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The concrete sector prepares for BS 8110 withdrawal
The decision by the British Standards Institution to withdraw BS 8110(1), the UK structural design codes for concrete, in March 2008 confirms that the Eurocodes are on their way.
For many engineers this will be the signal to begin considering Eurocodes and how to introduce them. Distinct economic benefits can be derived from using the new Code. In concrete design, it is expected that material cost savings of 5%, compared with using BS 8110, will be possible. This will encourage uptake among design-andbuild contractors, as well as consultants seeking a competitive advantage. However, the saving will only accrue if the Codes are fully understood and properly applied.
The Concrete Centre has developed a comprehensive range of resources to help with the necessary transition. These include a dedicated website, www.eumcode2.info, a series of guides under the banner How to design concrete structures using Eumcode 2, the publication of Concise Eurocode 2 and Design Spreadsheets to Eumcode 2, plus a programme of seminars and courses held throughout the UK.
Publication of Concise Eurocode 2
Concise Eumcode 2 brings together information for building structures. It cuts through all the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annexes to give simple guidance on how to design concrete building structures to Eurocode 2. It fits between The Centre's series of How to design concrete structures to Eumcode 2 leaflets and the forthcoming Worked Examples which aim to help engineers design to the Eurocodes - in concrete first.
The main thrust of the Guide is to put the requirements of Parts 1-1 and 1-2 of Eurocode 2 into plain English and into a logical order. It starts by explaining the basis of design, materials and analysis, before dealing with the phenomena of bending and axial force, shear, punching shear, torsion and serviceability. Detailing, tying and plain concrete are covered before giving an...