The new mount analysis requirements, established in the upcoming TIA-222-H standard, include the need for rigorous analysis using 3-D beam element programs. The scope and accuracy of work varied from engineer to engineer, based on the available information and the assumptions made. Engineers had to make assumptions about unknown structural information such as steel sizes and grades, connection details and member fixity, maintenance levels and structural condition - it was inconsistent and not rigorous, similar to the way tower engineering was performed decades before. Initially, during early mount analysis activities, engineers performed their work using limited site photos for antenna and mount documentation. Carriers, tower owners and engineers are increasingly concerned with providing reliable structural capacity and ensuring the safety of those working on and around these mounts.
ECCENTRICALLY LOADED FOOTING RISA 3D INSTALL
The demand for proper mount analysis has increased as tower users install larger equipment loading on existing mounts.
![eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d](https://risa.com/risahelp/risafoundation/Content/Resources/Images/3D_NET/LC-RSA_spreadsheet_672x254.png)
This perception shift now requires more complete and detailed documentation of antenna inventory, structural capacity and maintenance - much like the towers that support them. The perception of antenna mounts has evolved in the industry over time from being seen as a simple antenna support to being seen as a distinct structural system requiring more rigorous design and analysis. TIA has tentatively scheduled the mount design and analysis white paper for release in early 2018.
![eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d](https://risa.com/risahelp/risafoundation/Content/Resources/Images/FD_Category.png)
Also, several collaborating engineering firms are participating in the TIA TR14 subcommittee ad-hoc task group on mount analysis to develop a companion white paper to the TIA-H standard and TSB-5053 bulletin to provide further guidance and recommendations to engineers for best practices for mount design and analysis. The new TIA-222-H standard requirements and criteria give carriers, tower owners, mount manufacturers and engineers an opportunity to provide more consistent mount designs and analyses, better ensuring the safety, reliability and structural adequacy of antenna mounts. Issued by the American National Standards Institute and the Telecommunications Industry Association, the wireless industry’s upcoming ANSI/TIA-222-H standard, “Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas and Small Wind Turbine Structures,” Revision H or Rev H and the related TSB-5053 TIA telecommunications systems bulletin, “Technical Bulletin Mounting Systems Classification,” include specific mount design, analysis and safety requirements and guidance. This creates an increased structural load demand on the antenna support system, both in vertical weight and horizontal wind load, sometimes exceeding what was anticipated during the initial design of the antenna mount New antennas and related equipment have increased in size and weight. These assumptions can produce less reliable and inconsistent analysis results, which can be inadequate given the structural demands of modern telecommunications and wireless equipment. Some of these less rigorous analysis methods require the engineer to make assumptions about unknown and inaccurate structural information. Current demand for antenna mount analysis is being met with a variety of methods left to the judgment of the engineers practicing in this industry.
![eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d eccentrically loaded footing risa 3d](https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0266352X17302136-gr1.jpg)
The structural analysis of antenna mounts (structural supporting systems for antennas) within the telecommunications and wireless industry has evolved from minimal consideration to include a more rigorous structural analysis. Advanced engineering best practices are needed to more consistently design and analyze mounts in order to better protect personnel and enhance the reliability of wireless infrastructure. Hawkins, P.E NovemTraditional mount analysis techniques are inadequate for the structural demands of modern telecommunications and wireless antennas. Antenna Mount Analysis Best Practices: What You Need to Know By Kyle A.