Fabrication Services - Communication Structures
All fabrication by F.E.C. is undertaken in accordance with both Australian and International recognised standards and under a strict quality assurance system endorsed to ISO 9001.
F.E.C.'s fabrication facility was specifically designed for the comprehensive manufacture of telecommunication towers and associated products. Recent improvements have contributed to a further enhancement of production capacity and a continuing effort to maintain the best modern production techniques.
Fabrication is carried out in accordance with material lists issued by the Engineering Department to AS 4100 or other specified international standards. Long-term sub contract fabricators are used when required to enhance fabrication rates. It is company policy to hot dip galvanise all steelwork. Quality accredited galvanises are used. When required for warning or environmental reasons, steelwork may be factory painted. Future Engineering & Communication also manufacture in stainless steel and aluminum as required.
Detailed records of all projects are maintained for future reference.
Types of Construction
Solid steel rod, hollow round and angular steel are the most popular types of steel used to construct towers. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. These include variations in strength, durability, maintenance requirements and reactions to the environment.
Steel Rod Section
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| - Lower drag coefficients than angular steel construction to minimise wind and ice loading | - May be heavier than angular steel or hollow tube towers | |
| - Higher corrosion resistance for a longer life | - May have slightly higher cost | |
| - Increased material thickness compared to angular members | ||
| - Easy to maintain |
Circular Hollow Sections
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| - Most efficent engineering use of steel | - Requires drainage holes for galvanizing process and to keep moisture out | |
| - Very light weight, ease of installation | - Larger volumes for shipping | |
| - Most sizes readily availble | ||
| - Lower drag coefficents than angular steel |
Angle Steel Sections
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| - Most economical to manufacture | - Aerodynamical inferior to hollow and solid steel rod on a component to component basis, due to this is also alot heavier than hollow and solid steel rod on a component to component basis | |
| - Most economical to ship to tower site | - Most difficult and costly erection | |
| - Difficult to paint due to angular design |
