1. Foundation Construction: The stability of a communication tower depends entirely on its foundation. First, the foundation pit is excavated according to the blueprints. Once the designed depth is reached, a densely packed steel cage is typically placed in the pit, followed by the pouring of high-strength concrete. The foundation type may be an independent foundation or a pile foundation, depending entirely on the geological survey results. After pouring, a curing period is required until the concrete strength fully meets the design requirements before the tower body can be installed.
2. Tower Assembly: For common angle steel towers or pipe towers, a segmented assembly and hoisting method is typically used. Construction workers first assemble a section of the tower on the ground, then use a crane to lift it and align it with the already installed lower tower section. High-altitude workers then use high-strength bolts to secure it. This process needs to be repeated until the designed height is reached. Specialized wrenches are used to tighten the bolts to the specified torque value, and anti-loosening marks are made.
3. Platform and Ladder Installation: Antenna platforms for maintenance are installed at appropriate locations on the tower. Ladders, rest platforms, and safety railings for personnel access were also installed simultaneously and in accordance with high-altitude work safety standards.
4. Antenna and Feeder Installation: After the tower structure was completed, technicians began installing the "main character"-the antenna. The antenna needed to be precisely fixed at the designed azimuth and downtilt angles, which directly affected the signal coverage range and quality. Subsequently, feeders (a special type of cable) connecting the antenna to the equipment in the equipment room below were laid. The feeder installation required neatness, secure fixing, and bending radii must meet specifications to avoid damage.
5. Lightning Protection and Grounding System: Communication towers are high-risk targets for lightning strikes, therefore, a lightning protection system is crucial. A lightning rod is installed at the top of the tower and connected to the grounding grid via a dedicated down conductor. The grounding grid consists of deeply buried metal conductors, designed to quickly discharge lightning current into the earth, protecting the tower and equipment. The grounding resistance value was rigorously measured to ensure it was below the safety standard value.
