GSM-R
Designing and supplying the structures and foundations for GSM-R Network.
The Global System for Mobile Communications–Railway (GSM-R) project provides digital, secure and dependable communications between train drivers and signallers. It delivers significant benefits across the rail industry by improving safety, increasing network performance and helping to reduce delays, ultimately enhancing passenger experience across the UK rail network.
FLI Structures supplied more than 2,500 towers and monopoles as part of the GSM-R programme. With significant variation in height, location constraints and access requirements, FLI developed modular and flexible design ranges to suit a wide range of site conditions. This approach enabled rapid delivery of towers at short notice, while also allowing bespoke solutions to be created from standardised components. These principles continue to underpin FLI’s rail telecoms design capability across modern rail networks.
The same modular approach was applied to the foundation solutions, which incorporated screw piles or ballast blocks with steel interface grillages. These rapid-deployment foundations could typically be installed within a small number of shifts, significantly faster and with far less disruption than traditional concrete foundations, while also delivering a substantially lower carbon footprint.
GSM-r Lattice Towers
Lattice towers installed across the rail network include:
ATS400 lattice towers up to 40 metres
SLP3 lattice towers up to 30 metres
SLP4 lattice towers up to 40 metres
These structures can be supplied pre-assembled to enable faster site builds where access allows, or supplied in smaller components for hand-build installation where access is restricted.
All lattice tower variants are designed to interface seamlessly with FLI’s rapid-deployment steel foundation systems.
GSM-r Monopoles
Monopoles installed across the rail network include:
NR301 monopoles ranging from 10 to 30 metres
NR302 monopoles ranging from 10 to 30 metres
NR401 hinged monopoles at 15 metres
NR402 hinged monopoles at 20 metres
FLI provides the GSM-R network with both fixed and hinged monopole solutions, suitable for installation on either concrete foundations or rapid-deployment foundation systems.
A range of high-capacity monopole designs is also available to accommodate modern 5G antenna loads for single or multiple operators. In addition, a selection of headframe configurations can be provided to suit specific antenna loading and performance requirements.
Hand Build Monopoles
The ‘Rocket’ monopole is designed specifically for rail sites where crane access is not possible, providing a hand-build solution where traditional installation methods are constrained. Once materials are delivered to site, installation works can be carried out within a green zone environment.
Installation is completed using derrick lifting kits, allowing monopole sections to be lifted and assembled without the use of a crane or the requirement for rail possessions.
Hinged Poles
Hinged poles with kentledge foundation systems are used to support repeater and broadband antennas for on-train Wi-Fi applications.
This is a proven solution for repeater antennas across the GSM-R network, with standard heights available at 5 metres and 8 metres. Alternative heights can be provided to suit specific site requirements.
The system offers a low-cost installation solution that can be delivered within a green zone environment. It is fully hand-buildable with no requirement for plant, and foundation options include kentledge or pile systems, all of which are suitable for hand-carry installation.
Laydown Platforms
FLI Structures designs and installs rail laydown platforms that enable rapid deployment on embankments, cuttings and uneven terrain. These platforms integrate with screw pile or precast foundation systems, providing safe access and supporting the efficient installation of telecoms equipment on challenging rail sites.
Rapid Deployment Foundations
Screw pile or precast concrete foundations with a steel interface grillage enable faster installation on rail sites.
Suitable for use on embankments, cuttings and soft ground, FLI Structures can deliver the complete substructure and superstructure as an integrated system. This approach ensures efficient interfaces with towers and equipment cabinets, enabling quick, straightforward deployment on challenging rail locations.
Platforms on Slopes
Complete site designs, including tower and cabinet platforms, can be installed on sloping sites.
Screw pile–mounted grillage platforms provide one of the most efficient methods for deploying towers and equipment cabinets on embankments, cuttings and soft made-up ground.
Modular grillage systems and tower foundations deliver rapid foundation solutions, with platforms designed to accommodate any size and quantity of equipment cabinets.
Screw Pile Foundations
Screw pile and grillage foundation systems can be installed within a single shift using a small team, a torque motor and an RRV.
These steel foundation solutions provide a sustainable alternative to concrete, eliminating the need for excavation and curing time. Quick to install and immediately loadable, they are particularly well suited to sites with restricted access, as well as locations on embankments or within cuttings.
More Screw Pile Information
