Imitation Tree Tower: A Masterpiece Integrating Nature and Technology
Author：Bruce
Time：2024-11-21
一、Overview of Imitation Tree Pagoda
Imitation tree tower is an innovative communication facility that cleverly disguises communication poles in the shape of trees. It not only has communication functions, but also has multiple functions such as lightning protection, and can perfectly integrate with the natural environment.
In the field of communication, base station construction is crucial, but in some specific situations such as hotels, parks, commercial streets, etc., the construction of traditional base stations is often limited by factors such as space and aesthetics. The emergence of imitation tree towers effectively solves these problems. It disguises itself as a tree and blends into the surrounding environment, reducing visual abruptness and providing stable communication signals for the surrounding area.
At the same time, the imitation tree tower also has a powerful lightning protection function. In thunderstorm weather, it can effectively attract lightning and safely guide lightning current into the ground, protecting surrounding personnel, buildings, and various facilities and equipment from lightning damage.
From the perspective of exterior design, imitation tree towers usually use colors similar to the natural environment, such as green, brown, etc., to coordinate the colors of the tower body with the surrounding vegetation, soil, etc., further enhancing the integration of the landscape. Its unique tree like appearance perfectly blends with the natural environment of the park, as if it were a naturally growing tree, without giving a sense of abruptness. Whether in the shaded corners of the park or in the center of the open lawn, it can harmoniously blend into the surrounding landscape and enhance the overall beauty of the park.
In practical applications, the imitation tree tower has achieved significant results. They are widely installed in scenic areas, parks, and other places, providing tourists with a more comfortable travel experience. At the same time, due to the integration of the appearance of the imitation tree tower with the natural environment, it also reduces people's resistance to communication facilities and improves public acceptance of communication facilities.
二、The purpose of the imitation tree tower
（一）communication support
As a communication tower, the imitation tree tower can carry various communication devices and play a crucial role in ensuring communication. In the park and surrounding areas, whether tourists use their mobile phones for photo sharing, navigation queries, or park management departments for communication, security monitoring, etc., they can rely on the imitation tree tower to obtain reliable communication security. According to statistics, in park areas equipped with imitation tree towers, the communication signal coverage rate can reach over 95%, greatly meeting people's outdoor communication needs.
（二）Lightning protection
The lightning protection function of the imitation tree tower has been rigorously tested and verified, and can operate reliably in various harsh weather conditions. In thunderstorm weather, it can effectively attract lightning and safely guide lightning currents into the ground. For example, in areas frequently affected by thunderstorms, the probability of lightning damage to places where tree like towers are installed is reduced by 80%. Its powerful lightning protection function protects personnel, buildings, and various facilities and equipment in the park, providing strong protection for people's life and property safety.
（三）Landscape integration
The exterior design of the imitation tree tower seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, greatly enhancing the overall beauty of parks and other places. It usually uses colors similar to the natural environment, such as green, brown, etc., to harmonize the tower with the surrounding vegetation, soil, and other colors. This integration not only reduces people's resistance to communication facilities, but also increases public acceptance of communication facilities. In some scenic areas and parks, imitation tree towers resemble naturally growing trees, harmoniously coexisting with the surrounding landscape, creating a more comfortable tourist environment. At the same time, the existence of the imitation tree tower also adds a unique artistic atmosphere to the park, becoming a beautiful scenery.
三、The characteristics of the imitation tree tower
（一）Beautiful appearance
The appearance design of the imitation tree tower is unique, with exquisite and realistic structure, as if it were a real plant growing in nature. During the production process, every detail is carefully crafted, from the texture of leaves to the shape of tree trunks, showcasing a superb level of craftsmanship. Installed in scenic areas, parks, squares, and among trees with similar tree species, it seamlessly blends into the natural environment without any sense of dissonance. This unique design not only brings visual enjoyment to people, but also has a vibrant sense of the times, complementing the modern society's pursuit of the integration of nature and technology.
（二）Structural stability
The tower base of the imitation tree tower adopts an independent reinforced concrete structure, which effectively avoids the problem of uneven settlement of the foundation. In practical applications, even in the face of different geological conditions, the imitation tree tower can maintain a stable posture. The feeder fixing clamp is cleverly installed inside the tower to protect it from natural factors such as wind, rain, and sun, greatly solving the damage factors of the feeder and extending its service life. In addition, each part of the tower is connected with precision machined internal flanges, ensuring concentricity and perpendicularity, avoiding potential hazards caused by other connection methods, and further enhancing the structural stability of the tower.
（三）Small footprint
The imitation tree tower adopts a conical single tube structure, occupying an area of only 1-2 meters square and a foundation of only 4-6 meters square. Compared with traditional communication towers, it does not require the construction of walls, greatly reducing the user's footprint and purchasing area, saving costs, especially in urban areas where the advantages are more obvious. In today's increasingly scarce land resources, the characteristic of imitating tree towers provides more flexible choices for urban construction and the layout of communication facilities.
（四）long service life
The tower body of the imitation tree tower is relatively less damaged by external forces, thanks to its reasonable structural design and excellent materials. The surface has undergone hot-dip galvanizing treatment, which has good anti-corrosion performance and can resist various harsh environmental erosion. At the same time, the surface of the tower is equipped with artificial bark, which, like simulated tree branches and leaves, is made of a composite material that can be integrated, burned, and will not fall off for a long time. It not only has waterproof, fireproof, and anti-corrosion functions, but also ensures that the appearance of the imitation tree tower does not peel off for a long time, keeping its beautiful appearance for a long time. According to statistics, the service life of imitation tree towers can reach several decades.
（五）energy conservation and environmental protection
In response to the call for energy conservation and environmental protection, some imitation tree towers are equipped with solar panels and batteries. During the day, solar panels absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy, which is stored in batteries; At night, the battery provides energy for devices such as LED lights, achieving lighting functions while reducing energy consumption. This design not only reduces operating costs, but also contributes to environmental protection, reflecting the active exploration and innovation of imitation tree towers in energy conservation and environmental protection.
四、The construction process of the imitation tree tower
（一）Main structure construction
The construction of the main structure of the imitation tree tower adopts steel structure construction technology, which plays a crucial role in the quality and service life of the components. Firstly, the steel structure production is carried out in the factory, strictly following the design requirements and construction specifications to ensure the accuracy and quality of each component. According to statistics, factory production can achieve a qualification rate of over 98% for components. After the production is completed, professional transport vehicles are used for steel structure transportation to ensure the safety and integrity of the components during transportation, and to avoid damage caused by collisions or bumps. During the installation process, use lifting equipment to perform precise installation, calibration, and welding according to the design drawings. A professional installation team can ensure that the installation accuracy of the steel structure is controlled at the millimeter level, ensuring the stability and verticality of the tower body. Finally, anti-corrosion coatings are used in the painting process to provide effective protection for the steel structure and extend its service life. Generally speaking, high-quality anti-corrosion coatings can extend the service life of steel structures by more than 20% in harsh environments.
（二）Appearance construction
The appearance construction is a key link in coordinating the imitation tree tower with the natural environment. Usually, glass fiber reinforced composite (GRC) or other environmentally friendly materials are used for construction processes. Firstly, according to the design requirements, GRC molds are made, and the accuracy of the molds directly affects the appearance of the final product. In the production process of GRC products, spray molding technology is used to produce GRC products that meet design requirements, have smooth surfaces, and high strength. Next, use lifting equipment for installation and fixation to ensure that the GRC product is tightly integrated with the steel structure body. Finally, surface treatment is carried out by using specialized coatings for surface spraying, painting, and other treatments, making the appearance of the imitation tree tower more realistic and integrated with the natural environment. For example, in the appearance construction of the imitation tree tower in some scenic spots, the tower body is almost the same color and texture as the surrounding trees through exquisite painting technology, which is difficult to distinguish.
（三）Construction of supporting facilities
The construction of supporting facilities includes greening, lighting, water supply and drainage, electrical engineering, etc., using corresponding construction techniques to meet the needs of different places. In greening projects, suitable plants are selected for planting based on the environmental characteristics of the simulated tree tower to enhance the natural atmosphere. The lighting project adopts energy-saving and environmentally friendly LED lamps, which not only provide good lighting effects but also reduce energy consumption. The water supply and drainage engineering ensures that the imitation tree tower can operate normally under various weather conditions. Electrical engineering provides a stable power supply for communication equipment, lighting, and other components resembling tree towers. Through carefully constructed supporting facilities, the functionality and aesthetics of the imitation tree tower have been further enhanced.
五、World famous imitation tree tower
（一）Feiying Tower, Huzhou, China
Feiying Tower is located in Feiying Park, Taxia Street, Feiying Street, Wuxing District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is the only existing "Tali Tower" in China. The Inner Pagoda is a Buddhist bone relic pagoda, which was first built during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt during the Southern Song Dynasty's Shaoxing period. It is a tower like stone pagoda modeled after trees. There are now eight sides and five floors, under which is Xumizuo, with a residual height of 14.55 meters. It is carved and stacked from the Taihu Lake Lake stones, and is carved with Buddhist patterns. The outer tower is a brick and wood eaved pavilion style structure, first built during the Kaibao period of the Northern Song Dynasty and "renovated" during the Duanping period of the Southern Song Dynasty. It has seven floors and eight sides, with a total height of 55 meters. Feiying Tower is a landmark building in Huzhou City, known as one of the "Three Wonders of Huzhou" along with the Fu Temple and Chaoyin Bridge.
Feiying Tower has a long history of development. According to historical records, during the Xiantong period of the Tang Dynasty, Monk Yun Jiao received the "Seven Relics and a Tiger Feeding Face Statue of King Ashoka" bestowed by the Sangha Master, and upon his return, he built a stone pagoda to store them. Later, due to the presence of divine light at the top of the tower, a wooden tower was added outside the stone tower during the Kaibao period of the Northern Song Dynasty, forming a unique structure called the "Tower Tower". In the 20th year of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Shaoxing Pagoda was struck by lightning and burned on fire. The stone pagoda was immediately rebuilt, and to this day, the pagoda is inscribed with inscriptions such as "Shaoxing 24th Year". The outer tower was also "new and robust" during the early period of the Southern Song Dynasty's Duanping period. Afterwards, it underwent multiple repairs during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In 1929, the top of the tower suddenly collapsed due to long-term leakage, and both the inner and outer towers were heavily smashed. Visitors could only sigh at the tower. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the Party and the government attached great importance to the protection and maintenance of cultural relics and historic sites. In April 1961, Feiying Tower was listed as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit. It was listed as a key maintenance project in 1982, completed at the end of 1986, and opened on New Year's Day in 1987. In January 1988, it was approved by the State Council and announced as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Feiying Pagoda has a close relationship with Buddhism. Since its initial construction, it has attracted the attention of the people, monks, and local officials due to its relics and unique structure, and has been repeatedly damaged and built. Many literati and celebrities throughout history have visited the Feiying Tower and praised it endlessly. Su Shi once said, "Suddenly climbing the highest tower, one's vision is vast. Bian Feng shines on the city walls, shaking the clouds and sky." Zhao Mengfu once said, "Climbing up hundreds of feet, looking down at the sky, birds pass by, the autumn scenery of thousands of miles of lakes and mountains is complete, and there are many fireworks and sunsets in every household.
（二）The Devil's Tower in the United States
The Devil's Tower is located in Wyoming, USA, resembling a huge tree stump. The height of this mountain is 264 meters, and the diameter at the bottom of the mountain is 305 meters, leaving only 24 meters of diameter at the top. According to local Indian legend, this place was once the homeland of ancient giants. The Devil's Tower was originally a towering tree that connected the heavens and the earth. The giant passed through this tower and ascended to the heavens and the earth. Later, in the war between the giant and the gods, the tree was cut down by divine power and slowly petrified, becoming the mountain it is today.
Scientists believe that the "Devil's Tower" is likely a product of volcanic eruptions. Hundreds of millions of years ago, magma at the center of the Earth did not erupt smoothly and gradually cooled at the entrance of the cave. After natural evolution, it finally took on its current appearance. Although this statement has not been accurately confirmed yet, a large number of people have expressed their agreement with it. Today, the Devil's Tower still stands tall in Wyoming, and tens of thousands of rock climbing enthusiasts have applied to explore here, but many have also lost their lives as a result.
（三）Qiyun Pagoda, Henan
The Qiyun Pagoda in Henan is 35 meters high and was originally called the Shakyamuni Pagoda, Golden Square Pagoda, or White Horse Temple Pagoda. Founded during the Yongping period of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was renovated during the Jin Dynasty. The Qiyun Pagoda is designed with a wooden like structure, which has the characteristics of a tower with a dense eave during the Tang and Song dynasties. It also adopts a wooden like construction method, providing rare physical examples for studying the architectural features of the Jin Dynasty, especially the brick tower structure of the Jin Dynasty in the Central Plains region. From the shape and internal structure of the tower, it has high historical, scientific, and artistic value. In 1961, the State Council announced that Baima Temple and Qiyun Pagoda were national key cultural relics protection units.
The Qiyun Tower was initially built as a wooden tower, but was later destroyed by lightning and fire. The existing Qiyun Pagoda, also known as the "Golden Square Pagoda", was rebuilt in the 15th year of the Jin Dynasty's Ding reign (1175 AD) and has a history of over 800 years. To the north and south of the Qiyun Pagoda, covering an area of over 40 acres, it became the first Bhikkhuni Buddhist temple in Henan province. More than thirty nuns are currently studying Buddhism here. The unique shape of Qiyun Tower also produces a "wow wow" sound under specific conditions, which is very similar to the sound of a frog. This is an acoustic physical phenomenon caused by uneven echoes due to the unevenness of the tower surface.
