Concrete Form Elevated Site for Telecommunications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for elevating telecommunications equipment sites are time-consuming, expensive, and lack design flexibility, and aesthetically unpleasing, particularly in environments prone to flooding.
Innovation Solution
Creating an elevated containment structure with walls formed by positioning forms to create gaps filled with concrete, and disposing fill material within the containment field to support an equipment pad and telecommunications equipment, allowing for drainage and aesthetic customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (berms, timber, block walls) are used to elevate equipment sites, then the equipment is elevated above ground level, but the construction is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is divided into modular segments that can be pre-fabricated and assembled on-site. The wall system uses discrete panels or sections that can be quickly connected, eliminating the need for time-consuming traditional construction methods like forming berms or laying block walls manually.
Solution Approach 2:
Containment structure components are pre-fabricated off-site before installation at the equipment location. This preliminary manufacturing allows for quality control and reduces on-site construction time, as the structure arrives ready-to-assemble rather than requiring time-consuming field construction.
2Reliability
If traditional methods (berms, timber, block walls) are used to elevate equipment sites, then the equipment is elevated above ground level, but the construction is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows for efficient manufacturing and assembly, reducing labor costs. Standardized segments can be produced more economically than custom-built traditional structures, and the modular nature simplifies installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from traditional earth-moving or masonry approaches to a pre-fabricated structural system with different material and construction parameters. This parameter change enables factory production efficiencies and reduced on-site labor intensity, lowering overall construction costs.
3Reliability
If elevated metal platforms are used, then the equipment is elevated and industry standard is met, but the appearance is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure incorporates aesthetic considerations in its design, allowing for various finishes, colors, and surface treatments that can blend with or enhance the surrounding environment. This contrasts with the industrial appearance of traditional metal platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for curved or rounded aesthetic forms rather than the rigid angular appearance of traditional metal platforms. The containment structure can incorporate arches, domes, or other aesthetically pleasing geometric forms while maintaining structural integrity.
4Reliability
If elevated metal platforms are used, then the equipment is elevated, but design flexibility is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented construction enables easy adaptation to different equipment sizes, site configurations, and elevation requirements. Segments can be added, removed, or reconfigured to match specific design needs, providing flexibility that rigid traditional platforms cannot offer.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure design allows for dynamic adaptation to different requirements through its modular nature. The system can be configured in various arrangements and adjusted as needs change, rather than being a fixed static structure like traditional platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating an elevated containment structure at a site for providing telecommunications services. The elevated containment structure defines a containment field that is substantially surrounded by at least one wall of the elevated containment structure. The creation of the elevated containment structure further comprises forming the at least one wall, disposing a fill material within the containment field, positioning an equipment pad on the fill material, positioning telecommunications equipment on the equipment pad, receiving a signal at the telecommunications equipment from either end user and a service provider, communicating the signal from the equipment to the other of the end user and the service provider. Forming the at least one wall comprises positioning a plurality of forms to create a gap between at least two of the forms and disposing a second fill material in the gap.