Guidance for Eurocode 5 now available

IStructE and TRADA publish Manual for design of timber building structures to Eurocode 5

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) have published the Manual for the design of timber building structures to Eurocode 5, a new book and CD based on the European standards for timber structural designs in the UK.

The manual provides structural engineers with guidance on the design of buildings using common forms of structural timberwork, consistent with BS EN 1995 (EC5), the European design code, and the UK National Annex.

This new publication focuses on the code's application within the design process.

The accompanying CD features valuable connection design software and material properties tables.

EC5 is a design code for timber structures and promotes uniform standards for structural engineers in the European Union (EU).

As with other Eurocodes it uses the limit-state concept, unlike the traditional permissible stress method in BS 5268.

BS 5268 is the current industry standard in the UK for timber design, but is set to become obsolete when EC5 is fully adopted in Europe.

The adoption of EC5 will increase the ease with which structural engineers can work across the EU, and encourage more firms to tender for international projects.

It will help maintain high standards of construction and facilitate faster development of best practice.

This manual provides all the relevant guidance for structural engineers to effectively design and construct compliant structures in the UK.

Keith Eaton, Chief Executive of IStructE, commented: 'Standards like Eurocode 5 help to create a seamless marketplace and there is an obvious benefit in the trading of skills and expertise.

There are already a number of buildings in the UK that have been designed to these standards, such as the award winning Sheffield Winter Garden, demonstrating what can be achieved through using this code'.

Andrew Abbott, Chief Executive of TRADA, said: 'There are significant differences between Eurocode 5 and BS 5268.

It is essential therefore, that designers have sound guidance to support them in making the transition, and this new publication will meet that need'.

The cost of the publication is GBP70 for IStructE and TRADA members and GBP100 for non-members.

Back to top