Briefing: The assumptions behind the structural Eurocodes

The year 2010 will be a landmark year for civil and structural engineers as it represents the year in which the structural Eurocodes will be 'formally' placed in use. Existing related British standards will cease to be maintained by the British Standards Institution, although no doubt they will continue to be used for many years. As with all codes, the Eurocodes are constructed around a set of prime assumptions relating to the analysis and design methods set out in the text. These include the competencies of those using the code, choice of analysis model, quality control ( in the office and on site), provenance of materials used and the use and maintenance of the facility once constructed. The Standing Committee on Structural Safety is concerned that as designers start to use the Eurocodes they do not forget these assumptions and the necessary actions that flow from them. This note has been developed by the committee to provide a commentary to each of the six assumptions given in BS EN 1990 as an aid to users. A more detailed paper is available on the committee's website.