Remote, Resilient, and Ready: Civiltest’s Role in Tower Stability
Telecommunications towers stand as connectivity lifelines in far North Queensland's rugged terrain, where eagles command the sky and 4WDs fear to tread. These vital structures, reaching over 30 metres, provide essential mobile coverage and emergency services communications to remote communities.
For Mitchell Ratten, Operations Manager at Civiltest, ensuring these critical structures remain standing means venturing to some of Australia's most challenging locations.
The Civiltest field crews conduct crucial geotechnical testing to determine if these towers will withstand the elements Mother Nature throws.
The Challenge of Access
Accessing the tower is the biggest challenge when working on remote telecommunication tower sites. "We either drive or fly to a location and often deal with rocky outcrops. Sometimes, there's no path, so there's usually some off-road 4WD action taking place," Mitch said.
Why Testing Matters
The testing they perform is crucial for ensuring these telecommunications towers remain standing and operational for decades to come. Without proper soil testing and foundation analysis, these towers - reaching over 30 metres - could face stability issues or collapse in extreme weather conditions.
The Science Behind the Tests
The testing process is rigorous and comprehensive. "We test soil down to depth - usually about 10m or so," Mitch explains. They conduct essential geotechnical investigations, including soil sampling, resistivity testing for earth stakes, and aggressivity testing. These tests help engineers determine the right foundation design and ensure the tower can withstand everything from cyclonic winds to ground movement.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Despite the weather and terrain challenges, Mitch finds satisfaction in his work. "What I enjoy most is visiting these remote locations, seeing the country, and getting a good view from where we're drilling. Each site brings something different."
While most people only see the towers reaching skyward, Civiltest's underground work keeps Australia's telecommunications network strong in even the most remote locations.
