Communication tower structure
Introduction
Telecommunication towers and masts are artificial structures designed to support antennas for broadcasting and telecommunications work. From the point of view of its support, there are two types: self-supporting and cable-stayed. Some are among the tallest structures ever built.
Masts are often named after the broadcasting organization that built or operates them or simply after the name of the city where they are located.
There are cases in which the entire mast is the antenna, in these cases it is called a radiating mast.
Tower or mast?
The terms "mast" and "tower" are often interchanged even though in structural engineering terms, a tower is a cantilevered or self-supporting (self-supporting) structure; while a mast requires guying to keep it upright. On the other hand, a mast can be at ground level or on another structure to support antennas at a higher height where they can spread radio waves more satisfactorily. Typical masts are tubular or made of steel lattice and do not usually participate in the diffusion process.
Masts tend to be cheaper but require more space to anchor the stays to the ground; while towers, requiring less space, are usually built in cities although they are more expensive. Despite this, there are some exceptions that are both self-supporting and cable-stayed. For example:.
History
Experimental broadcasting began in 1905 and was commercialized in the 1920s.
Until August 8, 1991, the Warsaw broadcasting mast was the tallest structure built in the world. Its collapse once again left its predecessor, the KVLY-TV radio and television tower, as the tallest until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2008. In the United States of America alone there are more than 50 broadcasting structures exceeding 600 m.[1].
Materials
steel lattice
The steel truss is the most widespread form of mast construction. It provides great strength, low weight, great wind resistance and is economical. They are usually triangular in section, although the quadrangular section is also widely spread. The stays support the lateral forces of the wind in all directions and allow the masts to be narrow and very simple in construction.