Patent Publication Number: US-8109057-B2

Title: Tower foundation system

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to towers for supporting structures, such as billboards, and more particularly, to a tower foundation system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Towers for supporting large structures, such as billboards, wind turbines, fluid containers, communication, power, and other transmission devices, lighting, freeway signs, etc., include support columns that must be firmly secured to the ground to resist overturning forces on the towers. The support columns are secured to the ground by foundations or footings. To resist such overturning forces, foundations must be able to maintain support columns in an upright position despite overturning forces that may act on the columns. 
     Many conventional tower foundations include a footing embedded within a cavity that is formed in the ground. Typical footings are made mainly of concrete. The support column is secured to the footing by maintaining the column in place within the cavity and pouring the concrete around the column. Over time, the concrete hardens to secure the column to the footing. 
     Because of the need to resist overturning forces and potential inconsistencies in the ability of the soil near the surface to support vertical and lateral forces, the footing, and thus the cavity, must extend a substantial distance and occupy a substantial amount of space below the surface. For example, some conventional foundations can extend about 30-45 feet below the surface and occupy a space up to about 5,000 cubic feet. 
     To form a sub-surface cavity large enough to accommodate conventional footings and columns, a substantial amount of earth must be excavated or removed. The larger the excavation, the more labor, materials, and equipment necessary to form the excavation. For example, a crane is required to hold the support column in place while the concrete hardens. As the amount of concrete necessary to form the footing increases, the time it takes for the concrete to harden and the support column to remain in place increases. The longer the support column has to be held in place by the crane, the higher the cost for use and scheduling of the crane. In addition to increased costs for a crane, larger excavation pits result in cost increases associated with auguring and digging equipment for removing earth from the excavation cavity or pit, and water pumping equipment for removing water from pits deeper than the water table. Also, large foundations result in increased costs associated with additional concrete and concrete transportation vehicles. 
     Relatively large towers often are installed in two stages. First, a footing securing a first portion of the support column is installed in the ground. Second, a remaining second portion of the support column is coupled or spliced to the first portion to form the completed support column. Conventionally, splicing two support column portions together includes bolting a gusseted flange of the first portion to a gusseted flange of the second portion or welding the first portion to the second portion. Each approach requires manually intensive and costly fastening or welding at the fabrication and/or installation site. Further, the two portions of the support column often are out-of-round making splicing difficult. 
     After installations, structural elements of a tower foundation may fail or tower foundations may no longer be needed in a particular location. Many conventional tower foundations do not allow for easy removal of failed components or the entire tower foundation. Additionally, most conventional tower foundations are not reusable after removal from an installation site. Also, many conventional tower foundations do not allow for post-installation adjustment should a tower be installed incorrectly, such as being vertically misaligned. 
     SUMMARY 
     The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available tower foundations and support column splicing techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a tower foundation and splicing system that overcomes at least some shortcomings of the prior art. 
     According to some embodiments, a tower foundation is provided having deep sub-surface attachment anchors, but requires either no excavation pit or a shallow excavation pit formed in the ground. Further, in certain embodiments, the tower foundation does not include concrete as the primary support for lateral, vertical load, and overturning forces. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the tower foundation described herein overcomes many of the deficiencies associated with deep exaction pits, unstable ground near the surface, and installation delays described above. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, a splicing system is provided that allows a secure and exact coupling between two or more support column sections without tightening fasteners or welding at the installation site and that accommodates inconsistencies in the cross-sectional shapes of the sections to be spliced. 
     Also, the tower foundation, or components of the foundation, can be easily removed after installation and reused at the same or other installation sites according to some embodiments. Further, in some implementations, the tower foundation allows post-installation adjustment. 
     For example, according to one representative embodiment, a shallow excavation tower foundation for coupling a tower to the ground includes a support column with an upper end, a lower end and an outer surface that is intermediate the upper and lower ends. The support column extends in a first direction between the upper and lower ends. The shallow excavation tower also includes a plurality of arms each having a first and second end. Each arm is coupled to the outer surface of the support column at the first end and extends radially outward away from the outer surface. Further, the shallow excavation tower has a plurality of elongate anchors each having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, the upper end portion of each anchor being coupled to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of arms and the lower end portion being embeddable within the ground at a location substantially away from the lower end of the support column. In certain instances, the support column can be substantially hollow and define an inner surface, and the tower foundation can additionally include a stiffener plate positioned within and coupled to the inner surface of the support column. 
     In some implementations, a height of the arm is greater than a width of the arm. For clarity, the height of the arm extends substantially parallel to the first direction and the width of the arm extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     According to some implementations, the second end of each of the plurality of arms includes an anchor attachment system, which includes a hollow tubular element extending substantially in the first direction. The upper end portion of each of the plurality of anchors can be coupleable to the hollow tubular element. In certain implementations, the tower foundation includes spaced-apart upper and lower plates that are coupled to the outer surface of the support column and the hollow tubular elements. The upper and lower plates can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     In some instances, each of the anchor attachment systems also includes first and second end caps. The first end cap can be sealingly engageable with a first end of a respective hollow tubular element and the second end cap can be sealingly engageable with a second end of the respective hollow tubular element. The first end cap can have a connecting portion that extends through the hollow tubular member to couple the first end cap to the second end cap. The upper end portion of each of the plurality of anchors can be coupled to a respective one of the first and second end caps of a respective anchor attachment system. In certain instances, each of the hollow tubular members defines an inner diameter and the connecting portions of each of the first end caps define an outer diameter. The inner diameters of the hollow tubular members can be substantially larger than the outer diameters of the connecting portions of the first end caps such that each connecting portion can be angled relative to the tubular member at any of various angles corresponding to an angle defined between the respective anchor and the tubular member. 
     According to some implementations, the support column of the tower foundation includes a first support column. The first support column has an inner surface defining a hollow interior, a first plate having a plurality of spaced-apart first engagement elements, and a second plate defining an aperture and having a plurality of spaced-apart second engagement elements. The first plate can be secured to the inner surface of the first support column within the hollow interior at a location spaced below the upper end of the first support column and the second plate can be secured proximate the upper end of the support column. The plurality of spaced-apart first and second engagement elements can be configured to receive a plurality of spaced-apart third and fourth engagement elements of a second support column to splice the first and second support columns together without welding or tightening the first and second support columns together. 
     According to another embodiment, a splicing system for splicing together sections of a support column for an above ground tower can include a first column section with a first sidewall having an inner surface that defines a hollow interior. The first column section also includes a first plate having a plurality of spaced-apart first engagement elements and a second plate defining an aperture and having a plurality of spaced-apart second engagement elements. The first plate is secured to the inner surface and positioned within the hollow interior and the second plate is secured to the first sidewall at a location above the first plate. 
     The splicing system also includes a second column section that includes a second sidewall having a lower end and an outer surface. The second column section also includes a third plate with a plurality of spaced-apart third engagement elements and a fourth plate having a plurality of spaced-apart fourth engagement elements. The third plate is secured to the second sidewall proximate the lower end of the second column section and the fourth plate being secured to the outer surface of the sidewall at a location above the third plate. The first and third plates can be substantially disk shaped and the second and fourth plates can be substantially annular shaped. 
     The second column section is insertable into the hollow interior of the first column section and through the aperture of the second plate such that (i) the first plate supports the third plate and the second plate supports the fourth plate and (ii) the plurality of third engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of first engagement elements and the plurality of fourth engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of second engagement elements to splice the second column section to the first column section. 
     In certain implementations, the second column section is spliceable with the first column section without welding or tightening the first and second column sections together. In yet some implementations, the sidewall of the first column section includes an upper end with the second plate being secured to the upper end. When the difference between a radius of the second column section and a radius of the first column section is less than a predetermined threshold, a substantial portion of the second plate can extend outwardly away from the outer surface of the first column section. Alternatively, when a difference between a radius of the second column section and a radius of the first column section is more than a predetermined threshold, a substantial portion of the second plate extends can inwardly away from the outer surface of the first column section. 
     According to some implementations, the plurality of spaced-apart first and second engagement elements of the first column section each comprise a plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The plurality of spaced-apart third and fourth engagement elements of the second column section can each comprise a plurality of spaced-apart pegs or pins. The plurality of spaced-apart pegs of the second column section can be insertable into respective ones of the plurality of spaced-apart apertures of the first column section to engage the plurality of spaced-apart pegs with the plurality of spaced apart apertures. Of course in other implementations, the plurality of spaced-apart first and second engagement elements can be pegs and the plurality of spaced-apart third and fourth engagement elements can be apertures. Also, in some implementations, the first engagement elements can be pegs, the second engagement elements can be apertures, the third engagement elements can be apertures, and the fourth engagement elements can be pegs. 
     In certain instances, the aperture of the second plate has a first diameter and the outer surface of the second sidewall has a second diameter, the first diameter being about equal to the second diameter. Additionally, in some implementations, the distance between the first and second plate can be substantially equal to the distance between the third and fourth plate. 
     In one exemplary implementation, the first plate is coupled to the inner surface of the first column section by a plurality of shelves each fixed to the inner surface of the first column section. The first plate can be mountable to the shelves in any of various positions relative to the inner surface of the first column. 
     According to some implementations, the splicing system also includes a plurality of arms each having a first and second end. Each arm can be coupled to an outer surface of the first column section at the first end and extend radially outward away from the outer surface. The splicing system can further include a plurality of elongate anchors each having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion of each anchor can be coupled to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of arms and the lower end portion can be embeddable within the ground at a location substantially away from the first column section. 
     According to another embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. 
     The foundation includes a first support column section that has a first sidewall with an inner surface defining a hollow interior and an outer surface. The first support column section also includes a first plate with a plurality of spaced-apart first engagement elements and a second plate defining an aperture and having a plurality of spaced-apart second engagement elements. The first plate is secured to the inner surface and positioned within the hollow interior and the second plate is secured to the first sidewall at a location above the first plate. The foundation also includes a plurality of arms that each has a first and second end. Each arm is coupled to the outer surface of the first support column section at the first end and extends radially outward away from the outer surface. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors that each has an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion of each anchor is coupled to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of arms and the lower end portion is embeddable within the ground at a location substantially away from the lower end of the first support column section. 
     The second support column section includes a second sidewall having a lower end and an outer surface. The second column section also includes a third plate having a plurality of spaced-apart third engagement elements and a fourth plate having a plurality of spaced-apart fourth engagement elements. The third plate is secured to the second sidewall proximate the lower end and the fourth plate is secured to the outer surface of the sidewall at a location above the third plate. The second support column section is also insertable into the hollow interior of the first support column section and through the aperture of the second plate such that (i) the first plate supports the third plate and the second plate supports the fourth plate and (ii) the plurality of third engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of first engagement elements and the plurality of fourth engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of second engagement elements to splice the second support column section to the first support column section. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a method for installing a tower used to support a structure above the ground includes embedding a plurality of elongate anchors having upper and lower end portions into the ground such that the upper end portions are accessible above the ground and the lower end portions are embedded a first distance below the ground. The method also includes providing a concreteless foundation portion that includes (i) a support column having an outer surface intermediate an upper and lower end and (ii) a plurality of arms each having a first and second end. Each arm is coupled to the outer surface of the support column at the first end and extends radially outward away from the outer surface. In certain instances, the first distance is below the lower end of the support column. The method further includes securing the upper end portions of each of the plurality of elongate anchors to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of arms. 
     In some implementations, the second ends of the plurality of arms each include a substantially vertical tubular member that has a first upper end and a second lower end. The action of securing the upper end portions of each of the plurality of elongate anchors to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of arms can include attaching each upper end portion of the plurality of elongate anchors to one of a plurality of lower cap members. The action of securing can also include attaching one of a plurality of upper cap members to a respective one of the plurality of lower cap members and the upper end portion of the corresponding attached elongate anchor such that at least a portion of at least one of the upper and lower cap members extends through the respective tubular member. The action of securing can also include securing each upper cap member against the upper end of the respective tubular member and each lower cap member against the lower end of the respective tubular member. 
     According to yet some implementations, the support column can include a first support column section that has a hollow interior, a first plate having a plurality of spaced-apart first engagement elements and a second plate defining an aperture and having a plurality of spaced-apart second engagement elements. The first plate is secured within the hollow interior and the second plate is secured to the first support column at a location above the first plate. The method can further include providing a second support column section that has an outer surface and includes a third plate having a plurality of spaced-apart third engagement elements and a fourth plate having a plurality of spaced-apart fourth engagement elements. The fourth plate is secured to the outer surface of the sidewall at a location above the third plate. The method also includes lowering the second support column section into the hollow interior of the first support column section until the (i) the first plate supports the third plate and the second plate supports the fourth plate and (ii) the plurality of third engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of first engagement elements and the plurality of fourth engagement elements each engage a respective one of the plurality of second engagement elements to splice the second support column section to the first support column section. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a tower foundation base according to one representative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the tower foundation base of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  but shown with caps and anchors coupled to the base; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of the tower foundation shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a tower foundation according to another representative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the tower foundation of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a splice system according to one representative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional top view of the splice system of  FIG. 6  taken along the lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional top view of the splice system of  FIG. 6  taken along the lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a lower splice portion of the splice system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the lower splice portion of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the lower splice portion of  FIG. 9  taken along the line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an upper splice portion of the splice system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the upper splice portion of  FIG. 12  taken along the line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the upper splice portion of  FIG. 12  taken along the line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a splice system according to another representative embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the splice system of  FIG. 15  taken along the line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a splice system according to yet another representative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element. 
     Furthermore, the details, including the features, structures, or characteristics, of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a tower foundation  10  according to one representative embodiment is shown. The tower foundation  10  includes a plurality of arms  20  that are secured to and radially extend away from a central support column  30 . 
     The central support column  30  includes a generally tubular shaped member member extending from a first lower end  38  to a second upper end  39  (see  FIG. 2 ). The tubular shaped member of the central support column  30  defines an outer surface  32  and an inner surface  34 . Preferably, the central support column  30  is made of a substantially rigid and durable material, such as steel. 
     The central support column  30  can have any of various lengths and cross-sectional shapes. For example, in some implementations, the central support column  30  can extend the entire length of the tower from the foundation  10  to the supported structure. More specifically, the central support column  30  can be a continuous, one-piece length of pipe secured to the foundation  10  at lower end portion and the supported structure at an opposite upper end portion. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the central support column  30  can comprise a section of the overall support column of the tower. For example, the central support column  30  can be a base section of the overall support column with one or more sections attached or spliced to the base section to complete the overall support column. In some instances, for ease in transportation, the central support column  30  can be a base section of the overall support column, and transported separate from the remaining section or sections of the overall support column. Likewise, in some instances, for ease in installation, as will be described in more detail below, the central support column  30  can be a base section and the foundation  10  can first be secured to the ground, with the remaining section or sections of the overall support column attached to the base section later. 
     Each of the arms  20  extends lengthwise from a first inner end  24  to a second outer end  26 . The arms  20  can have any of various lengths. In certain instances, the length of the arms  20  depends at least partially on the above-ground height, weight, and size of the supported structure. In some exemplary implementations, the length of the arms  20  is between about 1 and about 10 feet. The first inner and second outer ends  24 ,  26  each extend substantially parallel to a height of the arms  20 . The first inner end  24  is secured to an outer surface  32  of the support column  30  and the outer end  26  is coupled to to a housing  62  of an anchor attachment system  60 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some implementations, the arms  20  are secured to the central support column  30  at a location intermediate the first lower end  38  and second upper end  39 . In other words, the support column  30  can extend above and below the support arms. However, in other implementations, the arms  20  can be secured to the central support column  30  at any of various locations on the support column. For example, the arms  20  can be secured to the central support column  30  such that their upper edges are proximate, e.g., substantially flush with, the second upper end  39  of the support column, or their lower edges are proximate, e.g., substantially flush with, the first lower end  38  of the support column. 
     In some implementations, each arm  20  can be a relatively thin plate with a length and height that each is substantially greater than its width. The arms  20  are made of a substantially rigid and durable material, such as, for example, steel. Moreover, the arms  20  can be secured to the central support column  30  and coupled to the housing  62  by any of various coupling methods known in the art, such as, for example, welding, bracketing, bolting and/or fastening. Although the tower foundation  10  includes eight arms  20  equidistantly spaced about the circumference of the support column  30 , in other implementations, the tower foundation can include more or less than eight arms and can be an equal distance from each other or variably distanced from each other about the support column. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the housing  62  is a generally tubular member extending in a generally vertical direction, i.e., substantially parallel to a central axis  36  of the central column  30  (see  FIG. 2 ), between bottom and top ends  64 ,  66 , respectively. However, in other embodiments, the housing  62  can be angled with respect to the central axis  36  of the column  30 . The housing  62  defines a conduit or space  63  having at least a minimum cross-sectional dimension within the housing. For example, the tubular member of the housing  62  can be substantially cylindrical shaped with a conduit having at least a minimum diameter. Alternatively, the tubular member of the housing  62  can be shaped according to various shapes, such as a substantially rectangular or square shape in cross-section with a conduit having at least a minimum width, length and/or diagonal dimension. 
     The tower foundation  10  can also include a foundation stiffener  40  that couples the arms  20  and housings  62  together. The stiffener  40  includes two vertically spaced-apart stiffener plates  40   a ,  40   b  secured to the top and bottom edges of the arms  20 , the outer surfaces of the housings  62  and the outer surface  32  of the support column  30 . Accordingly, in some implementations, the distance between the stiffener plates  40   a ,  40   b  is approximately equal to the height of the arms. Although the stiffener plates  40   a ,  40   b  are shown secured to the top and bottom edges of the arms  20 , in some embodiments, the stiffener plates  40   a ,  40   b  can be secured to the sides of the arms and the distance between the plates can be less than the height of the arms. Like the arms  20 , the plates  40   a ,  40   b  can be relatively thin plates made of a substantially rigid and durable material, such as steel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the anchor attachment system  60  further includes bottom and top caps  68 ,  70 , respectively. Generally, the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  are securable to the bottom and top ends  64 ,  66  of respective housings  62  to effectively enclose or seal the conduit  63 . The bottom cap  68  includes a sealing portion  72  and an anchor attachment portion  74 . The sealing portion  72  includes a plate having a surface area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit  63 . The anchor attachment portion  74  includes a tubular member with an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the anchor  50  (at an upper attachment end portion  56  of the anchor) and a plurality of apertures  76  (see  FIG. 3 ). The apertures  76  are alignable with apertures  54  formed in the anchor  50 . 
     Similar to the bottom cap  68 , the top cap  70  includes a sealing portion  78  with a plate having a surface area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit  63 . The top cap  70  also includes an anchor attachment portion  80  made of a tubular member with an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the anchor  50  (at the upper attachment end portion  56  of the anchor) and a plurality of apertures  82  (see  FIG. 3 ). Unlike the tubular member of the anchor attachment portion  74 , the tubular member of the anchor attachment portion  80  is extendable from the upper end  66  of the housing  62 , through the conduit  63 , and through the lower end  64  of the housing. More generally, the anchor attachment portion  80  is longer than the anchor attachment portion  74 . The plurality of apertures  82  are position proximate a lower end of the anchor attachment portion  80  and are alignable with the apertures  76  of the anchor attachment portion  74  and the apertures  54  of the anchor  50 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  each include a plurality of flanges  90  secured to and extending between the sealing portions  72 ,  78  and the anchor attachment portions  74 ,  80 , respectively. 
     The anchor  50  includes an elongate rod-like element extending from the attachment end portion  56  accessible above the ground  52  to an embedment end portion  58  embeddable in the ground. The anchor  50  can be any of various anchors, piers, or piles known in the art having any of various working tensile and compressive load ratings. For example, depending on soil characteristics, the anchors  50  can have a working tensile and compressive load rating between about 50,000 pounds and about 100,000 pounds, and a lateral load rating of approximately 15,000 pounds. For example, in some implementations, the anchors  50  can include embedment end portions  58  that have helical screws (as shown), helical fins, spin fin, and/or other embedding elements. The type of embedment end portion  58  can be based at least partially on the geology at the installation site. For example, helical screws may provide better embedment within soil and geological formations of a particular type than helical fins, while helical fins provide better embedment within soil and geological formations of a different type than helical screws. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the length of the anchors  50  can be predetermined such that the embedment end portion  58  is embedded within a geological formation a predetermined distance D below the ground, which, as shown, can correspond to the lower end  38  of the support column  30 . Accordingly, based at least partially on the geology of the installation site, the length of the anchor  50  and the type of embedment end portion  58  can be selected such that the embedment end portion  58  embeds in a suitable formation at a suitable depth D for achieving a desirable resistance to overturning forces acting on the tower. In some embodiments, the tower foundation  10  is capable of resisting overturning forces up to about 20,000,000 ft-lb. In more specific implementations, the tower foundation  10  resists overturning forces up to between about 5,000,000 ft-lb and 7,000,000 ft-lb. 
     Generally, the embedment end portion  58  of the anchor  50  can be embedded at a greater depth D if more resistance to overturning forces is desired. Alternatively, or in addition, the embedment end portion  58  type that provides the strongest embedment with the type of formation at the desired depth D can be selected for achieving a greater resistance to overturning forces. In some instances, the embedment end portions  58  of the anchors  50  can be substantially below the support column  30 , e.g., the depth D below the ground and support column can be between about 20 feet and about 30 feet. If necessary, the desired depth D can be any of various other lengths below 20 feet or above 30 feet. Further, in some instances, the outer diameter of the support column  30  can be between about 1 foot and about 10 feet. Accordingly, in some representative implementations, the ratio of the depth D and the outer diameter of the support column  30  is between about 2 and about 30. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , one representative method of installing the tower foundation  10 , e.g., secured it to the ground  52 , is shown. The tower foundation  10  can be installed above or at least partially below ground level. In an above-ground installation (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the arms  20  and central support column  30  are positioned above the surface of the ground  52 . When installing the tower foundation  10  in this manner, an excavation pit need not be dug in the ground prior to installing the foundation. However, in a below-ground installation where the arms  20  and central support column  30  are completely or partially below ground level, a shallow excavation pit should be formed in the ground prior to installing the tower foundation  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). 
     In most below-ground installation implementations, the depth of the excavation pit is not significantly more than the distance between a lower end  38  of the central support column  30  and a top of the top cap  70 . For example, if concealment of the tower foundation  10  is desired, the depth of the exaction pit can be just greater than the distance between the lower end  38  of the central support column  30  and a top of the top cap  70  such that ground components, such as dirt, soil, rocks, etc., or a solidifying agent, such as concrete, grout, etc., can placed on top or over of the foundation to conceal it. However, in some implementations, the depth of the excavation pit can have any of various depths as desired by the user. As used herein, shallow excavation pit can include excavation pits having a depth that is between about 5% and 25% of the depth D of the anchors. In certain implementations, the shallow excavation pit can be between about 3 and about 6 feet. Because the excavation pit is shallow, less debris is removed, shoring is not required, and de-watering is effectively eliminated as shallow pits are not deep enough to reach most water table levels. Therefore, the installation step of removing water with a water-pump truck required by most conventional tower foundations in not required for the installation of the tower foundation  10 . 
     Anchors  50  suitable for the installation site are embedded within the ground such that the attachment end portions  56  of the anchors are above the ground  52  (or at least above the bottom surface of the excavation pit if an excavation pit is desired) and the embedment end portions  58  are secured to desired geological formations proximate the desired depth D. In some implementations, the anchors  50  are torqued, e.g., rotated or screwed, into the ground  52  by a torque motor or similar device until the embedment end portions  58  reach the desired depth D. In other implementations, narrow, upright cylindrical holes are dug into the ground and the anchors  50  are inserted into the holes. A solidifying, shrink-resistant material, such as concrete, mortar, or grout, can then be poured into the holes around the anchors  50  to at least partially secure the anchors to the ground. 
     The base  12  of the tower foundation  10  can be used as a template for facilitating proper placement of the anchors  50  relative to the outer ends  26  of the arms  20 . The base  12  can be positioned in the location at which the tower is to be installed. Each anchor  50  is then continuously inserted through a housing  62  of respective anchor attachment systems  60  until properly embedded into the ground  52 . In this manner, the housings  62  act as a guide for proper placement and orientation of the anchors  50 . Once the anchors  50  are properly embedded into the ground  52 , the base  12  can be removed. 
     The attachment end portions  56  of the anchors  50  are then inserted into the anchor attachment portion  74  of respective lower caps  68  by lowering the lower caps over the anchor attachment portion. The base is then lowered over the lower caps  68  such that each lower cap is aligned with a respective housing  62 . The top caps  70  are then inserted into and through respective housings  62 , and within the attachment portions  56  of the corresponding anchors  50 . The bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  can be rotated until the apertures  76 ,  82  are aligned with each other, and aligned with the apertures  54  of the corresponding anchor  50 . Once aligned, fasteners (not shown) can be extended through the apertures  76  of the anchor attachment portion  74 , the apertures  54  of the anchor  50 , and the apertures  82  of the anchor attachment portion  80  and tightened to secure the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  to the anchors  50 , and the anchors and caps to the base  12 . 
     The length of the anchor attachment portion  80  of the top caps  70  and placement of the apertures  76 ,  82  are such that when the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  are secured to each other, the sealing portions  72 ,  78  of the bottom and tom caps contact the bottom and top ends  64 ,  66  of respective housings  62  to effectively seal the bottom and top ends of the housings. In some implementations, just prior to securing the top cap  70  to the bottom cap  68 , a solidifying, shrink-resistant material, such as grout, can be poured into the space  63  between the housing and the anchor attachment portion  80 . In some implementations, at least one of the sealing portions  72 ,  78  can include a coverable hole through which the solidifying material can be injected into the space  63  after the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  are secured to the anchors  50  and housings  62 . The effective seal achieved by the sealing portions  72 ,  78  acts to contain the solidifying material within the space  63  of the housings  62 . As the material hardens, it acts to improve the connection between the housing  62 , caps  68 ,  70  and anchors  50 . Further, the solidifying material can act to resist rotation of the anchors  50  after they are properly embedded within the ground  52 . As used herein, the seals created by the caps are not limited to hermetical seals, but can include partial seals, such as seals sufficient to prevent larger materials from entering the housing but may allow smaller materials to enter the housing. 
     The anchor attachment system  60  is designed to accommodate tilting or angling of the anchors  50 . As the anchors  50  are embedded within the ground  52 , they may have a tendency to angle inward or outward relative to vertical due to the installation site geology or the installation technique. In some implementations, the anchors  50  are desirably embedded within the ground in a vertical orientation, e.g., parallel to the support column central axis  36  (see  FIG. 2 ), but may inadvertently tilt during installation. Alternatively, in certain implementations, the anchors may be desirably embedded within the ground at an angle relative to vertical. Whether the anchors  50  are advertently or inadvertently embedded within the ground at an angle, the anchor attachment system  60  allows for such angling. 
     Because of the coupling between the bottom and top caps  68 ,  70  and the respective anchors  50 , any angling of the anchors causes a corresponding angling of the anchor attachment portions  74 ,  80 . Therefore, to accommodate angling of the anchors  50 , the anchor attachment system  60  should also accommodate angling of the anchor attachment portions  74 ,  80 . To accommodate tilting of the anchors  50  and anchor attachment portions  74 ,  80 , the inner diameter of the housing  62  is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the anchor attachment portion  80  of the top cap  70 . Accordingly, there sufficient room within the space  63  of the housing  62  for the anchor attachment portion  80  to be angled with respect to a central axis (not shown) of the housing  62  and remain within the space. To facilitate a seal between the sealing portions  72 ,  78  and the bottom and top ends  64 ,  66  of a respective housing  62  when an anchor is angled with respect to the housing, the sealing portions  72 ,  78  can include lips  79  extending about a periphery of the sealing portions to capture solidifying material poured into the housing  62 , thus maintaining a proper bearing at the seals. 
     Although the bottom cap  68  is shown below the housing  62  and the top cap  70  is shown above the housing, in some implementations, the bottom and top caps can be reversed if desired. As shown, the top cap  70  includes a second of set apertures  83  positioned proximate an end of the top cap opposite the end of the top cap at which the apertures  82  are approximately located. The top caps  70  can be coupled to the anchors  50  by aligning and fastening the apertures  83  with the apertures  76  of the anchors. The housings  62  of the base  12  can then be lowered over respective anchor attachment portions  80  of the top caps  70 . The bottom cap  68  can be coupled to the top cap  70  by aligning and fastening the apertures  76  of the bottom cap with the apertures  82  of the top cap. In this manner, the sealing portion  72  of the bottom cap  68  effectively seals the top end  66  of the housing  62  and the sealing portion  78  effectively seals the bottom end  64  of the housing. 
     In some implementations, a moisture-resistant material can be poured over or coated on the base  12  and caps  68 ,  70  to protect the components of the tower foundation  10  from moisture. The moisture-resistant material can be any of various materials known in the art, such as, for example, asphaltic sealant, paint and concrete. Alternative to, or in addition to, a moisture-resistant material, the components of the tower foundation  10  can be galvanized to protect them against the negative effects of moisture. 
     In several preferred embodiments, the tower foundation  10  is installed without a concrete cap or pouring concrete over the foundation. As described above, conventional tower foundations having large concrete caps or embedments often require a waiting period of about 3-4 weeks after the pouring of the concrete before the support column and supported structure are secured to the foundation. Because the tower foundation  10  does not include a concrete cap or covering in preferring embodiments, the waiting period required to allow the concrete to set is eliminated and the entire tower, including support column and supported structure can be installed at one time, e.g., in a single day. 
     After installation, the tower foundation  10 , according to some embodiments, is configured for easy removal and reuse, such as at another location. As described above, after installations, structural elements of a tower foundation may fail or the tower foundation may no longer be needed in a particular location. In one particular implementation, the tower foundation  10  is removed by decoupling the bottom caps  68  from the anchors  50 , e.g., by removing the fasteners, and lifting the base  12  and caps  68 ,  70  away from the anchors. The anchors  50  can be rotated in a loosening direction using, for example, the same device used to install the anchors. The base  12 , caps  68 ,  70 , and anchors  50  can then be moved to a different installation site and reinstalled. 
     Because the top caps  70  are coupled to the anchors  50  via the bottom caps  68 , rotation of the top caps  70  also rotates the anchors  50 . Therefore, if the base  12  has been moved (e.g., tilted, raised, lowered, shifted) due to the extraneous factors, such as movement in or shifting of the ground, large overturning forces, etc., the anchors  50  can be adjusted after installation by rotating the top cap  70  to adjust the orientation base  12  if necessary. In certain implementations, this can be accomplished using the same device, e.g., torque motor, used to install the anchors  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a tower foundation  110  similar to tower foundation  10  is shown. Like the tower foundation  10 , the tower foundation  110  includes arms  120  secured to and extending radially from a central support column  130 . The arms  120  are each secured to the central support column  130  at first inner ends  124  and coupled to anchor attachment systems  160  at second outer ends  126 . As shown, the first inner ends  124  of the arms  120  are at least partially secured to the central support column  130  and the second outer ends  126  are at least partially secured to the housing  162  of a respective anchor attachment system  160  by brackets  170 ,  172 , respectively. The brackets  170 ,  172  can be welded to the support column  130  and housings  162 , respectively, and fastened to the arms  120  with fasteners  174  or weldments. The brackets  170 ,  172  can each have a pair of vertical portion flanges between which a vertical portion  122  of a respective arm  120  is secured. 
     The arms  120  can be I-beams that have two horizontal portions  123  between which the vertical portion  122  extends. Each horizontal portion  123  of the arms  120  includes a set of apertures  125 . Alternatively, in certain implementations, the arms  120  can be beams of other shapes, such as tube steel having a circular, square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, with apertures similar to apertures  125 . 
     Similar to tower foundation  10 , the tower foundation  110  includes a pair of vertically spaced-apart stiffener plates  140   a ,  140   b  secured to the outer surfaces of the housings  162  and the outer surface  132  of the support column  130 . The stiffener plates  140   a ,  140   b  can be secured to the housings  162  and support column  130  by using any of various coupling techniques, such as welding. The stiffener plates  140   a ,  140   b  each include sets of apertures  142  alignable with the apertures  125  of the horizontal portions  123  of the respective arms  120 . Accordingly, the arms  120  can be further secured to the support column  130  and housings  162 , and the stiffener plates  140   a ,  140   b  can be secured to the arms  120 , by extending fasteners, such as fasteners  144 , through the apertures  125 ,  142  and tightening the fasteners against the stiffener plates and arms (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The anchor attachment systems  160  can be similar to the anchor attachment systems  60  of the tower foundation  10 . Alternatively, the anchor attachment system  160  can include elements for facilitating any of various coupling or fastening techniques known in the art. Similarly, the anchors  150  can be anchors similar to anchors  50  described above or alternatively, can be any of various anchors or piles known in the art. 
     Like the tower foundation  10 , the tower foundation  110  can be installed above the ground, below the ground, or partially below the ground in a manner similar to that described above for the tower foundation  10 . 
     In certain implementations, the tower foundations  10 ,  110  may also include a stiffener plate (not shown) secured to the inner surface of the support column. The stiffener plate can have a substantially annular shape. The stiffener plate can promote rigidity in and strengthen the support column at the junction between the arms and the column. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a first support column section  210  is shown coupled or spliced to a second support column section  240  according to a representative splicing system  200 . The first and second support column sections  210 ,  240  are two sections of a support column for supporting an above-ground structure. In some implementations, the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240  together make up the entire support column of the tower. In other implementations, the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240  can make up two of three or more sections of the entire support column. 
     The support column sections  210 ,  240  are substantially tubular or pipe-like members having respective sidewalls  212 ,  242  that define respective inner surfaces  214 ,  244  and outer surfaces  216 ,  246 . Each inner surface  214 ,  244  defines an interior channel  218 ,  248  extending a length of the respective support column sections  210 ,  240 . The support column sections  210 ,  240  can have any of various lengths and cross-sections. In the illustrated embodiments, the support column sections  210 ,  240  have circular cross-sections with the outer surfaces  216 ,  246  defining outer diameters and the inner surfaces  214 ,  244  defining inner diameters. The inner and outer diameters can have any of various dimensions. However, the outer diameter of the second support column section  240  is less than the inner diameter of the first support column section  210  such that at least a portion of the second support column section  240  can be inserted within the interior channel  218  of the first support column section. In those implementations having support column sections having non-circular cross-sections, the second support column section should be sized to fit at least partially within the interior channel of the first support column. 
     The splicing system  200  includes a first splice portion  220  secured to the first support column section  210  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) and a second splice portion  250  secured to the second support column section  240  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). The first and second splice portions  220 ,  250  are coupleable to each other to splice together the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240 . 
     The first splice portion  220  includes a first lower support element  222  having a support surface  224  spaced apart from a first upper support element  226  having a support surface  228 . The first lower support element  222  is coupled to the first support column section  210  such that the support surface  224  faces an upward direction and positioned within the interior channel  218 . The first upper support element  226  is coupled to the first support column section  210  such that the support surface  228  faces an upward direction with at least a portion of the surface extending inwardly of the inner surface  214 . The first lower and upper support elements  222 ,  226  are positioned relative to each other such that the support surface  224  is positioned a predetermined distance X below the support surface  228 . Preferably, the support surfaces  224 ,  228  extend substantially perpendicular to a central axis  219  of the first support column section  210 . 
     The first lower and upper support elements  222 ,  226  can have any of various geometries and be secured to the first support column section in any of various ways. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first lower support element  222  can be a substantially disk-shaped plate secured to the inner surface  214  of the first support column section  210  such as by welding and positioned within the interior channel  218 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first upper support element  226  can be a substantially annular-shaped or ring-shaped plate secured to an upper end  221  of the first support column section  210  such as by welding. Alternatively, the plate of the first upper support element  226  can be secured to the inner surface  214  of the first support column  212  and positioned within the interior channel  218 . The first upper support element  226  in the illustrated embodiment has an annular shape that defines a circular aperture  230  with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240 . However, in other embodiments, the aperture  230  of the first upper support element  226  can be any of various shapes and sizes substantially corresponding to the cross-sectional shape and size of the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240 . 
     According to one representative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the first lower support element  222  of the first splice portion  220  includes an adjustable feature for accommodating ease in manufacturing and irregularly shaped support columns. In this embodiment, the first lower support element  222  can be sized smaller than the interior channel  218  and secured to the interior surface  214  via shelves  223 . The shelves  223  can are secured to the inner surface  214  of the first support column  212  in a spaced-apart manner circumferentially about the inner surface  214  of the first support column. Each shelf  223  extends inwardly away from the inner surface  214  and includes an upright portion  227  and an upwardly facing support surface  225  configured to contact and support the first lower support element  222 . For example, the shelves  223  can be substantially “T”-shaped in cross-section and secured to the support column in a substantially upright orientation. 
     The first lower support element  222  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  is adjustable because it can be secured (e.g., welded) in place to the shelves  223  in any of various positions within the interior channel  218  of the first support column  212 . In practice, circular support columns can be slightly out-of-round, which can make welding the first lower support element  222  directly to the inner surface  214  of the first support column  212  difficult. Moreover, it may be difficult to coaxially align the first lower support element  222  with the central axis  219  of a slightly out-of round first support column  212  when welding the first lower support element  222  directly to the inner surface  214  of the first support column  212 . By welding the first lower support element  222  to shelves  223 , the first lower support element  222  is not welded directly to the inner surface  214  and thus can be easily coupled to the inner surface  214  and positioned properly, e.g., coaxially, within the interior channel  218  regardless of whether the first support column  212  is out-of-round. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the first upper support element  226  includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement elements, such as apertures  232 , positioned circularly about a center of the support element  226 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the first lower support element  222  includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement elements, such as apertures  234 , positioned circularly about a center of the support element  222 . The apertures  234  are not shown in  FIG. 10 . For convenience in installation, as will be explained in more detail below, each of the apertures  232 ,  234  can include a beveled edge  236  formed in the support surfaces  224 ,  228 . 
     The second splice portion  250  includes a second lower support element  252  having a support surface  254  spaced apart from a second upper support element  256  having a support surface  258 . The second lower support element  252  is coupled to the second support column section  240  such that the support surface  254  faces a downward direction. The second upper support element  256  is coupled to the second support column section  240  such that the support surface  258  faces a downward direction with at least a portion of the surface extending outwardly of the outer surface  246 . The second lower and upper support elements  252 ,  256  are positioned relative to each other such that the support surface  254  is positioned a predetermined distance Y below the support surface  258 . In the illustrative embodiment, the distance Y is equal to the distance X. Preferably, the support surfaces  254 ,  258  extend substantially perpendicular to a central axis  259  of the second support column section  240 . 
     Like the first lower and upper support elements  222 ,  226 , the second lower and upper support elements  252 ,  256  can have any of various geometries and be secured to the second support column section  240  in any of various ways. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the second lower support element  252  can be a substantially disk-shaped plate secured to the inner surface  244  (e.g., by welding) proximate a lower end  251  of the second support column section  240 . Alternatively, the second lower support element  252  can be secured to the lower end  251  of the second lower support element  252 . Preferably, the support surface  254  is approximately flush with or below the lower end  251 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the second upper support element  256  can be a substantially annular-shaped or ring-shaped plate secured to the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240  such as by welding. The second upper support element  256  in the illustrated embodiment has an annular shape that defines a circular aperture  270  with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240 . However, in other embodiments, the aperture  270  of the second upper support element  256  can be any of various shapes and sizes substantially corresponding to the cross-sectional shape and size of the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240 . As shown, the second splice portion  250  can include a plurality of support structures, such as gusset plates  271 , spaced apart about a periphery of the second support column section. Each plate  271  is secured to and extends between the second upper support element  256  and the second support column section  240 . The plates  271  are each secured to an upper surface  273  of the second upper support element  256  and the outer surface  246  of the second support column section  240 . The plates  271  are configured to strengthen the coupling between the second upper support element  256  and the second support column section  240 , e.g., stiffen the second upper support element, as well as to facilitate the transfer of vertical loads from the second support column section  240  to the first support column section  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the second upper support element  256  includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement elements, such as pegs or pins  272 , bars, bolts, etc., positioned circularly about a center of the support element  256  in the same pattern as the engagement elements of the first upper support element  226 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the second lower support element  252  includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement elements, such as pegs or pins  274 , positioned circularly about a center of the support element  252  in the same pattern as the engagement elements of the first lower support element  222 . The pegs  274  are not shown in  FIG. 13 . Each of the pegs  272  are sized and shaped to matingly engage a respective aperture  232  of the first upper support element  226  and each of the pegs  274  are sized and shaped to matingly engage a respective aperture  234  of the first lower support element  222  (see  FIG. 6 ). As shown, the pegs  272 ,  274  can include a beveled end to facilitate proper engagement with the apertures  232 ,  234  during installation. Additionally, after engagement between the pegs  272  and apertures  232 , locking mechanisms (not shown), such as cotter pins, nuts, or other fasteners, can be coupled to the pegs  272 , such as by extending through holes in the pegs  272 , to prevent the pegs  272  from becoming disengaged with the apertures  232 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , and according to another embodiment, a splicing system  300  is shown. The splicing system  300  includes many of the same or similar features as splicing system  200  described above except that splicing system  300  is specifically configured for splicing together support columns having an upper support column to lower support column radius difference below a predetermined threshold. For example, in the case of circular support columns  310 ,  340 , as the outer diameter of the upper support column  340  is closer to the inner diameter of the lower support column  310 , the clearance between the outer surface  346  of the upper support column and inner surface  314  of the lower support column decreases. Further, as this clearance decreases, the space available for an inwardly directed first upper support element, such as support element  226 , also decreases. Accordingly, for the first upper support element  326  to provide an adequate support surface for the second upper support element  356  with smaller upper support column to lower support column radius differences below the predetermined threshold, the first upper support element  326  is secured to the upper end  321  of the lower support column  310  and extends outwardly away from the lower support column. In this manner, two support columns having similar cross-sectional sizes can be spliced together in manner similar to that discussed above in relation to splicing system  200 . 
     In some implementations, the upper support column to lower support column radius difference threshold is approximately 1 foot. However, in other implementations, the radius difference threshold is below approximately 6 inches. It is recognized that one skilled in the art can select a threshold having any of various values based on the particular splicing application being implemented. 
     According to one representative method of splicing the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240  together, the second support column section  240 , and associated second splice portion  250  is moved, e.g., lowered, relative to the first support column section  210 , and associated first splice portion  220 , such that the lower end  251  of the second support column section  240  is inserted through the aperture  230  of the first upper support element  226 . Preferably, the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240  are held in a substantially upright orientation, e.g., the axes  219 ,  259  are substantially vertical, as they are moved relative to each other. The second support column section  240  is further moved relative to the first support column section  210  until the engagement elements of the second support column section  240  engage the engagement elements of the first support section  210 . More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second support column section  240  is moved relative to the first support column section  210  until the pegs  272 ,  274  align with and extend through corresponding holes  232 ,  234 , respectively, and the support surfaces  254 ,  258  contact and are supported by the support surfaces  224 ,  228 , respectively. 
     Because the distances X, Y are equal, the support surface  254  of the second lower support element  252  is supported by the support surface  224  of the first lower support element  222  simultaneously with the support surface  258  being supported by the support surface  228 . Accordingly, the weight of the second support column section  240  (and any sections or structures supported by the second support column) is distributed to both the first lower and upper support elements  222 ,  226 . Further, the engagement elements of the second upper and lower support elements  256 ,  252 , e.g., pegs  272 ,  274 , remain engaged with engagement elements of the first upper and lower support elements  226 ,  222 , e.g., apertures  232 ,  234  due to the weight of the second support column section  240  (and other supported sections or structures). Because the weight typically is quite significant, the first and second splice portions  220 ,  250  remain engaged with each other despite large overturning forces. The first and second splice portions  220 ,  250  also remain engaged with each other during large overturning forces due to the force transfer between the first and second support column sections  210 ,  240 . As lateral or overturning forces act on the second support column section  240 , the forces are transferred to the first support column section  210  at the junction between the first upper and lower support elements  226 ,  222  via engagement between the pegs  272 ,  274  and the first upper and lower support elements. Generally, the larger the distance between the first and second lower elements  222 ,  252  and the first and second upper elements  226 ,  256 , respectively, e.g., distances X and Y, and the number and strength of the pegs  272 ,  274 , the larger the portion of the first support column section  210  to which the overturning forces are initially transferred, and thus the stronger the splice. Accordingly, the distances X and Y, and the number and strength of the pegs  272 ,  274  can be modified as desired to support a variety of loads. 
     Once the engagement elements are engaged and the second support column section  240  has rested on the first support column section  210 , the column sections are spliced together without welding or tightening together the sections. Accordingly, as opposed to conventional methods of splicing sections of support columns during the installation of towers, the splicing system  200  avoids the time, labor, materials, and complexity commonly associated with welding and fastening at the tower installation site while providing a sufficiently strong and durable splice. 
     Although in the illustrated embodiments, the holes  232 ,  234  are formed in the first upper and lower support elements  226 ,  222 , respectively, and the pegs  272 ,  274  are coupled to the second upper and lower support elements  256 ,  252 , the configuration can be reversed. For example, the holes  232 ,  234  can be formed in the second upper and lower support elements  256 ,  252  and the pegs  272 ,  274  can be coupled to the first upper and lower support elements  226 ,  222 . Further, although the engagement elements are pegs/pins and holes in the illustrated embodiments, in other embodiments, the engagement elements can be elements known in the art, such as clips, hooks, tabs, bolts, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the support column section  210 , like central support column  30 , can be part of a tower foundation, such as tower foundation  10 . For example, as shown in dashed lines, the support column section  210  can form a portion of a base, such as base  12 , and have a plurality of arms  202 , similar to arms  20 , secured to and radially extending from the support column section  210 . In other words, central support column  30  can be replaced with the support column section  210  and associated splicing system  200 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.