WO2008136717A1

WO2008136717A1 - Antenna tower structure with installation shaft

Info

Publication number: WO2008136717A1
Application number: PCT/SE2007/050306
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter HÄGER; Ay Lutfi
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2007-05-07
Filing date: 2007-05-07
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: ZA200906296B; AP2620A; RU2009146923A; TWI414668B; AP2009004986A0; BRPI0721559A2; TW200909652A; EG25702A

Abstract

Elongated structure (10) that is segmented (S1-S4) in the longitudinal direction, comprising a base segment (Sl), at least one intermediate segment (S2,S3), and a terminating segment (S4), wherein the segments are essentially comprised of reinforced concrete, and the segments are interconnected in the longitudinal direction by a plurality of elongated fastening members (20) that together form a longitudinal interconnection structure (30) that interconnect the base segment to the terminating segment without gaps in the longitudinal direction, and wherein each segment comprises fastening member guides (50) formed in the wall of the segment and arranged to preserve the fastening members at predetermined configuration with respect to said segment.

Description

Antenna tower structure with installation shaft TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to elongated reinforced concrete structures, and in particular, to an elongated hollow structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction.

BACKGROUND

Elongated reinforced concrete structures are frequently used in a variety of fields . Examples of elongated reinforced concrete structures are different types of masts and towers, pylons, chimneys, architectural structures, arc shaped beams , etc...

Traditionally, such elongated structures are moulded on site, either in one single moulding or by several sub sequent moulding steps wherein reinforcement elements of a preceding moulding are integrated in the subsequent moulding to achieve a continuous longitudinal reinforcement structure throughout the structure. However, on site moulding is time and labour consuming, as well as requires transport of moulding equipment to the site. Moreover it is difficult to achieve full control of the moulding process whereby the material properties of the structure are likely to be suboptimal . As a direct consequence of the sub optimal material properties, the structures must be overdimensioned.

An alternative to on site moulding is prefabrication of segments that are assembled on site. As prefabrication of segments can be performed under well controlled conditions and the whole segment can be moulded in one integral moulding, many of the above disadvantages are avoided. However, interconnection of segmented elongated structures is a complex task, especially if the structure is dimensioned for heavy loads. Patent documents FR2872843, EP1645701 and DE2939472, are some of the documents that describe interconnection of segmented elongated concrete structures in the form of towers for windturbines .

Some of the problems with existing solutions and constructions are that they are complex and involves attachment of metal interconnection sleeves at the ends of the segments, the interconnection members being connected to the reinforcement structure in the segment walls. Existing tower structures are in many cases expensive to produce, expensive and difficult to assemble. In some solutions the metal interconnection sleeves are exposed to the outside environment, and as metal generally has a shorter life time than concrete, they shorten the life time and increase the demand of maintenance of the structure.

SUMMARY

Elongated reinforced concrete structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, wherein the segments are interconnected by a plurality of elongated fastening members that together form a continuous longitudinal interconnection structure that interconnect the base segment to the terminating represent a new sort of thinking. None of the mentioned prior art documents describe such an interconnection structure.

An embodiment of the present invention is therefore to introduce a new elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, wherein the segments are essentially comprised of reinforced concrete for use in as rigid construction element, eg.:

• as a tower body for carrying telecommunications equipment in a wireless communications network, wherein the tower is less expensive to produce and perform service on, • as a tower body for carrying a wind turbine,

• as a construction element in an architectural structure such as a building, a bridge etc,

• as a self supporting chimney,

• etc .

It is an object of the present invention to introduce a new elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, wherein the segments are essentially comprised of reinforced concrete, method of producing and assembling such a structure, fully exploiting the advantages by prefabrication of segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures Ia and Ib illustrate an elongated structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an elongated structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an elongated structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an elongated structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an elongated structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6a to 6c illustrate details of an elongated structure according to other embodiments of the present invention. Figures 7a and 7b illustrate an elongated structure according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates an elongated structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates an elongated structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention makes it possible to use prefabricated segmented elongated structures as an alternative to structures molded on site or prefab structures molded in one integral piece.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, schematically shown in figs. Ia to 5b, there is provided an elongated structure 10 that is segmented S1-S4 in the longitudinal direction. The elongated structure comprises a base segment Sl, at least one intermediate segment S2, S3, and a terminating segment S4 wherein the segments are essentially comprised of reinforced concrete. The segments

S1-S4 are interconnected in the longitudinal direction by a plurality of elongated fastening members 20 that together form a longitudinal interconnection structure 30 that interconnect the base segment Sl to the terminating segment S4 without gaps in the longitudinal direction. In alternative terms, the plurality of elongated fastening members 20 together can be said to form a continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 throughout the segmented elongated structure 10. As will be disclosed in more detail below, the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 may be of different forms wherein the terminating segment S4 is interconnected to the base segment Sl either directly by one or more fastening members 20 that extends all the way from an attachment point 40 in the base to the terninating segment S4, or indirectly by two or more longitudinally overlapping fastening members 20. Further, Each segment comprises fastening member guides

50 formed in the wall 60 of the segment and arranged to preserve the fastening members 20 at predetermined configuration with respect to said segment. Embodiments of the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 are schematically illustrated in figs. Ib, 2b, 3b, 4b and 5b.

The embodiment shown in figs Ia to 5b is a thin walled hollow structure, designed to provide desired mechanical properties while being of light weight. Such a thin walled structure provides many advantages relating to structural properties, production and assembly of a segmented elongated structure. However, all or some of the segments may be tick walled or even solid, and sections may even be partially solid.

Figs. Ia to 5b schematically depict an elongated hollow structure 10 in the form of a tower wherein the base segment

51 is arranged on ground or a foundation or the like (not shown) . Depending on a number of parameters such as, the shape of the segments Sl-S4, the load to be carried by the structure 10, the conditions where it will be situated, such a tower will be subjected to different types of loads at different segments. Therefore, the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 may be of different form and thus rigidity. One way to define the rigidity of the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 is to define the fastening member 20 density as the number of fastening members at a specific cross section of the elongated structure, i.e. high fastening member density at an intersection between two segments implies that the two segments S1-S4 are secured to each other by a large number of fastening members 20.

In the embodiment of figs Ia and Ib each one of the intermediate segment (s) S2, S3 and the terminating segment S4 is secured to the base segment Sl by three or more fastening members 20. For elongated structures 10 wherein the tension forces in the longitudinal direction are expected to be great in the base region and small in the region of the terminating segment, the embodiment of figs Ia and Ib provides excellent rigidity, as the fastening member density is highest in the base region and decreases towards the terminating segment. In the embodiment of fig. 1 each segment, except for the base segment Sl and the intermediate segment S2 adjacent the base segment, is secured to a non adjacent segment by three or more fastening members 20.

Fig. 2a and 2b schematically show an embodiment wherein the lower attachment points 40 for the terminating segment have been moved from the base segment Sl to the first intermediate segment S2. In this embodiment, the fastening member density is lowered in the base segment.

Fig. 3a and 3b schematically show an embodiment wherein each segment is secured to adjacent segment (s) by three or more elongated fastening members 20. In this embodiment, the attachment points in each intermediate element are arranged in a longitudinally overlapping manner so that the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 is achieved, by arranging upper attachment points 40a and lower attachment points 40b in an overlapping fashion in the intermediate elements. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment points 40a and 40b may be combined and the fastening members interconnected by suitable means.

Fig. 4a and 4b schematically show an embodiment wherein all fastening members 20 interconnect the base segment Sl directly to the terminating segment S4, securing the intermediate segments S2 and S3 there between. This and other embodiments may comprise at least one intermediate segment S2, S3 that is not directly secured to the fastening members 20, but clamped in between two or more other segments. Due to the nature of the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 the fastening members 20 generally extends a greater distance in the longitudinal direction than the average extension of the segments S1-S4.

Fig. 5a and 5b schematically show an embodiment wherein the fastening members 20 are arranged crosswise between respective attachment points 40, in order to achieve improved torsion strength.

Each elongated fastening member 20 is attached to and is tensioned between two associated attachment points 40 in different segments S1-S4. At the attachment points 40, the fastening members are secured by suitable securing means 70 that abuts a counter surface at the attachment point when the fastening member is tensioned. According to one embodiment, the securing means allow subsequent tensioning of the fastening members 20, in order to compensate for dilatation over time of the fastening members. Examples of securing means include threaded nuts, clamps, wire joints etc.

The fastening member guides 50 are arranged to preserve the fastening members at predetermined configuration in between the attachment points 40. The fastening member guides 50 are formed in the wall of the segments. In order to achieve the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 30 the fastening member guides 50 of adjacent segments are aligned. In order to facilitate alignment of subsequent segments, adjacent segments are provided with alignment means (not shown) serving for proper alignment of fastening member guides 50 between adjacent segments. According to one embodiment, the end surfaces of the segments are molded to the desired form, including access points for fastening member guides and alignment means if present. According to one embodiment, the elongated structure comprises essentially no metal parts exposed to the outer surface.

According to one embodiment schematically shown in fig. 6a, the fastening member guides 50 at least partially are formed as conduits in the wall of the segments. As will be discussed in association with the disclosure of the method of producing segments below, such conduits are preferably formed by placing elongated tubes that extend between attachment point/intersection surfaces in the mould before it is filled with concrete. In the disclosed embodiments, the attachment points 40 are arranged integrally in the wall of the segments so that the fastening members 20 run in an essentially straight line between the attachment points 40.

According to one embodiment schematically shown in fig. 6b, the fastening member guides 50 at least partially are formed as grooves in the outer peripheral surface of the segments. In fig. 6b the attachment points 40 are provided at the inner peripheral surface of the segments in order for the securing means 70 to not be accessed from the outside of the structure, in this embodiment, the fastening members follow non-straight fastening member guides 50.

Fig. 6c shows an embodiment wherein the attachment point 40 in the base segment is arranged at the very bottom of the same in order to make the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 40 extend throughout the whole length of the elongated hollow structure 10. Moreover, the associated attachment point 40 in the intermediate segment S3 is furnished to be contained inside the wall of the segment, in order to provide a smooth uninterrupted inner and outer peripheral surface.

In the disclosed embodiments the fastening members 20 are depicted as being independent of the segments and attached to the attachment points 40 by securing means 70. In one embodiment one or more fastening members 20 are partly integrated with one of the segments in that one end thereof is molded into the wall of the segment.

According to one embodiment, the fastening members 20 are comprised as a part of the reinforcement means in the longitudinal direction in the segment (s). As is indicated in fig. 6a transverse reinforcement members 80 are mainly but not restricted to be provided in the transverse direction, and the fastening members 20 will act as prestressing reinforcement members in the longitudinal direction. Although it could be possible to completely leave out longitudinal reinforcement means when moulding the segments, reinforcement in the longitudinal direction provides improved rigidity during transport and assembly. The fastening members 20 are made of any suitable material of adequate strength, such as metal bars or wires, fibre reinforced composite rods etc.

Figs. 7a and 7b schematically shows an example of a curved elongated structure 10. In a structure of this type, the fastening member density can be varied also in the cross sectional direction as is indicated in fig. 7b, wherein more fastening members 20 are arranged at the high tension side. By providing more fastening members 20 on one side, the rigidity of the structure in said direction can be significantly improved. The elongated structure may be of essentially any form, eg. straight uniform shape, of varying cross sectional shape along its length, bottle shaped, comprising at least one conical section in the longitudinal direction. According to one embodiment, the elongated structure comprises at least one section is of circular cross section. Examples of other cross sectional shapes comprise oval, triangular, square, starshaped etc.

Figs. 8 show one embodiment of an elongated hollow structure 10 in the form of an antenna tower body adapted to house telecommunications equipment 100. The tower body is comprised of two base sections Sl and S2 comprised of eight sections B1-B8, and a plurality of modular tower segments S3-S7. By forming the base segment of radial sections B1-B8 production and transport of the base section is facilitated. The radial sections B1-B8 are interconnected by suitable radial fastening members. The disclosed embodiment has a circular cross-section, and the base diameter is 5.0 m, whereas the diameter of the modular tower segments is 1.8 m. The antenna tower is provided with a radome 110 and the total height including the radome 110 is 40 m. Moreover, at least two of the segments S3-S7 are essentially identical, whereby they can be subsequently moulded in the same mould. By omitting or adding one or more such "identical" segments S3-S7 towers of different heights can be provided without altering the mould design. According to one embodiment the terminating segment is of the same shape as at least one intermediate segment.

According to one embodiment, a hollow inner portion of the structure 10 has the function of an internal installation shaft, and wherein the tower is arranged to house a radio base station 100 in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas 120 at the top of the tower body. The tower body and the installation shaft may have a larger cross-sectional area at the base compared with the top. The radio base station provided in the tower belongs to a GSM, WCDMA, HSPA, MIMO, LTE or future type telecommunications system.

The installation shaft may be formed to house one or more radio base stations in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas at the top of the tower body. In order to minimize radio down time the installation shaft is formed to allow personnel access to the radio base station without the need for bringing the base station down. In order for personnel to have adequate access to the RBS, the installation shaft must be large enough so that it is possible for a person occupying the space in front of the RBS to access and perform essentially all normal maintenance and service operations. The volume of the installation shaft by the RBS that is needed to allow adequate access to the RBS equipment depends on the size of the same. According to one embodiment, the RBS equipment in the antenna tower is comprised of standard rack mounted units with a standard width between 60 and 100 cm and a depth of 30 to 80 cm. According to one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the installation shaft at the radio base station is at least, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 m² or more. The free space in front of the RBS is at least but not limited to 1.0 to 2.0 m². According to one embodiment, the tower may be of essentially circular cross section at the radio base station height, with a radius of at least 0.7, 0.9, or 1,3 m or more.

According to one embodiment, two or more separate radio base stations are arranged in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas at the top of the tower body. In order to preserve the limited space in the top section of the tower, the RBSs may be stacked one on top of the other. The RBSs may be of the same type with respect to make and telecommunications system, but they may also belong to different operators or telecommunications systems, e.g. GSM, WCDMA, HSPA, MIMO, LTE or future type telecommunications systems. The antenna tower may also house other types radio communication equipment and associated antennas, such as wireless IP networks etc., as well as radio or television broadcasting equipment.

The installation shaft may extend a limited portion of the height of the tower or all the way from the tower base to the top. In the case the installation shaft extend throughout the full height. The installation shaft may be accessed via an entrance door (not shown) or the like at the lower end thereof, and the RBS is reached by climbing or elevator means inside the shaft.

In fig. 8 the lower section of tower body is formed as a truncated cone and the upper action as an elongated uniform structure, both of essentially circular cross section. As is discussed more in detail below, the tower body may be of many different shapes. In order to protect the antennas and to establish a controlled environment inside the installation shaft, a radome is arranged extending from the elongated tower body and enclosing the antennas. The radome is designed to give required shelter for the RBS equipment at the same time as it is essentially transparent to radio waves emitted from the antennas. According to one embodiment, the antenna tower has one or more ventilation openings in the lower regions thereof, and corresponding openings in the upper region, above the RBS, whereby a flow of air is obtained in the installation shaft due to a stack effect. Additional mechanical cooling means, i.e. air conditioning system, may also be needed depending on the geographical location of the antenna tower and are typically placed in the base section of the antenna tower structure.

The elongated structure 10 disclosed in fig. 9 supports a wind turbine unit 130 for production of electrical energy. The wind turbine unit comprises a generator housing 140 with turbine blades 150 pivotally arranged at the top end of the segmented elongated structure 10.

According to one embodiment, as is shown in figs Ia to 5b the base Sl segment comprises a plurality of attachment points 40 for attachment of fastening members 20 interconnecting the base segment Sl with two or more segments in the longitudinal direction. In the disclosed embodiment, the attachment points are arranged at a distance from the interconnection end of the base segment, and it comprises fastening member guides 50 arranged to preserve the fastening members at predetermined configuration between the attachment points and the interconnection end. According to one embodiment, as is indicated in fig. 6d the attachment points 40 are arranged at the non interconnection end of the base segment.

According to one embodiment, as is shown in figs Ia to 5b the intermediate segment S2, S3 comprises fastening member guides 50 arranged to preserve fastening members 20 at predetermined configuration with respect to the segment, the fastening member guides 50 extend from an interconnection end in the base segment direction. At least some of the fastening member guides 50 may extend to an interconnection end in the direction opposite to the base segment. The intermediate segment may comprise one or more attachment points 40 for attachment of fastening members 20 interconnecting the segment with one or more segments in the longitudinal direction.

According to one embodiment, as is shown in figs Ia to 5b the terminating segment S4 comprises one or more attachment points for attachment of fastening members 20 interconnecting the segment with two or more segments in the longitudinal direction. As is mentioned above, the terminating segment may be essentially identical to an intermediate segment. Further, as is schematically shown in fig. 10, there is provided a method of producing segments of an elongated hollow structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction comprising the steps:

STl. providing a mould with a mould cavity, defining the peripheral shape of the segment,

ST2. arranging reinforcement members in the mould cavity according to a predetermined pattern,

ST3. arranging means forming fastening member guides at predetermined positions in the mould cavity,

ST4. filling the mould cavity with concrete,

ST5. hardening the concrete, and

ST6. removing the hardened concrete segment from the mould cavity.

According to one embodiment, the means forming fastening member guides are tubes placed so that they are molded into the walls of the segment ST7. The tubes extend between the interconnection surfaces of the segment and/or attachment points formed by the mould. During moulding it is made sure that no concrete enters into the tubes to block the guides.

According to one embodiment, the step of filling the mould is performed with the longitudinally axis of the mould arranged essentially vertical ST8. By selecting a suitable concrete composition the mould can be filled from the bottom section thereof ST9, whereby air inclusions in the concrete effectively are avoided.

Example materials in the tower is for the purpose of this invention, steel fibrous cement based composites i.e. concrete blended metal mesh and/or rebar. Other materials are also to be considered able, are such as, but not limited to, metal, plasties, cement based materials, wood, glass, carbon fibre and composites of the same.

Further, there is provided a method of assembling an elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, Fig. 11, comprising the steps:

STlO. providing a base segment comprising a plurality of attachment points for attachment of fastening members,

STIl. arranging one or more intermediate segments on the base segment, each intermediate segment comprising fastening member guides arranged to preserve fastening members at predetermined configuration with respect to the segment and optionally one or more attachment points for attachment of fastening members,

ST12. arranging a terminating segment on the final intermediate segment, the terminating segment comprising one or more attachment points,

ST13. fitting fastening members in the fastening member guides, extending between attachment points in a preceding segment and attachment points in a subsequent segment, and

ST14. tensioning the fastening members.

As discussed above, the continuous longitudinal interconnection structure 40 may be of different forms depending on the load requirements on the structure. Therefore, the sequence of the steps in the above method can be altered accordingly. Assembly of an elongated structure according to fig. 1 involves fitting of fastening members between attachment points in the base segment and each segment and tensioning the fastening members for each segment. Assembly of elongated structures according to figs. 2a and 3a involves fitting of fastening members between attachment points in a preceding segment and each segment and tensioning the fastening members for each segment. The steps of repeating fitting of fastening members and tensioning the same to interconnect intermediate segments is indicated by solid lines in fig. 10, whereas the steps of interconnecting the terminating segment is indicated by- broken lines.

According to one embodiment, one or more of the intermediate elements lack attachment points and wherein the fastening members extends through fastening member guides in said segment (s) from attachment points in the preceding segment to at least one subsequent segment comprising attachment points. Alternatively all intermediate elements may lack attachment points, as is shown in fig. 4, and wherein the fastening members extends through fastening member guides in said segments from attachment points in the base to attachment points in the terminating segment. Then, all segments are arranged on the base segment prior to the fitting of fastening members and tensioning of the same.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step: securing a radio base station with associated antennas in the installation shaft of one of the prefabricated elongated antenna tower segments before said segment is interconnected.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a system for wireless communication in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communications system 300 comprises one or more antenna tower structures 310 each equipped with at least one antenna Radio Base Station serving as an access point for user equipments 320. The antenna tower structures of the system are being cast and divided into tubular tower sections having a hollowed cross section. The sections are equipped with an arrangement for moving a whole antenna radio base station along the elongation of the antenna tower structure, wherein the antenna radio base station is being disposed inside the tubular tower. Each antenna tower structure have at least one entrance into the antenna tower structure giving access for service of the antenna Radio Base station. The system 30, permits operator specific antenna tower structure designs (OPl, 0P2 , 0P3 , OP4, 0P5 etc).

In a further embodiment, operator specific designs makes it more simple for service personnel to identify a specific antenna tower structure among other towers, wherein equipment in the tower is to be served, updated or reconfigured.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the description is in general only intended to illustrate the inventive concept and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departure from the scope thereof, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Elongated structure (10) that is segmented (S1-S4) in the longitudinal direction, comprising a base segment (Sl), at least one intermediate segment (S2,S3), and a terminating segment (S4) , wherein the segments are essentially comprised of reinforced concrete, and the segments are interconnected in the longitudinal direction by a plurality of elongated fastening members (20) that together form a longitudinal interconnection structure (30) that interconnect the base segment to the terminating segment without gaps in the longitudinal direction, and wherein each segment comprises fastening member guides (50) formed in the wall of the segment and arranged to preserve the fastening members at predetermined configuration with respect to said segment.

2. Elongated structure according to claim 1 wherein the elongated structure is at least partially hollow in the longitudinal direction.

3. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein at least one fastening member interconnect the base segment directly to the terminating segment.

4. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening members extends a greater distance in the longitudinal direction than the average extension of the segments.

5. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein each segment, except for the base segment and the intermediate segment adjacent the base segment, is secured to a non adjacent segment by three or more fastening members.

6. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 5 wherein each one of the intermediate segment (s) and the terminating segment is secured to the base segment by three or more fastening members .

7. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 5 wherein two or more longitudinally overlapping fastening members interconnect the base segment to the terminating segment.

8. Elongated structure according to claim 7 wherein each segment is secured to adjacent segment (s) by three or more elongated fastening members.

9. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 4 wherein all fastening members interconnect the base segment directly to the terminating segment, securing the intermediate segments there between.

10. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 4 comprising at least one intermediate segment that is not secured to the fastening members.

11. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening members are independent of the segments .

12. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 10 wherein one or more fastening members is partly integrated with one of the segments.

13. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening member guides of adjacent segments are aligned.

14. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening member guides at least partially are formed as grooves in the outer or inner peripheral surface of the segments.

15. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening member guides at least partially are formed as conduits in the wall of the segments.

16. Elongated structure according to claim 1 wherein adjacent segments are provided with alignment means serving for proper alignment of fastening member guides between adjacent segments.

17. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein each fastening member extends between two attachment points (40) where it is secured to two different segments.

18. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the fastening members are comprised as a part of the reinforcement in the longitudinal direction in the segment (s).

19. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims comprising fastening members in the form of metal wires .

20. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the terminating segment is of the same shape as at least one intermediate segment.

21. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein at least two intermediate segments are of the same shape.

22. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein it is straight.

23. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein it is curved

24. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims comprising at least one conical section in the longitudinal direction.

25. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein at least one section is of circular cross section.

26. Elongated structure according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein it is a tower body of an antenna tower structure.

27. Elongated structure according to the preceding claim wherein the hollow inner portion of the structure has the function of an internal installation shaft, and wherein the tower is arranged to house a radio base station (100) in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas (120) at the top of the tower body.

28. Elongated structure according to anyone of the claims 26 to 27, wherein the tower body and the installation shaft have a larger cross-sectional area at the base compared with the top.

29. Elongated structure according to anyone of the claims 26 to 28, wherein the radio base station belongs to a GSM, WCDMA, HSPA, MIMO, LTE or future type telecommunications system.

30. Elongated structure according to anyone of the claims 26 to 29, comprising a radome (110) extending from the elongated tower body and enclosing the antennas .

31. Elongated structure according to anyone of the claims 1 to 25 wherein it is a tower body that supports a wind turbine unit (130) at the upper end thereof.

32. Base segment (Sl) for an elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, comprising a plurality of attachment points for attachment of fastening members interconnecting the base segment with two or more segments in the longitudinal direction.

33. Base segment according to the preceding claim, wherein the attachment points are arranged at a distance from the interconnection end of the base segment, and that it comprises fastening member guides formed in the wall of the segment arranged to preserve the fastening members at predetermined configuration between the attachment points and the interconnection end.

34. Intermediate segment (S2, S3) for an elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, comprising fastening member guides formed in the wall of the segment arranged to preserve fastening members at predetermined configuration with respect to the segment, the fastening member guides extend from an interconnection end in the base segment direction.

35. Intermediate segment according to the preceding claim wherein at least some of the fastening member guides extend to an interconnection end in the direction opposite to the base segment.

36. Intermediate segment according to the preceding claim comprising one or more attachment points for attachment of fastening members interconnecting the segment with one or more segments in the longitudinal direction.

37. Terminating segment (S4) for an elongated structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, comprising one or more attachment points for attachment of fastening members interconnecting the segment with two or mere segments in the longitudinal direction.

38. Method of assembling an elongated hollow structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction, comprising the steps:

providing a base segment (StIO) comprising a plurality of attachment points for attachment of fastening members ,

arranging one or more intermediate segments on the base segment (StIl) , each intermediate segment comprising fastening member guides arranged to preserve fastening members at predetermined configuration with respect to the segment and optionally one or more attachment points for attachment of fastening members,

arranging a terminating segment on the final intermediate segment (Stl2) , the terminating segment comprising one or more attachment points,

fitting fastening members (Stl3)in the fastening member guides , extending between attachment points in a preceding segment and attachment points in a subsequent segment, and

tensioning the (Stl4) fastening members.

39. Method according to the preceding claim wherein all fastening member guides, extends from attachment points in the base segment to attachment points in one or more of the subsequent segments .

40. Method according to claim 38 or 39 wherein one or more of the intermediate elements lack attachment points and wherein the fastening members extends through fastening member guides in said segment (s) from attachment points in the preceeding segment to at least one subsequent segment comprising attachment points.

41. Method according to the preceding claim wherein all intermediate elements lack attachment points and wherein the fastening members extends through fastening member guides in said segments from attachment points in the base to attachment points in the terminating segment .

42. Method of producing segments of an elongated hollow structure that is segmented in the longitudinal direction comprising the steps: providing a mould (StI) with a mould cavity, defining the peripheral shape of the segment,

arranging reinforcement members (St2) in the mould cavity according to a predetermined pattern,

arranging fastening member guide means (St3) at predetermined positions in the mould cavity,

filling the mould cavity with concrete (St4) ,

hardening the concrete (St5) , and

removing the hardened concrete segment from the mould cavity (Stβ) .

43. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the fastening member guide means are tubes arranged in the walls of the segment (St7) .

44. Method according to claim 42 or 43 wherein the step of filling the mould is performed with the longitudinally axis of the mould arranged essentially vertical (St8) .

45. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the mould is filled from the bottom section thereof (St9) .