New Eurocode for steel bridges

The BSI has issued a new Eurocode for the design of steel bridges. The code known as BS EN 1993-2: 2006 ‘Design of Steel Structures – Part 2 Steel Bridges’ partly supersedes BS 5400-3, which according to BSI will be withdrawn in March 2010 at the latest.

Dr David Moore, BCSA Director of Engineering said members should be aware that this standard can not be used in the UK without a National Annex.

“Following publication of this Eurocode there has to be a period of two years allowed for national calibration and the development of a National Annex (NA),” explained Dr Moore.

Consequently, the NA for this new Eurocode is not due until November 2008. “But, I am aware that the Highways Agency has been working on the NA for sometime and this may bring forward the publication date,” he added.

Dr Moore also advised members although there is no need to rush out to buy this standard yet, it would be prudent to develop an in-house strategy that anticipates the introduction of this latest Eurocode for bridges.