Base structure for support tower

Abstract

In one embodiment, a base structure for a support tower may include a ring foundation pad, a transition piece disposed above the ring foundation pad, and a plurality of staves positioned around the transition piece. Each of the plurality of staves respectively includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of each stave is wider than the top portion of each stave. The bottom portion of each stave is located above the ring foundation pad and the top portion of each stave is respectively secured to the transition piece.

1 . A base structure for a support tower, comprising:
 a ring foundation pad;   a transition piece disposed above said ring foundation pad; and   a plurality of staves positioned around said transition piece, each of said plurality of staves respectively comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of each said stave being wider than the top portion of each said stave; wherein said bottom portion of each said stave is located above said ring foundation pad and said top portion of each said stave is respectively secured to said transition piece.   
     
     
         2 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of staves and said transition piece are constructed primarily of concrete. 
     
     
         3 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of anchor elements, located on said ring foundation pad, and respectively configured to secure one of said staves against radial and lateral movement.   
     
     
         4 . A base structure as in  claim 3 , wherein each of said plurality of anchor structures includes a receiving conduit, adapted to receive a tendon threaded through one of said plurality of staves; and each of said plurality of staves includes at least one conduit extending therethrough, with at least one tendon extending through such conduit. 
     
     
         5 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a central foundation pad situated within said ring foundation pad; and   a tower structure supported on said central foundation pad, with said transition piece positioned on top of said tower structure.   
     
     
         6 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said transition piece includes a plurality of facets around a perimeter thereof; and said top portion of each said stave is configured to be respectively adhered to one of said plurality of facets. 
     
     
         7 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of staves form a conical skirt, said conical skirt operating to distribute a tower load to said ring foundation pad. 
     
     
         8 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said base structure comprises a plurality of external ballasts, said external ballasts configured to add additional dead load to said ring foundation pad. 
     
     
         9 . A base structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said transition piece comprises a central ring structure; and said base structure is a multi-staged base structure comprising:
 an upper transition piece disposed above said central ring structure; and   a plurality of upper staves surrounding said upper transition piece, each said upper stave respectively comprising a top portion and a lower portion, the bottom portion of each said upper stave being wider than the top portion of each said upper stave, and with said lower portion of each such upper stave being secured to said central ring structure and said upper portion thereof being secured to said upper transition piece.   
     
     
         10 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of said plurality of staves comprise plural subcomponents. 
     
     
         11 . A base structure for a support tower, comprising:
 a ring foundation pad;   a transition piece disposed above said ring foundation pad;   a plurality of lower staves positioned around said transition piece, each said lower stave respectively comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of each said lower stave being wider than the top portion of each said lower stave, the bottom portion of each said lower stave respectively located above said ring foundation pad, the top portion of each said lower stave respectively secured to said transition piece; and   a plurality of upper staves, each said upper stave respectively comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of each said upper stave being wider than the top portion of each said upper stave, the bottom portion of each said upper stave being secured to said transition piece.   
     
     
         12 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of said plurality of lower staves comprise plural subcomponents. 
     
     
         13 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of said plurality of upper staves comprise plural subcomponents. 
     
     
         14 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an upper transition piece disposed above said transition piece.   
     
     
         15 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 14 , wherein said plurality of upper staves are positioned around said upper transition piece. 
     
     
         16 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 15 , wherein said top portion of each said upper stave is secured to said upper transition piece. 
     
     
         17 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a central foundation pad situated within said ring foundation pad; and   a tower structure supported on said central foundation pad, with said upper transition piece positioned on top of said tower structure.   
     
     
         18 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of lower staves, said plurality of upper staves, and said transition piece are constructed primarily of concrete. 
     
     
         19 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a plurality of anchor elements, located on said ring foundation pad, and respectively configured to secure one of said staves against radial and lateral movement.   
     
     
         20 . The base structure for a support tower of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of lower staves form a conical skirt, said conical skirt operating to distribute a tower load to said ring foundation pad.