fence posts. The foundations are designed to support between one and four housings which in turn support an aerial.

Description

2358030

Title: Foundation Description of Invention

This invention relates to a foundation for a structure, particularly a structure comprising a telecommunication cell site, comprising a mast and a housing for a radio telecomm uni cat] 011 system.

When providing a cell site for a radio telecommunication system, it is desirable that tile installation process be as rapid as possible. Rapid installation reduces disruption in the vicinity of the cell site, reduces the time taken to establish the cell site for operation and for it to begin earning revenue, reduces project management costs and alloxys less tinie during Histallation for vandalism or other interference. It is also desirable that the cell site pennits of ease of upgrade, replacement or expansion, and be adaptable to accommodate equipment appropriate to the intended function of the site.

An aim of the invention is to provide a new or improved foundation.

According to one aspect of the liwention, we provide a foundation for a structure, the foundation comprisino at least one discrete foundation element.

In a first embodiment of the oiie aspect of the invention, the at least one foundation element may comprise a pile comprising an elongate metal element.

The elongate metal element may be threaded.

The elongate metal element may be hollow.

A greater part of the cloiigite iiietal element may be disposed below ground level and a lesser part may be disposed above ground level, the elongate metal element extending generally vertically.

lower pail of the elongate metal element may be received in a grout body.

pail of said elongate metal element may be surrounded by an outer element, and said cement body may or partly fill said outer element.

2 Said outer element may extend at least partly above ground.

Levelling means may be provided which inay rnoveably be mounted on said elongate metal element to stipport a pail of said structure.

The levelling means may be threadedly received on said pile.

The levelling ineans may comprise a nut wherein an upper part thereof engages said pail of the stiiicttite.

Restraining means to hold the structure in engagement with said levelling means.

The restraining means may be threadedly received on said pile.

In a second embodiment and a third embodiment of the one aspect of the invention, the at least one 'discrete fomidation element comprises a container.

Said container inay be filled \vi[li a filling material to restrain movement of said container.

Said at least one fomidation element may be provided with mounting means to engage a pail of the stitictiiie.

The foundation element may be provided witli a bulkhead, and said bulkhead may be provided x,itli said moiniting means.

The foundation element may comprise a lip at an upper pail thereof, said lip being provided with said motinting means.

Said at least one foinidation element may be provided with a duct to receive a cable.

Said at least one foundation element inay be provided with a post anchor to receive a fence post.

Said at least one foinidation element may comprise a stabiliser to engage an upwardly extending part of a Sti-LICILIrC disposed on salid foundation.

In the second embodiment, a plin-allity of said foundation elements may be disposed adjacent to one another to define a continuous foundation extending substantially arotind the periphery of said structure.

The foundation elements are provided with an in-tunied lip at one end thereof to engage a pail of said structure.

In the third embodiment, the foundation may comprise a plurality of foundation elements disposed one at each corner of said structure.

The foundation elements may extend mutually outwardly from one another.

In either the second or third embodiment, the at least one foundation element may be disposed on the surface of the ground or may be located in a trench.

A base may be provided in the trench to receive said foundation element.

According to a further <aspect of the invention, we provide a structure comprising an aerial mast and a housing disposed on a foundation, the foundation comprising a foundation according to the one of aspect of the present invention.

The aerial mast may extend upwardly from said housing.

The structure may comprise a plurality of housings, wherein said aerial mast may be supported oii said plurality of housings and extend upwardly C1 therefrom.

The structure may comprise two liousings, or three housings, or four housings.

Where the strucuire comprises two liousings, the housings may be disposed spaced from oiie another and the mast may be mounted on two corners of each said houshios.

Alternatively, where the structure comprises two housings, the mast may be mounted on two opposed sides of each of said liousings.

Where the sti-ticttii,e comprises thi-ce housings a pair of said housings may be disposed in spaced opposed positions and a third housing may be disposed with a corner thereof abuttitig one conier of each of said pair of 0 4 housings, and wherein said inast may engage a corner pail of eacli of said housings.

Where the scucture comprises four liousings at least one of said housings may comprise support ineans at an upper pail thereof to engage a lower pail of the mast.

At least one housing may comprise an upwardly extending support member at a comer thereof provided witli inottilting means at an upper pail thereof to engage a lower part of the mast.

The mast support inearis may comprise a mast based pail having a plurality of outwardly extending arnis, eacli of which engages an upwardly extending support member.

The mast based means may comprise four outwardly extending anns, each of which comprises an end part to engage a corresponding outwardly extending structural element disposed at eacii corner of said housing.

At least one housing may comprise a transverse structural element disposed at an upper pail thereof to engage a lower pail of the mast at a point spaced from the end of the structural element.

The transverse structural element may be disposed at an upper edge of the housing.

The StrUctural elenient inay, extend bet\,!eeii a pair of opposed edges of the upper pail of the liousill(y The mast may engage a corner part of eacb of said housings.

The mast may alternatively engage a inidpoint of the upper surface of each of said housings.

At least one of said housings may be disposed on a foundation.

Said housings may eacli be disposed on a discrete foundation.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in wlilcli Figure la is a side elevation of a first structure, Figure lb is a perspective view of pail of the structure of Figure la Figure 2 is a side elevation of a second structure, Figure 3a is a side elevation of a tlin.d structure, Figure 33b is a perspective view of part of the structure of Figure 3a, Figure 4 is a side elevation of a fourth structure, Figure 5 is a side elevation of a fiftli strLicture, Figure 6 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 comprising a foundation according to a first embodiinent of one aspect of the invention, Figure 7 is a perspective view on a larger scale of pail of the structure of Figure 6, Figure 8 is a plan view of a structure of Figure 6, Figure 9 is a section on line 9-9 of FI,,tti.e 8, Figure 1 Oa is a perspective view of the foundation of Figure 6, Figure 10b is a perspective view oii a larger scale of Figure 10a Figure 11 is an exploded view of the structure of Figure 6, Figure 12 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 4 provided with a foundation accordina to a second einbodinient of one aspect of the present invention, Figure 13 is a plan view of Figure 12, Figure 14 is a view on a larger seale of Figure 13, Figure 15 is a section on line 15-15 of Figure 14, Figure 16 is a perspective vie,, of part of the foundation of Figure 13, FigLire 17 is a side view of aii altemative configLiration of the structure of Figure 12, Figure 18 is a partial plan view of the structure of Figure 17, Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the foundation element of Figure 16, Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the foundation element of Figure 16, 6 Figure 21 is a side view of the structure of Figure 12 provided with a fence, Figure 22 is a plan view of part of the structure of Figure 2 1, Figure 23 is a side elevatim of a structure provided with a foundation according to a third eiiibodiiiieiit of me aspect of the present invention, Figure 24 is a plail view of the structure of Figure 23, Figure 25a is a sectioii on IMe 25a-25a of Figure 24, Figure 25b is a section oii Iffle 25b-25b of Figure 24, Figure 26a is a section of part of the fomidation of Figure 25a Figure 26b is a section of part of the foundation of Figure 25b, Figure 27a is a diagrammatic side elevation of a structure according to another aspect of the presew iiiveiitloii, Figure 27b is a plaii view of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 27c is a plaii view of aii alteniative configuration of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 27d is a plaii view of aii alteniative configuration of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 28a is a clia,,i.aiiiiiiatic slide elevation of an alternative configuratim of the structure of Floure 27a Figure 28b is a plati view of the stnicture of Figure 28a, Figure 28c is a phm view of aii alteniatIve configuration of the structure of Figure 28a, Figure 29a is a side elevatioii of a pi-eferred embodiment of the structure of Figure 28a, Figure 29b is a plaii view of the sti-tictiji-e of Figure 29a, Figure 30a is a side clev,,itloii of aii alternative configuration of the structure of Figure 29a, Figure 30b is a plati view ofthe stnicture of Figure 30a.

7 Figure 3) 1 a is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of a structure of Figure 28c, Figure 3 1b is a plan view of the structure of Figure 3 1 a, Figure 32 is a perspective view of the structure of Figures 3 la and 3 1b5 Figure 33a. is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the structure of Figure 31a, and Figure 3 M is a plan view of the structure of 33)a.

Referring now to Figures la and I b, a structure S I is shown provided with a housing 10 011 WhiCh IS 1110LInted an aerial mast 11. At the upper end of the aerial mast 11 is provided communication means 12 for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals SLICII as digital and/or analogue radio frequency signals and microwave signals. The communication means 12 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises antennae 13 and microwave dishes 14, although any other suitable comintinication means may be provided as desired. The housing 10 and inast 11 are interconnected by a rnast base part 15. The mast base part 15 in this example comprises four outwardly extending arms 16, an end part 17 of each of which engages an upwardly extending structural element 18 disposed at each corner of the housing 10. The housing 10 is adapted to house suitable opei.,,itliig eqUipinent (riot shown), which may for. example comprise a transceiver system capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals stich as di-ltal aiid/ot. analogue radio frequency signals and microwave signals. The oi)ei.atlii,,, equipment further preferably comprises a power supply unit to provide aii Hiterface between a power supply such as a mains power supply, or a power supply froni. an outside generator. The operating equipment may also coiiil)i. ise any, other equipment as desired, e.g. a back-up power supply fi-om a battery, means for controlling environmental conditions within the housing 10 Such as air cooling means, heating means and/or refrigeration means.

8 Referring to Figure 2, the stnicture S2 shown therein comprises a housing 10 of the same configuration as the housing of Figure 1, but comprises a mast 11' of open lattice work configm-ation. At the upper pail of the mast 11' is provided corninunicatioii means 12' as desli.ed. The lower region of the aerial mast 11' comprises an outwai-dly tapering section 1 Pa which engages a mast base pail 15'. In like manner to the inast base pail 15 of Figure 1, the. mast base pail 15' comprises outwardly extending arnis 16, each of which is provided with an end pail 17 which etigages an upwardly extending structural element 18 of the housing 10.

In a further alteniative as shown in Figin.e 3, a structure S3 is shown having a similar sti"ttctitie to sti-iicttii-e S2 sbown in Figure 2, but in place of the lower mast pail 1 Va and mast base part 15', the lowei. pail of the aerial mast comprises an outwardly tapentig pai.r 1Pa. Extending between the tapering mast pail 1Va and the lioiisiiig 10 is a mast interface pail 19, comprising an open lattice work structui,e which extends between the corners of the lower mast pail 11 ",a aiid the uppei. coniers of the housing 10. The mast interface pail 19 comprises base pails 20 which engage the upwardly extending structural elements 18 of the houslis 10.

The housing 10 is the same in Fligui-es la, lb, 2, 3a, 3b and thus a single.housing may support a selected one of a I)Iiii-alit), of inast types as desired.

In a still further alteniative as sliown in Figure 4, a structure indicated by S4 comprises an equipmem liotisiiig 21 and ati aerial mast 22 of pail lattice work configuration 1)i-o\,)(1e(l coinimimeation means 12... at an upper part thereof. The mast 22 is mowited on and tippeiSUITace 21a the housing 21 towards an edge of the tippei. sui-race 2 1 a.

In Figures 1 to 4, the liotising 10, M plan view is of generally square configuration.

Further alternatively, the stitiettite inay comprise an integral housing and aerial mast as shown at S5 M Figm-e 5, aii(l as described in otti. copending UK 1 0 9 patent application no. GB 23405 13P A. In this embodiment, the structure S5 comprises an upper region 23)a and a lower region 23b of greater cross-section than the upper region 23a. A middle region 24 of the structure S5 is tapered such that the upper end of the iniddle region 24 has a cross-section substantially the same as that of the lower end of the region 2-3a, and the lower end of the middle region 24 has a cross- section siibstaiitl ally equal to that of the upper end of the lower region 23b. The lower region 23b provides a housing adapted to house operating equipment as discussed hereinbefore. The structure S5 is further provided with coninitinication means 12 at an upper pail thereof as discussed hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this configuration, the upper mast pail 233a, lower region 23b and middle region 24 are substantially circular in plan view.

Referring 11OW to Figure 6, a.structure S 1 as shown in Figure 1 is located on a foundation 30 accot.diii,, to a first einbodinient of one aspect of the invention. As best seen in Figives 7 to 9, the foundation comprises a plurality of foundation elements 3) 1 disposed one at eacli corner of the housing 10. Each foundation element 3) 1 coniprises a generally eylindrical pile cap 32, the greater part of which is disposed generally vertically in the ground with a pall 32a thereof projecting above growid level. Disposed within the pile cap 32 is a pile 33, comprising a hollow threaded tube provided at its lower end with a clay bit 34. Tile pile 333 is disposed stich that an uppei part thereof projects above the upper end of the pile cap 32, whilst the bit 34 is disposed below the lower end of the pile cap 32. Stirrowiding the pile 33) is a grout body 35 comprising an appropriate cement. The uppet. surface of the grout body -35 is generally flush with the upper edge of the pile cal) 32, and the grout body completely fills the space between the pile 33 and c),lliidi-1cil eleinent 32. Below the cylindrical element 32, the grout body 35 extends irrepilarly into the surrounding ground. The cement infiltrates the gi,otiii(l outslide the body 34 to define a transition 3 7. Such a foundation clenient 3 1 allows transfer of tension and zone) 1 compression forces into the ground via the grout body 35 as a result of the friction between the grout body and the ground, while the pile cap 32 also permits the foundation element 331 to transfer horizontal loads into the sulTounding ground whilst mininiising any resulting movement by providing a large surface area in contact with the ground.

As best seen in Figure 7, the lioiislii,, 10 comprises a base structure 38 comprising first side beanis 39a and second side beams 39b. Disposed projecting fl-om the junction of the side beanis 39a, 39b adjacent an end part thereof is a connection nicans 40 coinprisin- a pair of generally horizontally extending, aeneral ly paral 1 el ears 4 1 a, 4 1 b, the ears bei rig generally triangular in plan view with a rounded outer part, and each provided with all aperture 41c, 41d respectively. Connected between the ears 41a., 41b is a cylinder 42 extending between the apertures 41c, 41d and having an interior diameter to receive the upper part of the pile 31 A gusset 43 is connected between the tube 42, ears 41a, 41b and second side beani '39b to provide additional stiffness to the connection means 40.

As shown in Figure 7, a fit-st ntit 44,9 is screwed oil to the pile 33, the first nut 44a in the present exaniple coiiil)i.lsliig a spherical collar nut with a generally spherical surface disposed facing iil)wat.dly to engage the lower end of the tube 42. The housino 10 is located on the foundation element 31 with the pile 3)-3) received in the connection inems 40 such that the connection means rests on the first nut 44a. A second nia 44b is received on the pile -3- 3) and screwed down to engage the uppet. ear 4 la and to hold the housing 10 in place.

The second nut 44b in the present exajiil)le coiiil)i-ises a spherical collar nut and is threaded on to the pile 33) sticii that the part spherical surface faces downwardly to engage the til)l)ei. end of the mbe 42.

To prepare a foundation 130, holes for each of the pile caps 32 are bored to the desired depth and the pile caps 32 iiiserted. A pilingJig 45, as shown in Figure 10a may be used to ouide 1)Iaceilictit of the cylindrical elements -32. As c 11 seen in Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob the piling jig 45 comprises a reinforced frame comprising four perpendicular side men-ibers 46a and a diagonal bracing member 46b. At each corner of the pilHig jig 45 a corner element 47 is located, the corner elements 47 each comprising an upwardly extending aperture 48a provided with clainpirig bolts 48b. The apertures 48a of the jig 44 are disposed at the same spacing as the cotinection ineans 40 of the housing 10.

In the present example, the side nieinbers 46a and diagonal bracing member 46b may comprise two detachable parts, which are detachably connected to the corner elenierits 47. The piling jig 45 can hence be disassembled into a number of snialler pieces for case of transport.

Once the pile caps 32 have beeii located in their respective holes, using a suitable driving means the piles 33) are each drilled into the ground in a position generally concentric with a coii-es])oiidiii,,, pile cap 32, until the pile reaches the desired depth to accommodate the expected loading on the structure. To form the grout body 33 grout cement is supplied to the hollow interior of the pile 33 such that the cement infiltrates the stii.rot)iidiii,, soil and fills up the pile cap 39 to form a grout body 35 of the desired size. Referring now to Figure 10b, the piling jig 45 is placed on the foLiti(tatioii eleirients 3) 1 such that each pile 33 is received in a Corresponding aperttire 48a. The clamping bolts 48b are tightened to. hold the piles 33 in place whilst the cement forming the grout body 34 sets. The cement is preferably selected to be of the type such that it sets to working strength in four hours and sets stiffieleritly to accommodate full loading from the structure in twenty-four hours.

As seen in Figure 11, oiice the eciiieiit has set sufficiently, the structure S1 may be erected after i.ciiioviii,, (lie teinplate 45 by providing a first nut 44a on each pile 33 and lowering the liotisiii(l 10 onto the foundation 30 such that each pile 33) is received in a coi.i. esl)ojidiiig iriounting i-neans 40.

By adjttstiiig the positioii of the first nuts 44a on the piles 33, the housina 10 can be levelled with relative ease. Once the housing 10 is level, the 0 12 second nuts 44b can be threaded oil to the piles -33) until they engage the mounting means 40 as liereinbefore described to hold the housing 10 rigidly in place.

The mast base part 15 is tlien disposed oil the housing 10 and connection elements 49 passing through the ends 17 of the outwardly extending arms 16 are screwed into appropriate receivillo illealis at the top of the upstanding structural elements 18 of the housing 10. Tlie mast 11 may then be attached to the mast base part 15 by suitable incaiis. Operating equipment may be provided in the housing 10 and cotiiiiiiiiiicatioii means provided at the upper pail of the mast 11.

Such a foundation is particularly advantageous ill that the housing 10 may be levelled by ad.iiistiiieiit of the First ntits 44a irrespective of the depth to which the piles 33 are set or the level or gradient of the, round beneath the housing 10. The top of the pile cap 32 inay pro. ject above grouild to the desired extent necessary, or inay even be f11.1511 witli or below ground level if needed. The typical niaxinium space bet\veeii the top of the pile cap 32 and grout body 35, and the lower surface of the first ntit 44a M the present example is 20MM, although tlils spaciii,, inay be varied as i-eqtili-ed to level tile housing 10.

In the present example, gradlems of the site may be accommodated without reqiiii-iiig initial levellino, preferably tip to around 10'. The foundation elements -3l are disposed siteli tliat tlic base of the housing 10 is set at typically 100min above ground level.

In the present example, as sliowii M Figtire 9, the site for the structure S1 has beeti cleared and a iiieiiibi.iiie 50 laid oil the ground xvith a layer of gravel 51 disposed tliet-eoii, bul sijcii site preparation is not iiecessary, and may be adapted or omitted as desired.

Referring nosy to Figtires 12) to 22, a structure provided with a foundatioii according to a second ciiibociiiiieiit of the first aspect invention is shown. As shown in Figtire 12, a sti-tictiii.e S4, as shown in Figure 4, is provided with a foundation generally located at 100 comprising a plurality of foundation elements 101.

As best shown in Figure 15 and 16, each foundation element 101 comprises upwardly extending side walls 102a', 102a" and end walls 102UY 102V. The upper and lower faces of the foundation element 101 are open. Attached to an upper edge of each of the side walls 102a.', 1OM' is an outwardly extending lip 103. Extending transversely across the container is a bulkhead 104, and provided at the top of said bulkhead 104 is a bulkhead lip 105 which extends towards the end wall 102U, 102V. Mounting means 106, in the present example apertures to receive a suitable connecting means, are provided on the outwardly extending lips 10_) and bulkhead lip 105. The bulkhead 104 provides additional i.lgidity, to the container 105. In one corner of the foundation element 101 is provided a post anchor 107, in the present example a square socket adapted to receive a fence post. The container is further provided with apertures in the end walls 102U, 102V and the bulkhead 104 which receive a longitudinally extending duct 108 through which cables 109 may be passed for, for example a 1)o\.,.ei. connection or a communication connection as desired.

To provide the foundation 100, a plurality of such foundation elements. 101 are provided, preferably art-anged stich that each corner of the structure S4 to be mounted on the fottii(latioii will engage a respective one of said foundation elements 101 as slio\.\,ii in Figure 13). A trench 110 as shown in Figure 15 is excavated to receive eacli foundation element 101, the bottom part of each trench being provided witli a suitable base 111, for example concrete, compacted sand or other suitable inaterial. The foundation element 101 is placed in the trench 110 sticii tliat it rests on the base 111, and is filled with a filler 112, for example dry mix or otlier dense material. A cable 109 may be passed through the duct 108 stiell that the free end of the cable 109 emerges 14 beneath the position of the sti-ticture S4. The remainder of the trench 110 may be filled with suitable infill inaterial 113.

The structure S4 may then be located on the foundation elements as appropriate, for example as -a single prefabricated unit and may be attached directly to the foundation elements 10 1. Fo, example, as shown in Figure 14, a part of the structure S may be niounted on the foundation elements 101. such that connection ineans 115 coiill)t-isiiig inoinentconveying connection means engage the mounting ineans 106 of the foundation elernent 101. Preferably, each foundation element 10 1 is located below a corner of the structure S4 such that the sides of the structure S4 are at ari aiigic 45' to the bulkhead 104 and so that the structure S4 is attached the three mounting Iflealls 106 of each foundation element 101 by cojiiiectii,&(, ineans 115 as shown. Operating equipment located within the sti-tictiji,e S4 may be conriected to, for example, communication, power and other cables 109.

Where it is desired to proyide a separate housing outside the structure S4, for example a ineter cabMet, aii alternative enibodiinent of the foundation element 101 may be provided as sliowii in Figures 17 to 19. As shown in Figure 19, a foundation eleinent 10 1 ' 'Is provided with two ducts having a first pail 128a, 129a and an upwardly exteiidiiig second part, 128b. 129b respectively which extends upwardly of the foundatioil elenlent 101'. The foundation element 101' is provided with apertures in the end walls 102U. 102V, and the bulkhead 104 iii like inaimer to the foundation element of Figure 16. The duct part 128a extends loii,, ltiiclliiilly, inwardly of end wall 102U while the duct part 129a extetids loii,,ltti(ll'ii<iil), Mwardly of end wall 102V and passes through bulkhead 104. I'lie iil)\\,ai.dly extetiding second parts 128b, 129b are disposed generally parallel aiid adjacent to one another. The foundation element 10 1 is also provided with -a pair of diagonal support strips 130.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, a cabinet 131 may be placed on said foundation element 101 attached to said support strips 130 over said upwardly extending second parts 128b, 129b. The equipment in the cabinet 131, for example a ineter, may be connected to equipment inside the structure S4 via the second part 129b, and may be connected to an external connection via the second part 128b. Sucli a foundation elemerit 101 is provided with mounting means 106 in like inanner to the foundation element 101 of Figure 16 and may be filled with filler in like mantier.

When a structure S4 is attached to a fOLIndation 100 having a plurality of foundation elements 101, said foundatioti elements 101 having been installed and filled with filler, the foundation is sufficiently securely mounted to resist wind loading of the structure.

Where relatively Iii(,[i witid lo,-:tdlii,, of the structure may be expected, one or inore of said foundatimi elements 101 may be provided with an additional support 1-32 as sliown irt Fioure 20. The support 1,32 extends upwardly frorn an end wall 102b'of the foundation eleniellt 10 in such a way as to engage an upwardly exteiiditi,, part of the structure S4 mounted on said foundation element 10. Such an additioiial support 1,32 will provide an additional resistance to wind tuniing momew on the structure S4.

It may be desirable that any such structure S may be fenced off, for reasons of security. As showii M 171gures 21 wid 22, fetice posts 133 may be located in each of the post anchors 107 and a fence 134 connected therebetween.

The present inveimon thus perinits the relatively quick andstraightforward est,,iblisliiiieiit of a fotiiiclitio[i aiid erection of a structure, with significantly lower time ajid eqtiil)ll]Cllt requirenierits than providing a conventional poured concrete foutidatioll.

Although the foundatioti elemem 101 Is sliown as open at the top and bottom, it will be apparetit tliat the fotiiidcitioii element 101 may be provided 16 with a complete or partial base and/or a complete or partial top as desired. Although the walls of the foundatioii element 101 are shown as generally planar, they may be provided with linvardly directed projections to key the foundation element 101 to the filler 112. Suitable keels (not shown) may be provided to anchor the fotiiidatioil elemems 101 to the ground if required. If desired, the base 111 of the ti.eiicli 110 may be omitted. The filler 112- may comprise pre-inixed concrete whicli s\,111 go off as a result of the dampness in the soil or the ciiviioiiiiieiit. The bijlkliead 104 may be omitted as desired, pai-ticularly if cross-braces or othei. stiffetwig mearts are provided.

Referring now to Figures 23 to 26b, a structure provided with a foundation according to a third embodimew of the invention is shown. As shown in Figure 23 the structure comprises a structure S3 as shown in Figure 3 mounted on a fouridatioti 200. The fotiiidatioii 200 comprises a generally square formation extetidiii,, aroutid the perimeter of the housing 10 of the structure S33, and comprises a plurality of first foundation elements 201 and second foundation elements 202 disl)osed abuttitig one another. The first foundation elements 201 comprise relatively short end walls 2033a, 203b and relatively long side walls 204a, 204b. hi I)Iaii view, the second foundation elements 202 likewise comprise relatively, short end walls 20Ya, 203% and relatively long side wall 204't, 204%. The secotid foundation elements 202 are relatively short awl relanvely broad coiiil)ai.ed to the first foundation elements 20 1. The fotiiiclatloti elemeins 201, 202 are disposed in the foundation 200 such that the short edoes 20-3b of the first foundation elements 201 are disposed iloii(,slde a lom, ed-e of the housing 10, whilst the short edges 20-31 of the secoii(l -f0LIII(1,1t1011 elciiieiits 202 are disposed alongside the relatively short edges of the liousim, 10 -iii(l alongside the long edges 204a, 204b, Of tlIC first fOL1iidatioii elemetits 201. By disposing first foundation elements 201 and secoii(l fotiii(lc-i(loti elciiieiits 202 on opposed sides of the 17 housing iii this inanner, a getierally sqtiai.e foundation 200 call be formed as shown in plan view in Figi.tre 24.

As best seen in Figures 26a aiA 26b, the end walls 2033b, 203% are provided with an inturned lip 205, 205' respectively. The side walls 204a 204L 204'a, 204% extend upwardly over a pail of the height of the end walls 203a, 203b, 20Ya, 203%. At the end of the side walls 204a 204b, 204'a 204% adjacent the ends walls 203b, 20-3%, the side walls comprise all upwardly extending part 206, 206' which is joiiied at its upper edge to the inturned lip 205, 205' to support the lip 205, 205'. Extending across a lower part of the foundation elements 201, 202 Is a inesli, 207, 207. Projecting downwardly from the foLitidation elenients 201, 202 are earth spikes 208 which are received into the ground. The earth spikes 208, 208'iviay be omitted if desired.

As shown iri Figure 24, ori opposed sides of the housing 10 a plurality of first foundation elements 201 and secoiid fotindation elements 202 are disposed in side-by-side coiifigiii-atioii with their relatively long walls 203a. 203b, 20Ya, 203% abutting orie another. Iii the pi-eseiit example, eight first foundation elements 201 are disposed alongside each loiig edge of the housing 10, with the relatively short side 203b actiacciit the housing 10. The second foundation elements 202 are disposed stich that they extetid alongside the shorter edges of the housing 10 atid alongside the long edges 20-3b, 203a of the outermost first foundation eleinews 20 1. The secoii(l I'maidation elements 202 are disposed such that the relatively short side 203% \,ltii the inturiled lip 205, is disposed adjacent the housing 10 or a first fottiidatioii eleinent 201 as appropriate.

As slio\vii in Figures 25a, 25b aiid first layer 210 comprising selflevelling grout is poured iiito the fotiiiciatioii elements 201, 202 such that the upper surface of the first layer 2 10 is above the inesh 207, 207 Disposed oii the first layer 210 is a second layer 211 comprising a plurality of]ilgli density coiici.ete blocks 212. The height of the blocks 212 is such that tlieir upper stirfaces 2 12a are disposed just above the tipper edges of 18 the side walls 204a, 204b, 204'a, 204'b. The second layer 211 abuts the outer end wall 203a, 203'a. Disposed between the end wall 203b, 203'b and the second layer 211 is art end plate 2 13) ill abutment with one of the blocks 212, provided with a block compression ineans 214 to maintain tile blocks 212 in mutual abutment with one another and in abutment with the end wall 203a, 20Ya. The block compressioil system may for example comprise a threaded rod extending through the blocks 2 12 and provided with a nut adjacent the end plate 213, 213', or may comprise any other means as appropriate. A third layer 215, 215' is then disposed oil top of the second layer 211, comprising flagstones 215a having a desired tlileltiess, lit the present example 50mm. The upper surface of the flagstones 2 1 5a are at generally the same height as the upper edge of the eild wall 203a, 203b, 20-Ya, 203'b.

To attach the housing 10 to the foundation 200, the housing 10 is provided adjacent to the lower pan tliereof with a bracket 216 comprising an outwardly directed flange 2 17. The flange 217 engages the upper surface of the inturned lips 205, 205' and are allaclied tliereto by a suitable connection mean 218. The connection means 2 18 also helps maintain tlIC foundation elements 201, 203 in position relative to one anotlier.

To connect necessary cabling, for example telecommunication and power cables, ducts 2 19, 220 are provided passing though the foundation 200 and into the housing 10. In the present example, the duct 219 passes straight through the foundation 200. The duct 220 comprises a first pail 220a which extends through the foundation fl-om the housing 10 to a cabinet 221, in the present example a ineter cabinet. A second part 220b of the duct 220 extends from the meter cabinet to the outside ofilie foundation 200. The meter cabinet 221 is disposed at the ed-e of the foundations 200, and preferably allows access to the cabinet fi-om the side of the ineter cabinet facing away from the housing 10. Where the structure S3) is provided with a perimeter fence 19 extending around the edge of the fowidation 200, access may thus be gained to the meter cabinet 221 without needing to pass through the perimeter fence.

It will be apparent that any of the structures SI, S2, S3, S4, S5 may provide in combination with aiiy, of the foundations 30, 100, 200 as desired and as appropriate for the site on winch the struettire is to be erected.

Although the structures S 1, S2, S3), S4 each have an aerial mast supported on a single housing, it inay at tinies be desirable to provide a single site with multiple housings and a single mast, for example where a site is shared between two or more operators, to reduce costs, where expansion of a site is required, or for any other reason as necessary. As shown diagrammatically in Figures 227a, 27b, 27c, 27d, a shared site structure S6 may comprise a plurality of lioiisliigs 401, each supported on an appropriate foundation as shown dlagrainniaticall at 402 and jointly supporting an aerial C1 Y mast 403 in like manner to, for exaniple, the housing 10 of Figures 1 and 2. As seen in plan view in Figures 27b, 27c, 27d, it inight be envisaged that the mast 403 could be supported on two, three ot. eveti four housings 401.

In an alternative ai-i-aiigeiiieiii, where it is desired to space the housings more closely, the coiifi,,tti-,itioii of Figui-e 28a inay be used, wherein mast 403, C> -ather than at a corner is supported actiacent a iiil(lpoliit of liousings 401 i< thereof. As seen in the plan view of Floui-e 28b, the inast 403, may be connected with a pail adjaceiit at the inidpoint of two edges of each housing 40 V. Alternatively, it may be destrable to support the niast 403) on four 1 1 1C, - housings 401, as showii M plaii \"e\, iii Fioure 28c. The lower part of the inast 403' may be supported at a eciiti-,,il i.eglon of the upper pail of each housing c 40V. The housings 401' inay coitil)i.'ise a sti,iictiii.e such as the mast base pail 1Yas shown in Figure 2 to enpoe atid sijpl)oi-t the lower pail of the mast 403'.

C C) As seen in more detail M Rwres 29a, 29b and Figures 30a 30b a C - -5 -5 structure 57 may comprise a pali. of liousings 501 of generally rectangular configuration in plan are (11sposed elther in end to end configuration as shown in Figures 29a and 29b, or with their long sides facing one another as shown in Figures 30a and 30b.

The housings 501 are motinted oil fowidations shown diagrammatically at 502 and support a rnast 503). Ill end-to-end configuration shown in Figures 29a. and 29b, the mast 50-3) comprises a lowei. part 504 which is of generally rectangular shape as seen iii plan view stich that the width of the lower part 504 of the mast 5033 is approximately that of the hoiisings 501. The housings 501 are provided with stipport elements 506 disposed along their upper, longer edges, provided with mowiting ineans 307 for the inast 503 at a midpoint thereof In the configin.ation of Rwres 30a and 30b, tile mast 50-3) has a lower pail 504 which is of generally s(ILiii.e configm-ation, such that the length of the sides of the lower part 504 is al)j)t-oxiiiiatel),, that of the len-th of the housings 501. The housings 501 are provided with structin.al elements 506' disposed along the shorter, upper edges thereof, similarly provided with support means 507 at the midpoint thereof to engage the lowei. mast pail 504'.

A particular example of a sti-Lictiti,e comprising a mast mounted on four housings as shown ill Figm.e 28e is shown at 600 ill Figures 31a, 31b and Figure 32. Ill these drawings, fow. lioiislii,,s 601, each preferably comprising a housing of the type shown at 10 in Fl-tires 1 and 2 support a mast 6033. Each of the housings 601 comprises a inast base 1)art 602. Ill like illanner to the mast base parts shown 1 n F1 (wres 1 a, 1 b and 2, the mast base part 602 comprises four outwardly extending arins 604 conneeted to a eciiti-al base part 605. The arms 604 each en age,ill Lipwardly extendim, stt,iicttij-al part 606 disposed at the 9 t) corners of the hotising 601. As xvill be al)l),,ii-ciit from the drawings, the mast 0 603) comprises all tii)l)ei- 1)art 603a, and a lower part 603b, the lower part 603b tapering outwardly at a greater angle tlian the tipper part 603a to provide a wider base for the mast 603). Ill the.1e\, ill Figure 332, the structure 600 is further provided witli walls 607 contiected between adjacent housing 601 to 21 prevent or hinder access between the iiotisiii(7 601 and to provide a continuous exterior wall for the striicture 600. Each liousing 601 is either provided with foundation means 608 suitable for etigagenient with a foundation 30 as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

In an alternative configuration of Itie stnictare of Figures 3] a, 31b and 32, in which the housings 601 are arranged iii two pairs each having mutually opposed and parallel longer side walls, the configuration of Figure 33a and 33b shows a structure 600' in which the hoitsings 601 are disposed such that each outer face of the structure 600' incItides a long wall of one housing 601 and a short wall of another housing 601. hi this einbodinient, as will be seen from Figure 33b, the mast 603' Is disposed oii a phirality of illast base pails 602 disposed are on each hotisino 601 M sticli a way that the rnast 603' is rotated with respect to the otilwardly vvalls of the housings 601, Such an arrangement of housinos 601 provides a sti-iictiti.e 600, which has a squarer foot print that the structure 600, and iii whicli the base of the mast 603' is less elongate than the base of the mast 603).

The modular nature of the sti.Lictttt,es aiid fowidations described herein enable a cell site to be set iii),iiid coinparatively easily to a desired configuration. In partieLilar, a staii(lard liotisliig may be provided as the housings 10, 401, 501, 60 1 and tIms inay be tised either singly to use the mast thereon, or in structures of two or niore stich housings to support a common mast on all such housings. A coininoii inast base part 16, 16' may be provided which may support either a sliigle inast. which may be of an open lattice configuration or any otlier coiiFi-,iii.itioii as desUed, or may support a pail of a mast supported on olle 01, 1110fe lliast base parts. Similarly, the desired combination of housings, niast base stipports and masts inay be provided on any of the fouiidatioiis described hereMbefore or otherwise as desired. The modular nature similarly permits expansioii of a site if necessary.

Where a single housing 10, 401, 501 is provided, mast types of up to 22.5 meters to the underside of the comintinication ineans may be used and where a plurality of housing means are provided, a higher mast, for example of up to 30 or 40 metres may be provided.

An antenna cable froin the comnitinication inearis may be routed by being clamped to a lattice mast or contained within a closed mast where appropriate where appropriate and pass tlirotigh a suitable waterproof gland aperture in the roof of the housing. Tlic \,ei-tical conipressive and tensile forces carded to the foundation elements fi-om the inast through the vertical members of the housing structure whilst the liousin(l, preferably comprises a welded wall construction to resist shear forces. 111 all C011figUratiOnS suitable fencing and other security means inay be provided as desired.

In a regular site, where there are delays from connection to an electricity supplier, a generator may be supplied to sLipply power to the operating means in the interim, the self contained, portable telecommunications cell unit may be provided to enable the site to be operated even wliilst the structure and the equipment are being installed.

It will be appreciate that any conibination of the structures and foundations as described lierein inay be iised as desired.

In the present sl)ec]Ficatloii "coiiii)i-lse" ineatis "iiicltides or consists of' and "comprising" ineans "ljiclitcllii,, or coiisistiti(, of'.

The features disclosed in the foregoin- description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed M tlieir specific forms or in terms of a means for perforniing the disclosed ffinction, or a inethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of sticli feattires, be iitilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof

Claims

2 3) CLAIMS

1. A foundation for a structure, the foundation comprising at least one discrete foundation element.

2. A foundation according to claim 1 sylierein said at least one foundation element comprises a pile comprising an elongate metal element.

0 3. A foundation according to claini 2 wherein the elongate metal element is tlireaded.

4. A foundation according to claim 2 or cialin 3) wherein the elongate metal element is hollow.

5. A foundation according to,iiiy one of claims 2 to 4 wherein a greater part of the elongate inetal element is disposed below ground level and a lesser part is disposed above ground level, the elongate metal element extending generally vertically.

6.. A foundation according to aiiy oiie ofelainis 2 to 5 wherein a lower part of the elongate metal element is recelved iii a grout body.

7. A foiiiidatioii accordin- to claim 6.-liei.eiii a part of said elongate metal t) element is surrounded by an outer elemem, and said cement body wholly or partly fills said outer element.

8. A foundation -ic.coi-dlii,, to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said outer element C) extends at least partly above ground.

24 9. A foundation according to any otie of claims 2 to 8 wherein a levelling means is provided which is moveably mounted on said elongate metal element to support a pail of said structure.

10. A foundation according to clalin 9 where dependent directly or indirectly on claiin 9 wherein the levelling ineans is threadedly received on said pjle.

11. A foundation according to claim 10 wherein the levelling means comprises a nut and wherein aii upper pail thereof engages said part of the structure.

12. A foundation according (o ati), one of clalins 9 to 11 comprising restraining means to hold the sti-iic(iii-e in engagement with said levelling means.

13. A foundation according to claiin 12 wherein the restraining means is threadedly received on said pile.

14. A foundation accordlilg to claiiii 1 wherein the at least one discrete foundation element comprises a contailiff.

15. A foundation iccoi-cilii(, to clatin 14 wherein said containers is filled with a fillin- material to restraill 1110xlellielit of said container.

16. A foundation accoi.(ilii(, to clalin 14 or clalin 15 wherein said at least one C) foundation elenient is provided with mounting ineans to engage a pail of the structure.

17. A foundation according to claini 16 wherein the foundation element is provided with a bulkhead, and said bulkhead is provided with said mounting means.

18. A foundation according to Claini 16 or Claini 17 wherein the foundation element comprises a lip at an upper part thereof, said lip being provided. with said mounting means.

19. A foundation according to any one of claiins 14 to 18 wherein said at least one foundation elenient is provided with a duct to receive a cable.

20. A foundation according to any one of claim 17 to 19 wherein said at least one foundation element is provided.,itli -a post anchor to receive a fence post.

21. A foundation accordiii(y to any, one of clalins 14 to 20 wherein said at C least one foundation element comprises a stabiliser to engage an upwardly extending pail of a structure disposed on said foundation.

22. A foundation accoi-dlll(y to any oiie of claims 14 to 19 wherein a plurality of said foundation elenients are disposed adjacent to one another to define a continuous foundation extending substantially around the periphery of said structure.

23. A foundation accordffig to claini 22 wherein the foundation elements are C each provided with an in-tunied lip at one end thereof to engage a part of said structure.

26 24. A foundation to aiiy one of claiiiis 17 to 21 wherein the foundation comprises a plurality of foiiiidqtioii eleinents disposed one at each corner of said structure.

25. A foundation accordiii(, to claiiii 24 wherein the foundation elements c) extend mutually outwardly fi-om one another.

26. A foundatioii accordijig to ciii), oiie of claiins 14 to 25 wherein the at least one fotiiidatl"oii eleniew is disposed oii the surface of the ground.

27. A foundatioii accoi.ditio> to any, oiie of clainis 14 to 25 wherein the at 1 least one foundation elenient is located M a trench.

28. A foundatioti accoi,dtiig to Claini 26 wlierein a base is provided in the trench to receive said fottii(latloji eleniew.

29. A foundatiori stibstaiitially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

c) C> 30. A sti.uctiii.e coiiipi-lslii,, aii aerial inast and a housing disposed on a Z:> foundatioii, the fotiticlitioii cojiil)j-lsjii,-, a 1'oiiii(lltioll accordiiig to any one of the preceding claiiiis.

31. A sti-ticture accoi-(ljii(, to Clalin 30 wherciii the aerial inast extends upwardly fi-oni said lioLisiiig.

32. A structure accoi.(ilii,, to Clalini 30 or Claiin 3) 1 coinprising a plurality of housings, whereiri said aerIal niast is stipported oii said phirality of housings and extends upwardly therefi.oin.

27 33. A structure according to Claim 332 comprising two housings.

0 34. A structure according to Claim 32 xylierein the housings are disposed spaced from one another and wherein the mast is mounted on two corners of each said housings.

35. A structure according to Claim 33 wherein the mast is mounted on two opposed sides of each of said housings.

36. A structureaccording to CIalin '32 comprising three housings.

37. A structure according to Claim 36 s,liei-elii a pair of said housings are disposed in spaced opposed positions aiid a third housing is disposed with a corner thereof abutthig one corner of each of said pair of housings, and wherein said mast engages a corner part of each of said housings.

38. A structure accordin- to Clalin 27 coinprising four housings.

39. A structure according to Claini 38 wherein the mast engages a corner pail of each of said 110LISill"'S.

C) 40. A structure accordino to Clafin ')S x-lici-ciii the mast enoages a midpoint C> 0 of the upper Surface of cach of sald liotislill-IS.

41. A structure according to ctiil oiie of Clalins 32 to 40 wherein at least one C) of said 110LISill(IS COMIN-iSCS Support means at all Upper part thereof to engage a C lower pail of the mast.

42. A structure according Claim 41 wherein at least one of said housings comprises an upwardly extendlii(l support inember at a corner thereof provided 0 with mounting means at an upper])art thereof to engage the inast support means.

43. A structure according to Claim 42 \.,lierein said mast support means comprises a mast base pail having -a plurality of outwardly extending arms, each of which engages an upwardly exteiidiii,, support member.

C> 44. A structure according to Clalin 43) wherein the mast base means comprise four outwardly extending arins, each of which comprises an end pail c) to engage a coli-esponding upwardly extendino, structural element disposed at t> c each corner of said housing.

45. A structure according to Claim 42 wherein said mast support means comprises a transverse structural eleinew disposed at an upper pail thereof to engage a lower pail of the mast at a polm si)aceci froin the end of the structural element.

46. A structure accordim, to Clalin 45 wherein the transverse structural c) element is disposed at an upper ecl,,e of the housing.

L, 47. A StIliCture according to Clalin 45 wherein the structural element extends between a pair of opposed edges of the upper pail of the housing.

48. A structure according to aiiy one of Clainis 32 to 47 wherein at least one of said housings is disposed on a founchitioll.

29 49. A structure according to Claim 48 \.,liereiii at least two of said housings are each disposed on a discrete foundation.

50. A structure as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

51. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying dra\vings.

c