Eurocode 7: a European geotechnical design code

This article describes the general background to and objectives of the Eurocodes programme. Eurocode 7, Geotechnical design, is then discussed in more detail. The code is divided into 4 parts as follows. Part 1: General technical design. General design rules. This standardises the general technical design rules for building and engineering works. It covers geotechnical data, fill, dewatering and ground improvements, foundations, retaining structures, embankments and slopes. Design, supervision of construction, monitoring and maintenance are all covered. Part 2 covers standards for laboratory testing on soil and rock materials. Part 3 covers field testing and sampling of soils and rocks. Part 4 covers rules for specialized elements and structures. The engineers and scientists responsible for each part are listed. Some provide additional notes and information about the code, or discuss specific parts of it. For the covering abstract see IRRD 862422.