Eurocodes: The Highways Agency's role in Eurocodes

• Introduction to the Eurocodes
• Eurocodes progress
• Highways Agency role in Eurocodes
• Highways Agency Eurocodes strategy
• Using the Eurocodes for bridge design
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact for Queries
• Useful links

Implementation of Eurocodes

As a public body, the Highways Agency expresses its requirements for the design of new and modification of existing structures (including geotechnical works) in terms of Eurocodes. The Agency’s technical experts were involved in the drafting of the Eurocodes and the National Annexes.

The Agency, along with a number of leading consultants, examined the potential impact of Eurocodes during their development and in 2003 the Agency awarded framework contracts to Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and Atkins to assist with the implementation.

The objectives of the Agency's project were:

• To confirm that the Eurocodes can be used safely and economically for bridge design in the UK
• To prepare the bridge-related UK National Annexes and other relevant non-contradictory complementary information (NCCI) such as the Published Documents (PDs) in conjunction with the BSI technical Committees.
• To develop complementary technical requirements, including a comprehensive review of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
• To establish an Agency-wide implementation strategy and develop a detailed programme for the use of Eurocodes on Agency schemes.

Institution of Structural Engineers: Standing Committee for the Implementation of Eurocodes

The Institution of Structural Engineers established the Standing Committee in response to a recommendation in the report prepared by the Institution for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The report called for a group to be established to monitor all aspects of the process of implementation of the Eurocodes and to advise on changes to the strategy that will be necessary as the process progresses.

The Standing Committee was an Institution committee, and acted on behalf of the structural engineering community involving representatives from a wide range of organisations covering all sectors of the industry. The committee sat between December 2004 and September 2010.

Sibdas Chakrabarti represented the Highways Agency on the Committee.

Since the implementation of Eurocodes the committee’s work has become part of the activities of the Engineering Practice Committee. Further details may be obtained from the Institution of Structural Engineers website.