CSA-S37/01 standard provides the criteria for specifying and designing steel antenna supporting structures so called latticed guyed or self-support towers and monopoles that are higher than 15m ( 50' ) and applies to supporting structures for all classes of communications service such as AM, CATV, FM/TV, Microwave, Cellular/PCS, VHF, unlicensed frequency bands, etc. Consequently, all structures that are 50' or higher and are intended for a Canadian location must be CSA Certified.

The standard utilizes wind pressure (in KPa) based on 10, 30 or 100 years recurrence probability and is not intended to cover all environmental conditions which exist at a particular location.

In Canada, it is the responsibility of the design engineer to determine the applicable wind pressure and ice loading for the specific site based on the National Building Code data.The purchaser should provide site-specific data such as antenna loads and the frequency bands, required tower deflection at antenna levels to assist the design engineer to determine the required tower serviceability, twist and sway. The standard may also be adapted for international use; however, it is necessary to determine the appropriate wind information and ice load at the site location in the specific country based on local meteorological data.

Why a CSA Tower in Canada?

• Professional Liability: If a tower is intended for any location within the city service area, a construction permit is required prior to installation. To obtain the permit the city will require a set of P.Eng. stamped construction drawings. In Canada, an engineer may not stamp any drawings that are not CSA compliant.
  Only in cases where the installation site is located on a few acres of farmland, in an isolated area with no public access to the grounds, a non CSA tower may be recommended.

• Financial Liability: the standard is established to protect the public against a tower collapse and the occurring damages.
  Due to strict design criteria, a CSA compliant tower is not likely to collapse once it is properly installed, where a non-CSA compliant tower is prone to disintegrate under severe environmental conditions.