Eurocode2

About Eurocodes

Eurocode 2 is one of 10 Eurocodes that will form into a uniform process of design. 
Eurocode 2 and EC2 are both abbreviations for BS EN 1992, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures. There are four parts to BS EN 1992 but by Eurocode 2 most people mean BS EN 1992-1-1 General rules and rules for buildings.
 
Although there continues to be a transition period, eventually Eurocode 2 will replace all national codes dealing with the design of structural concrete (such as BS 8110, BS 8007, BS 5400 in the UK). All the parts of Eurocodes rleevant to the design of concrete have been published. The final relevant UK National Annex (for wind loads) was due to be published in late May 2008. For information on the programme of releases and details of the transition visit British Standards Institute (BSI) or http://www.eurocodes.co.uk/complete_publication_schedule.aspx
 
Eurocode 2 has four parts, for example EN 1992-1-1 deals with general structures and buildings and other parts cover fire, bridges and liquid retaining structures. Each part deals with design alone, so the basis of design, loads (or actions as they are now known), materials and workmanship are covered in their own Eurocodes. Materials and workmanship are covered by their own European Standards or complementary British Standards as indicated below:
 
 

How will the Eurocodes be implemented in the UK?

Eurocode 2 is published in the UK as BS EN 1992. Part 1-1 was published in December 2004 and Part 1-2 in February 2005: the relevant National Annexes were published in December 2005. Part 2 was published in December 2005, Part 3 in July 2006 and their respective National Annexes in December 2007 and October 2007.
 
It is anticipated that current UK design codes will be withdrawn by April 2010. BS8110 will be withdrawn in 2008. The process for the UK is detailed in 'Implementation of Structural Eurocodes in the UK', published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
 
The driver in the UK is expected to be the economic benefit in using Eurocode 2. It is expected that there will be material cost savings of between 0 and 5% compared to using BS 8110 in building structures. In common with all EU countries, Public Authorities will have to accept Eurocode 2 as a valid method of design on major works. In some countries adoption of Eurocodes is embodied in their legal system.

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Eurocode2

What are EuroCodes?

Structural Eurocodes (referred to as 'Eurocodes') are a set of ten European Standards that contain common structural rules for the design of buildings and civil engineering structures.
 
Eurocodes are applicable to whole structures and to individual elements of structures and cater for the use of all the major construction materials such as concrete, steel, timber, masonry and aluminium. The Eurocodes are:

For a precis of Eurocode 0 click here, for a precis of Eurocodes 1 to 9 click here.

Apart from EN 1990 the Eurocodes have several parts. The level of safety in a country remains its prerogative and so each country may publish lists of Nationally Determined Parameters (NDP's or values for as partial safety factors, various coefficients, simplified load combinations, nominal covers etc) and other information they may choose to include in a National Annex to each part. In the case of BS EN 1992 BSI has chosen to give the background to the UK National Annexes in two published documents PD 6687-1 for Part 1 and Part 3 and PD6687-2 for Part 2.
 
Eurocodes are managed by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) of which the national standards bodies of the EU and EFTA countries, the Czech Republic and Malta are members. Technical Committee CEN/TC 250, 'Structural Eurocodes', was established in 1990 to develop the Eurocodes, first as European Prestandards (ENV) and later as European Standards (EN). All 58 parts of the Eurocodes were approved by October 2006 and the publication of UK national Annexes is almost complete. There will be a period of transition or coexistence during which both the National Code and Eurocode are valid but conflicting national standards have to be withdrawn by March 2010. CEN has a standard procedure for the withdrawal of National Standards.

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Eurocode2

Aims

Officially, the Eurocodes are intended to serve as reference documents '... to establish a set of common technical rules for the design of buildings and civil engineering works which will ultimately replace the differing rules in the various Member States' -  to act as: 
The aims and benefits of the Eurocodes are for them to become the recommended means of structural design to:  

Format

Eurocodes may be used for design purposes in conjunction with the National Annex applicable to the Member State where the designed structures are to be located.

All clauses are designated either as Principles or Rules of Application.

The conversion of the Eurocodes from the ENV stage to Normative EN has now happened. After a Eurocode becomes an EN there will be a period of co-existence, with the appropriate National Code (possibly five years) following which the National Code will cease to be maintained. For more information on the implementation of the Structural Eurocodes, published by the ODPM click here.

The costs and benefits of harmonisationThe belief is 'Eurocodes are technically competent documents incorporating established best practice.  Any additional initial design costs compared to design by UK codes should settle to normal once the profession becomes acquainted with the documents'.

Maintenance
Under the CEN rules all ENs will have a five-year review.  In the case or Eurocodes, the responsible Technical committee will be CEN/TC/250.
 
Back to 'What are Eurocodes'
Eurocode2

Precis of the Eurocodes

Eurocode 1 contains within its 10 parts (see table below) all the information required by the designer to assess the individual actions on a structure. It is generally self-explanatory and the loads to be used in the UK (as advised in the UK National Annex) are typically the same as those in the current British Standards. The most notable exception is the bulk density of reinforced concrete, which should be taken as 25 kN/m3. The live load reduction factors are contained in the NA and currently remain the same as those previously given in BS 6399*.
 
Currently not all the parts of Eurocode 1 and their National Annexes are available, in which case it is advised that the loads recommended in the current British Standards should be used.
 
Eurocode 1, its parts and dates of publication
*Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006.
Reference
Title
Publication date
Code
National Annex
BS EN 1991-1-1
Densities, self-weight and imposed loads
July 2002
December 2005
BS EN 1991-1-2
Actions on structures exposed to fire
November 2002
October 2006*
BS EN 1991-1-3
Snow loads
July 2003
December 2005
BS EN 1991-1-4
Wind actions
April 2005
January 2007*
BS EN 1991-1-5
Thermal actions
March 2004
December 2006*
EN 1991-1-6
Actions during execution
December 2005
July 2007*
EN 1991-1-7
Accidental actions due to impact and explosions
September 2006
October 2007*
EN 1991-2
Traffic loads on bridges
October 2003
December 2006*
EN 1991-3
Actions induced by cranes and machinery
September 2006
January 2007*
EN 1991-4
Actions in silos and tanks
June 2006
June 2007*
Bold - Published as at 21 November 2006
* Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006. 
 
For more information and useful background documents on the non-material codes visit:

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Precis of Eurocode 2 (EC2/ EN1992 Design of concrete structures)

Eurocode 2 has four parts:
 
Part 1-1: Eurocode 2. Design of concrete structures. General requirements
Part 1-2: Eurocode 2. Design of concrete structures. Fire design
Part 2-2: Eurocode 2. Design of concrete structures. Concrete bridges - Design and detailing rules
Part 2-3: Eurocode 2. Design of concrete structures. Liquid retaining and containment structures
 
BS EN 1992 1-1 was published in December 2004 and EN 1992-1-2 in February 2005. NAs to both these parts were published in December 2005. This will supercedes BS 8110-1, BS 8110-2 and BS 8110-3.
 
BS EN 1992-2 was published in December 2005 and its NA is due for publication in January 2007*.
This will eventually supercede BS 5400-4, BS 5400-7 and BS 5400-8.
 
BS EN 1992-3 was published in July 2006 with the National Annex due in December 2006*. This will supercede BS 8007.
 
Eurocode 2 is the main focus of the website, please click here for more information. Use the main menu above to access further information, downloads, news and/or make contact.
 
* Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006. 
 
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Precis of Eurocode 3 (EC3/ EN1993 Design of steel structures)
BS EN 1993 has 21 parts covering common rules, fire design, bridges, buildings, tanks, silos, pipelined piling, crane supported structures, towers and masts, chimneys etc. As at November 2006*, only 5 parts ( 1993-1-1 General, -1-2 Fire, -1-8 Joints. -1-9 Fatigue and -1-10 Toughness) have been published. With the remainder due to be published throughout 2006. No NAs have been published to date*.
* Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006. 

Eurocode 3  brings new methods into the scope. For example semi-rigid joints are explained, advanced methods for cold-formed steelwork, rules for stainless steel, shells, piles, sheet piling and silos. For buildings, it may be seen as a progression from BS 5950. 
 
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Precis of Eurocode 4 (EC4/ EN1994 Design of composite steel and concrete structures)
BS EN 1994 has three parts covering common rules and rules for buildings, structural fire design and bridges, which were all published in 2005.
 
Part 1-1: Eurocode 4. Design of composite steel and concrete structures. General rules
Part 1-2: Eurocode 4. Design of composite steel and concrete structures. Structural fire design
Part 2: Eurocode 4. Design of composite steel and concrete structures. General rules and rules for bridges
 
Eurocode 4 needs to be used together with Eurocodes 2 and 3 for concrete and steel respectively.  NA's are due to be published in 2007.
 
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Precis of Eurocode 5 (EC5/ EN1995 Design of timber structures) 
BS EN 1995-1-1 (Common rules and rules for buildings), BS EN 1995-1-2 (fire)  and BS EN 1995-2 (bridges)  were published in 2005.  The National Annexes for parts one and two were published in October 2006 with the the NA for part three not yet available*.
 
* Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006. 

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Precis of Eurocode 6 (EC6/ EN1996 Design of masonry structures)

The four parts cover common rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry, structural fire design , materials and execution simplified calculation methods.

As of November 2006, no NAs have been published, but they are expected in 2007. 
  

Precis of Eurocode 7 (EC7/ EN1997 Geotechnical design) 
Eurocode 7 is wide-ranging and provides, in outline, all the requirements for the design of geotechnical structures, e.g. approaches to geotechnical design,  ground investigation,  design aspects of construction and  design of specific elements.
 
BS EN 1997 Eurocode 7 is in two parts:
Part 1: General rules - covers general basis for the geotechnical aspects of the design of buildings and civil engineering works (e.g. assessment of geotechnical data, piles, retaining structures, etc.) and calculation rules for actions originating from the ground (e.g. earth and ground water pressures).
Part 2: Ground investigation and testing.

Eurocode 7 classifies structures and risks into three categories. Eurocode 7 concentrates on Geotechnical Category 2 - conventional structures with no exceptional risk, e.g. spread, raft and pile foundations, retaining structures, bridge piers and abutments, embankments and earthworks, tunnels etc. (Geotechnical Category 1 is for small, relatively simple structures with negligible risk. Geotechnical Category 3 is for very large or unusual structures or exceptionally difficult ground conditions and is outside the scope of Eurocode 7.)

Eurocode 7 states that no limit state e.g, stability (EQU, UPL or HYD), strength (STR or GEO) or serviceability, as defined by BS EN 1990, shall be exceeded. The requirements for ultimate and serviceability limit state design may be accomplished by using, in an appropriate manner, the following alone or in combination:

There are three Design Approaches in Eurocode 7; the UK is due to adopt Design Approach 1 (DA1). DA1 requires the consideration of two combinations of partial factors for actions and for soil parameters to compare ultimate loads to ultimate soil resistance.

For the serviceability limit state, settlement should be checked either:

The current practice of specifying and designing using characteristic actions, may be used by, agreement, by way of adopting Prescriptive Measures to verify the foundation.

BS EN 1997-1 was published in 2004. Its NA is due for publication in December 2006*. BS EN 1997-2 is due for publication in November 2006* and its NA in July 2007*.

* Information from www.bsi-global.com/Eurocodes and correct as of 21 November 2006. 

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Precis of Eurocode 8 (EC8/ EN 1998 Design for earthquake resistance)
BS EN 1998 Eurocode 8 is in six parts. However, it is unlikely that EN1998 needs to be used in the UK, except for special structures (e.g. nuclear structures, long span bridges and tall buildings).
 
Part 1: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. General rules
Part 2: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. Bridges
Part 3: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. Assessment and retrofitting
Part 4: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. Silo tanks and pipelines
Part 5: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. Foundations, retaining structures and geotechnical aspects
Part 6: Eurocode 8. Design of structures for earthquake resistance. Towers masts and chimneys
 
As of November 2006 all parts have been published. No national annexes have been published to date.
 
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Precis of Eurocode 9 (EC9/ EN1999 Design of aluminium alloy structures)
BS EN 1999, Eurocode 9 has five parts:
 
Part 1-1:  Eurocode 9. Design of aluminium structures. General rules covering common rules, structural fire design and structures susceptible to fatigue
Part 1-2:  Eurocode 9. Design of aluminium structures. General - Structural fire design
Part 1-3:  Eurocode 9. Design of aluminium structures. Additional rules for structures
susceptible to fatigue
Part 1-4:  Eurocode 9. Design of aluminium structures. Supplementary rules for trapezoidal sheeting
Part 1-5:  Eurocode 9. Design of aluminium structures. Supplementary rules for shell structures
 
As of November 2006, no parts or National Annexes have been published. 
 
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Eurocode2

Precis of BS EN 1990

Eurocode: Basis of design was published as BS EN 1990:2002 on 27 July 2002.
It's UK National Annex (NA) was published in December 2004 an 2nd UK NA dealing with traffic loads is due to be published in February 2007.
 
It is the head document in the Eurocode suite and describes the principles and requirements for safety, serviceability and durability. It also provides the basis and general principles for the structural design and verification of buildings and civil engineering works. Eurocode 0 is material independent.

The main requirement is that the structures and structural elements are designed, executed and maintained so that, with appropriate degrees of reliability, they will:

Actions
Actions (loads) are classified by their variation in time, space and nature. The characteristic value of an action is its main representative value.

Permanent actions
The self-weight of a structure can be represented by a single characteristic value Gk. If the variability of G is not small and the statistical distribution is known, two values are used;  an upper value Gk.sup and a lower value Gk.inf.   For concrete one value, Gk, is usually used.

Variable actions

 

 

The combination value <psi>0Qk  takes account of the reduced probability of simultaneous occurrence. In the design of concrete members the combination value <psi>0Qk  is used for ULS design and the quasi-permanent value <psi>2Qk is used for SLS design. The values of <psi> depend on building usage see Tables A1.1 and A1.4 of Eurocode 0.
 

Recommended values of <psi> factors for buildings

Action <psi> 0 <psi>1 <psi>2
Imposed loads in buildings (see BS EN 1991-1-1)
Category A: domestic, residential areas 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category B: office areas 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category C: congregation areas 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category D: shopping areas 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category E: storage areas 1.0 0.9 0.8
Category F: traffic area, vehicle weight < 30 kN 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category G: traffic area, 30 kN < vehicle weight < 160 kN 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category H: roofs* 0.7 0 0
Snow loads on buildings (see BS EN 1991-1-3)
For sites located at altitude H > 1000 m asl 0.7 0.5 0.2
For sites located at altitude H <1000 m asl 0.5 0.2 0
Wind loads on buildings (see BS EN 1991-1-4) 0.5 0.2 0
Temperature (non-fire) in buildings (see BS EN 1991-1-5) 0.6 0.5 0
* See also 1991-1-1: Clause 3.3.2 (1)

 

Design values <gamma> factors

Various partial factors are applied to the loads depending upon which limit state is being examined. (e.g. equilibrium, strength, accidental, seismic, serviceability). The values are contained in Tables A1.2(A), A1.2(B) and A1.2(C) A1.3 and clause A1.4.1, as confirmed or modified by the relevant National Annex. The recommended partial factor for serviceability loads is 1.00.
 
Partial factors for use in verification of Limit States in persistent and transient design situations
Reference
Permanent actions(Gk)
Leading variable action (Qk,1)
Accompanying variable actions (Qk,i)
 
a) For equilibrium
 
1.10 (or 0.90 where favourable) 
1.50
(or 0 where favourable)
1.50. <psi>0,i
(or 0 where favourable)
 
b) For strength at ULSa
Either
 
1.35 (or 1.0 where favourable)
1.5
<psi>0 .1.5
or worse case of 
 
<gamma>G
<psi>0,1 . <gamma>Q
<psi>0,i .<gamma>Q
  Expression (6.10a)
1.35 (or 1.0 where favourable)
<psi>0.1.5
<psi>0.1.5
and
Expression (6.10b)
0.925 . 1.35 = 1.25
(or 1.0 where favourable)
1.5
<psi>0.1.5
 
c) For strength at ULSb with geotechnical actions
Set A1
1.35
(or 1.0 where favourable)
1.5
(or 0.0 where favourable)
Set A2
1.0
1.3
 
d) For serviceability
Characteristic
1.00
1.00
<psi>0,i .1.00
Frequent
1.00
<psi>1,1 . 1.00
<psi>2,i .1.00
Quasi - permanent
1.00
<psi>2,1 .1.00
<psi>2,i  . 1.00
 
e) For accidental design situations
 
Permanent actions
Leading accidental action (Ak)
Accompanying variable actions (Qk,i)
Expression (6.11a)
1.00
<psi>1,1
<psi>  2,i

Notes

Table derived from BS EN 1990 and UK National Annex to EN 1990
a) Not involving geotechnical actions
b) The above table for geotechnical actions is based on Design Approach 1 in Clause A.3.1(5) of EN 1990, which is recommended in the UK National Annex for EN 1990.
<psi>) The values of <psi>  are given above.
Where the variation between Gksup and Gkinf is not great, say < 10%, i.e. concrete in usual circumstances, Gk is taken to represent permanent action.
 
 
Except in the case of concrete structures supporting storage loads or mixed use, Exp 6.10b will usually apply. Thus <gamma> F = <gamma> G = 1.25 for permanent actions and <gamma> F = <gamma> Q = 1.50 for variable actions will be applicable to most concrete structures.  In other words, for members supporting vertical actions 1.25Gk + 1.5Qk will be appropriate for most situations.
 
Another big change compared to current design to BS 8110 is that <gamma>Gk does not change between spans in a single load case. For ULS, it is either 1.35 Gk throughout or 1.00 Gk throughout.
 
For more information and useful background documents on the non-material codes visit:
 
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Eurocode2

Materials and Workmanship



Eurocode2

Background to European Standardisation



Eurocode2

Background to European Standardisation

(*based on Dipl-Ing Dieter Schwerm, Bad Honnef, Building with structural precast components: practical implementation, Betonwerk+Fertigeil-Technik BFT 3/2005. www.bft-online.info/en)
 
European standardization takes place in the European Committee for Standardization, CEN, to which the national standardization institutes of the European Union and the EFTA countries belong.  Within CEN, European product standardization is carried out in the Technical Committees (TC's for short), click here for more information. TC250 covers Structural Eurocodes and TC229 covers precast concrete products.
 
CEN Technical Committee 250 was established in 1990 and developed the first Eurocodes as pre-standards. Now the committee has transformed or is transforming these pre-standards into European Standards. SC2 deals with Design of concrete structures and EN1992.
 

Mandates
European construction products are governed by the Construction Products Directive of 1988. Structural precast concrete components are governed by Mandate M/100. These mandates define the essential requirements that the product must satisfy. In preparing the mandates, the European Commission, consulted the Standing Committee on Construction, in which the members states were represented.

For many construction products, the European Commission commissioned the European Committee for Standardisation, CEN, to publish product standards. These 'mandated' standards include the essential requirements. Once 'mandated' standards are prepared, they are known as 'harmonized standards' and are cited in the Official Journal (OJ) of the European Communities.
 

CE Marking
An important 'informative' Annex ZA of a product standard stipulates which chapters of the product standard are governed by the 'essential requirements'. These chapters satisfy the requirements of the mandate, based on which the product standard was prepared. Compliance of the product with the parameters laid down in these chapters justifies the assumption that the product is fit for the intended purpose. On this basis, the CE marking can then be applied. The CE mark is, therefore, not a quality mark. It merely identifies the product as complying with the mandated requirements of the standard.

CE marking is not mandatory in the UK.

For precast concrete product standards, a distinction is made between three processes that lead to CE marking:
 
Process 1
The CE conformity marking contains information on the geometry and the material properties and the product, including construction details (size of the precast member, cross-section of the reinforcing and prestressing steel etc).  More detailed technical information is to be found in a relevant product catalogue. 
 
The idea behind this approach is that based on this information, is should be possible to determine the product's performance (mechanical strength, stability, fire resistance, etc) in accordance with the regulations applicable at the place of utilisation.  (An assumption like this appears to be totally unrealistic for reinforced, prestressed concrete members).
 
Process 2
Here, too, the CE marking contains information on the mandated product properties including construction details, and in addition, design values, eg flexural strength, shear resistance etc and the partial safety factors by which these design values were determined.  This type of marking is based on the assumption that the members are designed in accordance with the Eurocodes.
 
With this process it will, at least in theory, be possible to determine the regulations applicable at the products intended place of utilisation by applying the respective applicable partial safety factors.
 
Process 3
Here too, the properties of the building materials used (concrete, reinforcing steel, pre-stressing steel) are given.  Essentially, however, reference is made to the design documentation that accompanies the product.  This process corresponds almost exactly to that currently practiced in Germany, ie to determine the product properties in the structural design documentation, eg structural analysis, element drawing etc.
 
Construction Products and CE markingFurther information can be obtained from DCLG.

National Application Standards
The term 'harmonised European product standard' is somewhat misleading as every product standard has to be adapted for national application. This is because each EU member state has responsibility for aspects of safety, durability and economy, but most of all because of the legal framework in force in each member state (e.g. in Germany, the German building regulations).

National application standards define the technical changes that are necessary from a national point of view. They are also necessary because the European product standards may make reference to other product and design standards that are not yet available.  These issues have to be examined on a case-to-case basis. 
 


Eurocode2

News

First Eurocodes published. BS EN 1990, Basis of design and BS EN 1991-1-1:2002... read more

]]>Draft National Annex to EN 1990 disallows equations 6.10a and 6.10b... read more

]]>October 2002 version of prEN1992-1-2 (fire) received. Fig 3.7 altered... read more

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To explore this section follow the links below:
 
News Story Date released
Eurocodes For Bridges Different But Not Difficult
 September 2008
May 2008
Eurocode 2 In-house Courses April 2008
Precast Eurocode 2: Worked Examples March 2008
Message to Specifiers regarding Eurocode 2 and BS8110 Added February 2008
Worked Examples available in draft Added in October 2007
Concise Eurocode 2 published Updated April 2007
ICE and IStructE launch new Eurocode website Added in April 2007
The launch of Eurocodes is inevitable Added in March 2007
CIRIA publishes crack-control guide to complement Eurocode 2 Eurocode Expert News - February 2007
Concise Eurocode 2 published Added in September 2006
New publications from IStructE for designing concrete building structures to Eurocode 2 Added in September 2006
Reinforcement and the EC Added in July 2006
Assisting engineers with the transition to Eurocode 2 Added June 2006
Cost prediction for the transition to Eurocode 2 Added June 2006
Compendium of How to Guides announced Added June 2006
Do it first in concrete! Updated June 2006
BS 8110 Amendment 3 Added February 2006
 
 
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Eurocode2

Concrete Sector Ready To Work With New Eurocodes

The concrete sector has welcomed the announcement from BSI that BS8110 is to be made obsolete. After May 2008 the relevant BSI technical committee, B/525/2, will no longer support BS8110 as all the relevant Eurocodes and their national Annexes for design of concrete buildings have been published.
 
The Concrete Centre believes that the annoucement will act as a further prompt to those firms which are yet to adopt Eurocode 2 for concrete. "The transition to Eurocode 2 will certainly be challenging but there are ease-of-use benefits and potential commercial opportunities", said Andrew Minson, head of structural engineering at The Concrete Centre. "The new codes are more technically advanced and have a logical order that will avoid conflicts between codes.  Also the new codes are more extensive than BS8110. In addition, there are distinct commercial opportunities for consultants who have projects abroad as most of Europe will be using the same basic design codes. Using Eurocode 2 will provide consultants with increased opportunities in Europe".
 
  To ease the transition from British Standard to Eurocode, The Concrete Centre has developed and made available a wide range of resources including a companion guide entitled 'Concise Eurocode 2' and a series of guides under the banner 'How to Design Concrete Structures using Eurocode 2'. In addition, a dedicated website, www.eurocode2.info, with worked examples has been set up and there is a full programme of training presentations and courses.
 
"The imminent implementation of Eurocode 2 has seen a marked increase in the demand for information and training resources"' said Andrew Minson, head of structural engineering at The Concrete Centre. "We are on course to provide Eurocode training to over 1,000 structural engineers this year".
 
He concluded; "The concrete sector is fully ready to work with the new codes. They are now and the transition has begun".
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Eurocode2

Eurocode 2 In-house Courses

With the implementation of Eurocodes drawing near, The Concrete Centre has noticed a marked increased in demand for its in-house presentations and courses. These courses have been developed to assist with the transition from British Standards to Eurocodes. The courses vary in length and style and use a variety of presenters to suit particular requirements. Presenters include academics, members of the technical committee which prepared Eurocode 2 and members of the technical team from The Concrete Centre who have experience working for consultants and are knowledgeable in the application of Eurocode 2.  "The increased uptake for in-house courses shows that many practices are now getting to grips with the implementation of the new Eurocodes", reported Owen Brooker, senior structural engineer with The Concrete Centre.  "We have designed a range of courses to assist them train staff within the convenience of their own office".
 
A half-day course provides a brief introduction to Eurocode 2 for the structural engineer who is already familiar with the design of concrete buildings. It provides the main requirements of the Eurocodes for the design of concrete beams, slabs and columns through design procedures and worked examples.
 
Two full day courses are available. One provides a comprehensive background to Eurocode 2. It explains the main features and changes contained in Eurocode 2 and the accompanying National Annex for UK specific conditions and covers the basis of design, structural analysis, material properties, design for beams with and without axial loads, shear punching shear torsion, anchorage and detailing. The main approaches to structural fire design are also explained. 
 
The other full day course is Eurocode 2 with Design Workshops. In addition to examining the main changes and features contained in the new Code, the course provides to opportunity to design simple structural elements via worked examples and workshops. Ideally course delegates should have experience of current design to current Codes of Practices.
 
A full two-day course is also available. This comprehensive workshop covers all sections of the new code and explores its practical application with worked examples and hands-on workshop designs and detailing of most structural elements using the UK's Nationally Determined Parameters.
 
"The feedback from these courses has been positive", said Brooker. "The feedback also allows ongoing development of the courses to ensure their relevance".
 
For further details and to book an in-house Eurocode 2 course contact your Concrete Centre regional engineer or contact Owen Brooker, tel: 01276 606830, email: obrooker@concretecentre.com
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Eurocode2

Precast Eurocode 2: Worked Examples

'Precast Eurocode 2: Worked Examples' will be published on May 13th priced at £45. The current content sections are listed below.

Example 1:
Load combinations for overhanging cantilever beam
Example 2:
Load combinations for continuous slab
Example 3:
Geometric imperfections
Example 4:
Unintended fixing moments
Example 5:
Design for flexure (reinforced concrete member)
Example 6:
Design for shear (reinforced concrete member)
Example 7:
Design for torsion (beam)
Example 8:
Design of columns
Example 9:
Design of corbels
Example 10:
Tying requirements
Example 11:
Design of a billet bearing
 
Example 12:
 
Precast prestressed beam
Example 13:
Whole building
13.1
Introduction
13.2
Loading
13.3
Lateral stability of the structure
13.4
Selection of concrete class
13.5
Hollowcore slabs
13.6
Double T-beams
13.7
Edge beam on grid C
13.8
Beam on grid B in the second floor
13.9
Design of column 6-C
13.10
Tying requirements for robustness


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Eurocode2

Message to Specifiers regarding Eurocode 2 and BS8110

  • All remaining Eurocodes and their NAs will be published in 2008. The only one being waited upon for concrete building structures is the NA to BS EN 1991-1-4 (wind). 
  • As all necessary supporting documents for use of Eurocode 2 are in place, the BSI committees responsible for BS8110 have stated that they will no longer support updates of BS8110. In BSI language this constitutes 'withdrawal' of BS8110. 
  • DCLG has advised that due to a legal technicality Approved Document Part A is unlikely to explicitly include Eurocodes until 2010. 
  • In the meantime, DCLG has already advised one local authority that there is no reason not to accept designs to the Eurocodes - albeit with some engineering judgement applied to the application of wind loads. DCLG intend clarifying the status of the Eurocodes in respect of demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations in a letter to all building control authorities once the final relevant National Annex (i.e. the NA to BS EN 1991-1-4 (wind))is in place.

    • February 15th 2008

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    Eurocode2

    Worked Examples

    It is now just six months until BS 8110 is withdrawn (i.e. it will no longer be updated by BSI). The Concrete Centre has released Worked Examples to Eurocode 2 in downloadable PDF format. This joins the other documents Concise Eurocode 2, the How To Compendium and RC Spreadsheets. These documents have been written to help structural engineers do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.

    Worked Examples are currently available from the Downloads section of the site for the following elements:

    • Flat Slabs
    • Slabs
    • Columns
    • Beams
    • Walls

    Any feedback and comments are welcome, please email helpline@concretecentre.com with your comments and contacts details.

    Back to news section

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    Eurocode2

    Concise Eurocode 2 publication available

    A new tool to ease the transition from BS 8110 to the new Eurocodes has been published by The Concrete Centre. Concise Eurocode 2 cuts through all the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annexes to give simple guidance on how to design building structures to Eurocode 2. 
     

    Concise Eurocode 2

     
    The main thrust of the guide is to put the requirements of Parts 1-1 and 1-2 of Eurocode 2 into plain English.
     
    It starts by explaining the basis of design, materials and analysis, before dealing with the phenomena of bending and axial force, shear, punching shear, torsion and serviceability as per the code. Detailing, tying and plain concrete are covered before giving an extensive section of design aids (including tables and charts for shear, deflection and column design). There is even an appendix explaining the design of simple foundations.
     
    With the relevant clause numbers highlighted, Concise Eurocode 2 is intended to help unlock the benefits to be gained from using the new code.  The other parts of Eurocode 2 work by exception to the clauses in Parts 1-1 and 1-2 so a thorough understanding of Parts 1-1 and 1-2 will be a prerequisite for designing concrete bridges and liquid retaining structures. Relevant parts of Eurocode (basis of design), Eurocode 1 (actions) and Eurocode 7 (Geotechnical) are explained and referenced too.

    A perfect complement to this guide is the forthcoming How To Design Concrete Structures Using Eurocode 2. Both publications are available to purchase from the Concrete Bookshop  tel: 0700 4 607 777, or visit: www.concretebookshop.com
     
    Independent book review available www.istructe.org/library/View_Review.asp?ID=96
     
    Back to news section
     
     
     
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    Eurocode2

    CPD seminars and shortcourses

    The Concrete Centre provides a wide range of CPD to enable those involved in design and construction to realise the full potential of concrete with Eurocode 2.

    Concrete Events

    Optimising the Properties of Concrete to Eurocode 2
    Thursday 15 May 2008 - London
    Wednesday 21 May 2008 - Manchester
    This free CPD seminar aims to enable engineers to achieve high-quality, economic concrete construction by optimising the material aspects of concrete in their design. This seminar will provide attendees with:
    • A better understanding of concrete behaviour.
    • A basic knowledge of concrete technology to optimise performance levels.
    • An understanding of how to specify and measure concrete properties.
    • An appreciation of the importance and relevance of a range of concrete properties.
    Attendees to the seminar will receive a complimentary copy of Properties of Concrete for use in Eurocode 2. 
    For further information and to register visit: www.concretrecentre.com/events
     
    Building Design to Eurocode 2: Theory and Worked Examples

    29 April - Southampton
    This course explains the main features and changes contained in Eurocode 2 and the accompanying National Annex for UK specific conditions. It covers the Eurocode system, basis of design, structural analysis, material properties, design for bending, shear, compression, deflection and crack control. The main approaches to structural fire design are also explained.

     
    Attendees have the opportunity to design simple structural elements via worked examples and workshops.The book 'Reinforced Concrete Design to Eurocode 2' will be available to all course attendees at 30% discount.
    For further information and to register visit: www.concretecentre.com/events

    Building Design to Eurocode 2: Theory & Background to the UK Annex

    29 May 2008 - London
    18 November 2008 - London
    This course explains the background, main features and changes contained in Eurocode 2 and the accompanying National Annex for UK specific conditions. It covers a brief introduction to the Eurocode system, the basis of design, structural analysis, material properties, design for bending with and without axial loads, shear, punching shear, torsion, anchorage and detailing. The main approaches to structural fire design are also explained.
     
    For further information and registration on this course, run by the Institution of Structural Engineers in conjunction with The Concrete Centre, visit:  www.prosols.uk.com

    Building Design to Eurocode 2: Theory & Hands-on Workshop

    15 -16 October 2008 - London
    This 2 day comprehensive workshop covers all sections of the new code and explores its practical application with worked examples and hands-on workshops on design and detailing of most structural elements using the UK's Nationally determined parameters. Extensive course material and design guides are provided.
     
    For further information and registration on this course, run by the Institution of Structural Engineers in conjunction with The Concrete Centre, visit:  www.prosols.uk.com

    CPD training in your region

    The Concrete Centre works with partners and institutions, including their branches and regional clubs, to provide evening seminars and training courses. For a comprehensive calendar of events and to register visit www.concretecentre.com/events

    CPD in your office

    The Concrete Centre provides continued professional development at your fingertips. With an extensive range of topics, all of which are CPD certified, and can be delivered in your office by our expert team of regional advisers who specialise in civil engineering, structural engineering, residential and architectural disciplines. To find out more visit www.concretecentre.com/cpd
     
     
    Back to news section

     
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    Eurocode2

    Compendium of How to Guides announced

    This publication aims to make the transition to 'Eurocode 2:Design of Concrete Structures' as easy as possible by drawing together in one place key information and commentary required for the design of typical concrete elements.

    Chapters based on the successful series of How to guides, previously published in Structural Engineer include:

    • Introduction to Eurocode 2
    • Getting Started
    • Slabs
    • Beams
    • Columns
    • Foundations
    • Flat Slabs 
    • Deflection Calculations 


    With new chapters covering design of:

    • Retaining Walls - NEW
    • Detailing - NEW

    How to Design Concrete Structures using Eurocode 2 
    Ref number: CCIP-006
    To pre-order your copy visit  www.concretebookshop.com
     
    Back to news section
    ]]>


    Eurocode2

    Do it first in concrete

    Do it first in concrete!
    Not all European Standards will be available, as soon as EC2. The background document to the UK NA, explains the intention that during the interim period, where not all ENs are available or are covered by UK NAs, relevant current British Standards will be used in the design and execution of concerned structures.  Examples include wind loads, design of foundations and couplers.
     
    The design process will not change as a result of using EC2.  Eurocode 2 is laid out to deal with phenomena rather than elements.  There are also specific rules dealing with beams, slabs, flat slabs, columns, walls, deep beams, foundations, tying systems and precast concrete.  In the long term, it is anticipated that EC2 will result in more economic structures so conceptual design done to, say, BS8100 may confidently be taken through to detail design using EC2.
     
    The UK construction industry faces a major challenge with the replacement of British Standards by EC2.  The Concrete Centre is making available a range of resources which will assist with the interpretation and use of the new code.
     
     
    Back to news section
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    Eurocode2

    Eurocode and Reinforcement

    Reinforcement Standard EN 10080 and the EC
    There is a strong possibility the EC will withdraw EN 10080:2005 Steel for the reinforcement of concrete, from the list of references of harmonised standards published in the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union). This means that the EC, after strong lobbying from Italy and Germany, think that currently EN 10080 does not meet the requirements of a harmonised standard according to the Construction Products Directive.
     
    Nonetheless, EN 10080 will remain perfectly valid as a standard for reinforcement and so derived standards such as BS 4449 etc remain perfectly valid as standards for reinforcement in the UK. The necessary amendments to EN 10080 should not take too long.

    Back to listing of news stories

    ]]>


    Eurocode2

    Assisting engineers with the transistion to Eurocode 2

    CONCRETE INDUSTRY HELPING EUROCODE TRANSITION
    Extract from article appearing in Building magazine June 06
     
    The Concrete Centre is working with the construction industry to provide a range of resources that will make the transition to Eurocode 2 as simple as possible.
     
     
    A dedicated website, www.eurocode2.info provides advice and assistance on the introduction, interpretation and implementation of EC2. In addition, there is latest news concerning EC2, detailed analysis and examination of the code plus free downloads and a FAQ section. A series of seminars and courses on EC2 throughout the UK are being well-attended and a series of guides under the banner 'How to Design Concrete Structures using Eurocode 2' have been published and been well received.
     
    The guides aim to make the transition as easy as possible by drawing together the key information and commentary necessary for the design of typical concrete elements, such as slabs, beams, columns etc. The Concrete Centre has published a Concise Eurocode 2, which brings together information for building structures, and RC spreadsheets for design to EC2 this summer. A book of worked examples and publications on civil engineering subjects such as integral bridges will follow.
     
    Concise Eurocode 2 cuts through all the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annexes to give simple guidance on how to design concrete building structures to Eurocode 2. It fits between the Centre's series of 'How to design to Eurocode 2' leaflets and forthcoming Worked Examples which aim to help designers design to the Eurocodes - in concrete first.
     
    The main thrust of the guide is to put the requirements of Parts 1-1 and 1-2 of Eurocode 2 into plain English and into a logical order. It starts by explaining the basis of design, materials and analysis, before dealing with the phenomena of bending and axial force, shear, punching shear, torsion and serviceability as per the code. Detailing, tying and plain concrete are covered before giving an extensive section of design aids (including tables and charts for shear, deflection and column design). There is even an appendix explaining the design of simple foundations.
     
    With the relevant clause numbers highlighted, Concise Eurocode 2 is intended to help unlock the benefits to be gained from using the new code.  The other parts of Eurocode 2 work by exception to the clauses in Parts 1-1 and 1-2 so a thorough understanding of Parts 1-1 and 1-2 will be a prerequisite for designing concrete bridges and liquid retaining structures. Relevant parts of Eurocode (basis of design), Eurocode 1 (actions) and Eurocode 7 (Geotechnical) are explained and referenced too. In addition, Concise Eurocode 2 offers derived data that provides significant assistance to those designing to the new codes.
     
    As a sector, the concrete industry welcomes the new codes. They are the culmination of over 40 years of technical development and will offer a rational and reliable basis for design. Furthermore, the concrete Eurocodes are relatively simple to digest and use as they consist of only 4 parts and 4 national annexes compared with some 21 different parts for steel and potentially some 59 national annexes in total.
     
    There is already a comprehensive range of resources to help designers and engineers familiarise themselves with the new concrete codes. Their availability plus that of the concrete National Annexes begs the question: 'why not do it in concrete first?'.
     
    Back to news section
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    Eurocode2

    The launch of Eurocodes is inevitable

    The introduction of the new Eurocodes is inevitable. Calls to delay their implementation are like King Canute trying to halt the tide believes Andrew Minson, head of structural engineering at The Concrete Centre.
    The Eurocode process began over 30 years ago and is nearing full implementation. The concrete sector has been leading the way with the new codes. Designers and engineers can now design using Eurocode 2. Only the parts relating to bridges and retaining walls are yet to be completed. The BSI committee concerned with the implementation of Eurocode 2 believes that the full package of the code including all its national Annexes and supporting documentation should be fully implemented by 2008 when BS 8110 will be withdrawn.
     
    "Like it or not, the introduction of the Eurocodes is inevitable so it seems best to accept this and get on with making the change as easy as possible", said Minson. With this in mind, The Concrete Centre has developed a wide range of resources aimed at helping with the necessary transition. These include a companion guide 'Concise Eurocode 2', a dedicated website, www.eurocode2.info, a series of guides under the banner 'How to design concrete structures using Eurocode 2' and a programme of seminars and courses held throughout the UK.
     
    Minson believes that despite the cost of the change to the new codes, there will be economic benefits to be gained from their use. In concrete design it is expected that there will be material cost savings of up to 5% compared with using BS 8110. Furthermore, the Eurocodes are organised to avoid repetition, are technically advanced and should offer more opportunities for UK designers to work throughout Europe.
     
    "It is important to see the new Eurocodes as an opportunity", said Minson. "Delay in implementing the Eurocodes will diminish the ability of UK designers and engineers to work on projects in the rest of Europe whilst permitting firms from Continental Europe to work over here".
     
    Back to news section
     
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    Eurocode2

    Cost prediction for the transistion to Eurocode 2

    Cost prediction for the transition to Eurocodes
    Extract from article appearing in Building magazine - June 06
     
    Calculations that it could cost the typical 16-man consulting practice £250,000 to change from British Standards to Eurocodes underlines the need for construction material sectors to help with the transition to the new codes.  With its national annexes already published and a new Concise Eurocode 2 that unlocks the potential of designing to the new code, the concrete sector is leading the way reports Charles Goodchild, principal structural engineer at The Concrete Centre.
     
    The cost prediction comes from a report by the Institution of Structural Engineers1, 'National Strategy for Implementation of the Structural Codes: Design' which found that the greatest cost will be a 10% loss of productivity during the first year which could equate to as much as £128,000 as staff get used to the new codes. The report states that with fee levels already under pressure consultants are likely to resist the cost of this transition for as long as possible.
     
    Despite the initial costs, there will be economic benefits to be derived from using the codes. In concrete design, it is expected that there will be material cost savings of up to 5% compared to using BS 8110.  Furthermore, Eurocodes are less restrictive than British Standards. They are logical and organised to avoid repetition, are technically advanced and should provide more opportunities for UK designers to work throughout Europe and of course for Europeans to work in the UK. In common with all EU countries, public authorities will have to accept Eurocode 2 as a valid method of design on major works. In some countries the adoption of Eurocodes is embodied in their legal system.
     
    The transition from British Standards to the new Eurocodes is a major event for the UK construction industry. The concrete sector is leading the way with its UK national annex being published last December. This means that, with the exception of bridges and water retaining structures, you can now design structures to Eurocode 2.
     
    Back to news section
     

    References

    1) INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, National strategy for implementation of the structural codes: Design Guidance, 2004.
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    Eurocode2

    New manual for designing concrete building structures to Eurocode 2

    Two new titles published by the IStructE
    Further information and sample pages from these publications, including the full contents, can be viewed by visiting www.istructe.org.uk/eurocode2
     
    Manual for designing concrete building structures to Eurocode 2
    This manual, partly funded by The Concrete Centre and British Cement Association, provides a best practice resource for all structural designers. It covers the design of the majority of reinforced concrete building structures and is the new version of the well known 'little green book'.
     
    It supports the design of structures to BS EN 1992-1-1: 2004 and BS EN 1992-1-2: 2004 for construction in the UK. The limit state design of foundations is included and the initial design of pre-stressed concrete structures is covered. The Nationally Determined Parameters from the UK National Annex have also been incorporated in the design formulae that are presented. Laid out for hand calculation, the procedures are equally suitable for spread sheet and/or computer application.
     
    It is similar in layout to the Institution's earlier manuals on British Standards, and covers the following design stages:
    • General principles that govern the design of the layout of the structure;
    • Initial sizing of members;
    • Estimating of quantities of reinforcement and pre-stressing tendons;
    • Final design of members (except for pre-stressed concrete members).

    Cost and purchase information

    The cost of the publication is £45.00 for IStructE members and £70.00 for non-members. Copies can be ordered online at www.istructe.org.uk 

    Standard method of detailing structural concrete: a manual for best practice

     

    Revised and updated, the new third edition considers the effects of Eurocode 2 on detailing principles and materials and provides guidance consistent with the Eurocodes. In addition, recent changes in practices and procurement of detailing services have been considered, such as the development of increased off-site fabrication and detailing being undertaken later in the construction sequence through initiatives such as constractor detailing.

    Cost and purchase information

    The cost of the publication is £75.00 for IStructE members and £125.00 for non-members. Copies can be ordered online at www.istructe.org.uk/publications

     
     
    Further information and sample pages from these publications, including the full contents, can be viewed by visiting www.istructe.org.uk/eurocode2
     
    Back to news section
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    Eurocode2

    ICE and IStructE launch new Eurocode site

    ICE and IStructE launch new Eurocodes Expert website
    The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) today launch the enhanced Eurocodes Expert website: eurocodes.co.uk. The site aims to be the authoritative source of information on structural Eurocodes and is supported by an extensive range of content partners drawn from the professional bodies, trade associations and Government.
     
    The Eurocodes Expert website will be the UK's leading online information portal on Eurocodes and uses an innovative 'traffic lights' system to indicate the current UK status of each of the 58 Eurocodes parts. The site provides easy access to comprehensive support resources including publications, events and courses provided by the content partners.
     
    ICE Vice-President Scott Steedman commented:"The new Eurocodes Expert website, developed in close conjunction with key construction industry stakeholders, represents a major step forward in our continuing campaign to develop greater awareness and understanding of the Eurocodes amongst the construction industry and the professionals and disciplines connected with it."
     
    The design and content of the new website was overseen by a steering group drawn from the IStructE Standing Committee on the Implementation of the Structural Eurocodes, chaired by Professor David Nethercot OBE and the ICE's Eurocodes Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Professor Haig Gulvanessian CBE.
     
    Professor Gulvanessian commented: "Eurocodes have been many years in their development and there is an urgent need for authoritative information for professionals to implement the codes in practice.  The Eurocodes Expert website provides definitive timely and relevant information available from the desktop."
     
    Professor Nethercot said: 'The revised site should now be viewed as the first place to consult for all those seeking guidance on issues associated with the introduction of the Structural Eurocodes.'
    Content partners for the Eurocodes Expert website include ICE, IStructE, The Concrete Centre, Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), the Brick Development Association (BDA) and the British Masonry Society (BMS).
    The Eurocodes Expert website provides:
    • detailed information on the availability of individual BS EN parts and their UK national annexes
    • full cross-referencing of parts into their constituent codes and structural packages
    • support resources including publications, FAQs, web resources
    • information on the latest development, news, events and training
    • a users' group which provides advice, discounted publications and training and free newsletters
    Structural Eurocodes offer the opportunity of harmonised design standards for the European construction market and the rest of the world. To achieve this, the construction industry needs to effectively implement the Eurocodes so that the maximum advantage can be taken of these opportunities. Eurocodes Expert will be the UK's leading online information portal on Eurocodes responding to and anticipating the need of professionals in the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
    , merchants and manufacturers, to architects, engineers and end users. whether they work for national or local government, client bodies, architectural practices, civil and structural engineering consultancies, main and specialist contractors or house builders.
     
    Back to news section
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    Eurocode2

    BS 8110 Amendment 3

    Amendment 3 to BS 8110:1997 was published in December 2005.  While the amendment is large and affects many clauses the actual changes revolve around two new standards.

    Alignment with BS 8500

    Recommendations for durability are removed from BS8110:1997 and replaced with references regarding exposure classification and durability in BS 8500.  There are also changes in terminology, e.g. the dual cylinder/cube strength notation.
     
    Nominal cover = maximum of minimum covers from BS 8110 for fire, bond etc and from BS 8500 for durability etc + design fixing tolerance, <Delta>   c, (which is taken to be 10 mm unless the fabrication is subject to a quality assurance system in which case <Delta>  cmay be reduced to 5 mm).
     
    For more information download pdf   : How to use BS8500 with BS 8110'. You need to login or register to download this file.
     

    Alignment with BS 4449:2005

    UK industry has agreed to adopt Grade 500 high yield steel for reinforcement.  The 500 MPa strength may be considered being a characteristic strength and such time as there is sufficient data available to demonstrate a return to material factor 1.05, it has been considered wise to increase the material factor to 1.15.  This necessitates many changes, especially 1/105 = to 1/1.15 in many formulae.  Engineers will note that 460/1.05 very nearly equals 500/1.15.
     
    Other changes include:
    • a new tying provision that requires two bottom bars to pass through the tops of columns
    • changes to the anchorage provisions for precast floor, stair or roof members
    • reference to model specification for bonded and unbonded post-tensioned flat slabs
    • updated references
     
    Back to news section
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    Eurocode2

    Eurocodes For Bridges Different But Not Difficult

    Studies carried out by the Highways Agency have found that whilst there will be some areas of change, overall, the new Eurocodes will make little difference to the  final design of common forms of bridges and highway structures.
     
    There are ten structural Eurocodes. For bridges, designers need to refer to a number of these. Concrete bridge design requires Eurocode 0 covering the basis of design, Eurocode 1 to determine the actions to be applied to the structure, Eurocode 2 to determine concrete resistance, Eurocode 4 general rules for bridges and Eurocode 7 for the foundations. In addition, each Eurocode has a National Annex that contains country-specific data.
     
    Studies involving a re-design to Eurocodes of bridges that have already been designed and built to current Highways Agency Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and British Standards have been carried out on a number of different bridge types. These include steel/concrete composite, pre-stressed concrete and reinforced concrete structures. In general, the studies found that the Eurocodes will make little difference to common forms of bridges in terms of member sizes and capacity compared with BS5400 and that they resulted in sectional resistances that were within 10% of those derived from British Standards.
     
    The studies, undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff and Atkins, found the Eurocodes to be less prescriptive, and so offered the opportunity for greater innovation and economy. A notable area of difference using Eurocodes is that of shear in concrete. For sections without shear links, the Eurocode resistance is slightly lower. This reflects the recent research work done in this area. For shear reinforced sections, the variable angle truss model in the Eurocodes offers higher shear resistance. Another area of difference is that Eurocodes treat pre-stressed concrete and reinforced concrete in a consistent manner unlike their separate treatment in BS5400-4.
     
    There will be a notable change to the way that the DMRB works alongside the Eurocodes. The DMRB will no longer reproduce and modify sections of Standards as previously. Instead it will contain information complementary to the Eurocodes. There are currently some 50 BD's and BA's within the DMRB. These will be simplified and consolidated with the development and implementation of the Eurocodes which will result in there being fewer, more-focused DMRB parts for the design of bridges and highway structures. The studies highlighted some common areas of UK practice covered by the DMRB that are not covered in the Eurocodes. For example, the Eurocodes do not contain provision for the distribution of wheel loads through fill surcharge models. Additional guidance is being developed by the Highways Agency for those areas not currently covered.
     
    The designers involved with the studies found that using the Eurocodes presented a steep learning curve. This was to be expected. However, the logic of the Eurocodes soon became apparent as the design principles are generally clear and in some cases the new Eurocodes offered a more logical and mathematical route for bridge design. Overall, the designers found that the codes were different but no more difficult to use.
     
    The implementation of the Eurocodes presents a significant challenge for the UK construction industry. It will open the UK to further European competition but this goes both ways for it will also provide opportunities for UK designers in Europe. The Eurocodes will enable greater design and procurement efficiencies plus cost-savings in pan-European bridge research. For concrete designs, potential cost savings arise from savings in flexural reinforcement and shear reinforcement. Further savings are possible thanks to the code's encouragement to use more complex methods of analysis.
     
    The full implementation of the bridge Eurocodes is expected to happen by 2010 when the British Standards are expected to be withdrawn.
     
    Ref: TCC480
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    Eurocode2

    Eurocode 2

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    Eurocode2

    BS EN 1992-1-1

    The design process will not change as a result of using Eurocode 2, but there is a change of emphasis as Eurocode 2 is laid out to deal with phenomena rather than elements.
     
    In this section these phenomena are explored.

    Information on element design is available from our range of 'How to' guides which are available to download from this website.  

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    Eurocode2

    Flexure

    Flexure
    The design procedure for flexural design is given in an accompanying flow chart; this includes derived formulae based on the simplified rectangular stress block from Eurocode 2. The table below can be used to determine bending moments and shear forces for beams, provided the notes to the table are observed.
     

    Table 3 - Bending moment and shear coefficients for beams

      Moment Shear
    Outer support 25% of span moment 0.45 (G+Q)
    Near middle of end span 0.090 <gamma>  GG/ +0.100 Ql  
    At first interior support -0.094 (<gamma>GG+<gamma>QQ) l 0.63 (G+Q)a
    At middle of interior spans 0.066 <gamma>GGl +0.086 <gamma>QQl  
    At interior supports -0.075 (<gamma>GG+<gamma>QQ) l 0.50 (<gamma>GG+<gamma>QQ)
    Key
    a     0.55 (G+Q) may be used adjacent to the interior span
    Notes
    1     Redistribution of support moments by 15% has been included
    2 Applicable to 3 or more spans only and where Qk<Gk
    3 Minimum span is > 0.85 longest span
    4 l is the span, G is the total of the ULS permanent actions. Q is the total of the ULS variable actions
    Co-efficients for one-way spanning slabs are available in 'Concise Eurocode 2'.
     
    Eurocode 2 offers various methods for determining the stress-strain relationship of concrete. For simplicity and familiarity the method presented here is the simplified rectangular stress block, which is
    similar to that found in BS 8110 (see Figure below).
     

    Simplified rectangular stress block for concrete up to class C50/60 from Eurocode 2

     
    [Fig 3 from 'How to' Beams]  

    Eurocode 2 gives recommendations for the design of concrete up to class C90/105. However, for concrete greater than class C50/60, the stress block is modified. It is important to note that concrete strength is based on the cylinder strength and not the cube strength (i.e. for class C30/37 the cylinder strength ( fck) is 30 MPa, whereas the cube strength is 37 MPa).
    ]]>


    Eurocode2

    Procedure for determining flexural reinforcement

    Design aids for determining flexural reinforcement
    Extract from 'How to' guide Beams  
     
    All links to tables referred to in the flow chart:

    Procedure for determining flexural reinforcement

    Table 4 - Values for K'

    % redistribution  <delta>  (redistribution ratio) K'
    0 1.00 0.205
    5 0.95 0.193
    10 0.90 0.180
    15 0.85 0.166
    20 0.80 0.151
    25 0.75 0.136

    Table 5 - z/d for singly reinforced sections

    K z/d K z/d
    0.01 0.950a 0.11 0.891
    0.02 0.950a 0.12 0.880
    0.03 0.950a 0.13 0.868
    0.04 0.950a 0.14 0.856
    0.05 0.954 0.15 0.843
    0.06 0.944 0.16 0.830
    0.07 0.934 0.17 0.816
    0.08 0.924 0.18 0.802
    0.09 0.913 0.19 0.787
    0.10 0.902 0.20 0.771
    Keya Limiting z to 0.95d is not a requirement of Eurocode 2, but considered to be good practice.


    Table 6 - Minimum percentage of required reinforcement

    fck  fctm Minimum percentage (0.26 fctm / fyka
    25 2.6 0.13%
    28 2.8 0.14%
    30 2.9 0.15%
    32 3.0 0.16%
    35 3.2 0.17%
    40 3.5 0.18%
    45 3.8 0.20%
    50 4.1 0.21%
    Keya Assuming fyk = 500MPa


    Back to Flexure

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    Eurocode2

    Deflection



    Eurocode2

    Shear

    Vertical Shear

    Eurocode 2 introduces the strut inclination method for shear capacity checks. In this method the shear is resisted by concrete struts acting in compression and shear reinforcement acting in tension.

    The angle of the concrete strut varies, depending on the shear force applied (see figure below