Eurocode project

Eurocode Implementation - Updated December 2010

Contents

This website hosts information on the Highways Agency's implementation of Eurocodes.

The Agency intends to update this website regularly.

Please Note: The Highways Agency and its consultants do not accept any liability for any inaccuracies/errors in the information provided on these pages.

Eurocode project

Introduction to the Eurocodes

There are ten structural Eurocodes, covering design principles, loading on structures, design with different materials, geotechnical design and design for earthquake resistance. The ten Eurocodes are shown below:

The way they fit together is shown by the below diagram:

Eurocodes

The ten Eurocodes are further divided into parts covering individual types of structures, such as buildings, bridges, silos, towers and masts. In total, there are 58 parts to the ten Eurocodes.

The Highways Agency's work is associated with the 24 Eurocode parts that are most relevant to bridge design and the new European Execution Standards for steel and concrete. A brief summary of these is as follows:

Eurocode - Basis of Design
BS EN1990 Basis of Design  Much of this standard contains general principles for safety reliability and durability of structures.  Annex A2 is of particular importance to bridge engineers, as this contains all the material-independent partial factors and the combination rules for bridges.
Eurocode 1 - Actions on Structures
BS EN1991-1-1 General actions. Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings For bridge engineers this part contains information of the densities of different materials and some specific information for bridges such as specific provisions for fill above buried structures and surfacing.
BS EN1991-1-3 General actions. Snow Loads This part mostly contains rules for snow load application to roofs and therefore bridge engineers will most likely use it only for covered bridges, such as footbridges.
BS EN1991-1-4 General actions. Wind actions This part includes a section for the calculation of wind actions on bridges, similar to the provisions in BS5400-2 and BD37.  The wind actions part also contains informative annexes on Vortex shedding and aeroelastic instabilities, and dynamic characteristics of structures.
BS EN1991-1-5 General actions. Thermal actions The thermal actions part contains provisions for calculating the effects of expansion/contract and temperature difference on bridges.
BS EN1991-1-6 General actions. Actions during execution 'Actions during execution' refers to the actions that a structure would be subject to during its construction, refurbishment or full/partial demolition.  This part covers construction loads and situations that should be considered during execution.
BS EN1991-1-7 General actions. Accidental actions The accidental actions part includes provisions for vehicle collision on piers and superstructures along with issues such as shipping impact.
BS EN1991-2 Traffic loads on bridges The standard Eurocodes traffic loading models are contained in this part.  Abnormal vehicles are likely to be defined in the UK National Annex.  This part also contains the rules for assembling load groups to be applied to the structure.
Eurocode 2 - Design of Concrete Structures
BS EN1992-1-1 General. Common rules and rules for buildings In general, part 1-1 of each material-specific Eurocode part contains the common rules for buildings, bridges and other structures.  Hence, most of the rules that bridge engineers will use for determining sectional resistance are contained in this part, but will be supplemented by specific bridges rules in part 2.
BS EN1992-2 Concrete bridges - Design and detailing rules The concrete bridges part must be read in conjunction with the general requirements part and contains additions and modifications specific to bridges.  An example of this is the durability requirements for bridges.
BS EN1992-3 Liquid retaining and containment structures This part might not be obviously applicable to bridges, but the liquid retaining and containment structures part contains provisions for early thermal cracking that will probably be applicable for bridges.  Further information on the application of this is likely to be published in due course.
Eurocode 3 - Design of Steel Structures
BS EN1993-1-1 General. Common rules and rules for buildings This part contains rules for section classification, sectional resistance, axial and flexural buckling, amongst others.
BS EN1993-1-5 Plated structural elements When plate buckling has a significant effect the supplementary rules in part 1-5 will be used.  This part includes rules for the design of stiffened plates, stiffeners, shear buckling etc.
BS EN1993-1-8 Design of joints This part contains provisions for determining the resistance of bolted, welded and riveted connections.
BS EN1993-1-9 Fatigue The fatigue part of Eurocode 3 replaces BS5400-10 for determining the fatigue resistance of structural details.
BS EN1993-1-10 Material toughness and through thickness properties This part contains design requirements for the selection of steel for fracture toughness and for through thickness properties of welded elements where there is a significant risk of lamellar tearing during fabrication.
BS EN1993-1-11 Design of structures with tension components Part 1-11 contains design rules for tension components, including tensioned bars and cables that by the nature of their connection to the structure are adjustable.
BS EN1993-2 Steel bridges The steel bridges part supplements and modifies the provisions in the general rules.  Partial factors for use with steel bridges are contained in this part, as well as bridges-specific rules.
BS EN1993-5 Piling This part contains specific rules relating to the design of steel piles.
Eurocode 4 - Design of composite steel and concrete structures
BS EN1994-2 General rules and rules for bridges Unlike Eurocodes 2,3 and 5, the bridges part of Eurocode 4 is a stand-alone document and bridge designers will not need to cross reference to BS EN1994-1-1.
Eurocode 5 - Design of timber structures
BS EN1995-1-1 General. Common rules and rules for buildings. The general rules for timber structures are contained in this part.
BS EN1995-2 Bridges Specific rules for timber bridges, amending and modifying the rules in part 1-1, are contained in this part.
Eurocode 7 - Geotechnical design
BS EN1997-1 General rules Part 1 of the geotechnical design Eurocodes contains information on the specific geotechnical limit states, design approaches and principles that should be followed when designing geotechnical structures.
Eurocode 8 - Design of structures for earthquake resistance
BS EN1998-2 Bridges This part contains specific rules relating to the design of bridges for earthquake resistance.
Execution Standards
EN1090 Steel / Aluminium This new European Execution Standard will provide specifications for the execution (construction) of steel and aluminium structures.
EN13670 Concrete This new European Execution Standard will provide specifications for the execution (construction) of concrete structures.
Introduction to the Eurocodes

Eurocodes Progress

Update on publication status

An update on the publication status of Eurocodes and UK National Annexes can be found on the BSI website.

The Eurocode Expert website also provides an update on the publication status of Eurocodes and UK National Annexes.

Eurocodes Progress

The Highways Agency's role in Eurocodes

 Implementation of Eurocodes: Phase 2

As a public body, the Highways Agency now expresses its requirements for the design of new and modification of existing structures (including geotechnical works) in terms of Eurocodes.  The Agency has been preparing for the introduction of Eurocodes for some time now, and its technical experts have been involved in the drafting of the Eurocodes and the National Annexes.

The Agency, along with a number of leading consultants, have been examining the potential impact of the new codes during their development and in 2003 the Agency awarded framework contracts to Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and Atkins to assist with the implementation. 

The objectives of the Agency's project are:

The Highways Agency's Project Manager for the Implementation of Eurocodes is Hideo Takano.

Institution of Structural Engineers: Standing Committee for the Implementation of Eurocodes

The Institution of Structural Engineers established the Standing Committee in response to a recommendation in the report prepared by the Institution for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.  The report called for a group to be established to monitor all aspects of the process of implementation of the Eurocodes and to advise on changes to the strategy that will be necessary as the process progresses.

Whilst the Standing Committee is an Institution committee, it acts on behalf of the structural engineering community and involves representatives from a wide range of organisations covering all sectors of the industry.  The first meeting was held on 3 December 2004 at the Institution's headquarters to discuss the workings of the committee and the most recent meeting was held on 1 November 2007.  Further details may be obtained from the Institution of Structural Engineers website.

Professor David Nethercot is the Chairman of the committee and the Technical Secretary is Dr. Sue Doran. The terms of reference for the committee are to oversee, update and modify the strategy for implementation of structural Eurocodes in the UK.

Sibdas Chakrabarti represents the Highways Agency on the Committee, and there are a number of other representatives from across the profession and the industry.

The Highways Agency’s role in Eurocodes

Highways Agency Eurocodes Strategy

Highways Agency Strategy

The Agency has been preparing for the introduction of Eurocodes for several years, and has developed a strategy for their introduction with the following objectives:

This strategy is being executed by the Highways Agency in coordination with the Overseeing Organisations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in liaison with interested industry bodies. There are regular meetings with the representatives of the Overseeing Organisations to discuss progress on Eurocodes and their implementation.

The strategy translates into a number of different areas of work, which can be categorised as follows:

Strategy for guidance - NCCI and the DMRB

There will be a notable change to the way the DMRB works alongside the Eurocodes.  The DMRB can no longer reproduce and modify sections of Standards in a manner familiar to users of Standards such as BD37 or BD13.  Instead the DMRB can only contain information that is complementary to the Eurocodes, along with the Overseeing Organisations' additional (non-contradictory) requirements.

Currently there are about 60 BDs and BAs related to the design of bridges and other highway structures.  These are being scrutinised and categorised: some information relates solely to the British Standards and will therefore be superseded; some information contains the Overseeing Organisations' additional requirements and will be retained in a form complementary to the Eurocodes; some information is out of date and will be withdrawn; and some is useful guidance material, which will be retained in a complementary format. Standards applicable to assessments will be retained.

Similarly, the Eurocodes have been examined to determine what additional requirements will be needed to meet the Overseeing Organisations' objectives for bridges to be safe, economic, maintainable, adaptable and durable.  There will also be a need for some additional guidance to help designers apply the Eurocodes.

Information that falls under the banner of 'guidance' will be promulgated using the most appropriate means.  Consideration is being given to publishing some complementary information in the DMRB, but most will be published as BSI "Published Documents".  Recognising that some guidance is most effectively developed and maintained by industry bodies, the Agency will also be encouraging the industry to publish complementary guidance information for the Eurocodes.

The Agency is taking the opportunity to consolidate and simplify the information that is in the bridge design parts (including soil-structure interaction, ancillary structures and components) of the DMRB.  This will result in there being fewer, more-focused DMRB parts for the design of highway structures.

Implementation of Eurocodes by the Highways Agency

The Agency now expresses its requirements for the design of new and modification of existing highway structures in terms of Eurocodes. (Interim Advice Note IAN 123/10)

The complete suite of Eurocodes needed for the design of highway structures and the associated Execution Standards, which state the requirements for construction, are now fully published.

The Agency expects to soon publish a second Interim Advice Note to provide guidance on the use of Eurocodes for the design of highway structures (this will be followed by the publication of the implementation standard at a later date).  The document will include clarification of specific Eurocode requirements, a list of clauses in Published Documents that constitute the default means of compliance, status of DMRB documents for use with Eurocodes and project specific information that need to be recorded.

Critical HA documents being reviewed and amended as part of the development of the implementation standard include the various DMRB documents related to structural design, Technical Approval of Highway Structures (BD2) and the Specification for Highway Works (SHW).

For safety reasons, the mixed use of British Standards and Eurocodes in design is not be permitted.

Currently the Agency has no plan to implement Eurocodes for assessments of highway structures.  It is the Agency's intention to require that assessments continue to be undertaken to existing HA standards until further notice, unless the TAA is consulted and convinced that there will be sufficient technical information to aid the assessment, as well as advantages in using Eurocodes instead of the existing standards for the assessment situation concerned.

For modifications to highway structures, such as strengthening, upgrading, widening and replacement of structural elements or components, the Agency now specifies Eurocodes as the default design standards to be used.  Details of application of Eurocodes in the various modification scenarios will be given in the upcoming Interim Advice Note.

Highways Agency Eurocodes Strategy

Using the Eurocodes for bridge design

 Introduction

Over the years numerous design studies have been carried out to develop and validate the rules in Eurocodes.  These studies involved using the Eurocodes to re-design structures that had already been designed and built to current Highways Agency and British Standards.

The Agency has identified a number of objectives for these studies, including:

Studies Undertaken

The Eurocodes have been used on studies on a number of different bridges including steel/concrete composite, pre-stressed concrete and reinforced concrete.  Studies have been carried out using Eurocodes to design superstructures, substructures and buried structures.   All of the bridges used in the studies had previously been designed to current British Standards and the DMRB.

The studies involved using the Eurocodes to design the structural elements originally designed using British Standards.  This included using the Eurocodes traffic loading model instead of the BS5400/BD37 model.

Some of the studies also involved developing a new Approval in Principle form for the Eurocodes, developing draft specification documents, and a review of European product and execution standards to determine if they will affect the specification.

Principal Findings of Studies

In general the studies have all found that the Eurocodes would make little difference to common forms of bridges and highway structures in terms of member sizes and, compared on a like for like basis, the Eurocodes generally resulted in sectional resistances that were within 10% of the results from the British Standards.  Some notable differences exist, particularly for shear in concrete: for sections without shear links the resistance in accordance with the Eurocodes is slightly lower, reflecting more recent work done in this area; for shear reinforced sections the variable angle truss model in the Eurocodes offers notably higher shear resistance.  Another noteworthy issue is that the Eurocodes treat pre-stressed concrete and reinforced concrete in a consistent manner, rather than the separate treatment as in BS5400-4.  Despite there being little overall difference to the design outcomes in these studies, it should be noted that the Eurocodes do offer greater scope for innovation.

As stated earlier the studies included a preliminary assessment of the impact of Eurocodes on technical approval.  The Eurocodes themselves do not change the role of the Technical Approval Authority (TAA), but will, of course, have an effect on the practices.  There will be obvious effects on the BD2 Approval in Principle (AIP) form, such as the need to change the sections on loading from the current type HA and HB loads to the Eurocodes traffic models, and the need for the Technical Approval Schedule to reference the Eurocodes. An extra appendix will also be needed in which designers record the options and their choices where allowed in the Eurocodes.

The outcomes from the studies also highlighted some common areas of UK practice that are not covered in the Eurocodes.  This informed the work being done to develop additional complementary guidance.  Of particular note is that the Eurocodes do not contain provisions for the distribution of wheel loads through fill, surcharge models, and do not explicitly cover integral bridges.  Guidance on all of these aspects is at an advanced stage of development. The studies also discovered a small number of areas in the Eurocodes where the design provision is not clear.  This is important feedback which will be recorded and reported back to the relevant committee at CEN (the European Committee for Standardisation) for consideration in future Eurocodes maintenance activities.

The studies involved a significant learning curve for the designers, as would be expected.  The designers observed that the Eurocodes are generally more academic, with clauses expressed in a more "mathematical" style than the British Standards.  They also found that although the design principles are generally clear, it is not always obvious how they should be satisfied.  However during the course of studies the designers involved quickly became conversant in the Eurocodes, and found them to be different to use but not necessarily more difficult.

Perhaps the most significant finding of the studies was that it is possible to design common types of highway bridges using the Eurocodes and in some cases they are more logical. This is a reassuring confirmation that Eurocodes can be used, although further training and guidance will be necessary.

Challenges and opportunities

The introduction of Eurocodes presents significant challenges and opportunities to the construction industry.  The potential to open the sector to wider, pan-European competition should lead to greater choice when procuring construction services, and there exists a challenge for the British industry to adapt to a potential increase in competition.  The introduction of the Eurocodes also increases the potential for significant cost savings in pan-European research and resolution of technical issues.

Designers in the UK must be prepared for the introduction of Eurocodes or risk being left behind by their European counterparts.

Using the Eurocodes for bridge design

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Eurocodes?

The Eurocodes are pan-European structural design codes.  There are ten Eurocodes in a total of 58 parts covering: basis of design; actions on structures; design of structural elements in concrete, steel, composite steel and concrete, timber, masonry and aluminium; together with geotechnical and seismic design. They cover the design of bridges, buildings, silos, tanks, pipelines, towers, masts and more.

Why develop Eurocodes?

In 1975, the Commission of the European Community decided on an action programme in the field of construction based on Article 95 of the Treaty of Rome. The objective of the programme was the elimination of technical obstacles to trade and the harmonisation of technical specifications. The introduction of Eurocodes will eliminate the technical obstacles to trade that exist because of differing design codes in Europe, and will harmonise technical specifications for public procurement, thus creating a more open marketplace.

The introduction of the Eurocodes should enable access to a marketplace estimated in 2004 at £1.5bn annually, and will allow greater opportunities for harmonised research across the Union, saving a considerable amount of money.

What are the National Annexes?

The Eurocodes allow choice of safety related parameters and certain country-specific data, known collectively as Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs).  Each country can publish its chosen values for the NDPs in a National Annex that will accompany the Eurocode part.

The parameters left open for national choice are, generally: partial safety factors; the chosen design life for structures; country specific data such as snow maps, wind maps, isotherm maps and seismic maps; certain additional information on aspects such as durability; some additional safety-related parameters; and decisions on the status of informative annexes in the Eurocode part.  In addition, the National Annex may contain references to non-contradictory complementary information.

The National Annex combined with the national title page and national foreword form the British Standard implementing the European Standard.  All UK National Annexes relevant to bridge design have now been published and must be used in conjunction with the Eurocodes.

What are the differences between the Eurocodes and the British Standards? Is there a different design philosophy?

The Eurocodes are limit state codes like the British Standards, although are perhaps a little more explicitly based in reliability theory.  Many of the Eurocode rules are based on the same theory as the British Standards, although the Eurocodes embody the most up to date research on many aspects of structural behaviour.

The Eurocode clauses are structured in a slightly different way in that they contain principles that must be satisfied and application rules that offer a way of satisfying the principles.  This is intended to stimulate innovation.  The Eurocodes are also less prescriptive than the British Standards, with more aspects left open to the designer.

Are the Eurocodes mandatory?

Under the Public Procurement Directive, the Member States must accept designs to the Eurocodes. When published, the Eurocodes will become the standard technical specification for all public works contracts: where a contract for a public body contains a technical specification this should reference the appropriate European Standards. Accordingly, the Highways Agency will be obliged to specify Eurocodes for the design of new highway structures in contracts made after 31 March 2010.

Whilst it will not be mandatory to design to the Eurocodes in the UK, should a designer propose alternative design standards, they will have to demonstrate that the alternative is of 'technical equivalence' to a Eurocode solution. As the British Standards Institution (BSI) will not maintain the withdrawn UK standards, in reality there will be little option but to use the Eurocodes.The engineering industry is therefore encouraged to prepare for the changeover to Eurocodes as soon as practicable.

(See also answer to the question below on the application of Eurocodes for assessments.)

Are Eurocodes for assessment or just for new design?

The Eurocodes are for the design of new structures.  They also cover engineering principles that could be used to form the basis of assessment of structures or structural elements.

The Highways Agency currently has no plan to pursue the use of Eurocodes for assessments, as the current DMRB advice notes and standards are sufficiently comprehensive and versatile to cover the assessment of various highway structures.

The use of Eurocodes for assessments will only be considered acceptable if, in the opinion of the TAA, there is sufficient technical information to aid the assessment; further, that there are advantages in using Eurocodes instead of the existing standards for the assessment situation concerned..

What is the target date for the introduction of Eurocodes to the UK?

All 58 Eurocode parts are now available, and all bridge-related National Annexes are now published.  The Eurocodes will co-exist with the current National Standards until 31 March 2010, at which point BSI is expected to withdraw all conflicting National Standards and the Eurocodes become the main structural design standards in the UK.

When will the Eurocodes be used for bridge design?

The publication of National Annexes required for UK bridge design is now complete.

The Agency expects to publish guidance and requirements for the design of highway structures using Eurocodes in a new Interim Advice Note (to be followed by the publication of the implementation standard at a later date).

After the conflicting National Standards are withdrawn (currently scheduled for 31 March 2010), the Agency will specify that the Eurocodes, as implemented by the Agency, be used as the default standards for the design of highway structures on the trunk road network..

Find out more about the Agency's strategy for the Implementation of Eurocodes.

How will the Eurocodes relate to the DMRB?

The review of the existing DMRB with regard to Eurocodes is ongoing and the Agency is taking the opportunity to rationalise the content with a view to making it consistent with the principles of Eurocodes. There will be fewer, more focussed DMRB parts that contain the additional (non-contradictory) requirements of the Overseeing Organisations.  The review so far has shown that some of the DMRB standards may have to be withdrawn, some should be modified to align with the design rules in the Eurocodes, while others could remain unchanged to support the assessment standards.

In addition to the DMRB, the Agency is also working with BSI's bridges committee to prepare non-contradictory complementary information (NCCI) for the design of highway structures as Published Documents.

What are BSI Published Documents? 

Published Documents, or PDs, are BSI documents that hold a lower status than a Standard.  Some UK specific non-contradictory complementary information (NCCI) for bridges will be published in PDs and this information will be referenced in the National Annexes.  Much of the NCCI is likely to be from the current National codes that will be withdrawn, but a wide variety of NCCI from other sources will also be referenced.

The BSI intends to publish a number of PDs relating specifically to the design of bridges.  This includes background information for the National Annexes, and in some cases residual information from BS 5400 that has been adapted to compliment the Eurocodes, for the following parts of the Eurocodes:

  • Actions: BS EN 1991-1-4 (wind actions), BS EN 1991-1-5 (thermal actions), BS EN 1991-1-7 (accident actions) and BS EN 1991-2 (traffic actions
  • Materials: BS EN 1992-1-1 (concrete general), BS EN 1992-2 (concrete bridges), BS EN 1993-1-9 (fatigue in steel), BS EN 1993-1-10 (fracture in steel), BS EN 1993-2 (steel bridges) and BS EN 1994-2 (composite bridges)
  • Geotechnics: BS EN 1997-1 (geotechnics general, including additional complementary information on the design of geotechnical aspects for bridge elements such as foundations, earth retaining structures and integral abutments)
  • Earthquake design: BS EN 1998 Parts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 (earthquake design)
  • Bearings design to BS EN 1337
  • Execution of steel structures to BS EN 1090-2

Some of the PDs mentioned above have already been published.  For a full publication schedule refer to the BSI website.

How will the Eurocodes affect Technical Approval Procedures?

The role of the TAA is considered essential in ensuring safety and reliability even after Eurocodes are implemented, by ensuring compliance with standards.

The current Technical Approval Procedure is in the process of being reviewed to identify amendments required to accommodate the use of Eurocodes.  Interim requirements for Technical Approval of highway structures will be published via a new Interim Advice Note.

Are the Eurocodes as safe as current UK standards?

The Eurocodes are regarded to be safe and reliable and have already been used in Europe on a number of landmark structures.

The Agency is reviewing the Eurocodes with regard to safety. The partial safety factors in the National Annexes are determined by the UK and will ensure a level of reliability compatible with the existing UK standards. This is backed by a number of trial / parallel design studies commissioned by the Agency, which show that Eurocode design was largely comparable with design to British Standards.

Will Eurocode designs cost more to construct?

The numerous studies carried out so far indicate that the Eurocodes will have little or no effect on member sizes and quantities in common design situations.  This has been confirmed by the trial / parallel design studies commissioned by the Agency. The less prescriptive approach of the Eurocodes should also allow greater scope for innovation and encourage designers to use advanced analysis techniques which, combined with the more open marketplace and greater competition brought about by the implementation of Eurocodes, should lead to better value for money.

It is worth noting, though, that at least initially the actual design process is expected to be more costly - due to designers having to become familiar with the Eurocodes.

Will there be design guides for the Eurocodes?

Yes. A comprehensive set of designer's guides is being published by Thomas Telford etc, with industry bodies developing a considerable amount of additional guidance.  The Useful links page provides links to websites managed by the steel and the concrete industries where guidance is available..

Will bridges have to be re-assessed to the new Eurocode loading and principles?

No, the assessment programme will not be affected by the changeover to Eurocodes.  In addition, there are no plans to strengthen or remediate existing structures to suit Eurocodes.

What is BSI's involvement in the Eurocodes?

BSI holds the secretariat for CEN (European Committee for Standardization) technical committee TC250, responsible for the Eurocodes, and is the lead organisation for Eurocodes in Europe.  BSI publishes the Eurocodes as BS EN standards and is the secretariat for the British Committees that oversee British interests in the Eurocodes.

How is the Highways Agency involved? 

The Highways Agency has been reviewing and commenting on the Eurocodes insofar as they relate to bridges, influencing the National Annexes relating to the General parts of the Eurocodes, and writing the National Annexes relating to the bridges and other highway structures parts of the Eurocodes.  We have provided the National Technical Contacts for the Bridge parts of the Eurocodes and played an active part in the development of the Eurocodes in the early years.  We have also played an instrumental role in the preparation of the BSI Published Documents containing NCCI for UK bridge design.

Find out more about the Agency's role in Eurocodes.

With which Authorities is the Agency co-ordinating?

With BSI; Communities and Local Government; BRE, Communities and Local Government's consultant on the Buildings and General Eurocodes; the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS, formerly BERR/DTI); the Office of Government Commerce (OGC); CSS; Network Rail, and Overseeing Organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How is highway loading addressed in the Eurocodes? 

Normal highway loading is specified in Eurocode 1 Part 2 and supplemented by provisions in the National Annex.  This load model comprises a tandem axle system acting in conjunction with a uniformly distributed load.  Abnormal loading is specified in the National Annex to Eurocode 1 Part 2.  The forthcoming Interim Advice Note will specify which special vehicle load model is appropriate depending on the type of highway.

Will example bridge designs be carried out? 

The Agency has carried out several studies using the Eurocodes to design typical highway bridges to examine their effect on safety, economy, technical approvals, specification and to establish the need for additional guidance.

A series of "Designer's Guidance to Eurocodes" have been published, some of which cover the design of bridges.  In addition, it is expected that industry bodies such as the Steel Construction Institute and the Concrete Centre will publish example bridge designs using Eurocodes.  Click on the links to their websites on the Useful links page where more information is available.

What is the impact of Eurocodes on HA procurement?

As the use of Eurocodes will be through the DMRB, the impact of their use on the procurement and contract documents should broadly be as for other changes in standards.  The only difference will be that during the period of co-existence of the two sets of design codes, design to either will be acceptable - specifically, for all types of contract, involving new highways structures design, made before 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will not be mandatory; however, for all types of contracts, involving new highways structures design, made after 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will be mandatory (unless otherwise agreed by the TAA).

On long term contracts (MACs, DBFOs), made before 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will only be mandatory where the detailed design is programmed to commence after 31 March 2010.

There is an issue of for how long a design to the current National codes (within a long-running design programme) would remain acceptable beyond the codes withdrawal date. This is currently being considered.

How will Eurocodes impact on the modification of highway structures?

The Agency will specify that Eurocodes must be used as the basis for the design of modification works to highway structures.  This will include design of strengthening and upgrading works, design of replacement of structural elements and design of replacement of components (relevant European Product Standards to be considered in conjunction with Eurocodes).

Further requirements including interfaces with existing elements designed and assessed to current National Standards will be given in the forthcoming Intrerim Advice Note.

How will Eurocodes affect the Specification for Highway Works (SHW)?

The Agency is reviewing the SHW to determine how it will be affected by the Eurocodes and what changes will be required.  The SHW will have to reflect the European product standards and in many cases already does so.  Additionally, the European Execution Standards contain workmanship and erection specifications that will replace the equivalent requirements when published.  These changes will also be incorporated in the amendments to the SHW.

The Agency is focusing its efforts on the review of execution requirements for major construction materials, i.e. steel and concrete.  The Agency will be considering requirements for the execution of structures in other materials (e.g. aluminium and timber) in due course.

What is the progress of the European Execution Standards?

EN 1090-2 - Execution of steel structures

EN 1090-2 was published as a BS in December 2008.  It specifies requirements for the execution of steel and steel-concrete composite structures designed to BS EN 1993 and BS EN 1994 respectively, in order to ensure adequate levels of mechanical resistance and stability, serviceability and durability.


BSI is currently preparing a Published Document providing recommendations for the execution of steel bridges to BS EN 1090-2.  Industry is preparing a model project specification for the execution of steelwork in bridge structures to BS EN 1090-2.  Once these guidance documents are published, the Highways Agency will update the SHW to align with BS EN 1090-2 and the published guidance.

EN 13670 - Execution of concrete structures

EN 13670 was published as a BS in February 2010.  It specifies requirements for the execution of concrete structures designed to BS EN 1992 and BS EN 1994, in order to ensure adequate levels of mechanical resistance and stability, serviceability and durability.

The Highways Agency had previously developed a draft update to the SHW 1700 series and the related Notes for Guidance to account for the requirements given in the draft version of EN 13670.  The draft update to the SHW 1700 series will be reviewed against the published BS EN 13670 before it is implemented.

What is the relationship between the Eurocodes and the European Product Standards?

Product Standards exist for construction products, establishing requirements for performance and other properties so products meet the Essential Requirements of the Construction Products Directive. Eurocodes are codes that are concerned with the design of structures.  Eurocodes are generally written on the assumption that structures designed in accordance with the Eurocodes will be constructed from products manufactured in accordance with the product standards.  Eurocodes can cross-refer to product standards and may form the basis of design for products.

Are tunnels covered by the Eurocodes?

Yes, Eurocodes cover the design of new structural elements for cut and cover tunnels and other similar buried structures.  However, only general requirements are given in Eurocodes for this type of structures and further design guidance will be given in the BSI Published Document PD 6694-1 and other guidance documents.

Who is implementing the Eurocodes for buildings?

Communities and Local Government.

How do the general/buildings parts of the Eurocodes relate to bridges?

For most Eurocodes the general part (Part 1-1) is used for building design.  For bridge design, Part 2 is used in conjunction with Part 1-1 where appropriate.

How will Eurocodes be maintained?

Procedures for the care and maintenance of Eurocodes have been developed and this will be supported by the CEN committee structure and the national Standards Bodies.  The correction of errors will be handled by issuing corrigenda and it is expected that the Eurocodes will be updated on a five-year cycle.

Will lack of software inhibit the implementation of Eurocodes?

Some software providers have already released software capable of supporting Eurocode designs.  A number of other program developers have reached an advanced stage in the development of Eurocodes-aligned software.  It is therefore not anticipated that computer software for Eurocode design will be lacking.

Further information can be found on the Eurocodes Expert Software Directory (external website).

How is progress on Eurocodes being communicated?

By periodic briefings in industry publications and by seminars such as those held in 2007 at the Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Structural Engineers, and those organised by the industry bodies across the country.  Additionally and more importantly, comprehensive information about all aspects of the Eurocodes can be found on the Eurocode Expert website.  Progress on the Highways Agency implementation strategy for the Eurocodes is given on this website.

What is the impact on research output?

Research for design codes is likely to be pan-European, so the output from the research will benefit all member states, thus making code-based research more efficient and more widely-beneficial.

Where can I purchase the Eurocodes?

BSI is publishing the Eurocodes in the UK and these can be purchased through them or via various other standards subscription services.  All of the Eurocodes are now available for purchase; the final National Annexes are in the process of being published.  For the latest publication schedule visit the Eurocodes Progress page.

Is training on use of Eurocodes available?

Several training course providers are already offering courses on the use of Eurocodes.  Many of them provide the delegates with hands-on experience in using the codes.

The Highways Agency will not be offering its suppliers and business partners any form of training on the use of Eurocodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact for Queries

Queries regarding the Highways Agency's implementation of Eurocodes should be addressed to: Eurocodes@pbworld.com

Contact for Queries

Useful links

 Links to useful information and links to training and seminars

The following websites host useful information on the implementation of Eurocodes and most also host details of training and seminars related to the Eurocodes.

Eurocodes Expert - This site is an Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Structural Engineers initiative to help clients, designers, contractors and suppliers understand and use the new European structural design codes.  The site also has an extensive list of training on Eurocodes available from a number of different training providers.

CEN Eurocodes - CEN (the European Committee for Standardization) has recently published a site with extensive information on the Eurocodes, including links to background information and training. A pan-European conference on Eurocodes background and application was held in Brussels between 18-20 February 2008, and presentations given at the conference can be downloaded from this website.

Eurocode2 - This site is maintained by The Concrete Centre on behalf of the Concrete Industry Eurocode 2 Group.  It contains useful information on Eurocode 2 for concrete design.

SCI - The Steel Construction Institute has useful information and organises courses on Eurocode 3 for steel design.

Access Steel - Access Steel is a pan-European project to produce and publish NCCI for steel construction using the Eurocodes.  This includes guidance on the use and application of Eurocodes, worked examples and other resources for engineers.  It is principally for designers of steel buildings.

Eurocode 7 - The Geocentrix website hosts information and details of courses on geotechnical design to Eurocode 7.

In addition, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers host periodic seminars relating to the Eurocodes.  Details will be available on their websites.

Other useful links

The following websites also contain useful information related to the implementation of Eurocodes.

CEN - This is the website of the European Committee for Standardization.

BSI - BSI is the UK National Standards Body and a member of CEN.  BSI will be responsible for publishing the Eurocodes in the UK.  Their website includes information on the technical content of the Eurocodes and the anticipated publication schedule.

Institution of Structural Engineers - The IStructE website hosts the reports of the Standing Committee for the Implementation of Eurocodes.

Nando CPD - This site gives information on the Construction Products Directive, including harmonised standards and European Technical Approvals.  It also hosts the important position paper "Guidance Paper L" relating to the implementation of Eurocodes.

Eurocode.info - This is an independent website containing news about the Eurocodes.  It also hosts discussion forums for Eurocodes users.

Austrian Eurocodes website - The Austrian website contains useful information (English available) about the Eurocodes and their implementation in Austria.

 

Useful links