TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS AND GUYED MASTS

DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.

December 2008

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise)
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
December 2008
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PREFACE

DEPs (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies
operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such
facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at
each locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work and the
attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not specifically
covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those design and engineering practices which will achieve the same
level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use DEPs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell companies
and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service Company.
Consequently, three categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of DEPs
by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorized to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part
of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination
of DEPs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell
Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any Shell Service
Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue DEPs or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and
the DEPs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the user. They shall be
returned after use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of
Shell GSI. The copyright of DEPs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for DEPs to be held in safe custody and Shell
GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this
requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................4
1.4 CROSS REFERENCES..............................................................................................4
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES...............................................................................5
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP .......................................................................................5
2. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ...................................................................................6
2.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................6
2.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................6
2.3 DESIGN LOADS AND CRITERIA...............................................................................6
2.4 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................................7
3. TOWER AND MAST FOUNDATIONS .......................................................................9
3.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................9
4. LADDERS, WORKING PLATFORMS, AND CABLE/WAVEGUIDE
SUPPORTS ..............................................................................................................11
5. HAZARD WARNING ................................................................................................12
6. PROCUREMENT ......................................................................................................13
7. CONSTRUCTION .....................................................................................................14
7.1 METHOD STATEMENT............................................................................................14
7.2 FINAL COMPLETION ...............................................................................................14
7.3 ACCEPTANCE TEST ...............................................................................................14
8. INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT....................................................................................15
8.1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................15
8.2 REVIEW AND REASSESSMENT.............................................................................15
9. DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................................16
10. REFERENCES .........................................................................................................17

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A ACCEPTANCE TEST PROCEDURES ...........................................................19
APPENDIX B INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE.......................................22
APPENDIX C SAMPLE STRUCTURE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REPORT........25
APPENDIX D GUYED MAST RE-ALIGNMENT AND TENSIONING DATA FORM ..............28
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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies the requirements, and provides recommendations for the design,
fabrication and erection of telecommunication towers, and guyed masts.
Design requirements for steel structures in general are covered in DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.
and DEP 34.00.01.30–Gen., and those for offshore structures are covered in
DEP 37.19.00.30–Gen.
Towers or guyed masts normally form a part of total telecommunications network, so this
DEP should therefore be read in conjunction with DEP 32.71.00.10–Gen.,
DEP 32.71.00.11-Gen., DEP 32.71.00.12–Gen., and DEP 32.71.00.13–Gen.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated July 1996; see (1.5) regarding the
changes.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them.
This DEP is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration and
production facilities and supply/distribution installations.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process should be
implemented; this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regard to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all, or part of the design, procurement,
construction, commissioning, or management of a project, or operation of a facility. The
Principal may undertake all, or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project, and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may include an agent, or a consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of the Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
1.3.2 Specific definitions
structure guyed mast or self-supporting tower
waveguide structure for guiding electromagnetic, light or sound waves.

1.4 CROSS REFERENCES

Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced in this DEP are listed in (10).
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1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated July 1996. The DEP has been
completely rewritten so it is impractical to list the changes here.

1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be sent to the DEP Administrator at standards@shell.com.
Shell staff may also post comments on this DEP on the Surface Global Network (SGN)
under the Standards folder.
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2. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

2.1 GENERAL
The design of a steel structure shall take into account not only the properties of the
materials of construction and the calculated stresses for the members, but also prevailing
conditions of the local environment, and requirements at the site, construction details,
methods of erection and fabrication and their effect on cost, in order to achieve a safe and
economic design.

2.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

2.2.1 General
The design shall comply with DEP 34.00.01.30–Gen., DEP 34.28.00.31–Gen., and one of
the following codes or code combinations:
• TIA 222
• EN 1991-1-4 and EN 1993-3-1.
Where towers, guyed-masts or tall slender structures form a part of a larger structural
system (e.g. an offshore facility), a single standard should be applied to the entire facility.

2.3 DESIGN LOADS AND CRITERIA

2.3.1 Principles of limit state design
A structure designed to this DEP shall have sufficient strength and stability so that it
generally satisfies the following relationship:

φRn ≥ ∑α i Qi
Where,
φRn = The product of the nominal strength Rn, which is the capacity of a structure or
member to resist the effects of loads, and a resistance factor, φ.
ΣαiQi = The factored load effects, which is the sum of the load effects due to
combinations of gravity and environmental loads. Required load combinations are:
a. 1.2D + 1.0Dg + 1.6Wo
b. 0.9D + 1.0Dg + 1.6Wo
c. 1.2D + 1.0Dg + 1.0Di + 1.0Wi + 1.0Ti
d. 1.2D + 1.0Dg + 1.0E
e. 0.9D + 1.0Dg + 1.0E
Where.
D = Dead load of structure and appurtenances, excluding guy assemblies;
Dg = Dead load of guy assembles;
Di = Weight of ice due to factored ice thickness;
E = Earthquake load;
Ti = Load effects due to temperature;
Wo = Wind load without ice; this is the wind load with an an average recurrence
interval of 50 years as defined further in (2.3.6);
Wi = Concurrent wind load with factored ice thickness.
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2.3.2 Gravity loads

Gravity loads shall include the weight of the structure together with fixtures and fasteners,
appurtenances, mounted equipment and accessories. Gravity loads shall also include
imposed loads, such as loads on platforms and railings, and other maintenance related
loads.
2.3.3 Ice or snow loads
Ice and snow loads shall be considered, where applicable, in combination with gravity loads
and wind loads.
2.3.4 Thermal loads
Thermal loads should be considered, where applicable, in combination with gravity loads.
Thermal loads shall be either due to environmental temperatures, or due to the influence of
mounted equipment, whichever is the worst condition.
2.35 Initial guy tensions
Initial guy tensions in guyed masts shall be considered as permanent forces, where
environmental loads on the structure are less than initial guy tensions.
2.3.6 Wind
Wind forces shall be considered on the portion of the structure exposed above ground or
above mean water level (MWL), as well as on any mountings such as equipment, facilities,
radomes, troposcatter dishes, cable trays, ladders, etc.
Windspeed, at elevation 10 m above ground (or above MWL if offshore) and based on a 3-s
gust, or equivalent, for a 50-year return period shall be considered. Variation of windspeed
with height shall be accounted for.
Unless all aspects of wind actions are addressed within the project specific basis of design,
wind actions shall be taken in accordance with the rules given in TIA 222. Deviations may
be stated and agreed upon, where applicable.
To allow for possible additional future mountings, all new towers should be designed with
reserve structural capacity. In the absence of an estimate for this future capacity, the unity
check of primary structural members may be limited to 0.8.
2.3.7 Dynamic effects
A dynamic analysis shall be performed if the wind field contains energy at frequencies near
the natural frequencies of the structure. Such analysis may require specific knowledge of
wind turbulence intensity, spectra, and spatial coherence (ref. API RP 2A-WSD Section
2.3.2).
In structures, that tend to have long natural sway periods – typically greater than 2.5 s in
structures including lattice towers, and greater than 0.5 s in slender guyed towers (ref.
EN 1993-3-1:2007 Clause B.4.4) – the spectrum of wind speed fluctuations about the
average should be specified to account for higher energy in wind fluctuations.
2.3.8 Earthquake
The structure shall be designed and/or checked for applicable earthquake loads.

2.4 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Guyed masts are normally made from triangular formation in plan, whilst self-supporting
towers may be either triangular or square formations. Square towers are preferred since the
four faces allow more flexibility in mounting directional antennas such as parabolic dishes.
Towers with tubular members are sometimes used, particularly in offshore applications,
where their rigidity allows a single lift installation. Tubulars may be subject to internal
corrosion.
The difficulty and cost of inspection and correction during the lifetime of the tower should be
considered when the design concept is selected.
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The Contractor should indicate the safe head load, and provide back-up engineering and
design calculations to support this. Depending on foreseeable future requirements,
sufficient spare capacity for additional loading should be included. These documents
should be retained by the Principal in the structure's log.
Flare or vent stacks shall not be used as communication towers because of the following:
• Access to antennas, in case of faults, requires shut-down of the facility;
• Damage to antennas, due to heat and corrosive fumes, is highly probable.
• Any telecommunication building in the vicinity of the flare stack may be at risk from
liquid hydrocarbon carry-over.
Rig derricks shall not be used as telecommunication towers. However, if no viable
alternatives exist, then a specialist study shall be performed to ascertain whether they can
indeed be used for this purpose.
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3. TOWER AND MAST FOUNDATIONS

3.1 GENERAL
Towers and masts can be subject to overturning moments and base shear induced by
environmental actions, besides weight eccentricities. Foundations shall be suitably
designed to resist base shear and overturning moments.
The foundation design shall take into account the soil conditions and soil properties, gravity
loads and corresponding eccentricities, base shear, and overturning moments as provided
by the telecom tower Supplier.
3.2 ONSHORE
For self-supporting towers onshore different types of foundations are used, including the
following:
• Gravity block, where the dead weight of a large concrete block resists the overturning
moment. It can thus be used in most soil types;
• Pad and chimney, where the weight of an underground concrete pad is enhanced with
backfilled rock and soil;
• Concrete raft, which may be subsurface (where the weight of the concrete is increased
by backfilling over the whole area under the tower) or on the surface;
• Rock anchors, where chains are grouted into predrilled holes in the rock and then
tensioned. A drilling rig is required for this and its mobilisation costs may not be
economically justified unless several towers are to be built simultaneously;
• Piled foundations, where soil conditions are poor; these may be also used in swamps
and shallow water.
Soil tests shall be carried out at the exact intended location of the proposed tower, since
the choice of foundation and its design depend substantially on the soil type. Refer to
DEP 34.11.00.10–Gen. for soil investigations.
The soil should be analysed to determine the presence of any corrosive chemicals, so that
any necessary measures to prevent or mitigate chemical attack on the foundations can be
taken.
The water table should be determined, allowing for seasonal level variations.
Earth resistivity should be measured to allow economic design of the earthing (lightning /
electrical grounding). Refer to DEP 63.10.08.11–Gen., and to DEP 33.64.10.33–Gen.,
where applicable.
Tower Suppliers normally provide a range of suitable foundation drawings and
specifications based on standard soil conditions and these may need to be modified
according to local conditions. Refer to DEP 34.11.00.12–Gen., and to DEP 34.19.20.31–
Gen. for detailed information on foundations.
For guyed masts, the foundation of the base shall be designed to resist the weight of the
mast and the compression force produced by the weight and tension of the guy wires. The
guy-wires shall be designed to resist the overturning moment. The guy anchors shall either
be simple gravity blocks or shaped concrete set at depth, using the surrounding soil to
resist drag and pullout forces.
3.3 OFFSHORE
A self-supporting tower can have a significant impact on the structural design of the
offshore platform on which it will be located. Therefore, the early involvement of a structural
engineer may be necessary.
Foundation supports of the tower may need to coincide with certain structural points (also
known as hard points) of the platform-in order to carry the additional leg loads of the tower,
and to resist overturning moment. Since this positioning is critical, the tower design and
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supply should be included in the platform specification, and the tower should be supplied by
the platform Contractor rather than attempting to integrate a tower supplied by another
Contractor/Supplier.
The dynamics of support locations and their effect on the tower/structure should be taken
into account.
The optimum economic width of the tower base is approximately the height of the tower
divided by 6.5, but in some locations it is not always possible to make this area available. A
standard tower design may then not be possible, and it will be necessary to design the
structure specifically for that site.
Telecommunication towers and the continuity of services should be included in the risk
assessment study for the platform or complex.
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4. LADDERS, WORKING PLATFORMS, AND CABLE/WAVEGUIDE SUPPORTS

The towers and masts shall be designed for safe and easy climbing by telecommunications
technicians who are not professional riggers. Permanent ladders shall be fitted where
applicable. On towers, the ladders shall have a safety cage. On certain lightweight masts, it
may be acceptable to have integral climbing steps without cages (see note).
NOTE: Such lightweight masts may be those (often of a single-boom type) where adding a maintenance
ladder with safety cage would be prohibitive because of weight, drag, guy-wire fouling, etc. Such
structures shall be designed either for least maintenance or an alternative maintenance method with
good HSE track record should be specified.

Ladders or climbing steps with a length of more than 6 m shall be equipped either with a
notched safety guide climb rail system, or with an inertia real safety arrestor. Personnel
using the ladders or climbing steps shall wear full body safety harnesses, connected to the
safety equipment.
Access ladders, with treads approximately 30 cm apart, shall be permanently and securely
attached on the outside of one leg of the tower, together with cable and waveguide
supports placed in a position where they can be easily reached from within the caged
ladders. Ladders should not be installed in the centre of the tower or on faces, because of
the extra bracing that would be required.
Working platforms should be provided at each antenna level to provide access to the rear
of the antennas from a standing position. Additional work platforms should be provided at
other levels on the tower to allow access to future antennas as specified by the Principal.
Work platforms should also be provided at the level of aircraft warning lights. Rest-
platforms are required adjacent to the ladder at least every 15 m if a work-platform is not
already provided. Trapdoors should not be installed in the floors of rest platforms or
work-platforms.
The spacing for cable and waveguide supports should be considered. Supplier's
specifications should be consulted to ensure adequate support under maximum wind speed
conditions and under maximum weight. Sufficient space should be available for
accommodating feeders for any future increase in the number of antennas mounted on the
structure. If required by climate conditions, an ice bridge between the tower and the
communications shelter shall be provided to protect the waveguide from falling ice.
Stainless steel material should be considered for waveguides in offshore installations.
Numerous methods for clamping waveguides and cables to supports exist. Therefore, for
waveguides, the clamp should be as recommended by the Manufacturer. The
recommended method of attaching cables is by using cable hangers in conjunction with the
mounting kit required for the type of tower member used as a support. Nylon cable ties
should not be used. If stainless steel wrap-lock is used, then it should be attached over
protective sleeves, and not be attached directly to the structure.
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5. HAZARD WARNING

In addition to obtaining planning permission, which may be difficult in populated areas, it is

necessary to notify the relevant civil and military authorities so that the telecommunication
structures will be identified as aeronautical hazards on NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen). There
may be restrictions on the height of a structure that can be installed in the vicinity of an
airport or in a flight path. The aviation authorities and the Principal's advisers shall be
consulted, even in remote locations, since other factors may need to be considered, such
as low flying aircraft or helicopter movements for the Principal's operations.
If required by the local authorities or the Principal's aviation specialists, daylight and
nighttime marking shall be considered. For daylight marking, either the tower can be
painted with "International Orange-and-White" bands, or high-intensity strobe lights can be
used, depending upon:
a. Availability of mains power;
b. Permission from local authorities;
c. Ability to maintain the lighting units in the local environment.
High-intensity strobe lights are preferred since, over the structure's lifetime, this approach is
cheaper than repeated painting. There is also less risk of corrosion, since the effectiveness
of the original galvanising can be reduced by the etch primers used in painting.
For nighttime marking, strobe lights or red beacons shall be used. If strobe lights are fitted
for daylight visibility, the intensity shall be reduced at twilight, and again at nighttimes. If
daylight marking of a structure is by painting, then neon-tube obstruction lighting should be
installed rather than the filament units used in older installations.
The exact specifications for marking towers are found in Annex 14, Chapter 6 of the ICAO
Convention - Characteristics of Warning Lights.
During construction, an obstruction light should be installed when the structure reaches the
first regulated height and thereafter at subsequent heights. This may either be a temporary
light that meets the light levels required, or it can be part of the permanent installation.
For towers located on offshore platforms with helidecks, omni-directional red lights with a
luminous intensity of at least ten candelas should be positioned at the top of the tower,
together with intermediate lights of the same luminous intensity placed at 10 m intervals
down to the level of the landing deck. Where possible, for night operations, the tower
should also be floodlit at helideck level, taking care to avoid dazzling the aircraft pilot when
on deck or making a final approach.
Further information can be found in Shell Aircraft International – "Standards and Guidelines
for Aircraft Operations".
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6. PROCUREMENT

There are several contract strategy options and the Principal shall decide which one shall
be chosen:
a. One turnkey job, which is easiest to supervise and manage. However, the
Manufacturer/Supplier, who in this case also acts as the erection Contractor, may not
be able to construct the foundations at an economic price due to factors such as, but
not limited to, mobilisation costs;
b. Separate foundations. The foundation is designed and specified by the structure
Manufacturer but is constructed by a Contractor who is already active in the area;
c. Separate purchase and erection. The structure steelwork is purchased as material and
the contract for erection is given to a Contractor already working in the area. Care is
required to ensure resolution of problems such as the steelwork not fitting together.
For lightweight masts, standard stock sections form an economic basis for procurement as
the height can be increased (up to the design maximum) by adding sections and increasing
the number of guy-wires. Standard foundations can be used where soil conditions are not
unusual.
The degree of flexibility in self-supporting towers is very limited. Manufacturers normally
supply towers which are termed "cut-offs", i.e. standard towers which are designed from the
top down, enabling the addition of as many sections to the bottom as the final height
requires. A customised design is usually only supplied if the design requirements cannot be
met in any other way.
The tower Manufacturer shall implement a quality system in accordance with ISO 9001.
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7. CONSTRUCTION

7.1 METHOD STATEMENT

A method statement for construction, erection and fit-out shall be provided.

7.2 FINAL COMPLETION

Accessories such as obstruction lights, cables, and antennas are installed on the
completed structure.
Painting shall be done in accordance with DEP 30.48.00.31-Gen. or
DEP 70.48.11.30-Gen., as applicable
Anchor bolts and all earthing bolts and anchor hardware shall be given a thick coat of
corrosion-resistant paint or compound, with particular attention to areas where the
galvanised surface needs repair, and where threads are exposed.
The structure’s electrical earthing shall be measured using standard earth testing methods.
Lightning protection and electrical grounding for the structure shall be in accordance with
NFPA 780, DEP 63.10.08.11–Gen., and DEP 33.64.10.33–Gen., as applicable.
A permanent single-gated fence, constructed of non–conductive material, shall be installed
to completely enclose the immediate area around the base of each tower. High-voltage
warning signs should be placed on the outside face of each side of the fence and on the
gate. The gate shall be padlocked at all times, except when authorized personnel are within
the enclosure or are on the tower.

7.3 ACCEPTANCE TEST

The completed structure should be subjected to an acceptance test procedure as described
in Appendix A.
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8. INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT

8.1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Due to differences in tower designs, specifications, age, local environment and previous
maintenance, tower life-cycle management manuals may be established by the Principal
but shall not deviate from the requirements of this DEP.
As with all steel constructions, towers and guyed masts shall undergo periodic inspection
and maintenance to ensure that they attain their optimal usable life. Failure of these
structures could damage surrounding buildings or injure personnel in the area.
Furthermore, if the facility is used for vital telecommunications, then failure can also impact
on safety in areas remote from the site, and can have economic implications through the
interruption of important operational and business communications.
The following checklists should be used in preparing for and conducting the physical
inspection and functional test of the structure installation:
a. Structure Base and Guy Base Acceptance Checklist;
b. Anchor Rods and Guy with Turnbuckles and Clevises Checklist;
c. Structure Acceptance Checklist;
d. Structure Lighting Acceptance Checklist;
e. Inspection of Antenna System Checklist;
f. Ladder and Climbing Safety Devices Checklist.
The individual checklists should be arranged in a logical sequence so that acceptance can
be done as construction work progresses.
Refer to Appendices B and C for minimum inspection and maintenance procedures.
Contractor shall enhance these as required by the individual structure's design and
fabrication requirements.

8.2 REVIEW AND REASSESSMENT

Assets shall be reviewed and re-assessed if they are upgraded, fitted with new equipment
and/or facilities which were not considered in the original design, or whenever their
condition is observed to have deteriorated.
In addition to periodic assessment, assets shall be re-assessed for structural integrity if
they are upgraded to include new equipment or facilities that were not considered in the
original design.
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9. DOCUMENTATION

Tower certificates shall be provided for each specific tower site. The tower certification may
consist of detailed structural analysis and a report on the tower performed on a site-by-site
basis to determine tower structure integrity, fall protection system adequacy, and to ensure
compliance with all current HSSE standards and regulations.
Each structure should be allocated a dedicated file. Identical towers shall have separate
sets of drawings for each site. This file should contain:
a. Vendor package;
b. Basis of Design;
c. The structure's specification;
d. Any contract, or extracts from any contract pertaining to the structure;
e. Design information including:
i. All calculations (analysis and design);
ii. Permissible head loads;
iii. Guy tensions (for guyed masts);
iv. Foundation design;
v. Soil test results;
vi. Foundation test results — cement tests;
vii. Electrical earth resistance test results;
viii. Acceptance inspection form.
f. Completed annual maintenance inspection form (and details of any work required);
and
g. Completed three-yearly inspection form including details of any work performed.
The Asset Owner within the Principal’s organization shall be accountable for the
management and upkeep of design documents, and for tracking subsequent weights
(weight control), load calculations and assessments.
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10. REFERENCES

In this DEP reference is made to the following publications.

NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS
Protective coatings for onshore facilities DEP 30.48.00.31–Gen.

Plant telecommunications DEP 32.71.00.10–Gen.

Telecommunication standards DEP 32.71.00.11–Gen.

Telecommunications for offshore platforms DEP 32.71.00.12–Gen.

Drilling communications DEP 32.71.00.13–Gen.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements DEP 33.64.10.33–Gen.

Structural design and engineering DEP 34.00.01.30–Gen.

Site investigations DEP 34.11.00.10–Gen.

Geotechnical and foundation engineering DEP 34.11.00.12–Gen.

Reinforced concrete structures DEP 34.19.20.31–Gen.

Steel structures DEP 34.28.00.31–Gen.

Design of steel structures for fixed offshore platforms DEP 37.19.00.30–Gen.

Field Commissioning and Maintenance of Electrical installations DEP 63.10.08.11–Gen.

and Equipment
Protective coatings for offshore facilities DEP 70.48.11.30–Gen.

Shell Aircraft International — Standards & Guidelines for Aircraft

Operations (http://sww.shell.com/corporate/shellaircraft/)

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and Constructing API RP 2A-WSD
Fixed Offshore Platforms – Working Stress Design.
Issued by:
American Petroleum Institute
Publications and Distribution Section
1220 L Street Northwest
Washington DC 20005
USA

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted ASTM D 610
Steel Surfaces.
Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken
PA 19428-2959
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
December 2008
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USA

Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. NFPA 780

Issued by:
National Fire Protection Association
One Batterymarch Park
PO Box 9101
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
USA
Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna TIA 222
supporting Structures.
Issued by:
Telecommunications Industry Association,
2500 Wilson Blvd., Suite #300,
Arlington, VA 22201-3838,
USA

EUROPEAN STANDARDS
Eurocode 1: Actions on structures – Part 1-4: General Actions — EN 1991-1-4
Wind actions.
Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 3-1: Towers, Masts EN 1993-3-1
and Chimneys - Towers and Masts.
Issued by:
CEN
Rue de Stassart 36
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Paints and varnishes – Evaluation of degradation of coatings - ISO 4628-3
Designation of quantity and size of defects, and of intensity of
uniform changes in appearance – Part 3: Assessment of degree of
rusting
Quality management systems. Requirements ISO 9001

Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genève 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.

Annex 14, Chapter 6 of the ICAO Conventions — Visual Aids for

Denoting Obstacles.
Issued by:
International Civil Aviation Organization,
999 University Street,
Montréal,
Quebec,
Canada H3C 5H7
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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APPENDIX A ACCEPTANCE TEST PROCEDURES

A.1 GENERAL
This Appendix contains test procedures which should be used when accepting
telecommunications structures. The principles of acceptance contained herein should be
applied to all types of telecommunications structures. The test procedures encompass the
following:
a. Physical inspection of the installation;
b. Application of functional tests to all newly installed, rearranged or modified structures.
The instructions contained in this Appendix are applicable to all personnel, whether
employed by the equipment Manufacturer, the Principal, or an outside Contractor. Hereafter
in this Appendix, all such personnel are referred to as the "installation force."

A.2 PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this Appendix is to outline the procedures for conducting the acceptance
tests and the results that can be expected from the completion of such tests.
Telecommunications structure acceptance tests are performed to ascertain the following:
a. That a structure's installation, rearrangement, or modification was accomplished in
accordance with the engineering specifications covering the job;
b. That all the material associated with the project is in accordance with the pertaining
engineering specifications and standards;
c. That all of the required work on the project has been fully completed;
d. That the finished product meets the applicable electrical, and safety standards
covering the installation and operation of the structure.
The desired outcome when the acceptance tests have been completed is as follows:
a. Functional reliability of the structure after it is placed in service;
b. Minimal maintenance cost, with an adequate service life period thereafter.
The inspection test results should form part of the proposed annual maintenance form. The
documented test results can form a reference during routine inspections, and help
deviations from the original to be identified easily, e.g. bolt torques, guy tensioning,
deviation from the plumb, etc.

A.3 ACCEPTANCE TEST AND PROCEDURE PLAN

The acceptance test procedure consists of two major programmes of inspection and
testing:
a. Physical inspection of the telecommunications structure as installed, rearranged or
modified to determine whether the project was completed in accordance with the
relevant engineering specifications;
b. Functional testing of all equipment installed, rearranged or modified (such as the
antennas, feeders, structure lighting, and alarms) to determine whether the equipment
meets the functional requirements.
The physical inspection programme should include inspection of the quality of material
supplied by the Manufacturer and of the quality of work performed by both the Manufacturer
and the installation force. Typical items to be inspected for quality and adherence to
engineering specifications on all guyed masts or self-supporting towers are as follows:
• Tower/mast base;
• Anchor base (for guyed masts);
• Anchor rods (for guyed masts);
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• Guy with turnbuckles and clevises (for guyed masts);

• Tower/mast structure;
• Material type, and grade;
• Connections;
• Fixtures and fasteners;
• Galvanizing thickness;
• Painting;
• Lighting;
• Antennas;
• Earthing;
• Ladder and climbing safety devices.
The functional testing programme of the acceptance test procedure shall cover the
following:
- Lights;
- Alarms;
- Indicators.

A.4 ACCEPTANCE TEST PLANNING

This section considers the planning aspect of setting an acceptance test programme for all
telecommunications structures.
To derive maximum benefit from a programme of acceptance tests, it is first necessary to
establish a schedule. This will be of benefit in the following ways:
a. It ensures that all items associated with the testing are taken into consideration;
b. It provides sufficient time to schedule the proper acceptance personnel, tools, and test
equipment;
c. It permits the acceptance testing to proceed in a logical sequence and orderly manner;
d. It provides time for any corrective action to be taken, if necessary;
e. It provides tests and inspections at appropriate times so that corrective action, if
necessary, may be taken without undue inconvenience, cost, or time delay to the
Principal or installation force.
Scheduling of the physical inspection and functional testing programmes shall be done
carefully and accurately. Such scheduling should include the following:
• Establishing start and completion dates for acceptance test;
• Determining the availability of trained personnel to conduct the acceptance test;
• Determining the types and availability of tools and test equipment required for the
acceptance test.
Records of structure acceptance must be prepared and completed for the following
purposes:
- To record the progress of acceptance testing;
- To document the results of the testing to provide a basis for initiating any required
corrective action;
- To furnish the management with sufficient evidence of the quality of material and
workmanship.
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A.6 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

The physical inspection and functional testing should be started as soon as possible after a
given segment of construction is completed so that any necessary corrections may be
made without undue inconvenience, cost, or time delay to the Principal and installation
force.
All checklists applicable to the construction of the structure and the functional test should
be self-explanatory.
The person performing the acceptance work should enter the completion date and his
name in the appropriate line on the particular checklist.
If any of the hardware or equipment associated with the structure installation is not covered
by this DEP, the acceptance shall be based on guidelines established by the Principal's
project engineer.
The acceptance checklist should be analysed by the installation force supervisor and the
Principal's project engineer to determine what action, if any, is required for correction.
All defects and failures found during the acceptance shall be corrected and the appropriate
forms initialled by the installation force supervisor.
All the inspection forms and notes shall be entered into the structure's dedicated log.
When all the acceptance checklists have been completed and all defects and failures
corrected, copies of the checklists shall be provided to the Principal.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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APPENDIX B INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE

B.1 GENERAL
For guyed masts, the Principal should secure from the Manufacturer guy tension
information for each mast location and include that information in the documentation file
(9.). The table should include mast locations, mast heights, number of guys, attaching
heights, guy size, guy lengths, and tensions in kilograms at a specified temperature. A
conversion factor shall be required to convert guy tensions to temperatures other than
specified.

B2 INSPECTION INTERVAL
All structures should be routinely inspected once each year. A complete inspection should
be performed on a three-yearly basis.
The following outline serves as a guide for the items to be checked at each of the two
inspections.
a. Extreme event inspection, based on weather forecast.
b. Annual inspection:
i. Complete re-lamping (replacement of lamps)
ii. Routine structural inspection; this covers visual inspection only; however, the
inspector should note and correct any irregularities that cannot wait for the
three-yearly inspection.
c. Complete three-yearly inspection:
i. Complete re-lamping
ii. Complete structural inspection; this inspection should include realignment, tensioning
and all other items pertinent to the structure's inspection and maintenance report
(refer to Appendix C).
Access to perform bolt tensioning shall be considered in the original design.

B.3 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

B.3.1 Foundation and guy anchors
All exposed foundation surfaces should be checked for deterioration of any kind. If spalled
concrete is evident, concrete mortar should be used for resurfacing the foundation. This
concrete mortar should not be excessively smoothed during resurfacing, as this will tend to
increase the chances of spalling. The old surface should be cleaned thoroughly with water
before resurfacing. It is also a good practice to bevel the edges of piers protruding above
the ground level. All guy anchors should be checked for forward or upward slippage from
their original positions. All anchor rods should be checked for bends or corrosion.
Bolted connectors
All bolted connections on telecom towers shall be subject to close inspection, which shall
include checking for the presence of a locking mechanism, such as lock-nuts, and any
missing nuts shall be replaced and re-tensioned. All bolts shall be tightened/re-tensioned
with a standard ironworker's wrench during complete inspection. During annual inspection,
if any bolted connections are found loose, they shall be tightened/re-tensioned. The
required wrench-handle length depends on the diameter of the bolt being checked. See
Table 1. All missing or damaged bolts shall be replaced during the inspection. Where rock
anchors have been used in the foundations, the nuts shall be inspected for tightness.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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Table 1: Length of wrench handle required to tighten a bolt

Bolt Diameters (mm) Handle Length (cm)

10 15
12 20
15 25
18 30
21 35
25 40

NOTE: These lengths are considered industry standard, although the

use of torque wrenches is common practice.

B.3.2 Guy tension

The guy tension information for a mast should be obtained from the Manufacturer's design
drawings or applicable guy tension tables for specific masts. The guy tensions at the
various levels for a mast may not be the same; they are dependent on the size of the guy
and the angle the guy makes with the horizontal.
A complete guy tension check should be performed in conjunction with every mast
realignment inspection since realigning the mast shall necessitate changing the tensions.
Accurately calibrated Dillon shunt-type dynamometers, or equivalent, should be used. The
guy tension checks should be performed at moderate ambient temperatures and with no
appreciable wind. The air temperature surrounding the guys should be measured with the
thermometer included with the dynamometer so that compensations for thermal expansion
of the wire can be made. Appropriate factors for setting the tension at various temperatures
are provided with the Dillon shunt-type dynamometer.
B.3.3 Mast Alignment
Mast alignment shall be in accordance with the Manufacturer’s requirements.
B.3.4 Fixtures and Fittings
The periodical structural inspection and maintenance should include maintenance checks
of fixtures and fittings that are not considered as integral parts of the structure.
B.3.5 Corrosion
All exposed steel in the structure members, anchor rods, clamps, turnbuckles, antennas
and reflectors, supporting structures, or any other exposed metal within the structure
assembly should be checked for corrosion and rust, and affected areas should be cleaned
and treated.
A corroded area of painted steelwork should be cleaned with a wire brush or heavy
sandpaper, then painted with red oxide primer, surface tolerant epoxy, and finally coated
with Polyurethane to match the original colour.
A corroded area of galvanized steel should be cleaned with a wire brush and two coats of a
cold galvanizing component applied.
Any evidence of corrosion due to the contact of similar or dissimilar metals should be
mitigated by isolating the contact surfaces; a materials and corrosion specialist should be
consulted on this matter.
Refer to DEP 30.48.00.31–Gen. or DEP 70.48.11.30–Gen., as applicable.
B.3.6 Repainting
Repainting and maintenance painting shall be in accordance with DEP 30.48.00.31–Gen.
or DEP 70.48.11.30–Gen., as applicable.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
December 2008
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Repainting shall be carried out when the area rusted is between Ri 3 and Ri 4 in
accordance with ISO 4628-3 (i.e. the rusted area is between 1 % and 8 %). The maximum
acceptable percentage of surface rusting should be determined based on whether the
structure under consideration is classified as safety critical equipment. For safety critical
equipment, it is typically about 3 %.
Under normal conditions, paint can be expected to have a life of 4 to 5 years. More frequent
intervals may sometimes be necessary if air obstruction markings fade. In such cases, only
outside members of the structure need be painted with International Orange-and-White.
B.3.7 Lighting (Relamping)
All lamps should be replaced annually. All globes and lenses should be checked for breaks
and dirt at the time of lamp replacement. On periodic visits to telecommunication sites,
obstruction lighting should be checked.
B.3.8 Lightning protection/electrical grounding
Lightning protection and electrical grounding maintenance shall be in accordance with the
guidance provided in DEP 63.10.08.11-Gen.
B.3.9 Inspection and maintenance forms
Forms should be used to record inspection and maintenance work performed on each
structure, and a copy of each inspection report should be inserted in the structure log. See
Appendix C.
Entries concerning the operations and maintenance of antennas shall be made in the
technical log of the station.
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APPENDIX C SAMPLE STRUCTURE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REPORT

Date submitted:………………………………….
Structure location: ..................................................................................................
Manufacturer: .........................................................................................................
Type tower and height:...........................................................................................
Inspected by:..........................................................................................................
Weather conditions
Date: Temperature: .................................................
Wind direction and speed: .....................................................................................
General condition of tower:
The following tools should be available:
1 - Dillon shunt-type dynamometer, or equivalent
2 - Transits
1 - Pair binoculars - 7 x 50
- Crescent wrenches (15 cm to 45 cm sizes)
- Screwdrivers
NOTE: In filling out this form, the inspector should indicate where the fault was
found and what was done for correction. If some items within this report do not
apply to a particular structure, the inspector should so indicate by writing "Does
not apply" in the space provided.
1. Concrete base and anchors (Onshore) / Supporting Structures (Offshore)
Check for signs of spalling and fracture.
Base / Immediate supporting structures ................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Anchor / Tie-downs ................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
2. Bolted connections
Check for missing and loose bolts. Replace all missing bolts and tighten all bolts with the
proper size wrench. Indicate where the bolts were loose or missing.
Connection bolts ....................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Splice bolts .............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
3. Structural members
Check for fractures, bends, and faulty welds.
Legs........................................................................................................................
Bracing ...................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Antenna mounts .....................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Star mount..............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Stub towers ............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Ice guard (where applicable)..................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Other ......................................................................................................................
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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...............................................................................................................................
4. Corrosion in members
Check for any signs of corrosion, and the extent of rusting using methods described in
ASTM D 610.
Legs........................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Bracing ...................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Antenna mounts .....................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Star mount..............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Stub towers ............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Ice guard (where applicable)..................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Other ......................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Check for signs of galvanizing flaking and rust.
Check for paint flaking and signs of rust.
5. Guy plates, guy rods, clamps
Check for fractures, bends and corrosion.
Guy plates ..............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Guy rods.................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Clamps ...................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
6. Earthing of base and anchors
Check for looseness of all earthing connections
Base .......................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Anchors ..................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
7. Lighting
• Check for any broken or cracked globes or lenses
• Clear any fixture drain holes
• Check for broken spring fasteners on fixtures
• Check for burned out lamps (If operated by photo-cell, cover cell to check lamps)
• Replace all lamps
• Check conduit clamps for tightness
• Check conduit and junction boxes for corrosion and loose connections
• Check for condensation inside junction boxes
• Check to see whether all gaskets, covers and cover screws are in place
• Check for looseness of electrical connections
• Check flasher timing (30 flashes per minute, with flashes 1-1/3 seconds on and 2/3
seconds off)
• If a flash unit is mechanised, oil the motor bearing and cam surface of the flasher unit.
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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8. Guys
• Check for loose wire rope clips
• Check for proper "dead ends"
• Check for signs of corrosion or wear on guy plates
• Look with binoculars for broken strands and insulators
• Check for slippage at insulator connections
• Check turnbuckles for wear and rotation (turnbuckles should not be allowed to rotate)
• Check tension of all guys with Dillon shunt-type dynamometer, or equivalent. Record
information in Table D.1.

9. Mast re-alignment
Check mast re-alignment and record information in Table D.2.
10. Painting
• Check whether orange and white shows clearly from a distance
• Check for paint flaking and fading colours.

11. Check for the following:

• Loose antenna (or reflector) attachments
• Damaged heater wiring
• Loose stabilizing rods.

12. Transmission lines

• Check lines for damage and dents
• If line is flanged, check for signs of missing or loose clamps
• If line is pressurized, check for any signs of pressure leaks
• Check for loose line supports, restrainers or wraplock connections
• Check for any contact between transmission lines and structure that might cause wear
or cutting to the line
• Check for any missing protective sleeves under all wraplock attached to transmission
line.

13. General
Time of inspection: ............................Start.....................Finish..............................
Number of man-hours: ..........On tower......................... Travel..............................
Materials installed: .................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Repairs recommended:..........................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
General remarks: ...................................................................................................
14. Anti-climb devices (where applicable).
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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APPENDIX D GUYED MAST RE-ALIGNMENT AND TENSIONING DATA FORM

Date:
Weather conditions
Guy temperature: Wind speed & direction:
Cloudy or clear: Hour of day:
Table D.1 Tensions
Design tensions
Guy A Guy B Guy C Guy D

Measured tensions
Guy A Guy B Guy C Guy D
Original Corrected Original Corrected Original Corrected Original Corrected

Table D.2 Deflections

Transit Point A Transit Point B
Adjacent guy level Overall deflections (cm) Adjacent guy level Overall deflections (cm)
deflections (cm) deflections (cm)
Measured Corrected Measured Corrected Measured Corrected Measured Corrected

Allowable deflections
(cm)
Adjacent guy levels Overall
W/ 10 = W/ 10 =
H/ 3.6 = H/ 7.2 =

Where, for guys:

W = width of mast, in centimetres
H = distance between adjacent guys, in metres
Where, for overall measurement:
H = height of mast in metres
 DEP 32.71.00.14-Gen.
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NOTES: 1. Drawings provided by the mast Manufacturer, or the guy tension tables for specified masts, shall
provide the recommended guy tensions at the various guy levels for each mast.

2. If the mast is plumb and an adjustment is required in the guy tension at a given level, 1/3 of the
additional (or less) required tensions should be placed in each guy at that level so that the mast shall
remain plumb. Tensions should be within 10% of the specified (recommended) values.
3. When calculating the maximum allowable deflection, w is the width of the mast in cm, h is the height
on the mast between two adjacent guy levels in metres, and H is the overall mast height in metres.
4. The degrees of deflection as read on the transit can be converted to cms by the following formula:

Deflection (cm) = 1.74 (Degree deflection) (h2 + x2)1/2

where:
h = height on mast to measured deflection;
x = horizontal distance from transit to the mast, both in metres.
5. It is not necessary to record deflections at each guy level. Record the overall deflection (Top of Mast)
and the guy level deflections at points in question as determined by the transit readings.

Last page of this DEP