S37-01 (R2011)

Preface

This is the sixth edition of CSA Standard S37, Antennas, Towers, and Antenna-Supporting Structures. This edition supersedes the previous editions published in 1994, 1986, 1981, 1976, and 1965.

Antennas, towers, and antenna-supporting structures comprise a group that can be described as communication structures. They are usually of lattice steel construction, but may be of solid or tubular construction and may use a variety of materials. They may be guyed or self-supporting. The principal loads are wind and ice. This Standard is written to address these special characteristics using the applicable sections of other CSA structural design standards.

Most design standards are written to address the requirements of new structures. The Technical Committee for this Standard has also been concerned about the effect of changes on existing structures. While it is not mandatory to upgrade existing towers when new editions of the Standard are published, communication structures are frequently subject to changes in attached equipment. This necessitates conformance with the current edition. Changes are therefore carefully considered so as not to cause significant economic impact as a result of minor changes in equipment.

The latest amendments to Part II of the Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (COSH) of the Canada Labour Code require that the design and construction of every tower, antenna, and antenna supporting structure must meet the requirements of this Standard as amended from time to time. This requirement may be modified for an antenna if the electronic performance cannot be achieved. Safety of persons who are required to climb a tower is as important a consideration as the safety of the structure; therefore, requirements for ladders, safety devices, platforms, and cages are included as part of this Standard.

This edition of the Standard has undergone an extensive editorial revision to clarify certain clauses and make it more uniform in language.

Clause 6 has been expanded to clarify requirements for determining the effective slenderness ratios for bracing members and to cover solid rounds and tubular shapes in addition to angle members. The requirements in Clause 10 for foundations and anchorages have been expanded and revised. Additions have been made to the requirements for secondary members and to the determination of Charpy V-Notch values. Some design requirements have been changed to incorporate new research and methods that are more suitable for the structures covered by this Standard.

It has long been recognized that some structures, particularly tall guyed masts, may be subject to dynamic effects that require a more in-depth study of the loads and responses than that provided by static analysis procedures. This Standard does not have mandatory requirements for dynamic analysis, but it does provide a quasi-dynamic patch-loading procedure, which is recommended for the analysis of wind effects on such towers.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Antenna Towers under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Structures (Design), and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

Scope

1.1

This Standard applies to structural antennas, towers, antenna-supporting structures, and roof- and wall-mounted structures, including their components, such as guys and foundations. It covers the structural design, fabrication, and erection of new structures, and the modification of existing structures.

1.2

This Standard is not intended to apply to

(a) attachment antennas and arrays, or assemblies of such antennas; or

(b) towers that support attachment antennas, extending less than 15 m above grade, including the height of any structure on which they are mounted.

1.3

This Standard covers the requirements for most structural antennas, antenna towers, and antenna-supporting structures, but it is recognized that structures that are unusual with regard to their height or shape, or with regard to the shape and size of individual members, or that are located on sites having unusual topographical, geological, or climatic conditions may not be adequately covered. In such cases, appropriate engineering principles providing a level of reliability at least equivalent to that provided by this Standard should be applied.

1.4

This Standard does not contain mandatory requirements that take into account the effects of earthquakes or the dynamic effects of wind.

1.5

A rational design based on theory, analysis, and engineering practice, acceptable to the owner and regulatory authority, may be used in lieu of the design procedures or materials described in this Standard. In such cases, the design should be prepared by an engineer qualified in the specific method and knowledgeable about the materials to be used, and should provide a level of safety and performance that is not less than that implicit in this Standard.

1.6

Responsibility for observing all applicable local, provincial, and federal regulations is not relieved by compliance with this Standard.

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