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Design codes and standards

On 30 November 2023, 2nd generation Eurocodes were published. Importantly, both bridges and liquid retaining and containment structures are now covered by BS EN 1992-1-1:2023 Design of concrete structures. General rules and rules for buildings bridges and civil engineering structures

Whilst the National Foreword to the 2nd generation Eurocodes note that the current Eurocode is the default code for use in the UK until its withdrawal in 2028, there is nothing stopping engineers using the 2nd generation with appropriate agreements. However, before the documents can be used in the UK, BSI will need to publish the National Annexes, expected in 2024.

Prior to Eurocodes, the main Code of Practice for the design of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures (excluding bridges) was BS 8110, Structural use of concrete. This was divided into two parts. Part 1, Code of practice for design and construction was intended for general use and includes simple ´deemed to satisfy´ approaches for aspects such as deflections. Part 2, Code of practice for special circumstances gaves more detailed design approaches.

The design in BS 8110:1997 was originally on the basis of Grade 460 steel with a partial safety factor of 1.05. This was amended in 2005 to Grade 500 steel with a partial safety factor of 1.15, bringing it into line with the changes in the reinforcement standards.

BS 8110 was superseded by Eurocode 2, BS EN 1992, Design of concrete structures, Part 1-1, General rules and rules for buildings, which was first published in January 2005, along with its UK National Annex.

Liquid retaining structures had been designed to BS 8007, Design of concrete structures for retaining aqueous liquids. This extended BS 8110 with particular emphasis on the provision of reinforcement to control crack widths. The code was replaced by Eurocode 2, BS EN 1992-3 Liquid retaining and containment structures.

BS 5400 Part 4 Code of practice for the design of concrete bridges was replaced by Eurocode 2, BS EN 1992-2 Reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges. Both these standards are used in conjunction with and the appropriate parts of the Highways England´s, Design manual for roads and bridges.

Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society

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Concise Eurocode 2

How to design concrete structures using Eurocode 2