Telecommunications Equipment Shelter Case Study
Responsible Use of Taxpayer Funds
Reliable telecommunications infrastructure is essential for public safety operations, supporting police, fire, and emergency medical communications, including 911 dispatch systems. As part of an initiative to expand and enhance its communications network, the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office undertook a project to install three new radio tower sites. These towers, each reaching 350 feet in height, required durable, weather-resistant equipment enclosures at their base to house sensitive digital radio equipment and associated backup power systems.
How Fiberglass Compares
County leadership was faced with the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure while ensuring prudent use of taxpayer funds. Traditionally, the county had relied on concrete block buildings, but rising construction costs and long-term maintenance concerns prompted them to evaluate the alternatives. They consulted with the engineering team overseeing the tower upgrades and determined that the Shelter Works solution offered a better overall value. Their analysis highlighted key advantages of Shelter Works fiberglass shelters:
- Lower overall lifecycle costs
- Quicker installation timelines
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Weather and corrosion resistance
- Customization and design flexibility
- 25 Year standard warranty
Custom Fiberglass Enclosures
Dekalb County purchased three identical prefabricated fiberglass equipment enclosures, measuring 8 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet, to be deployed at separate tower locations throughout the county. The shelters were custom-engineered to meet the performance requirements of the new telecommunications systems while offering a more cost-effective and long-lasting solution compared to traditional construction.
A key benefit of the Shelter Works enclosures was their adaptability. Designed and manufactured for long life and structural integrity, each enclosure included:
- 19/32” oriented strand board (OSB) in the walls, roof, and doors
- 2” foam insulation in the walls and roof for thermal regulation
- 6” fastener spacing for enhanced structural integrity
- 3/4” plywood layer behind the OSB on one wall to support a 250 lb user installed panel.
The corrosion resistant fiberglass construction ensures a leakproof design and long-term durability with minimal maintenance.
County officials collaborated with Shelter Works to specify internal climate control systems (heating and air conditioning) to ensure the operational integrity of the electronics throughout the year. The initial plan was for a two-rack set up. That was later adjusted to accommodate a three-rack setup, demonstrating the value of the shelter’s adaptable design within a compact footprint.
Why Shelter Works?
Dekalb County’s adoption of fiberglass equipment shelters represents a strategic investment in both public safety and fiscal responsibility. By choosing a Shelter Works fiberglass enclosure over conventional construction methods, the county ensured the protection of critical telecommunications equipment while maximizing the long-term value of its infrastructure spending. The customized design, structural integrity, and maintenance-free performance of the shelters position the county for reliable communications operations well into the future.