Reliability: the practical application of Eurocode BS EN 1990

The introduction of the Eurocodes has generated a number of guides and advice notes. However, most concentrate on the materials sections of the code. BS EN 1990 (Basis of structural design) has not received as much attention and yet is a vital element of the suite. This paper concentrates on the reliability aspects which underpin the Eurocodes. It attempts to set them into a practical project-based context, comments on the wider issues of responsibility, and suggests interpretations where it is considered that the code is unclear. The paper does not consider specialist structures such as dams and nuclear facilities or structures which may be outside the scope of the code. It is illustrated that engineering judgment is required in order to use the code competently.

John Carpenter, CEng, FICE, FIStructE, CFIOSH
Consultant