GB2358031A - Combined housing and mast structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The combined housing and mast structure, particularly for use as a telecommunication cell site, comprises a number of housings 501 upon which the mast/aerial structure 503 is mounted such that it is supported by two or more of the housings. Also disclosed are types of foundations which may be used with the housings. One embodiment of the foundation is formed from an elongate metal element 502 embedded vertically in a grout body, that is in turn at least partially surrounded by an outer element, and to which the structure is adjustable secured to the upper portion which extends above ground level. A second embodiment of the foundation comprises a container which is placed in a trench and then filled with a filling material and which also contains ducts for cables etc. and portions for supporting the structure and e.g. fence posts.

Description

2358031

Title: Structure Description of Invention

This invention relates to a structure, particularly a telecommunication cell site, comprising a niast and a liousing for a radio telecommunication system.

VAien providing a cell site for a telecommunication system, it is desirable that the 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 operatloii and for it to begin earning revenue, reduces project management costs and allows less time during installation for vandalism or other interference. It is also desirable that the cell site permits of ease of upgrade, replacement or expaiislon, and be adaptable to accommodate equipment appropriate to the intended fwiction of the site.

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

According to one aspect of the Mvention, we provide a structure comprising an aerial inast aiid a plurality of liousings, wherein said aerial mast is supported on said plurality of liousbigs aii(l extends upwardly therefi-om.

The structure may comprise two liousings.

Where the structure comprises two liousings, the housings may be disposed spaced from oiie anotlier and the mast may be mounted on two corners of each said housinGs.

Alternatively, where the stnicture comprises two housings, the mast may be mounted on two opposed sieles of caeli of sald housings.

The structure may Comprise till-cc lioltsill(IS.

Where the structure comprises tliree housings a pair of said housings may be disposed in spaced opposed positions and a third housing may be disposed with a corner tliereof abuttim, oiie corner of each of said pair of 0 2 housings, and wherein said inast inay engage a corner pail of each of said housings.

The structure may comprise four housings.

MIliere the structure comprises fout. housings at least one of said housings may comprise support ineans at an upper part thereof to engage a lower part of the mast.

At least one housing imi), coinprise an upwardly extending support member at a corner thereof 1)rovided with mounting means at an upper part thereof to engage a lower part of the inast.

The mast support means may comprise a mast based part having a plurality of outwardly extending arnis, each of which engages an upwardly extending support member.

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

At least one housing inay comprise a transverse structural element disposed at an upper pail tliereof to eii,,a,,,e a lower part of the mast at a point c ID spaced fl-oni the end of the sti-iicttii-al element.

The transverse sti-ticttit.al eleniew may be disposed at an upper edge of 'ih'e housing.

The structural element extend between a pair of opposed edges of the upper part of the housing.

The rnast may engage a corner part of each of said housings.

The mast may altertiatively cii(,age a midpoint of the upper surface of each of said housings.

At least one of said liousinos inay be disposed on a foundation.

Said housings may eacli be disposed on a discrete foundation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, we provide a foundation for a structure according to the one aspect of the invention, the foundation comprising at least one discrete foundation element.

In a first embodiment of the further 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 eleinent inay be hollow.

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

lower pall of the elongate nietal element may be received in a grout body.

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

Said outer element may extend at least partly above ground.

Levelling means may be provided which may inoveably be mounted on said elongate metal element to sLipport -a pail of said structure.

The levelling ineans may be threadedly received on said pile.

The levelling means inay comprise -a nut wherein an upper pail thereof engages said pail of the stlLictlii,e.

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

The restraining iiieaiis inay be threadedly received on said pile.

In a second eiiibodiiiieiit and a third embodiment of the further aspect of the invention, the at least oiie discrete foundation element comprises a container.

Said container may be filled. with a fillino material to restrain movement of said container.

4 Said at least one foLindation element may be provided with mounting means to engage a part of the sti,iiettii-e.

The foundation element may be provided with a bulkhead, and said bulkhead may be provided with said motinting means.

The foundation element may comprise a lip at an upper part thereof, said lip being provided with said mounting ineans.

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

Said at least one foinidation element may be provided with a post anchor to receive a fence post.

Said at least one foundation e.leinent may comprise a stabiliser to engage an upwardly extending part of a structure disposed oil said foundation.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of said foundation elements may be disposed adjacent to one another to define a continuous foundation extending substantially aroiind the periphery of said stiticttli,e.

The foundation elements are provided with an in-turned lip at one end thereof to engage a part of said sti-tictiii,e.

In the third embodiment, the foinidation may comprise a plurality of foundation elements disposed one at cach 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 stirface of the ground or may be located in a trench.

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

The invention will tio\, be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying (ii.a\\,iii(,,s, In which Figure I a is a side elevation of a first sti-tictLti-e, Figure lb is a perspective view of part of the StrUCtUre of Figure la Figure 2 is a side elevation of a second structure, Figure 3a is a side elevation of a third structure, Figure 3b 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 fifth structure, Figure 6 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 comprising a foundation accordina to a first embodiment 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 Figure 8, Figure 10a is a perspective view of the foundation of Figure 6, Figure 10b is a perspective view on 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 according to a second embodiment of one aspect of the present invention, Figure 1 -3) is a plan view of Floure 12, Figure 14 is a view on a larget. scale of Figure 13, Figure 15 is a section on flne 15-15 of Figure 14, Figure 16 is a perspective of part of the foundation of Figure 13, Figure 17 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the structure of Figure 1.2, Figure 18 is a partial plan view of the structure of Figure 17, Figure 19 is a perspective view of,in 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, C> 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 elevation of a structure provided with a foundation according to a third embodiment of one aspect of the present invention, Figure 24 is a plan view of the structure of Figure 23, Figure 25a is a section on line 25a-25a of Figure 24, Figure 25b is a section on line 25b-25b of Figure 24, Figure 26a is a SCCtiOll Of IM11 Of tlIC f01.1ndation of Figure 25a, Figure 26b is a section of part of the foundation of Figure 25b, Figure 27a is a diaorciiiiiii,,:itlc side elevation of a structure according to another aspect of the present Invention, Figure 27b is a plan view of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 27c is a plan view of an alteniative configuration of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 27d is a plan view of an alteniative configuration of the structure of Figure 27a, Figure 28a is a diagrammatic side elevation of an alternative configuration of the structure of Figui,e 27a, Figure 28b is a plan view of the sti-iicttji-e of Figure 28a, Figure 28c is a plan view ol',,iii alteniative configuration of the structure of Figure 28a, Figure 29a is a side elevatim of a preferred embodiment of the structure of Figure 28a, Figure 29b is a plan view of the so-Licture of Figure 29a, Figure 30a is a side elevation of an alternative configuration of the structure of Figure 29a, Figure 30b is a plan view ofthe stnicture of Figure 330a.

7 Figure 3) 1 a is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of a structure of Figure 28c, Figure 3 lb 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 lb, Figure 33a. is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the structure of Figure 31a, and Figure 33b is a plan view of the structure of 333a.

Referring now to Figures I a and I b, a structure S I is shown provided with a housing 10 on which is mounted an -aerial mast 11. At the upper end of the aerial mast 11 is provided coninitinication means 12 for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic sionals such as digital and/or analogue radio frequency signals and inicrowave sWiials. The communication means 12 illustrated in Figure 1 conipi.ises antennae 13 and microwave dishes 14, although any other suitable conirnlinication means may be provided as desired.

The housing 10 and mast 11 ai.e iiitet,coiijiected by a mast base part 15. The mast base pail 15 in this exaiii])]e coiiil)i.ises four outwardly extending arms 16, an end part 17 of each of x,1il'eli an upwardly extending structural 1 - CI element 18 disposed at each cornei. of the housing 10. The housing 10 is adapted to house suitable ol)erating eqiili)tlieiit (not shown), which may for ex. ample comprise a transceiver systein capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals such as dWital and/or aiialogue radio fi- equency signals and microwave signals. The operating eqtjll)iiiejit further preferably comprises a power supply unit to provide an interface between a power supply such as a mains power supply, or a powei. stil)l)l, fi-oni an outside generator. The operating equipment inay also cojiil)i- ise any other equipment as desired, e.g. a back-up power supply fi-oin a battery, ineans for controlling environmental conditions within the housiIng 10 sticli as air cooling means, heating means and/or reffigeration means.

8 Referring to Figure 2, the structure S2 shown therein comprises a housing 10 of the sarne configuration as the housing of Figure 1, but comprises a mast 1 l' of open lattice work configuration. At the tipper pail of the mast 11, is provided communication iiieajis 12' as desired. The lower region of the aerial mast 11' cornprises all outwardly til)ei.itig section 1 Va which engages a mast base pail 15'. Ill like tilanner to the inast base pail 15 of Figure 1, the mast base pail 15' comprises outwardly exteii(Iiiig arms 1C, each of which is provided with all end pail 17 wlilch engages all upwardly extending structural element 18 of the housing 10.

In a further alternative as showii M Figure 3), a structure S3 is shown having a similar structure to structure S2 sliown in Figure 2, but in place of the lower mast pail 1 Va and mast base part 15', the lower part of the aerial mast 11" comprises an outwardly tapering pail ll"a. Extending between the tapering mast pail 11"a and the lioiislii(, 10 is a mast interface pail 19, comprising an open lattice work structure wInch e xtends between the corners of the lower mast pail 1 Va aii(l the upper corners of the housing 10. The mast interface pail 19 comprises base 1)arts 20 eii,,age the upwardly extending structural elements 18 of the housin- 10.

The housing 10 is the saine M Figtires la, lb, 2, 3a, -3b and thus a single housing may support a selected one of a Iflurality of mast types as desired, In a still further alternative as slio\-ii in Figure 4, a Structure indicated by S4 comprises an equipinew liousitig 21 -iiid all aerial inast 22 of pail lattice work configuration provided xvith coiiiiiiiiiiic. ,,itioii means 12... at an upper pail thereof. The rnast 22 is motiwed oii aiici upper surface 21a the housing 21 towards an edge of the upper surface 2 1 a.

Ill Figures 1 to 4, the liousing 10, in plan view is of generally square configuration.

Further alternatively, the structure inay comprise all integral housing and aerial mast as shown at S5 M FI,,iii.e 5, atid as described in our copending UK 0 9 patent application no. GB 2340513) A. In this einbodirnent, the structure SS comprises an upper region 23a and a lower region 23b of greater cross-section than the upper region 23a. A iniddle 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 ofthe lower end of the region 23a, and the lower end of the middle region 24 has a crosssection substantially equal to that of the uppe r end of the lower region 23b. The lower region 23b provides a housing adapted to house operating equipinent as discussed hereinbefore. The structure S5 is further provided with coininunication nicarts 12 at an upper part thereof as discussed hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this colifiguration, the upper mast part 23a, lower region 23b and rniddle region 24 are substantially circular in plati vic!.

Referring now to Figure 6, a structure S 1 as shown in Figure 1 is located on a foundation 30 according to a first einbodiment of one aspect of the invention. As best seen in Figures 7 to 9, the foundation comprises a plurality of foundation elements 3) 1 disposed one at each cornet. of the housing 10. Each foundation element 3 1 coniprises a generally cylindrical pile cap 32, the greater part of which is disposed generally vertically in the ground with a part 32a thereof projecting above ground 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. The pile 333) is disposed such that ari upper 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. Stii-i-oiiii(iiiii, the pile 33) 'Is a grout body 35 comprising an appropriate ceirient. The upper sud'ace ol'tlie 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 cylindrical elenient 32. Below the cylindrical element 32, the grout body 35 exteiids irregularly into the surrounding ground. The cement infiltrates the grotuid outside the body 34 to define a transition zone 37.Such a foundatioti elenient 3' 1 allows transfer of tension and compression forces into the gi,oiiiid via the grout body 35 as a result of the friction between the groitt body and the growid, while the pile cap 32 also pennits the foundation element 3 1 to tratisfer horizontal loads into the surrounding ground whilst iiiiiiiiiiisill(l ally resulting movement by providing a large surface area ill contact with [lie gi- oiiiicl.

As best seen ill FI(,iii.e 7, the lioiislii,, 10 comprises a base structure 38 comprising first side beaiiis 39a aiid secoiid side bearns 39b. Disposed projecting from the jiinction of the side beanis 39a 39b adjacent an end part thereof is a connection ineans 40 coiiipi.isliig a pall. of generally horizontally extending, generally parallel cars 4 ha, 4 1 b, the ears being generally triangular in plan view with a rotinded oLiter part, aiA each provided with an aperture 41p 41d respectively. Coitiiecte(l t)et\.\,eeji the cars 41a, 41b is a cylinder 42 extending between the apeittires 4 1 c. 4 1 (1 aiicl having all interior diameter to receive the upper part of the pile 33). A gtjsset 43 is connected between the tube 42, ears 4 1 a, 4 1 b aiid second side beaiii -3 M to provide additional stiffness to the connection means 40.

As shown ill Fi,,iii.e 7, -a first mit 44,a is screwed oil to the pile 33), the first nut 44a ill the presem exainple comprising a spherical collar nut with a generally spherical stirface disposed fiicjti,, iil)\\,, ii-diy to engage the lower end of the tube 42. The lioiisliig 10 is located oil the fowidation element 31 with the pile 333 received ill the connectioii ineatis 40 stich that the connection means rests on the first nut 44a. A secoii(l mit 44b is received oil the pile 33 and screwed down to engage the iipper ear 4 1 a aiid to hold the housing 10 in place.

C z> The second nLit 44b M the present exaniple coinprises a spherical collar nut and is threaded oil to the pile 33) stich iliat the part spherical surface faces downwardly to engage the iipper cii(l of the mbe 42.

To prepare a fotiiid,-ttloii 30, holes foi. each of the pile caps 32 are bored to the desired depth aiicl the pile caps 32 Hiserted. A piling jig 45, as shown in Figure 10a may be tised to gtilde placeirlew of the cylindrical elements 32. As Z-- 11 seen in Figures 10a and 10b, the piling jig 45 comprises a reinforced frame comprising four perpendicular side menibers 46a and a diagonal bracing member 46b. At each corner of the piling jig 45 a corner element 47 is located, the corner elements 47 each coinprising an upwardly extending aperture 48a provided with clamping bolts 48b. Tlieapei-ttli- es48aofthejig44 are disposed at the sarne spacing as the connection ineans 40 of the housing 10.

In the present exaniple, the side nienibers 46a and diagonal bracing member 46b may comprise two detacliable pails, which are detachably connected to the corner elements 47. The piling jig 45 can hence be disassembled into a number of srnaller pieces for ease of transport.

Once the pile caps '32 have been 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 corresponding 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 sitp])lled to the hollow interior of the pile 33 such that the cement infiltrates the surroundina soil and fills tip the pile cap 32 to form a grout body 35 of the desirecl size. Referring now to Figure 10b, the piling jig 45 is placed on the fOUndation eleinents -3 1 such that each pile 333 is received in a correspondill,' (Terture 48a. 'Flic clamping bolts 48b are tightened to; hold the piles 3.3) in place Millst the cenient forining 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 siifliciciiti, to accommodate full loading from the structure in twenty-fbuihoLirs.

As seen in Figure 11, once the cenient has set sufficiently, the structure S1 may be erected after removing the teniplate 45 by providing a first nut 44a on each pile 33) and lowering the hoLising 10 onto the foundation 330 such that each pile 3)-3 is received in a cot.i. esl)oiicllii,, inotinting inearis 40.

By adjusting the position of the first ntits 44a on the piles 33, the housing 10 can be levelled \,Itli relative ease. Once the housing 10 is level, the 12 second nuts 44b can be threaded on to the piles 333) until they engage the mounting means 40 as hereinbefore described to hold the housing 10 rigidly in place.

The mast base part 15 is then disposed on the housing 10 and connection elements 49 passing through the ends 17 of the outwardly extending arms 16 are screwed into appropriate receivitig ineans at the top of the upstanding structural elements 18 of the housin- 10. The mast 11 may then be attached to the mast base part 15 by suitable ineans. Operating equipment may be provided in the housing 10 and coiiiiiiiiiiicc-ttjoii ineans provided at the upper part of the mast 11.

Such a foundation is particularly advantageous in that the housing 10 may be levelled by adjustinew of the first rtuts 44a irrespective of the depth to which the piles '33 are set or the level or gradient of the ground beneath the housing 10. The top of the pile cap 32 may project above ground to the desired extent necessary, or may even be flush s\, itli or below ground level if needed. The typical maximum space bet\veen the top of the pile cap 32 and grout body 35, and the lower surface of the first nut 44a iii the present example is 20MM, although this spacing may be varied as required to level the housing 10.

In the present example, oradlews of the site may, be accommodated without requirflig initial levelling, preferably, up to around 10'. The foundation elements 3 1 are disposed such that the base oftlie housing 10 is set at typically 10Omm above ground level.

In the present example, as slio\.,ii M Figure 9, the site for the structure S1 has been cleared and a inembrane 50 laid on the ground with a layer of gravel 51 disposed thereon, but sucli site preparation is riot necessary, and may be adapted or omitted as desired.

Referring now to Figures 12 to 22, a structure provided with a foundation according to a second einbodlinent of the first aspect invention is shown. As shown in Figure 12, a structure S4, as shown in Figure 4, is 1) provided with a fouiidatioii geiiei.,,ill), located at 100 comprising a plurality of foundation elements 10 1.

As best shown in Figure 15 aii(t 16, each foundation element 101 comprises upwardly extetidiiig side walls 10M, 102a" and end walls 102U. 102V. The upper and lower faces of the foundation element 101 are open. Attached to an upper edge of eacli of the side walls 102a 1OM' is an outwardly extending lip 10-3). Exteildiii(l) transversely across the container is a bulkhead 104, and provided at the tol) of said bulkhead 104 is a bulkhead lip 105 which extends towards the cii(l wall 102U, 102V. Mounting means 106, in the present example apertures to receive a suitable connecting means, are provided on the outwardly extending 111)s 10-3 and bulkhead lip 105. The bulkhead 104 provides additlowil n(Adity to the container 105. In one corner of the foundation element 101 Is 1)rovided a post anchor 107, in the present example a square socket icl,. :ipted to recelve a fence post. The container is further provided with aperwres M the etid walls 102U, 102V and the bulkhead 104 which receive a longinidinally exteiding duct 108 through which cables 109 may be passed for, for example a 1)o\vet. connection or a communication connection as desired.

To provide the foundation 100, a 1)Iiii-,,cility of such foundation elements -101 are provided, preferabl)l arrati-ed siicli tliat each corner of the structure S4 to be mounted on the fotitidatioii wIll engage a respective one of said foundation elements 10 1 as sliowii M H- tire 135. A trench 110 as shown in Figure 15 is excavated to receive each fowidatIon element 101, the bottom part of each trench being provided witli a swtable base 111, for example concrete, compacted sand or other swtable inatenal. The foundation element 101 is placed in the trench 110 siicli lliat it i.ests on the base 111, and is filled with a filler 112, for example dry mix or otlici- (Iciise material. A cable 109 may be passed through the duct 108 sticli that the free end of the cable 109 emerges 14 beneath the position of the structiii.e S4. The remainder of the trench 110 may be filled with suitable infill material 113.

The structure S4 inay tlien be located on the foundation elements as appropriate, for example as a single 1)refabricated unit and may be attached directly to the foundation elernents 10 1. For example, as shown in Figure 14, a pail of the structure S inay be inounted on the foundation elements 101 such that connection means 115 coniprising nioinent-conveying connection means engage the mounting means 106 of the Ibinidation element 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 an angle 45' to the bulkhead 104 and so that the structure S4 is attaclied the tbree mounting means 106 of each foundation element 101 by coiiiiectiii(, ineans 115 as shown. Operating equipment located within the structure S4 inay be connected to, for example, communication, power and otlier cables 109.

Where it is desired to 1)i.o\![(le a sel)arate housing outside the structure S4, for example a ineter cc-ibliie(, an alleniative enibodinient of the foundation element 101 may be provided as slio\\,.ti in Figures 17 to 19. As shown in Figure 19, a foundation eleinent 101' is 1)i.o\,lded with two ducts having a first pail 128a, 129a and an extending second pail, 128b, 129b C> respectively which extends ol' the foundation elernent I0F. The foundation element 101' is 1)t.o\,lcle(l \\itli apertures in the end walls 102b' 102W', and the bulkhead 104 in like inaiiner to the foundation elernent of Figure 16. The duct pail 128a extends loii,,ltticllii,-,illy inwardly of end wall 1.02U, while the duct part 129a extends loiigitti(Iiiiilly inwardly of end wall 102V and passes through bulkhead 104. The iil)\?,ii-dly extending second pails 1. 28b 129b are disposed generally, 1)arallel aiici adjacent to one another. The foundation element 10 1 is also \\;ltii -a pair of diagonal support strips 130.

As shown ill Figures 17 atid 18, a cabinet 131 may be placed on said foundation element 101 attached to said stipport strips 130 over said upwardly extending second parts 128b, 129b. The eqLiipinent iii the cabinet 131, for example a meter, l-nay be connectecl to equipment itiside the structure S4 via the second part 129b, and may be cotmected to an external connection via the second part 128b. Such a fowidation cleiiieiit 101 is provided with mounting means 106 in like inartner to the foundation element 101 of Figure 16 and may be filled with filler in like iii.,iiiiiei-.

When a structLire S4 is to a fotiii(l,'ltioii 100 having a plurality of foundation elements 101, sald fotiiiclitioii elements 101 having been installed and filled with fillet., the fotiiid-,itioti is sufficiently securely mounted to resist wind loading of the sti-tictiii.e.

Where relatively Ingh wiiid loading of the structure may be expected, one or i-nore of said foiitidqtioil elemews 101 may be provided with an additional support E-32 as showii in Figure 20. The support 132 extends upwardly frorn an end wall 102b' of the fOLLiidatioii element 10 in such a way as to engage an upwardly exteiidiii,, part of the strtictiire S4 mounted on said foundation element 10. Stieli aii additloiial support 1332 will provide an additional resistance to \Yiii(f ttii-iiiii(Y 1110111elit on the stiiictLti.e S4.

It inay be desirable tliat aiiy sticii sti-ticttii-e S may be feiiced off, for reasons of security. As sliowii [it l.'igtti-es 2 1 atid 22, fence posts 13-3) may be located in each of the post,iiiciioi-s 107 wid a feiice 134 connected therebetweeil.

The present iiiveiitioii tlitis perinits the relatively quick andstraightforward establisliniew of a fotiiiciatioii and erection of a structure, with significantly lower tline iii(l equipinew i.eqiiii, eiiieiits than providing a conventional poured concrete foLiii(l-<itioii.

Although the fotiiiciatioii eleinew 101 is shown as open at the top and bottom, it will be apparew that the fowidation element 101 may be provided 16 with a complete or partial base aiid/oi- a coiiil)lete or pailial top as desired. Although the walls of the foundatioii elciiieiit 101 are shown as generally planar, they may be provided with inwanlly directed projections to key the foundation element 101 to the fillei. 112. Stiltable keels (not shown) may be provided to anchor the foundation eleniews 101 to the ground if required. If desired, the base 111 of the trench 110 inay be oinitted. The filler 112' may comprise pre-inixed concrete which will go off as a result of the dampness in the soil or the environinew. The biill<liead 104 may be omitted as desired, particularly if cross-braces oi. othet- stiffeiiiii,, inealls ai-e provided.

RefeiTing now to Figures 23 to 26b, a structure provided with a foundation accordiii- to a tbird ciiibo(iiiiieiit of the hivention is shown. As shown in Figure 23 the stniettire coiiil)t-tses a structure S3) as shown in Figure 3 mounted on a foundatl'oti 200. The foiijiclitioil 200 comprises a generally square formation extendino ii-otiiid the pentneter of the housing 10 of the structure S3), and coniprises -a I)Itti-ality, of fit-st foundation elements 201 and second foundation eleniews 202 (Ilsj)ose(l abLittitig one another. The first foundation elements 201 coinprise i.elatively, short end walls 203a, 203b and relatively long side walls 204a, 204b. In I)Iaii view, the second foundation elements 202 likewise conilnise i.clatively sliort end walls 20Ya., 203% and relatively long side wall 204'a, 2041. Tlie second foundation elements 202 are relatively slioi-t atid i.elatively bi-oad coinpai-ed to the first foundation elements 201. The fotiii(latioii eleinews 201, 202 are disposed in the foundation 200 such tliat the shorl ecl,,es 203b of the fii-st foundation elements 201 are disposed iloii,, slcle a loii,,, ed-e of tlie liousling 10, whilst the shoil edges 203% of the second fotiti(i,,ittoii elciiieiits 202 are disposed alongside the relatively short edges of tlie liotisliio 10 aii(l qloiigside the long edges 204a, 204b of the first fouiti(fatioii eleinents '201. By disposing first foundation elements 201 and second fotiticicitloji eleinews 202 oii opposed sides of the 17 housing in this manner, a geiiei-ally square foundation 200 can be formed as shown in plan view in Figure 24.

As best seen M Figures 26a aiid 26b, tile end walls 203b, 203% are provided with aii iiiturned 111) 205, 205' respectively. The side walls 204a 204h, 204'a, 204% extend upwardly over a part of the height of the end walls 203g, 203b, 20Ya, 2031. At the eiid of the side walls 204a,. 204b,, 204'a. 204% adjacent the ends walls 20-33b, 203%, the side walls comprise an upwardly extending pail 206, 206' which is joMed at its upper edge to the inturned lip 205, 205' to support the lip 205, 205'. Exteiiding across a lower part of the foundation eleinents 201, 202 Is a mesli, 207, 207. Projecting downwardly from the foundatioii eleiiieiits 201, 202 are eartli spikes 208 which are received into the ground. The earth spikes 208, 208'iiiay be omitted if desired.

As shown ill Figure 24, oil opposed sides of the housing 10 a plurality of first foundation eleinents 201 and secoiicl fowidation elements 202 are disposed in side-by-side cojifiytii-atioii with tlieir relatively long walls 2033a. 203b 20Ya, 203% abutting oiie aiiother, hi (lie presetit exaniple, eight first foundation elements 201 are disposed aloiigsicle caeli Joii,, edge of the housing 10, with the relatively short side 20-3b ad acein the liotislii(y 10. The second foundation elements 202 are disposed such tli,,it tlic), exteiid aloiigside the shorter edges of the housing 10 aiid alonoside the loii- edoes 203b, 203a of the outermost first C. 0 Z-7 - J_ foundation eleinents 20 1. Tlie secowl foiiiidatioii elements 202 are disposed such that the relatively short side 2031 with the Ulturned lip 205' is disposed adjacent the housing 10 or a first foiiii(lqtloji element 201 as appropriate.

As shown ill Figures 25a. 25b aiicl first layer 210 comprising selflevelling grout is poured iiito the 1'otiiidatloji elements 201, 202 such that the upper surface of the first layer 2 10 Is -il)o\,e the inesh 207, 207 Disposed oil the first lay,ei. 210 Is a second layer 211 comprising a plurality of high deiisity coticrete blocls 2 12. The height of the blocks 212 is such that their upper siii.fiices 2 12a are disposed just above the upper edges of 18 the side walls 204a, 204b, 204'a, 204%. The second layer 211 abuts the outer end wall 203a, 2033'a. Disposed between the end wall 203b, 203'b and the second layer 211 is an end plate 2 13 in abtitment with one of the blocks 212, provided with a block compression ineans 214 to maintain the blocks 212 in mutual abutment with one another and in abtitinent with the end wall 203a. 20Ya. The block compression system may for example comprise a threaded rod extendino, throuah the blocks 2 12 and provided with a nut adjacent the end plate 2 133, 2 1 Y, or may compi.1 se any otlier ineans as appropriate. A third layer 215, 215' is then disposed on tol) of' the second layer 211, comprising flagstones 2 15a liaving a desired thickness. in the present example 50mm. The upper surface of the flagstones 2 15a are at generally the saille height as the upper edge of the end wall 20-3)a, 203) b, 203)'a, 20-3)'b.

To attach the housing 10 to the foinidation 200, the housing 10 is provided adjacent to the lower pail thereof a bracket 216 comprising an outwardly directed flange 2 17. The flange 217 engages the upper surface of the c) C) inturned lips 205, 205' and are attached tliereto by a suitable connection mean 218. The connection ineans 2 18 also liell)s maintain the foundation elements 201, 203 in position relative to one iiiotliei,.

To connect necessary cabling- foi. example telecommunication and power cables, dticts 219, 220 are provided 1)assitig though the foundation 200 and into the hotising 10. In the preselit example, the duct 219 passes straight through the foinidation 200. The (Itiet 220 comprises a first pail 220a which extends throtigh the 1'otiiici<,itloii fi-oni the liotising 10 to a cabinet 221, in the present example a ineter cabinel. A second 1)art 220b of the duct 220 extends from the meter cabinet to the otitside of the fotindation 200. The ineter cabinet 221 is disposed at the edge of the fotiiiciatioiis 200, and preferably allows access to the cabinet fi.oiii the side of the ineter cabinet facing away from the housing 10. Where the structin.e S3) is provided with a perimeter fence 19 extending around the edge of the foundation 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 S 1, S2, S3, S4, S5 may provide in combination with any of the foLtii(latioils 3- W, 100, 200 as desired and as appropriate for the site on wliicii the sti-tiewre is to be erected.

Although the structures SI, 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 niast, for example where a site is shared between two or inore 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, 27e, 27d, a shared site structure S6 may comprise a plurality of liotisitigs 401, each supported on an appropriate foundation as shown dlagramniatically at 402 and jointly supporting an aerial mast 403) in like inanner to, 1'oi. example, 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, tliree or eveii four housings 401.

In an alternative arrangenient, \.liei-e It is desired to space the housings inore closely, the configuration of 28a may be used, wherein mast 403' is supported adjacent a iiildi)oitit of hotisings 40F, rather than at a corner thereof As seen in the plan view of Figure 28b, the inast 403' may be connected with a part adjacent <it the inidpoint of two edges of each housing 40V. Alternatively, it may be desli-able to support the mast 403 on four housings 401, as slio\,\,ti In plaii view M 28c. The lo\vei. pail of the mast 403' may be supported at a e.ciiti.icil reg) on of the upper part of each housing 40P. The housings 401' may coniprise a structure sticii as the mast base pail 15' as shown in Figure 2 to cii_gage and stipport the lower pall of the mast 403'.

As seen in inore detail M Floures 29a, 29b and Figures 30a, 30b a structure 57 may comprise a pair of hotisinos 501 of generally rectangular configuration in phan view, ai.e disposed eltlier in end to end configuration as shown in Figures 29a and 29b, or svitli theli. long sides facing one another as shown in Figures 30a and '30b.

The housings 501 are motinted oil fotindations shown diagrallunatically at 502 and support a mast 50.31. hi end-to-end configuration shown in Figures 29a. and 29b, the mast 503) compi.ises a lo\yer part 504 which is of generally rectangular shape as seen M plan \,iesv sLich that the syidth of tile lower pai t 504 of the mast 503 is approxiniately that of the hotisings 501. The housings 501 are provided with. support eleniews 506 disposed along their upper, longer edges, provided with motititing ineans 307 for the mast 503 at a midpoint thereof.

In the configuration of Flotires 30a and 30b, the mast 503 has a lower part 504 which is of generally sqiiti-e coiifi(,iii.atioii, such that the length of the sides of the lower pail 504 is approximately that of the length of the housings 501. The housings 501 are provided with stitictiti-al elements 506' disposed along the shorter, iipper edges thereof, sUrillarly provided with support means 507 at the midpoint thereof to cii,,age the lovei. mast pail 504'.

A particular example of a sti-tictill-e comprising a mast mounted on four housings as shown ill FI,,Lii.e 28c is slio,ii at 600 in Figures 31a, 31b and Figure 32. Ill these Cotn. hoitsings 60 1, each preferably comprising a ho- using of the type shown at 10 111 FigLires 1 and 2 stipport a Illast 603). Each of the housings 601 comprises a mast base part 602. Ill like manner to the mast base pails shown ill Figures 1 a, 1 b and 2, the inast base pail 602 comprises four outwardly extending arms 604 coiniected to -a central base pail 605. The arms 604 each engage ill c.xteji(iiii(i sti,tictiii,al part 606 disposed at the corners of the hotisin- 601. As \\,ill bc apparent fl.on] the drawings, the mast 6033 comprises all iipper part 603a. and a lo\,ei. part 603b, the lower pail 603b tapering outwardly at a oreatet. ati(fle than the upper pail 60-3a to provide a wider base for the niast 603). 111 the vie\v in FigLire 32, the structure 600 is fuilhei. provided with \valls 607 connected between ad.jacent housing 601 to prevent or hinder access between the lioiising 601 and to provide a continuous exterior wall for the structtire 600. Each lioitsing 601 is either provided with foundation means 608 suitable for engagenient with a foundation 30 as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

In an alternative confi-uration of the structure of Figures 31a. 31b and 32, in which the hotisings 601 are an.anged in two pairs each having mutually opposed and parallel longer side walls, the configuration of Figure 333a and 33b shows a structure 600' in xlileli the lioLtslti6,s 601 are disposed such that each outer face of the sti-iictiii.e 600' incitides a long wall of one housing 601 and a short wall of another hoitsing 60 1. 111 tlils enibodirnent, as will be seen from Figure 333b, the mast 603' 'Is disposed on a plurality of mast base parts 602 disposed are on eacli hotisin- 601 in stich a way that the rnast 603' is rotated with respect to the otitwai-dly f<xclti,, walls of the housings 601. Such an arrangement of housings 601 provides a sti-iicttii.e 600, which has a squarer foot print that the structure 600, and M,lilcii the base of the mast 6033' is less elongate than the base of the inast 603).

The modular nature of the sti-ticttii.es and foundations described herein enable a cell site to be set up qtilelly, atid coinparatively easily to a desired configuration. In particidat., a staiidard lioiising may be provided as the h6usings 10, 401, 501, 601 and thits inay be tised either singly to use the mast thereon, or in stiiicttiies of t\\:o ot. iiioi-e siicli lioitsings to support a common mast on all such hotisings, A coiiiiiioii inast base part 16, 16' may be provided which may support either a single inast, which inay be of an open lattice configuration or any othei. coifflow-ation as desired, or illay support a part of a mast supported on one oi, iiioie inast base parts. Siniflarly, the desired combination of housinos, inist base sLipports and inasts may be provided on any of the foundations desci-ibed lici.eliibefoi.e or otherwise as desired. The modular nature similarly pennits expansion of a site if necessary.

Mere a single liotising 10, 401, 50 1 Is provided, mast types of up to 22. 5 meters to the underside of the conimunication means inay be used and where a plurality of liousin- means are provided, a higlier mast, for example of up to 30 or 40 metres inay be provided.

An antenna cable fi-om the coinniiinication means may be routed by being clailiped to a lattice inast or contained within a closed mast where appropriate wliere appropriate and pass tlirougli a suitable waterproof gland aperture in the roof of the liotisino. The vertical compressive and tensile forces carried to the foundation elements froin the mast tlirough the vertical members of the housinn struettire Millst the liousing preferably coinprises a welded wall construction to resist slicar forces. Iii all configurations suitable fencing and other security means inay be provided as desired.

In a regular site, wliere tliere are delays froni connection to an electricity supplier, a generator inay be supplied to supply power to the operating means in the interim, the self cotitained, portable telecoininunications cell unit may be provided to enable the site to be operated even wlillst the structure and the equipment are beIng iiistallecl.

It will be appreciate that atiy, conibination of the structures and foundations as described lierein may be used as desired.

In the present specification "coiiil)i.ise" ineans "Includes or consists of' and "comprisinj iiieaiis "Iiiclii(Iiiig or consisting of'.

The features disclosed M the foregolno description, or the following claims, or the accompanying di.a\,iiios, expressed M tlieir specific forins or in terms of a means for perforniflig the disclosed I'Liiictioii, or a inetliod or process for attaining the disclose(l i-esiilt, as appropriate, inay, separately, or in any combination of sticli feattires, bc tiffilsed for realisHig the Invention in diverse forms thereof

23)

Claims (49)

CLAIMS:

1. A structtire comprising an aerial mast and a plitrality of housings, wherein said aerial rnast is sttl)i)oi-ted on said plitrality of holisings and extends upwardly therefrom.

2. A structure according to Claiiii 1 coinprising two housings.

3. A structitre according to Claim 2 wherein the housings are disposed spaced from one another and wherein the inast is in ounted on two corners of each said housings.

4. A structitre according to Claini 3) wherein the mast is mounted on two c opposed sides of each of said housings.

5. A structure according to Claini 1 coiiil)i-lsliig three housings.

6. A structtire accordin- to Claiin 5 wherciii a pair of said housings are disposed in spaced opposed positions and a third housing is disposed with a corner thereof abutting one corner of each of said pair of housings, and wherein said mast engages a corner pai.t of each of said hotisings.

7. A structure according to Claiiii 1 coiiil)i.isiiig four housings.

8. A sti.ticttii.e according to Clatin 7 the mast engages a corner part of each of said housings.

9. A striteture according to Claiiii 8 the mast engages a midpoint of the upper stirface of each of sald liotislll()S.

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10. A structure according to any one of Clainis 1 to 9 wherein at least one of said housings comprises sul)1)ort means cat,in upper pail thereof to engage a lower pail of the mast.

11. A structure according Claini 10 wherein at least one of said housings comprises an upwardly exteii(IIII(T stii)l)oi-t inember at a corner thereof provided C? with mounting ineans at an iil)l)ei- 1)art thereof to engage the rnast support means.

12. A structure accordim, to Claiin 11 wherein said mast support means c comprises a mast base part havim, a phirality of outwardly extending anus, each of which engages an extendiffix support member.

13. A structure accordino to Claini 12 wherein the mast base means c comprise four outwardly extendino arnis, each of which comprises an end part c to engage a corresponding upwardly extending structural element disposed at each cornet. of said hous1110 -

14. A structure accoi-cliii,-, to Clalin 11 \Yherelin said mast support means comprises a transverse stnictural elciiieiit disposed at an upper pail thereof to engage a lower part of the mast at a point si)ic.ecl fi- oni the end of the structural element.

15. A structure accorditio to Claini 14 wherein the transverse structural element is disposed at an til)pei- ed-e of (lie housili(l L, c,

16. A structure accordim, to Claini 14 wherein the structural element c extends between a paii. of ol)posed edoes of the uppei part of the housing.

17. A structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 16 wherein at least one of said housings is disposed oil a foundation.

18. A structure according to Claini 17 wherein all said housings are each disposed on a discrete foundation.

19. A structure substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

0

20. A foundation for a sti.ticttii.e according to any one of the preceding claims, the foundation comprisingat least one discrete foundation element.

21. A foundation accordino to claini 20 wherein said at least one foundation 0 element comprises a pile coiiii)i.islii(, ail elongate metal element.

ZD Z:>

22. A foundation according to claim 2 1 wherein the elongate metal element is tlu.eaded.

A foundation accordino to clalin 21 or claiin 22 wherein the elongate metal element is liollo,,,.

24. A foundation according to ail), one of claims 19 to 23) wherein a greater part of the elongate metal elenient is disposed below ground level and a lesser pail is disposed above level, the elongate metal element extending generally vertically.

25. A foundation according to ati, one of claims 19 to 24 wherein a lower c part of the elongate metal eleinent is received ill a grout body.

26 26. A foundation accordiiig to claini 25 wherein a pail of said elongate metal element is SUITOwided by an ower eleinent, and said cement body wholly or partly fills said otiter elenient.

27. A foundation according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein said Outer element extends at least partly above ground.

28. A fotindation accorditig to any one of clainis 21 to 27 wherein a levelling means is provided wInch is nioveably motinted on said elongate metal element to support a part of said sti-tictitre.

29. A fowidation accoi-dlti,, to clalin 28 where dependent directly or c indirectly on clairn 9 whereffl the levelling inearis is threadedly received on said pile.

30. A foundation according to cialin 29 wherein the levelling means comprises a nut and whercui aii Lipper part tliereof engages said part of the structure.

31. A foundation accordijig to any one of claims 28 to 30 comprising restraining rneans to liold the sti-lieltli'e in engagenient with said levelling means.

32. A foundation accoj.cliii(, to claini 3) 1 wherein the restraining means is ZD threadedly received on sald pile.

33. A foundation,iccoi-(liji,) to elalin 20 wherein the at least one discrete foundation element coniprises a container.

27

34. A foundation according to claini 33 wherein said containers is filled with a fillina material to restrain moveinent of said container.

0

35. A foundation accot.ditig to chuni 333 ot. claiiii 334 wherein said at least one foundation element is pi-ovided with niounting illealls to engage a part of the structure.

36. A foundation according to clalin 35 wherein the foundation element is C) provided with a bulkhead, and said biilkliead is provided with said mounting means.

37. A foundation accoi.ding to Clalini 35 or Claim 36 wherein the foundation element comprises a lip at an upper pai-t thereof, said lip being provided with said mounting means.

38. A foundation accol.(liil() to ally otle of clalins '33 to 37 wherein said at C least one foundation elenient is pi-ovided with a duct to receive a cable.

39. A foundaflon accoi-diii(x to any one of claini 36 to '38 wherein said at ID least one foundation elenient is provided \vith a post anchor to receive a fence Post.

40. A foundation accoi.ditio to any one of clainis 33) to 39 wherein said at least one foundation elenient coiiil)i.ises a stabiliser to engage an upwardly extending part of a strttcttii.e disposed on said foundation.

28

41. A foundation according to any one of claims 33) to 38 wherein a plurality of said foundation elements are disposed adjacent to one another to define a continuous foundation extending substantially around the periphery of said structure.

42. A foundation accoi-diii(y to claini 41 wlierein the foundation element's are 0 each provided with an in-turned lip at one end thereof to engage a part of said structure.

43. A foundation to any one of claims 36 to 40 wherein the foundation comprises a plurality of foinidation elenients disposed one at each corner of said structure.

44. A foundation accordino to claim 43 wherein the foundation elements C extend mutually outwardly fl-om one another.

45. A foundation accoi-ding to any, one of claims 33) to 44 wherein the at C) least one foundation element Is disposed on the surface of the ground.

-

46. A foundation accordill(I1 to any one of claims 33 to 44 wherein the at C least one foundation eleinent is located in a ti.ench.

47. A foundation,iccoi.(ilii,, Lo (11,11in 46 whet-eln a base is provided in the C trench to receive said foiindation eleinent.

48. A foundation substantially as clesci.ibed herein with reference to the accompanying di.awill(YS.

0 29

49. Any novel feature or coiiibiii,,itioii of features disclosed herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.