Communication antennas have been erected to great heights by way of steel or concrete towers.
Protecting these antennas from natural elements such as dirt, snow, wind and general exposure has been the main objective of antenna operators. Originally, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) plates were installed as non-self-supporting hangings on existing steel constructions in front of the antennas. It quickly became evident however, that the GRP material is very suitable for self-supporting constructions. The term, GRP-antenna mast, is understood to mean self-supporting cylindrical protection coating, which protects the television antenna against the outside influences mentioned above. The upper closure is constructed of steel or concrete towers, therefore making it capable of meeting the mechanical demands generated by wind, snow and ice.
Initially, cylinder elements were produced by hand lay up and when bolted together, they formed a GRP-antenna mast in which the antennas were mountable.
With the increasing demand for quality GRP protection cylinders, a machine production method called "filament-winding" was implemented. This method significantly improved all the good properties of the hand manufactured cylinder. This "filament-winding" procedure utilized by IBK GmbH makes it possible to extend a single cylinder element up to 22 m long and at the same time, drastically reduce the number of disturbing screw connections.
For more than twenty years self-bearing GRP-antenna masts have successfully fulfilled all required performance demands. They can be produced problem free up to diameters of 4 m and heights of 50 m.
Their steadiness and safety is substantiated by proven static calculations and by officially recognized testing institutions that carry out material examinations. The electromagnetic permeability of GRP prevents interference with the antenna's characteristics. The exterior color layers have an excellent resistance to adverse weather conditions.
The IBK company has developped a large number of different types of GRP-antenna masts, which makes it possible for IBK to offer the most economical solution to its clients depending on specific local conditions and the client's needs. In all cases, the strength of the GRP and the resistance of the exterior surface to adverse weather conditions is guaranteed
