Eurocode Guide - Online
Eurocode Guide - Online
Structural
Eurocodes
Companion
Atkins has been a signicant
contributor to the development
and introduction of Eurocodes
and welcomes their
implementation in the UK
www.atkinsglobal.com Woodcote Grove, Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BW Plan Design Enable
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Contents
London
W4 4AL
T: +44(0)20 8996 9000
E: [email protected] Section 1. Introduction
W: www.bsigroup.com
Foreword 5
Introduction 5
Publications Manager
Jonathan Silver
View from the UK Committee Chairman 7
[email protected]
View from the industry 8
Design
Helius, Brighton and Rochester
W: www.helius.biz Section 2. The Eurocode timeline
Media Consultants Eurocodes publication schedule 11
Pro-Brook Publishing Ltd,
Woodbridge, Suffolk Key aspects of the Eurocodes 16
W: www.pro-brook.com
T: +44(0)1394 446006
Foreword
Professor John Roberts, Principal, Technical Innovation Consultancy
Introduction
Professor David Nethercot OBE FREng, Chairman, I Struct E, Standing Committee on the Implementation
of Eurocodes
T beenStructural
he a feature Eurocodes
of virtuallyhave
whole of my professional life. At
my first technical conference held
the adoption.
In 1976 the UK signed up to the
Treaty of Rome. This contained, as
general direction of CEN. We have
now reached the stage where that
prospect has become the reality.
in Paris in 1972 I was introduced to one of its essential tenets, the The suite of Structural Eurocodes
several individuals, who subse- removal of artificial barriers to will contain 58 documents, cover-
quently became key figures in the trade. The existence of national ing all structural materials includ-
preparation of a number of these codes in each of the various mem- ing loading. Collectively they
documents; my research, teaching, ber states for the design of struc- represent the biggest ever change
advisory, professional and BSI tural works was seen as one for our structural engineering com-
activities have taken place against example of such a barrier. Thus munity more significant than the
the backdrop of the writing of the more than 30 years ago the UK transfer to limit states or the intro-
ENV and EN documents and, more committed to the eventual replace- duction of metric units. Should
recently, I have been involved with ment of its national standards, pre- this be seen as a threat or an
several initiatives intended to facil- pared under the auspices of BSI, by opportunity?
To adopt an insular, grudging by individuals, that just like any 1. Accept the reality of the situa-
and ignoring as far as possible engineering project, it requires tion: Eurocodes are fact, there
attitude would be to convert the planning, resourcing and effort to will be no more British
Eurocodes into a threat. On the make it successful. For companies it Standards.
other hand to adopt a pragmatic, should be regarded as akin to the 2. Understand the difference be-
positive and how can we benefit purchase of a new computer sys- tween the legal requirements of
attitude sees the change as an tem or the move to new premises. Building Regulations, Highways
opportunity. Of course, new Struc- For individuals, it represents an Agency requirements, etc. and
tural Codes are always unwelcome: important facet of operating as a the use of Structural Codes.
professional person, i.e. recogniz- 3. Treat migration from a design
The onset of new or revised regula- ing that the operating climate will environment based on British
tions invariably heralds a trying change over time and accepting the Standards to one based on the
period of the unfortunate people imperative to update skills and Eurocodes as a project.
who have to work such regulations. competences and to work with the 4. Recognize that the transition
This applies both to those who have new tools. period will, in reality, extend
to comply with, and those who have over a number of years, with
to administer, such regulations. elements of parallel application.
5. Remember that actual methods
Whilst that quote might be thought Through substantial of working on structural designs
to be a statement on the Eurocodes, use a portfolio of aides, e.g.
it actually refers to the introduction
involvement with the manuals, manufacturers infor-
some 50 years ago of a revision to drafting process, including mation, computer software, text-
BS 449 a document that some chairmanship of several books. Over time Eurocode-
would still regard as a paragon of of the main committees, based material will replace the
all that codes should be. Given that familiar and reassuring current
the Structural Eurocodes have been
the UK has ensured that British Standards-based items; this
prepared on a collaborative basis, the documents are far less process is already in place with
they clearly cannot be expected to unfamiliar than might several items available but devel-
reflect the exact requirements of the otherwise have been the oping familiarity needs time.
UK. However, through substantial 6. Remember that code rules are
involvement with the drafting
case. there to assist structural design-
process, including chairmanship of ers not as a prescriptive recipe
several of the main committees, this approach, and that structural
country has ensured that the docu- engineering knowledge and
ments are far less unfamiliar than The suite of Structural Eurocodes understanding is universal and
might otherwise have been the represent: can be applied in any design
case. There are rules, agreements on environment.
terminology, and structures for the p the most advanced technical 7. Remain sanguine and take a bal-
documents that do have to be fol- views prepared by the best anced view be particularly
lowed and which, unsurprisingly, informed groups of experts in cautious when reading claims of
do not accord with BSI arrange- their fields across Europe; what must be done; the climate
ments. However, within this frame- p the most comprehensive treat- within which structural engi-
work, the material is rather less ment of the subjects, with many neering is practiced in the UK is
different than might, at first sight, aspects not previously codified far less prescriptive than some
be thought to be the case. now being covered by agreed would have us believe.
The UK is now in the midst of a procedures; 8. Take courage from the example
period of transferring the basis of p a design framework plus detailed of those silver surfers who
structural design from an environ- implementation rules valid have found new opportunities
ment based on national standards across Europe and likely to find in the internet; Eurocodes are
to one founded on the Structural significant usage worldwide. not about old dogs learning new
Eurocodes. This is a far from trivial tricks, they are about dogs of all
task. It therefore needs to be What therefore should the struc- ages performing much the same
accepted by UK industry as a body, tural engineering community do? set of tricks but with a new and
by its member organizations and Some suggestions: improved set of equipment. p
UK in bridge design. These coun- and testing. However, designers analysis, may find very consider-
tries may take a keen interest in UK that follow the more complex meth- able improvements in economy.
opportunities. ods of analysis permitted by the high This will be the case, for example,
The introduction of Eurocodes level principles, such as non-linear for slender concrete piers or slender
and the increased technical sophis- steel panels.
tication they bring is timely given So to return to the original ques-
the growing importance of the sus- tion, we shouldnt consider that
tainability agenda and the drive the performance of UK plc has
for leaner construction. Many of Eurocodes lead to a been sluggish. We should how-
the basic application rules in the modest but significant ever recognize that the Eurocodes
Eurocodes lead to a modest but improvement in economy bring both opportunities and
significant improvement in econ- threats, and so to maximize the for-
omy compared to existing British compared to existing mer and mitigate the latter now is
Standards. In many cases, this is British Standards. the time to step up our preparation
derived from more recent research activities. p
Free
Download the latest Eurocodes An essential guide to the
Structural Eurocodes
brochure from BSI British Standards
* This schedule is correct at the time of going to print. For the very latest information please go to
www.bsigroup.com/eurocodes. *
BS EN 1993-1-1:2005 Design of steel structures. General rules and rules for Published
buildings
BS EN 1993-4-1:2007 Design of steel structures. Silos, tanks and pipelines. Expected 2009
Silos
BS EN 1993-4-2:2007 Design of steel structures. Silos, tanks and pipelines. Expected 2009
Tanks
BS EN 1993-4-3:2007 Design of steel structures. Silos, tanks and pipelines. Expected 2009
Pipelines
To buy online visit www.bsigroup.com/bs9999 or contact BSI Customer Services quoting marketing reference code 2159-AG
Tel +44 (0)20 8996 9001 Fax +44 (0)20 8996 7001 Email [email protected] www.bsigroup.com/bs9999
p BS EN 1990 allows reliability either the expressions 6.10 or BS EN 1990 is a fully operative
differentiation based on the con- 6.10a/6.10b for the combination code and the concept of a fully
sequences of failure. of actions for ultimate limit state operative material-independent
p It introduces the concept of verification. This choice pro- code is new to the European design
using the representative values vides opportunities for econ- engineer. It is certainly not a code
of actions and not only the char- omy especially for the heavier that should be read once and then
acteristic values as used for UK materials, and can provide flexi- placed on the bookshelf. It is the
codes of practice. The loads used bility with regard to assessment. key Eurocode that sets the require-
in the BS EN 1990 load combina- p It permits the use of lower fac- ments for design, material, product
tions recognize the appropriate tors of safety for loads com- and execution standards. BS EN 1990
cases where rare, frequent, pared to British Standards. needs to be fully understood as it is
or quasi-permanent occurring Although the effects of actions key to designing structures that
events are being considered according to the Eurocodes are have an acceptable level of safety
with the use of an appropriate lower than UK national codes and economy, with opportunities
reduction coefficient (y) applied for ULS and SLS verification, for innovation.
to the characteristic load values, this should not be a concern to A course and a designers guide
as appropriate. The use of the the industry as the BS EN 1990 for BS EN 1990 are available in the
representative values for actions values are based on better sci- UK through Thomas Telford Ltd of
in the load combination expres- ence and better research. the Institution of Civil Engineers.
sions for ultimate and service- p The use of advanced analytical Regarding implementation of
ability limit state verifications techniques for the designer are BS EN 1990 in the UK, BS EN 1990
are logical and give economies encouraged, as are the use of was published in April 2002 and
for particular design situations. probabilistic methods should the BSI National Annex for Build-
p It provides an alternative load the designer wish to use these ings was published in 2004. The BSI
combination format, giving the for more specialized design National Annex for Bridges is due
choice to the designer of using problems. in 2009. p
The best
Eurocode Software
q for Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
STRAP
Reinforced and pre-stressed concrete design to EC2
Steel Design to EC3 including cold-formed and
connections.
BEAMD
RC Design and detailing to EC2
QUIKFRAME xp
Innovative analysis package with steel design to EC3
QUIKPORT xp
The definitive elastic-plastic portal design program with
steel design to EC3
QUIKJOINT xp
Comprehensive steel connections design to EC3
quikEC3
Steel tables and simple design to EC3
GEO5
Low-cost geotechnical toolkit to EC7
BS EN 1991-1-5, Thermal actions accidental actions from impact and BS EN 1991-3, Actions induced by
explosion; it gives design models cranes and machinery
BS EN 1991-1-5 gives principles, rules
and detailed provisions that may be
and methods of calculating thermal BS EN 1991-4 specifies actions, self-
used as alternatives to design veri-
actions on buildings, bridges and weights and imposed loads (models
fications. It also provides more
other structures including their and representative values) associ-
advanced impact and explosion
structural components. Principles ated with hoists, crabs and cranes
design concepts than which were
for determining thermal actions for on runway beams, and static and
found in British Standards.
claddings and other appendages on dynamic actions induced in sup-
External explosions, warfare,
the building are also provided. porting structures by machinery.
sabotage or risk scenarios due to
Characteristic values of thermal
natural phenomena, such as torna-
actions are provided for the design
does, extreme erosion or rock falls, BS EN 1991-4, Actions in silos and
of structures that are exposed to
are not in the scope of this tanks
daily and seasonal climatic
Eurocode part.
changes. Structures in which ther- BS EN 1991-3 gives general princi-
Although aspects of accidental ples and rules for determining
mal actions are mainly a function of
actions are covered in BS 6399-1 and actions arising from the storage of
their use (e.g. chimneys, cooling
BS 5400, BS EN 1991-1-7 compre- bulk materials and liquids in silos
towers, silos, tanks, warm and cold
hensively covers the topic of acci- and tanks. The scope is restricted to:
storage facilities, hot and cold serv-
dental actions in one document. A
ices) are also treated. The character-
categorization scheme concerning
istic values of isotherms of national p silos with limited eccentricity of
minimum and maximum shade air the robustness of buildings, which inlet and outlet, with small
temperatures are provided in the has also been used in Approved impact effects caused by filling,
form of maps. Document A of the Building Regu- and with discharge devices that
The guidance in this part, in par- lations, is introduced in BS EN 1991- do not cause shock or eccentric-
ticular the guidance relating to 1-7. The UK design engineer will be ities beyond the given
building structures, is not covered familiar with the design require- limitations;
in UK loading standards. The ments of this part although risk p silos containing particulate
national annex to BS EN 1991-1-5 assessments will be required for materials which are free-flowing
will refer to a complementary doc- some categories of structures. and have a low cohesion;
ument, PD 6688-1-5, which will The national annex to p tanks with liquids stored at nor-
provide background information to BS EN 1991-1-7 will refer to a com- mal atmospheric pressure.
the national annex. plementary document, PD 6688-1-7,
which will give background infor-
mation to the National Annex, in
Difference between
BS EN 1991-1-6, Actions during particular to risk assessments on BS EN 1991 and the UK
execution impacts to supporting structures system of loading codes
BS EN 1991-1-6 covers assessment for bridges. Each part of BS EN 1991 gives
of actions, combinations of actions unique guidance on a particular
and environmental influences dur- type of action. Within each part
BS EN 1991-2, Traffic loads on
ing the execution stage, including guidance is provided for buildings
bridges
those actions applied to auxiliary and other construction works (e.g.
construction works, e.g. scaffold- BS EN 1991-2 specifies imposed bridges). This is different to the BSI
ing, propping and bracing, for use loads (models and representative system of loading codes where the
in structural design of buildings values) associated with road traffic, codes are based on the type of
and bridges. The safety of people pedestrian actions and rail traffic, structure, e.g. BS 6399 for buildings
on construction sites due to con- that include, when relevant, and BS 5400 for bridges.
struction accidents is not within the dynamic effects and centrifugal,
scope of this Eurocode part. braking, acceleration and acciden-
Industry initiatives
The guidance in this part is not tal forces. It also includes guidance
covered in UK loading standards. on combinations with non-traffic A course for BS EN 1991 is available
loads on road and railway bridges, in the UK through Thomas Telford
and on loads on parapets. Ltd of the Institution of Civil Engi-
BS EN 1991-1-7, Accidental actions neers. Two designers guides, the
The national annex to
BS EN 1991-1-7 describes safety BS EN 1991-2 will refer to a comple- first covering Actions on Buildings
strategies for accidental design sit- mentary document, PD 6688-2, and the second covering Actions on
uations. It recommends design val- which will give background infor- Bridges will be published in 2009 by
ues for the most common cases of mation to the national annex. Thomas Telford Ltd. p
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Santiago Calatrava: Milwaukee Art Museum
The Concrete Centre aims to enable everyone involved in the design and use of concrete to
realise the potential of the material. As a centre of excellence for technical and design guidance
The Concrete Centre offers a reservoir of concrete information and assistance.
www.concretecentre.com
Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures
limits the practices exposure to The Concrete Centre to meet the CPD-certified training for
Eurocodes until more confidence demands of face-to-face training Building Design to Eurocode 2
and knowledge is gained. In the (see box).
short term, this approach limits the An alternative is to have a period
p Essential elements. 3.5 CPD
inevitably increased design time to of distance self-learning, using
hours
a single project, allows lessons to be guidance and publications of
learnt and permits an understand- worked examples with access to a p Theory and background.
6 CPD hours
ing on how to effectively train staff. helpline. This could prove benefi-
p Theory and worked exam-
The final option is to train all staff cial if sandwiched between intro-
ples. 6.5 CPD hours
and implement on all projects com- duction and lessons learnt
p Theory and hands-on work-
mencing after a certain date. face-to-face sessions.
shop. 13 CPD hours
Whatever strategy is imple- The new Eurocodes should be
mented in the office, employees viewed as a challenging opportu-
For further information email:
will need to be trained. This may be nity and the concrete sector has
[email protected] or
face-to-face, through self-learning risen to the challenge and done
visit: www.concretecentre.com/
or by distance learning. A range of much to develop a range of tools to
events
courses has been developed by help realize this opportunity. p
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Publications
Concise Eurocode 2 How to Design Concrete Structures to Eurocode 2
Published by The Concrete Centre Published by The Concrete Centre
This publication summarises the information that will be commonly used This publication aims to make the transition to Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete
in the design of reinforced concrete framed buildings to Eurocode 2 and its Structures and its National Annex as easy as possible by drawing together in
UK National Annex and provides explanations to all necessary clauses. With one place the key information and commentary required for the design of
extensive clause referencing to Eurocode 2 and other relevant Eurocodes, typical concrete elements. Chapters include: Getting Started; Foundations;
design tables and column charts, the publication is self-sufcient and also Slabs; Flat slabs; Beams; Deections; Columns; Retaining walls and Detailing.
acts as a manual to the code.
Properties of Concrete for use in Eurocode 2
Precast Eurocode 2 Part 1: Design manual Published by The Concrete Centre
Precast Eurocode 2 Part 2: Worked examples In the design of concrete structures, engineers have the exibility to specify
Published by British Precast particular concrete type(s) aimed at meeting the specic performance
Part 1 provides a summary of the basis of precast concrete design to Eurocode 2 requirements for their project. This guide is aimed at design engineers to
and offers guidance through the new code, the UK National Annex and other provide them with a greater knowledge of concrete behaviour, so that they
relevant Eurocodes. The sister publication, Part 2, complements Part 1 and can optimise the use of the material aspects of concrete in their design.
together they aim to promote an understanding of Eurocode 2 for precast Guidance is given on the properties of concrete for design to Eurocode 2 and
concrete. Designers will nd them useful companion documents to the new the corresponding UK national annex.
code both during the transition period and beyond.
www.eurocode2.info
Structural Design Eurocodes
Well guide you through
T he primary encouragement to
UK designers is that the struc-
tural mechanics has not changed
addition to the heavier wind loads.
Cross sectional resistance
the steel behaves in the same way, Resistance As expected, there are no signifi-
no matter which code is used to check Three noticeable general changes are: cant changes here. Shear resistance
resistance. The second encourage- has almost trivial changes, with a
ment is that familiarity with the p the different nomenclature in EC3; modest change in the shear area. In
Eurocode 3 (BS EN 1993-1-1) will p the layout of the standard, BS 5950, the shear resistance
bring the realization that the same which is arranged by structural involves a factor of 0.6 in EC3 the
design checks are being executed in phenomena, not design process factor is 1/3, which is 0.577. This
BS 5950 and Eurocode 3, although and thus will be unfamiliar; illustrates that, often, the differences
the presentation may be slightly p the presentation of code checks are very small.
different. by equation, rather than in look-
up tables, and a lack of charts.
Buckling
Loading
In both strut buckling and lateral
Although this article primarily con- torsional buckling, UK designers
The same design checks
cerns resistance, the loading side of will find a different presentation.
the relationship is also important. are being executed in Slenderness for strut buckling is
Load combinations are found in BS 5950 and Eurocode 3, called l calculated as l = (Aft/Ncr)
EN 1990, and together with the although the presentation where Ncr is the Euler buckling load.
national annex for that code, the may be slightly different. It can be demonstrated algebraically
results will bring benefits to UK that the expression for l is inextri-
design. For strength design, most cably linked to l/ryy as calculated in
economy will be realized by using national standards the Eurocode
expression 6.10b (the nomenclature All are issues of presentation, and slenderness is l/ryy divided by a
will become familiar in time) which will be managed as designers factor approximately 90. Either
will be the key expression in most become familiar with the standard. approach may be used to calculate
circumstances. Under this load Engineers will recognize a close and the EC3 slenderness. Having calcu-
combination, elements that only transparent link with the underly- lated the slenderness, there is no
experience vertical loads, such as ing structural mechanics (which absolute value of design stress cal-
floor beams, will be designed for was often opaque in BS 5950), using culated in the Eurocode. The resist-
1.25 permanent actions + 1.5 values such as the Euler load, for ance is always based on a reduction
variable actions. This is an immedi- example. In many cases simple factor, multiplied by the yield
ate attraction compared to BS 5950, spreadsheets can be used to re- strength. This means that a multi-
which would have floor beams create look-up tables if needed. tude of tables displaying values of
designed for 1.4 dead loads + pc and pb are not required just two
1.6 imposed loads. single expressions.
Frame stability For strut buckling, values are
Systems carrying wind loads, such
as bracing, will experience larger This is almost the same as BS 5950. very close to those determined in
design loads, because in load com- lcr of BS 5950 becomes acr in EC3, accordance with BS 5950. For lateral
binations where the leading vari- with a very similar calculation. The torsional buckling (LTB), the resist-
able action is identified as the wind, familiar limit of 10, above which ances according to the Eurocode are
it will attract a load factor of 1.5. second order effects are small generally significantly higher
Additionally, the Eurocode equiva- enough to be ignored, and below approximately 25% for middle
lent to BS 5950s notional horizontal that an amplifier, which is the same range Universal Beams. Although
loads (NHF) known as equivalent in both standards. EHF are based LTB does not govern all members,
the Eurocode has a valuable advan- erned by shear in the beam web, for significant task, as this includes the
tage when it does. example. The major change is in the many parts of the Eurocodes, the
bearing resistance of bolts, which is national annexes and other support
Combined axial load and significantly higher than the information), and familiar with the
bending national standard. layout of the clauses within the
Standard, the process will be reas-
With an axial term, a mayor axis suringly similar to design to
bending term and a minor axis
Support tools
BS 5950. This general observation
bending term, the expressions in Like most sectors, the steel commu-
has some exceptions, such as com-
the Eurocode look innocent. nity has been very active in preparing
bined axial loads and bending, but
Designers will find the interaction support materials. The ubiquitous
with some thought, it is easy to see
factors that precede the bending Blue Book will be available, along-
that the underlying principles of
terms appear far from straightfor- side a whole series of other guides,
structural mechanics are the same
ward, but spreadsheets are already including worked examples, a con-
in both standards. In many ways,
available to ease the calculation cise guide, connection guides and a
guide to multi-storey frames. These more recent versions of BS 5950
(www.steelbiz.org).
are the first of many that will be have done a good job of introduc-
produced (www.shop.steelbiz.org). ing designers to issues such as
Connections frame stability, which will be seen
Significant resources are available
With one exception, no significant online (www.access-steel.com) and in a very similar format in the
changes will be found in connec- software will be available. Eurocode.
tion design. Bolts have very similar The steel knows no different, and
shear and tensile resistances, and the structural mechanics has not
Conclusions
weld strengths are similar to those changed. In time, this new standard
in BS 5950. The resistance of stan- For the steel designer, once familiar for steel design will become a
dard flexible end plates is still gov- with the appropriate documents (a familiar friend. p
s 2EDUCED BEAM WEIGHT AND COST s ,ONG SPAN mOOR BEAMS AND RAFTERS
s 5NRIVALLED CELL GEOMETRY AND SHAPE s %CONOMICAL lRE ENGINEERING
Introduction by being able to use the same complex, particularly for the
timber design code in many dif- design of connections, floors,
ferent countries both within and deflections and fire.
B S EN 1995 is in three parts:
p Part 1-1: General. Common rules
outside Europe [1].
p Using a similar design format to
p The loss of much helpful guid-
ance such as standard bracing
and rules for buildings that used for other structural for trussed rafter roofs, stable
p Part 1-2: General. Structural fire materials will help to make tim- depth-to-breadth ratios for
design ber design more accessible. beams, and the wind shielding
p Part 2: Bridges p The separation of ultimate and effect of masonry attached to
serviceability design states per- timber frame buildings, means
With BS EN 1990 and three stan- mits the use of more rational that supporting publications
dards which provide essential design limits a Buro Happold will be required.
material properties (BS EN 338, engineer stated that the award- p No guidance for the design of
Structural timber Strength classes, winning Sheffield Winter Gar- glued joints is provided values
BS EN 1194, Timber structures den glulam roof could not have have to be obtained from tests.
Glued laminated timber Strength been designed to BS 5268. p The code and its numerous sup-
classes and determination of character- porting standards will cost con-
istic values, and BS EN 12369, Wood- siderably more.
based panels Characteristic values for Major changes in timber
structural design) Eurocode 5 will
replace BS 5268, Parts 2, 3, 4 and 6. usage and specification Challenges
are unlikely
Some challenges for designers will
Key changes be:
The key changes for designers p The separation of principles and
familiar with BS 5268 will be: application rules allows the p learning the new symbols;
engineer more freedom but p determining the critical load
case for combined loads of dif-
p the differentiation between ulti- requires more understanding on
mate, serviceability and acci- ferent durations;
his or her part.
dental limit states; p remembering which material
p The direct use of characteristic
modification factors to use (in
p the partial factor format, which test values simplifies the adop-
requires safety factors to be particular reducing the tabulated
tion of new timber materials
applied manually to both loads characteristic values to allow for
and components.
and material properties, rather load duration);
p The connection design formulae
than having them all built into p designing trussed rafter roofs,
can cater for LVL, OSB and chip-
tabulated grade or basic values; which involves dozens of differ-
board as well as for solid timber
ent load combinations and load
p new symbols and material materials.
strength modification factors; cases;
p The dedicated timber bridge
p that BS EN 1995 is a theoretical p demonstrating the strength and
design code should facilitate
design code rather than a code stability requirements for timber
and encourage the use of timber
of best practice, so formulae frame walls with only minimal
in lightweight bridges.
replace tabulated values and guidance;
p The formulaic approach facili-
most of the helpful advice given p calculating the design resistance
tates the development of spread-
of connections.
in BS 5268 has disappeared. sheets and software.
p characteristic strength proper- in the UK, and many of these information for use with Eurocode 5
ties for panel products and com- are listed on the Eurocodes Expert (PD 6693).
ponents such as timber I-joists website [2] under Timber/Pub-
and metal hardware must now lications. STEP, which is a two-
be obtained in accordance with volume publication written by Summary
CEN testing standards; European experts, provides excel-
With supporting information Euro-
p floors may have to be a little lent background material and use-
code 5 is a workable design code
stiffer (i.e. more timber); ful design examples. TRADA runs
which is particularly useful for
p large roof structures without courses on Eurocode 5 in conjunc-
tion with the Institution of Struc- multi-national companies and the
brittle finishes may not require
tural Engineers, and during 2009 it designers of larger engineering
so much timber;
will be completely updating its structures and bridges.
p there will have to be yet more
reliance on software for the existing Eurocode 5 design aids,
design of trussed rafters, con- design examples and software.
nections and timber frame Manual for the design of timber build- References
walls. ing structures to Eurocode 5 [3] [1] The Structural Engineer, 18 September
includes a CD which has spread- 2007. The Institution of Structural
sheets for connection design. Engineers, London
General guidance and Finally BSI intends to preserve the
[2] http://www.eurocodes.co.uk
publications [3] Manual for the design of timber build-
guidance in BS 5268, which would ing structures to Eurocode 5, The
Various manuals and guidance otherwise be lost, by producing a Institution of Structural Engineers/
documents have been published new publication of complementary TRADA, December 2007 p
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Q See how good software can guide you through the Eurocodes maze
Implementation Strategy
Q Download a guide to implementing Eurocodes in your office
0 2 4 6 8 10
There is no doubt that Time
implementing Eurocodes Example 1 Natural learning
will cost every organiza-
tion both in terms of time
and of money. The key 1.2
is to reduce them to a Productivity ratio
minimum. 1.0
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Experience.
It is a constant challenge not only to identify
all the risks in business, but also to protect
your companys valuable assets. Finding the
right broker to help solve your complex issues
only adds to that task.
Construction professionals must en- Eurocodes is that they will encour- are from the current British Stan-
sure that they use the new Euro- age the free movement of construc- dards and how the changes can be
codes when required to do so by tion products and services around incorporated in their risk manage-
their clients, as failure to keep up to the European Union. This will im- ment procedures and internal IT
date could impinge on their future prove competitiveness both within systems. Good risk management
professional indemnity costs. European Member States and also practice should ensure that the pos-
As has been outlined earlier in for European firms working out- sibility of making a mistake from
this publication, Structural Euro- side Europe recognizing the critical the use of an old standard is mini-
codes for the construction industry role that the construction sector has mized. Making a start now can fur-
are the European Unions replace- throughout Europe. ther reduce the risk while the
ment for national design standards, The changeover may, however, British Standards and Structural
such as those published by the present a problem to construction Eurocodes are going through a
British Standards Institution. As the consultants who will be used to period of co-existence.
Eurocodes are integral to the Build- complying with the old British Stan-
ing Regulations, consultants in the dards and may not be aware that
construction industry will usually they could face significant financial
Avoiding claims
need to make sure that their work penalties from negligence claims if In the past, claims have been made
meets the new Eurocode standards. they do not incorporate the new under professional indemnity
These changes will affect architects, Structural Eurocodes in their work insurance policies against consult-
engineers, chartered surveyors and ants who have failed to adhere to
also design and build contractors. existing British Standards. This is
Failure to use the new standards often when a British Standard has
Eurocodes will encour-
could result in an increased risk of changed but a failure of internal
being sued for negligence if an old age the free movement of procedures has meant that it was
British Standard has been used and construction products and not updated within the practices
work is required to rectify any mis- services around the Euro- procedures. It is likely that the intro-
takes. This could lead to an increase duction of the Structural Eurocodes
pean Union. will make this scenario more of a
in claims against consultants and
contractors professional indemnity risk and could result in a correspon-
insurance which in turn could ding rise in the number of claims.
prompt a possible rise in the cost when required to do so by their clients. Whilst professional indemnity
of insurance, bigger excesses and/ So how can the professional consult- insurance will provide indemnity
or additional restrictions in their ant prepare to minimize the impact under these circumstances under-
policy terms and conditions. on their business both from a cost writers keep a keen eye on those
and an operational perspective? areas that produce large numbers of
claims. Consultants and contractors
Promoting free movement with a poor claims record where
Take responsibility
As a replacement for the British they have failed to maintain up-to-
Standards, which currently provide It is the consultants responsibility date standards may well see insur-
the UKs codes of practice, the to ensure that all their designs, ance costs rise or face getting less
Structural Eurocodes are a pan specified materials and products cover for a higher premium.
European initiative that establish a meet the required standard. Fortu- If you are involved in a profes-
set of codes for construction. Cov- nately due to the comparatively sional role in the construction sec-
ering 57 design standards they high benchmark of the existing tor, 2010 represents a significant
include a number of key areas such British Standards to the rest of milestone and a useful deadline for
as the basis of structural design, Europe, it is possible that consult- updating your standards. Failure to
steel, concrete, timber, masonry, alu- ants in this country will be near to ensure the new standards are incor-
minium, specialist glass, geotechni- achieving the required standard. porated will not only impact on
cal and seismic design, and will This does not mean they can be your clients and your reputation
ensure that construction standards complacent or ignore the change. but could also have an adverse
across Europe will be harmonized. A sensible start point would be an effect on your professional indem-
The thinking behind the Structural assessment of what the differences nity cover in the future. p
Think Global
Structural Eurocodes
what they say
The Eurocodes are recognized as the most technically advanced suite of civil and structural
engineering codes in the world and they will present significant opportunities to the UK
Construction Industry.
The structural eurocodes are the culmination of many years work by hundreds of experts
throughout Europe and will enable designers to work with consistent codes across the borders
between European Countries.
Barry Haseltine MBE, UK delegate to TC 250 and past Chairman of CEN/TC 250/SC 6
Design of Masonry Structures
Structural Eurocodes form a coherent package of codes that are technically up to date and internally
consistent. They are rigorous and yet flexible allowing their adoption not only within Europe but also
internationally.
Managing the transition from working to British Standards to the adoption of the new Eurocodes
will of course represent a challenge but one that should provide new and enhanced markets for UK
Structural Engineering.
Eurocodes contain the most up to date design information covering all civil engineering structures.
For the first time there will be uniform design rules across Europe. The sooner we start using
Eurocodes, and face the challenges of a new set of standards, the more equipped we will be to grab the
opportunities of a wider European Market.
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