Telecommunication & Water Towers | Concrete Consultancy

Telecommunication and water towers are critical infrastructure assets that play a vital role in supporting communication networks and water distribution across the UK. With their height, exposure to the elements, and continuous service demands, these structures are particularly susceptible to long-term deterioration, making regular inspection, testing, and maintenance essential.

Common defects in reinforced concrete towers include cracking, spalling, reinforcement corrosion, and concrete delamination, often caused by carbonation and chloride contamination due to the use of outdated admixtures and to prolonged environmental exposure.

The Concrete Consultancy 2000 Ltd has extensive experience in the inspection, testing, and repair planning of both telecommunication and water towers. Using a combination of non-destructive testing (NDT), sampling of structural elements and laboratory analysis, we identify early signs of deterioration and advise on appropriate repair strategies, including corrosion control, protective coatings, and targeted strengthening solutions.

Working at height requires specialist knowledge and access solutions. Our rope access and MEWP-qualified teams ensure that every part of the structure can be safely reached, assessed, and maintained with minimal disruption.

From remote masts and broadcast towers to municipal and industrial water tanks, we provide our clients with clear, cost-effective repair strategies backed by detailed interpretive reporting, helping safeguard vital infrastructure and extend service life for years to come.

BT Charwelton Tower – Condition Survey

Location

Daventry

Date

April 2024

Description

We were appointed to undertake a comprehensive condition survey of the BT Charwelton Tower, a 106-metre-high reinforced concrete telecommunications tower located near Daventry. Built to support a range of antennas for British Telecom, this large-scale structure required a detailed assessment of both internal and external concrete elements.

The investigation began with a full visual inspection and hammer tap testing to identify signs of cracking, spalling, or surface deterioration. This was supported by carbonation depth testing and covermeter measurements to assess the depth of concrete cover to embedded reinforcement in accordance with BS 1881: Part 204:1988. Concrete samples were also extracted and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for chloride content analysis to assess the potential for reinforcement corrosion.

Our findings were presented in a detailed interpretive report, which included photographic documentation, repair recommendations, material specifications, and a provisional bill of quantities. A full budget estimate was also provided to assist the client in planning future remedial works and ensuring the long-term safety and performance of this critical communications structure.

BT Heaton Park Tower – Concrete Survey

Location

Manchester

Date

November 2024

Description

We carried out a concrete condition survey of BT Heaton Park Tower, a 60.5-metre-high telecommunications tower in Manchester. This reinforced concrete structure supports multiple antennas and forms part of British Telecom’s regional broadcast and communication infrastructure.

Our survey involved a detailed visual inspection and hammer tap testing to assess the internal and external condition of the concrete. Site testing included carbonation depth assessments and covermeter readings in accordance with BS 1881: Part 204:1988 to determine the adequacy of concrete cover over reinforcement. Chloride analysis was also conducted via laboratory testing of core samples, helping us evaluate the corrosion risk present.

The results were compiled into a fully interpretive report featuring clear repair recommendations, a tailored material specification, a provisional bill of quantities, and a detailed cost estimate for any remedial works required. The findings provided vital information to assist the client in planning maintenance strategies for long-term asset protection.

BT Purdown Tower – Structural Assessment

Location

Bristol

Date

June 2024

Description

We were instructed to carry out a detailed condition survey of BT Purdown Tower, a 66.71-metre-high reinforced concrete telecommunications tower situated on the outskirts of Bristol. The tower is a key part of the BT infrastructure, supporting multiple antennas.

Our assessment included a full visual and hammer tap inspection of internal and external surfaces to identify any signs of cracking, delamination, or spalling. We also undertook carbonation depth testing and measured reinforcement cover using a covermeter, in line with the relevant British Standards. Chloride content analysis was conducted by a UKAS-accredited laboratory to determine corrosion risk.

All data and observations were compiled into a detailed interpretive report. The report provided an analysis of the concrete’s condition, proposed repair strategies, material specifications, a provisional bill of quantities, and budget estimates for the repair works. This enabled the client to confidently plan proactive maintenance of the tower.

BT Wotton-Under-Edge Tower – Concrete Survey

Location

Gloucester

Date

April 2024

Description

We were commissioned to carry out a full condition survey of the BT Wotton-Under-Edge Tower, assessing both internal and external concrete elements. The tower, located in Gloucester, plays an important role in the telecoms network and required evaluation to detect any deterioration and provide long-term repair guidance.

A visual and hammer tap survey was conducted to identify surface-level defects. Covermeter testing was used to measure the depth of cover to steel reinforcement (BS 1881: Part 204:1988), while carbonation depth testing followed BRE IP 6/81 guidelines. Concrete samples were also taken and analysed in a UKAS-accredited lab for chloride content as per BS 1881: Part 124:2015+A1:2021.

Our final deliverable was a fully interpretive report containing all inspection results, clear recommendations for concrete repairs, a suitable repair specification, and a budget forecast for the works. This allowed the client to make informed decisions on preventative maintenance for this critical piece of telecoms infrastructure.