USING EN 1990 TO IMPROVE CONSISTENCY OF SAFETY FOR STRUCTURAL BUILDING MATERIALS Available to Purchase

A new framework for structural design is afforded by the structural Eurocodes. The first one, EN 1990 Basis of structural design [1] was published in 2002. It includes principles and design criteria to which the various material specific Eurocodes must conform and describes the underlying reliability assumptions relating to loading and resistance. This provides an opportunity to achieve safety levels for structures that are independent of the material used for their construction. This summary report based on an authoritative and peer reviewed study [2] shows which optimum decisions for the choices available in EN 1990 could provide such consistency. On behalf of the Associations, which have promoted the study, this document has been prepared by Francesco Biasioli, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy in co-operation with Pal Chana, British Cement Association, United Kingdom.

• INTRODUCTION

• STRUCTURAL SAFETY AND MATERIALS

• LIFETIME OF STRUCTURES AND PROBABILITY OF FAILURE

• A PARAMETRIC STUDY

• CONCLUSIONS

• REFERENCES

• GLOSSARY OF TERMS