scope:

CSA Preface

This is the ninth edition of CSA S136, North American specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members (NASPEC). It supersedes the previous editions published in 2012, 2007, 2001, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1974, and 1963. This edition is a harmonized Standard intended for use in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The NASPEC was developed jointly by CSA's Technical Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members and the American Iron and Steel Institute's Committee on Specifications. This effort was coordinated through the North American Specification Committee, which consisted of six members, three from the CSA Technical Committee and three from the AISI Committee. A detailed summary of the development of the Standard can be found in the joint preface to the North American Specification.

This Standard was reviewed for use in Canada by the CSA Technical Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, under the jurisdiction of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee on Construction and Civil Infrastructure, and has been formally approved by the CSA Technical Committee.

Notes:

(1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

(2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

(3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization - Code of good practice for standardization as "substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity". It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

(4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to inquiries@csagroup.org and include "Request for interpretation" in the subject line:

(a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;

(b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

(c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific "yes" or "no" answer will address the issue.

Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csa.ca.

(5) This Standard is subject to review five years from the date of publication, and suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to inquiries@csagroup.org and include "Proposal for change" in the subject line:

(a) Standard designation (number);

(b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

(c) wording of the proposed change; and

(d) rationale for the change.