Eurocode DevelopmentThe objectives of the Eurocodes are:
- To serve as recognised technical specifications for demonstration and proof of compliance of buildings and civil engineering works with the relevant requirements for structural safety and serviceability.
- To promote the free movement of goods and services within the member states of the European Union by removing obstacles arising from different rules for calculation and design.
- To serve as a basis for reference in contracts for public and private construction works, within and outside the European Union.
- To reinforce the competitive position in the European construction industry in markets outside the Union, in particular, by offering an advance concept of calculation and design.
Eurocodes are intended as common unified design codes for different load bearing structures constructed from different materials, based on the Limit State Design Concept. They are and intended for common use in all European Union member states to eventually replace current national design codes.
Structures are currently designed to standards produced in individual countries. It is intended, however, that within the next 7 years structural engineers in 18 European countries will be designing to the same Codes of Practice, and that within 20 years most of the world will be designing to these same Standards.
Please click here to view the anticipated Eurocode publication dates.
None of the Eurocodes can be used without the relevant National Annex. Following the publication of each Eurocode part there is a two-year period for the production of the National Annex for each country.
There is then a co-existence period with the National Codes of up to three years from when the final part of a package of Eurocodes, together with their National Annexes, becomes available. Conflicting National Standards (e.g. BS5950, BS6399 etc) will then be withdrawn. It is estimated that British Standards will start to be withdrawn for this reason in late 2009 or early 2010. Further information will be provided once withdrawal dates for any of the British Standards are known.
The ODPM has published a guidance document entitled the Implementation of Structural Eurocodes in the UK, which explains in simple terms the components of the Eurocodes and the necessary steps that European Member States are required to take in order to implement the regulations nationally. The entire document can be viewed or downloaded on the ODPM website by clicking here.
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