04Nov
RAFT Systems has successfully completed a programme of tower refurbishment and maintenance works, helping to improve the condition of an existing telecommunications structure and support its continued long-term use.
Over several weeks, our engineers Ryan and Max carried out a range of refurbishment activities, addressing areas of corrosion, replacing ageing components and improving the overall condition and functionality of the tower.
A comprehensive approach to tower refurbishment
The works involved several aspects of structural maintenance and infrastructure improvement, with particular attention given to areas showing signs of corrosion, deterioration and redundant equipment.
Key activities included:
- Corrosion treatment: Cleaning and preparing affected areas of the structure, removing loose and flaking material before applying protective coatings to help prevent further deterioration.
- Fixing and bolt replacement: Removing corroded bolts and installing replacements, alongside supplying and fitting suitable steel fixings to secure the tower floor panels.
- Flooring improvements: Removing the existing tower winch and replacing the affected area with galvanised steel flooring.
- Cable management: Installing additional cable management to link the main tray riser across the tower, providing a more organised cable route.
- Removal of redundant equipment: Identifying and removing redundant cables and steel mountings, helping to clear unnecessary equipment from the structure.
- CCTV improvements: Removing and replacing the existing CCTV mounting pole.
Additional refurbishment work included cleaning surface corrosion from an aluminium plate, applying suitable protective coatings and treating localised corrosion to selected tower legs.
Restoring and protecting existing infrastructure
An important part of the project was addressing areas of surface deterioration and corrosion.
Affected areas were thoroughly cleaned and prepared before protective coatings were applied, including zinc-rich primer, MIO-type paint and a water-resistant bitumastic finish where specified.
The difference can be seen in the before-and-after photographs, which show the improvement following the removal of accumulated dirt, debris and surface contaminants around the tower base fixings.
These works form part of a wider approach to maintaining existing infrastructure, helping to address deterioration and protect structural components against ongoing environmental exposure.
Project completion
With all planned refurbishment activities now complete, the team has finalised the works and compiled a handover document detailing the activities undertaken.
This project demonstrates RAFT Systems' ability to deliver a varied scope of telecommunications infrastructure maintenance, combining practical engineering, equipment removal, corrosion treatment and structural improvements.
From individual component replacements through to wider tower refurbishment programmes, RAFT provides a vendor-neutral approach to the maintenance and improvement of telecommunications infrastructure.
Designed. Delivered. Dependable.
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