Watch Tower / Observation Tower
Self-supporting steel lattice tower for observation and security monitoring, available in height options from 5 to 35 meters
Watch towers are tall steel structures designed for observation, monitoring, and fire-prevention duties. They are widely used in forest fire patrol systems, border surveillance, scenic-area monitoring, and other security applications.
- Design Standard ANSI/TIA-222-G/H/F; EN 1991-1-4; EN 1993-3-1
- Height Range 5–35 m, as per customer’s requirement
- Design Wind Speed 0–300 km/h, adjusted according to regional conditions
- Surface Treatment Hot-dip galvanized; Painting
- Design Configuration
Most watch towers use a four-leg self-supporting or guyed structure. The interior can be equipped with inclined ladders or spiral stairways for access. The top section includes a working platform or a small duty cabin for personnel. - Wind and Seismic Resistance
The watch tower can be designed for wind speeds up to 30 m/s and seismic intensity level 8. Vertical deviation is controlled within the limits of less than 1/1000 to ensure stable performance in demanding environments.
Installation Locations
Watch towers are typically installed in elevated locations such as hilltops or high ground. These positions provide wide visibility and clear observation lines, ensuring effective monitoring coverage.
| Product | Observation tower |
| Tower Type | Self-Supporting Tower |
| Design Standards | ANSI/TIA-222-G/H/F; EN 1991-1-4; EN 1993-3-1 |
| Quality Certification | ISO 9001: 2015; COC; Third Party Inspection Report (SGS, BV) |
| Nuts & Bolts | Grade 8.8 / 6.8 / 4.8; A325; DIN 7990, DIN 931, DIN 933; ISO 4032, ISO 4034 |
| Main Material | Angle steel / tube steel |
| Height Range | 5–35 m, as per customer's requirement |
| Selected Materials | Angle steel, steel plate, channel steel, round bar, etc. |
| Connection Method | Bolted connections, welding |
| Seismic Resistance | Up to 8° seismic intensity |
| Design Wind Speed | 0–300 km/h, adjusted according to regional conditions |
| Surface Treatment | Hot-dip galvanized; Painting |
| Galvanizing Standard | ASTM A123; ISO 1461 |
| Expected Service Life | More than 20 years |
| Color Options | Silver (galvanized) or painted finish, RAL color system, customizable |
| Main Functions | Suitable for schools, plazas, parking lots, high-rise buildings, forest fire surveillance, rivers, dams, and coastal areas |
| Main Features | Small footprint and efficient land usage. Lightweight structure that enables convenient transportation and installation. Short construction period and low installation cost. Designed according to steel structure and tower mast requirements to ensure safe and reliable performance. |
| Certification Standard | ||
| Design Standards |
| |
| Structural Steel | ||
| Grade | Mild Steel | High Tensile Steel |
| GB/T 700 – Q235B, Q235C, Q235D | GB/T 1591 – Q355B, Q355C, Q355D, Q420B | |
| ASTM A36 | ASTM A572 Gr.50 | |
| EN 10025 – S235JR, S235J0, S235J2 | EN 10025 – S355JR, S355J0, S355J2 | |
| Design Wind Speed | Up to 300 km/h | |
| Allowable deflection | 0.5–1.0° @ operational speed | |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 360–510 | 470–630 |
| Yield strength (t ≤ 16 mm) (MPa) | 235 | 355 / 420 |
| Elongation (%) | 20 | 24 |
| Impact strength KV (J) | 27 (20°C) - Q235B (S235JR) | 27 (20°C) - Q355B (S355JR) |
| 27 (0°C) - Q235C (S235J0) | 27 (0°C) - Q355C (S355J0) | |
| 27 (-20°C) - Q235D (S235J2) | 27 (-20°C) - Q355D (S355J2) | |
| Bolts & Nuts | ||
| Grade | Grade 4.8, 6.8, 8.8 | |
| Standards for mechanical properties | ||
| Bolts | ISO 898-1 | |
| Nuts | ISO 898-2 | |
| Washers | ISO 7089 / DIN 125 / DIN 9021 | |
| Standards for dimensions | ||
| Bolts (dimensions) | DIN 7990, DIN 931, DIN 933 | |
| Nuts (dimensions) | ISO 4032, ISO 4034 | |
| Washers (dimensions) | DIN 7989, DIN 127B, ISO 7091 | |
| Welding | ||
| Method | CO₂ Shielded Arc Welding & Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) | |
| Standard | AWS D1.1 | |
| Galvanizing | ||
| Galvanization standard of steel sections | ISO 1461 or ASTM A123/A123M | |
| Galvanization standard of bolts and nuts | ISO 1461 or ASTM A153/A153M | |
Main Components
- Anchor Bolts
- Antenna Mounting Bracket
- Copper Grounding Components
- Connection Plates
- Antenna Mast
Optional Components
- Communication Tower Bolts
- Aviation Obstruction Light
- Climbing Ladder
- Copper Lightning Rod
- Grating Platform and Mesh Platform
We provide full technical guidance and carry out construction based on the approved drawings. If any questions arise, we are always available to assist.
- Mountain fire-prevention monitoring
A fire-watch tower built in mountainous areas provides a wide vantage point with minimal blind spots. This reduces the manpower needed for patrols and improves early-warning capability. - Indoor observation for forest rangers
Fixed observation towers allow forest rangers to monitor conditions from inside the cabin. This protects them from harsh weather while enabling better concentration on fire-risk detection. - High-altitude surveillance
As a high-level observation structure, the tower supports long-distance viewing and monitoring of designated areas. It serves multiple functions, including observation, early warning, and security supervision.
- Tower structure
The structure of the watch tower provides overall height and structural stability. Common shapes include square, circular, and polygonal configurations. Steel towers are typically paired with reinforced concrete foundations. The tower sections are connected through lattice bracing, forming a combined structural system that significantly improves resistance to overturning. - Observation platform
The observation platform is placed at an appropriate height and is enclosed with safety railings. Its size allows personnel to move freely and set up monitoring equipment for full-area observation. The upper branching structure uses twisted box members rooted through a transition layer at the top of the tower body. The core tube extends directly to the roof, reducing the roof span and improving structural performance. - Access facilities
The tower may include stairways, inclined ladders, or vertical ladders to provide access to the observation platform. Some configurations also include simple lifting devices when quick ascent or descent is needed.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is used to shape the steel components through focused beam cutting and assisted gas removal. The process offers fast cutting speed and high dimensional accuracy (up to ±0.05 mm), while keeping heat impact to a minimum. This reduces the risk of deformation and results in clean, well-defined edges.
CNC Punching and Shearing
Steel angles are processed through CNC-controlled punching and shearing lines. Automatic feeding, positioning, punching, and cutting are all integrated into the process, keeping production running smoothly and efficiently. Precise CNC positioning keeps quality consistent, even when working with more complex parts.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing and Surface Protection
The tower is protected with hot-dip galvanizing as the main anti-corrosion treatment, along with an extra plastic coating for added protection. The zinc layer protects the steel from rust and adds strength, while the coating gives extra insulation and surface protection. This combined treatment allows the tower to maintain reliable performance for over 20 years and adapt well to harsh environments such as high and low temperatures, coastal areas, and mountainous regions.