Swann Engineering Group is the leading provider of structural engineering solutions for telecom infrastructure, specialising in design, manufacturing, installation, inspection, and maintenance of steel telecom structures. From monopoles and lattice towers to rooftop installations and small cell solutions, we deliver expert engineering solutions to telecom operators, tower companies, and infrastructure providers.
The majority of the greenfield structures initially constructed for 2G and 3G networks are now over 20 years old, surpassing their original designed lifespan. A significant portion of these structures have been operational for nearly 30 years or are rapidly approaching that milestone.
The life expectancy of a steel structure is closely related to the level of maintenance it receives, and many of the structures in the 20 years and older age range have received varying levels of attention over their lifespan. Most will have been subject to a number of upgrade projects across the technology generations, the quality of which has also varied. As well as corrosion considerations, older structures may need to be assessed for fatigue factors – especially where they are now subject to increasing headloads.
"From our experience we find that the significant majority of these structures have the potential to last for many more years, but in order for them to do so, there must be a targeted inspection and maintenance regime to ensure that key vulnerabilities are addressed comprehensively." - Jeff Carlton, MD
Swann’s methodology for ageing structures is an objective condition scoring system.
The basis of our methodology is that telecoms structures (towers, masts, columns) should be assessed using an industry standard condition scoring system to provide an objective risk rating and understanding for each structure. This would be a system similar to that used to inspect rail and roadside assets to ensure compliance with standards and suitability for ongoing use. We propose to develop the system between the stakeholders and our Chartered Engineers. The inspection would yield a condition score between 0 and 100 against key criteria and thereby provide a definitive and actionable outcome. To ensure integrity and consistency, each inspection report and condition score would be reviewed and signed off by a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
The rating would then be classified into three main categories - Red (High risk – urgent action) , Amber (Medium risk – remedial or restorative action), and Green (Low risk – monitor through preventive maintenance schedules).
The methodology for arriving at the condition scoring stage is described in more detail as follows:
Desktop Analysis
- A desktop assessment of each site is conducted using data from existing Swann databases of 50000+ build records, upgrades, inspection and maintenance records and as-built drawings to provide a weighted risk analysis. The schedule of inspection is informed by the risk analysis; higher risk sites would be inspected first, and the outcome of the desktop would inform key areas of concern for inspection.
Site Work and Analysis
- Each structure is then inspected by experienced engineers. They validate the structure against the latest detail drawings and GDC, and complete a condition scoring report. The report is checked and signed off by a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
Professional Guidance
- The condition scoring report, maintenance recommendations, urgency levels and residual risk analyses is issued along with lifespan guidance.
With a strong focus on structural assessments, design checks, and life-extending interventions, we help clients optimise the longevity of their passive infrastructure whilst reducing the risks to a minimum. Our expertise in new builds, strengthening, remedial works, and structural upgrades ensures that ageing networks meet increased load requirements and design standards.
