Eurocode Studies
The Eurocodes are a set of Structural Engineering codes of practice that have been 'in development' since 1975 - the objective being to create a set of standardised codes that can be used throughout Europe and thereby eliminate obstacles to cross border trade. There are 10 Eurocodes, which comprise 58 individual parts or standards. Each Eurocode is accompanied by a National Annex which essentially tailors that code to the individual country's traditional building practices. On 31st March 2010 all National codes, which conflicted with the Eurocodes, were withdrawn in each EU member state.
Through the National Annex the Eurocode programme has recognised the responsibility of regulatory authorities in each Member State and has safeguarded their right to determine values related to regulatory safety matters at a national level where these continue to vary from State to State. As such, a number of parameters within the Eurocodes are left open for national choice. These are known as Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs) and their values are contained in a National Annex
EN1996 (EC6)- STRUCTURAL USE OF MASONRY
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG), co-funded by the Irish Concrete Federation (ICF), commissioned LeeMcCullough Consulting Engineers to carry out a study on Eurocode 6 (otherwise known as EN1996 or EC6).
The study objectives were:
- To evaluate the technical implications for structural design in Ireland arising from Eurocode 6.
- To produce draft National Annexes for each part of that code.
The first phase of the study required a number of comparative structural designs to be prepared with a view to proposing Irish NDP's for the Irish National Annex. The second phase required the production of National Annexes, and the review of the current Building Regulations to highlight any implications for the existing Technical Guidance Documents A and B which may arise from the introduction of EN1996.
Following an extensive study and review process the National Annex for EC6 was published in January 2010. A copy of the report can be viewed on the NSAI website
Eurocodes 2 and 6
National Annexe
EN 1992 (EC2) - STRUCTURAL USE OF CONCRETE
Kavanagh Mansfield and LeeMcCullough were jointly retained by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government to carry out an independent study into Eurocode 2 - which covers the Design of Concrete Structures. The study was commissioned as part of a joint initiative between the National Standards Association of Ireland, the aforementioned DOEHLG and was co funded by the Irish Concrete Federation and DOEHLG.
The main objectives of the study project were:
- To make a technical evaluation of the implications of EN 1992 for structural design in Ireland.
- To produce a draft National Annex for the first two parts of that code.
Following an extensive study and review process the National Annex for EC6 was published in early 2010. A copy of the report can be viewed on the NSAI website.
The Public Procurement Directive calls for the use of Eurocodes on all public projects. Although the PPD allows the procuring body to accept other design codes, the designer must demonstrate that these are equivalent to the relevant Eurocode parts.
Reporting
Over many years of practice Structural Report ing has been a major constituent of the workload at LeeMcCullough - indeed our market research has indicated that client satisfaction in relation to the quality of our reports has been central to the success of our practice.
Structural matters we commonly report on include
- Inspections and Surveys
- Due Diligence assessments
- Pre Purchase assessments
- Condition Reports
- Structural Impact assessments
- Change of use / fit for purpose assessment
- Feasibility studies
- Damage / stability assessments
- Expert witness / Litigation matters
Our reports will always address our clients 'purpose' in comprehensive but coherent terms and to the agreed timescale - where merited / requested we append appropriate recommendations.
