News
New European standard for fabrication and erection
From early 2008 a new European standard for the fabrication and erection of steel structures, known as EN 1090-2, is set to replace the current British Standards.
“The standard for the Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures is currently with the CEN project team, but will go for formal vote this year and when approved it will replace both BS 5950-2 and BS 5400-6,” said Dr David Moore, BCSA Director of Engineering.
“There are a number of significant differences between the old and forthcoming standards that specifiers, designers and steelwork contractors should be aware of,” said Dr Moore.
EN 1090-2 introduces the concept of Execution Classes. There are four of these classes and each one details requirements for safety in critical structures.
Execution Class One relates to farm buildings, while Two, Three and Four cover buildings, bridges and special structures such as power stations respectively.
Each class has a set of parameters governing fabrication and erection, and these include traceability, marking, tolerances and welding quality management.
“Specifiers can classify structures, components or details in terms of the Execution Class, or there may be over-riding national regulations that do so,” added Dr Moore.
The standard also makes Welding Quality Management to BS EN ISO 3834 mandatory through the Execution Classes.
“This means that the quality system shall cover all procedures as detailed in the appropriate part of BS EN ISO 3834. Depending on the Execution Class, the steelwork contractor will need to identify a responsible welding coordinator,” summed up Dr Moore.