Author: Steve Denton
22 July 2025
Steve Denton
Free
Design standards play a fundamental role in the construction sector, impacting the activities of civil and structural engineers around the world. Against a backdrop of increasing length and complexity, over the years there have been many calls for design standards to be simplified. Using the evolution of the structural Eurocodes as an exemplar, which the presenter has led for the past decade as Chair of CEN/TC 250, the root causes for the changing character of design standards is examined and the potential risks and consequences of a misdirected drive for simplification is explored. Recommendations to mitigate these risks and enable user-orientated standards to be developed is presented drawing upon the CEN/TC 250 focus on enhancing ease of use, fib Model Code 2020 level of approximation approach and the future digital development and consumption of design standards
The future of design standards – has simplification become unaffordable?
Steve Denton is an internationally recognised bridge engineering authority who combines strategic business leadership with deep technical involvement in complex engineering, research, and construction projects. He was elected Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2023, an is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers. Steve is the Chairman of CEN/TC 250, the international committee with overall responsibility for the Structural Eurocodes where he is leading the development of the second generation of the Eurocodes. In addition, he is a visiting Professor at the University of Bath, a trustee of Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, a Non-exec Director of CIRIA, and a member of the fib presidium.
A guided walk of London's greatest ever downpour.
This course covers the design of common structural elements to Eurocode 2. Participants will be introduced to concrete material properties and learn about designing for durability and fire.
Through a series of interactive sessions this course helps experienced practitioners take their conceptual design skills to the next level.