standards and guidelines for communication sites - Radio And ...

BUILDING/SHELTER DESIGN AND LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATION SITE BUILDING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
• Always consider not only the initial equipment loading of the site, but also future growth, which
may double or triple the initial equipment and/or necessitate additional space at a site. This design
should always include the shelter size, air conditioning, UPS, generator and electrical system.
• A “single point” grounding concept is required. This includes a single ground point located at all of
the outside shelter or equipment room penetrations (RF, AC power and generator, GPS, tower light
controllers, equipment and phone lines. This design will affect the overall equipment layout. DC
power systems should also logically be located close to this ground point. Though this uses up
some wall and floor space, it permits the systematic growth of communications equipment
outward.
CABLE ENTRY
PORT ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
MGB
FIGURE 3-5 SINGLE-POINT GROUNDING AT ENTRY TO BUILDING
• Though not usually required for building foundations, some sites with unique soil conditions may
require soil boring tests. Soil borings reveal the soil strength and water content, which are used to
design a suitable foundation.
• In earthquake-prone areas (Moment Magnitude rating 3 or greater), foundation design and
equipment anchoring shall address seismic requirements.
• Where high soil resistivity results in a poor grounding electrode system, see Chapter 4, “External
Grounding (Earthing),” for information on using concrete encased electrodes (Ufer ground) as a
supplemental ground.
• All buildings and shelters shall be designed or use features that prevent entry of animals and insects
into the structure. Design should help discourage nesting of birds and small animals on exterior
features of structure.
• Buildings may require compliance with human accessibility standards, such as Americans with
Disabilities Act (or equivalent where required). These requirements must be considered during
layout and procurement of facility.
3-6 68P81089E50-B 9/1/05