The six parts of Eurocode 8 (EN1998: Design of structures for earthquake resistance) cover a very wide range of structures. Part 1 & 5 have recently received technical approval for launching the formal vote for acceptance as a full Euronorm and approval for the remaining four parts is expected to follow within 12 months. After an introduction to the code, the paper discusses its general implications for UK-based designers of earthquake resistant structures in Europe and elsewhere. The extent to which design of UK structures may be affected is also discussed in some detail. Possibilities for the future development of Eurocode 8 are outlined.
The results of the analyses of three slabs using the grillage analogy (with various methods for approximating the equivalent grillage members properties) and finite element analysis are compared with theoretical solutions, where available. The examples demonstrate some of the disadvantages of using the grillage analogy for analysing slabs which can lead to erroneous results. It is concluded that the use of finite element analysis is preferred and that the use of the grillage method should be avoided. Stuart R. Gordon, BSc, MSc, CEng, MICE Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Prof. Ian M. May, BEng, MSc, PhD, CEng, FIStructE, FICE Professor of Civil Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh