AN OVERVIEW OF THE STRUCTURAL EUROCODES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AGENCY

This article provides an outline of forthcoming European codes of practice (Eurocodes) for structural design of buildings and civil engineering structures. The common basic rules of structural design follow the requirements for public safety and serviceability of structures based on the principle of risk in terms of reliability conditions. The codes have existed as European pre-standards for some years and are now being converted to full European standards. The codes cover basis of design; actions on structures; design of concrete structures; design of steel structures; design of composite steel and concrete structures; design of timber structures; design of masonry structures; geotechnical design; design of structures for earthquake resistance; and design of aluminium structures. Issues contained include safety, serviceability and durability; risk management; loading combinations; geotechnics; partial safety factors; and seismic resistance.