Projects and Features
Countdown to Eurocode Implementation
Before you can design…
You need the Eurocodes for loading and for material resistance. Each part of every Eurocode has a National Annex, unique to the country where the structure is to be built, which you will also need.
Most Eurocode parts are published, but not all the National Annexes.
An important National Annex that has not yet been published is for EN 1991-1-4, which is the code for wind loading. No design in any material can properly start until this is published—it is expected later in 2007.
The National Annex for both the Steel and Composite Eurocodes are expected to be published by the end of 2007 so design will be possible from early 2008.
Don’t be put off – Eurocode design can be simple. See the New Steel Construction article in Apr 2005 Vol 13 No 4 (visit www.new-steel-construction.com and search the archive).
Help for Steel Designers
There is a great deal of work underway to help designers use the Eurocodes for steel design. Software will be modified, and a range of guidance published. These Eurocode guides will be ready at the end of the year:
- Revised “Blue Book” and “Red Book” (section tables and resistances)
- Introduction to the Eurocodes
- Loading guide
- Worked examples
- Concise guide for building design
- Multi-storey frame guide
- Student worked examples
- Bridge design guides (2008)
Work is also underway to provide concise advice on connection design.
Guidance is already available at www.access-steel.com
What next?
Look out for news on the publication of important National Annexes—they will be publicised in New Steel Construction.
Over the coming months, more articles will be devoted to explaining the Eurocodes. Examples and guidance can already be found through the Access Steel website, including interactive worked examples.
Eurocode courses are already available from the SCI – see www.steel-sci.org/courses. Half day overviews, two-day and evening courses are available.
The BCSA will also be organising events such as the joint event with TWI to discuss pr EN 10990 on structural fabrication to be held on 23rd May 2007.
Corus will be organising road show events across the UK in 2008. These will be announced in New Steel Construction nearer the time.
