New national annex drafted by SCI

National Annex to EN 1993-1-3, the section of Eurocode 3 that deals with cold formed members and sheeting, is currently being drafted by SCI.

The work, which received funding from Corus Strip Products (UK), was the result of extensive background research and an in- depth comparison between the Eurocode and the British Standards that it will replace.

Dr Martin Heywood, Manager of Construction Technology at SCI, said: “The drafting process began with an inaugural meeting of the industry steering group in May, at which the focus of the forthcoming technical work was agreed.”

Also at the meeting a timetable of publication was agreed and it is hoped a first draft will be complete this month (September), to allow publication early in 2008.

“This is good news for both specifiers and manufacturers of light gauge steel sections and building systems, as the National Annex will include several essential provisions for UK practice,” said Dr Heywood.

The Annex will include an expanded list of allowable steel grades and conversion factors to allow the use of existing structural test results.

Dr Heywood added: “The importance of the document is reflected in the enthusiastic support from the industry, including offers of financial support, for which SCI is naturally grateful.”