This article is geared towards personnel planning to build a single microwave path or a wide area microwave network build-out. It is written with a focus on major microwave hubs and the networks that support them. If you haven’t been involved in microwave network build in the last few years, a lot has changed. Although this article does draw information based upon building a network for a utility, there are many common areas between a utility microwave network and a cellular microwave network.
Welding Defects
This Planning Advisory Notice (PAN) is a follow up to the PAN from the March/April issue. In that PAN we discussed some of the codes, standards, and specifications that apply to proper welding design, performance, and inspection. In this article we would like to discuss some common welding defects encountered in our industry.
Welding Inspections
In the first PAN welding series, we discussed standards, specifications, codes, and responsibilities of
those involved in the welding process – the fabricator, engineer, Certified Weld Inspector (CWI),
and welder. In our second PAN, we discussed welding discontinuities and defects. How can our industry reduce the occurrence of discontinuities and defects in the final work product? How does the entire process work together? How can you increase your chances of having a passing CWI report?
Corrosion Prevention
Guyed towers are popular because of their economical advantages over self-supporting and
monopole towers. They can be constructed to much greater heights for significantly less cost per foot. But many towers have failed due to a lack of understanding of the risk of corrosion to the guy anchors.
Corrosion and Towers
In this Planning Advisory Notice (PAN) we will analyze effective methods for combating corrosion
in the field. Corrosion creates an unaesthetic appearance and, more importantly, a safety hazard. New towers are traditionally treated with hot-dip galvanization; however, once the hot-dip galvanization depletes itself, and it is not feasible to dismantle a tower in order to reload the hot dip, what can be done to protect a tower from corrosion?
Mounts and Inspections
This PAN provides a review of the inspection of mounts, man loads, and manufacturing quality inspection of mounts. Before climbing onto any mount, a competent person must inspect and assess the mount in accord with the SOW (Scope of the Work). The mount must be inspected to confirm it is stable, in good condition and undamaged.
Welding Basics
This article will be part of a series. It is intended to address several American Welding Society (AWS)
welding basics. As we all know, new and most modified structures in this industry require welds. Special note: If possible avoid welding on existing structures, and whenever welding is to occur ensure that the structure, safety and system are attended to in accord with the standards. Safety and quality are so closely linked and it is critical to be aware that not following the standards can lead to issues as shown in some of the pictures.
Antenna Installations Mounts and Configurations
All of today’s antenna installations will require a mount of one type or another. The changing antenna configuration being employed in support of the LTE rollout and other advanced technology has changed the historic use of mounts. More RF applications include additional non-antenna equipment increasing the weight and wind loading. The overloading of new and existing antenna mounts has many in the industry concerned.