The Structural Eurocodes have defined the standards for structural and geotechnical design since the corresponding British Standards were withdrawn in 2010. For a structural steel fabricator with an integrated process that spans survey, design, detailing, fabrication and installation, the Eurocodes play a significant part in the life of our business.
As well as standards affecting the general design and execution of steel structures, the Eurocodes cover everything including structural analysis and material properties under a range of loading conditions.
They also cover actions such as fire, snow, temperature, accidents, and actions during the execution of a building. There are also specific codes relating to composite steel and concrete structures.
Second Generation Eurocodes Are Coming
It’s expected that the second generation Eurocodes will start implementation from 2026, with an end date of 2028 by which time all countries are expected to withdraw any first generation documents.
Obviously, we’re taking a keen interest in what these next generation Eurocodes will entail, while still ensuring full compliance with the existing standards.
The good news is that the driving force is to make the guidance and documentation as user-friendly as possible. This can only bring greater clarity to how the standards are applied in practice.
In terms of substantive differences, the indications from the many working groups and sub-committies are that there will be extensions of current rules for assessing existing structures, with stricter requirements affecting robustness and resilience to climate change.
Project Implications
Indications are that there will be new Eurocodes affecting structural glass and fibre-polymer composite structures of the type we deploy in some hybrid solutions.
Also relevant for FTE will be sections concerning the effects of waves and currents on coastal structures – we’ve contributed to design and installation strategies on several structures over the years that would be in scope, including lifeboat stations and artificial nesting structures.
For now, it’s a watching brief: fully applying the existing codes while starting to assess the implications for our intelligent integration approach to delivery. You can find out more about intelligent integration and how it could benefit your projects by accessing our free information hub below.
