Origin and Cause
Communications Tower Collapse
Before renovating an existing communications tower, a structural evaluation concluded that the existing tower was not structurally sufficient to support the additional load of several new antennas. A reinforcement of the tower was designed and installed. During the installation of the new antennas, the tower fell. The analysis involved a survey of the tower in its fallen position, inspection of the guide wires, and an examination of the towers structural components for indications of wear, corrosion or other damage that may have pre-existed the loss. The lift equipment, wire ropes and rigging were also examined and members of the work crew were interviewed. Of particular concern during the inspection were the relative positions of the components of the tower, now a pile of debris on the ground. Determining the relative positions of the components in the debris pile would aid in the determination of the sequence and perhaps the cause of the loss.
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