Service 10 / Field
Billboard Structure Fabrication
Designing and building the frames, supports and foundations that hold a billboard up, engineered for a hurricane-exposed island.
The structure is the part that has to survive the weather
Everything visible about a billboard is the face. Everything that matters structurally is behind it: the frame, the supports, the foundation and the wind loading calculation that determines whether all of it is still standing after a storm.
Jamaica sits in the Atlantic hurricane belt, and municipal corporations scrutinise structural design more closely than any other part of a signage application for exactly that reason. Hurricane Melissa was a reminder of what happens to structures that were specified optimistically.
We design and build static and digital billboard structures, including foundations, frames, access and, where required, illumination and screen mounting. Related work is covered under static billboard construction and digital billboard construction and installation.
What fabrication covers
From the calculation through to a structure ready to carry a face.
Structural design
Engineering drawings with wind loading calculated for the site’s exposure, which is also what the council will assess.
Foundations
Ground conditions assessed and foundations designed to suit, rather than a standard footing applied everywhere.
Steel fabrication
Frames fabricated and galvanised for corrosion resistance, which matters on coastal and exposed sites.
Illumination
Lighting designed in from the start where the site needs to work after dark, including power routing.
LED screen mounting
Mounting, ventilation and service access for digital sites, which carry different loads to a printed face.
Access provision
Safe maintenance access designed in, so future face changes do not need improvisation.
How a structure gets built
Site assessment
Ground conditions, exposure, sightlines and access. This runs alongside a location assessment to confirm the site is worth building on.
Design and drawings
Structural drawings and wind loading calculations, produced to the standard the municipal corporation expects.
Approval
Nothing is fabricated before permission is in place. We handle submissions through permit application support.
Fabrication
Steel cut, welded and galvanised off site while foundations are prepared on site.
Erection and commissioning
Structure erected, illumination or screen commissioned, and the site handed over ready for its first face.
Structure types
| Type | Carries | Key design factor |
|---|---|---|
| Monopole | 48 or 96 sheet static | Foundation depth and wind moment |
| Multi-post frame | Large static faces | Even load distribution across posts |
| Elevated / RISE type | Static above clutter | Height and access provision |
| LED screen support | Digital display | Screen weight, ventilation, power and service access |
| Wall-mounted frame | Static on existing building | Fixing into the host structure |
Frequently asked
How long does a new structure take?
Months rather than weeks, and approval is usually the longest part. If you need to be live this season, book existing inventory through space booking instead.
Do I need council approval?
For a new structure, yes, and on private land too. The parish compliance map explains who approves what.
Can you build on land I already own?
Yes, and it is a common arrangement. We can also manage the advertising on it afterwards through site management.
How are structures specified for hurricanes?
Wind loading is calculated for the specific site exposure and the design engineered to it. Exposed sites are often specified for mesh faces to reduce load.
Works well with
Build it to stand up
Tell us about the site and we will advise on structure type, approval requirements and a realistic timeline.