How Does Antenna Load on A Monopole Tower Influence Tower Design?
The antenna load on a monopole tower can significantly influence the tower design in the following ways: Bending Moment - Heavier antenna loads near the top of the tower induce a larger bending moment force that must be resisted by the tower structure. This often requires larger diameter and thicker walled poles. Shear Forces - Increased antenna weight will also amplify the shear forces along the height of the tower that must be accounted for in the pole strength. Guy Wires - More side-load guying wires may be required to stabilize a monopole supporting a heavier antenna load, adding to construction needs. Foundation - Larger foundation footings, deeper embedment, and more rebar reinforcement may be needed to counteract higher overturning forces from larger top-mounted antennas. Sections - Towers may need to transition to thicker walled or larger diameter sections at higher elevations to support antenna mounts. Fatigue - Cyclical wind loading on large antenna arrays can accelerat...