Introduction:

ANSI/TIA-222-G (222-G) is a complicated standard. Approved by the TIA committee on January 1st, 2006,
and fully adopted by the International Building Code in 2009, 222-G may represent the single largest change
to broadcast tower and antenna structural design, ever. Hardest hit by the changes are sites subject to icing
conditions, locations on hills, mountains and coastal areas, but no site is immune to the impact of the new
standard. And, while it absolutely allows more accurate design of structures and appurtenances at a
particular site, it also requires a far-greater amount of user-supplied relevant data than any previous version
of the standard. Getting all the proper information into the process is essential; as overstating the conditions
will cause unnecessary complexity and cost, while any understatement could lead to a catastrophic failure,
and unwanted liability.
Tower and antenna manufacturers, as well as owners and tenants alike are struggling to keep up with all the
permutations covered under 222-G. Many designs that were considered sufficient under previous versions
will not pass the new criteria when extreme sites are specified. Surprises can be ugly: an antenna that,
under TIA/EIA-222-F (222- F) was designed for half inch of radial ice, could suddenly now need to
incorporate the loading of three inches of radial ice, at the same site. A tower rated as Class II, may
suddenly become Class III [1] simply with the addition of a small whip antenna designated for 911
Communication. Why, and more importantly, what does that mean, and how does it impact the project?
This presentation will provide a bit of an overview of some of the big changes of 222-G, but more
importantly, what effect the changes can have on your projects. What information is now essential to have
on file, provide to your suppliers, and why; as well as some tips for a safer, and more cost-effective
navigation through the process of conforming to the new standard.