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The current first generation of Eurocodes is a suite of ten European standards for the design of buildings and civil engineering works, whose implementation started in 2010. EN 1990 sets the basis of structural design, with the other Eurocodes dealing with different materials and specific aspects of design. Geotechnical aspects of design are covered by EN 1997 "Geotechnical design", usually called Eurocode 7. The evolution of the Eurocodes started in 2012 and the main objectives of their revision were to incorporate improvements that reflect the state‐of‐the‐art in engineering design and the needs of the civil engineering market, to improve the ease‐of‐use and to harmonize practice between countries. While the original version was developed largely based on soil mechanics, the aim was that the revised version treats soil and rock on an equal basis. The second generation of the Eurocodes is now nearly finished, and the revised EN 1997 is expected to be formally approved in 2024. This paper is the first of a set of six informative papers on the revised Eurocodes and rock engineering, prepared by members of the Rock Engineering Platform of CEN/TC250/SC7, a group of rock engineering experts that has been assisting in drafting EN 1997 from a rock‐engineering perspective. The paper presents the main changes to EN 1990 and EN 1997 as far as they affect geotechnical and rock engineering design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of the contents of 2nd Generation Eurocode 7 Part 2, highlighting two of the major changes introduced, being the Ground Model and the Rock Engineering implementation. The document is organized from a ground property perspective so that the role of Part 2 and the links with the geotechnical design are much clearer than in the previous edition. Its new title is a clear indication of this idea: "Ground properties" including both soil and rock properties. The need to have representative values for the ground properties is the objective of this new Part 2, which is intended to guide designers on the path to obtain those values by means of the Desk Study, Site Inspection, Field Investigation and Laboratory Testing. Given this framework, the paper explains the concepts behind the Ground Model, the main output of the Ground Investigation, which includes the ground profile, the geometric properties of the ground and its layers, groundwater, and the derived values of the ground properties, paying attention of the role of discontinuities in such ground profile. The tasks that form the Ground Investigation and the minimum number of activities to be performed are described. This new version of EN 1997 will include a Rock Engineering perspective for all above items. And finally, the ground properties of the rock material and the rock mass are listed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current Eurocode revision process is sought to improve Eurocode 7 for application to rock engineering, while including only techniques and procedures that are in widespread customary use. The revision process has exposed much about the application of the Eurocodes to rock engineering, thereby offering hints as to what material should be included in the next revision – tentatively suggested for publication in 2035. Crucially, ideas have developed about how rock engineering practice may need to develop to embrace the principles on which the Eurocodes are based. In particular, aspects of determining the properties of rock masses, and design verification by observational methods, partial factors, numerical modelling, and prescriptive rules are all thought to require significant improvement or dramatic modification. This paper highlights challenges identified regarding the application of the Eurocodes to rock engineering, and which will need to be addressed in the future. Ideas are presented about how these challenges may be overcome, but these are given in the spirit of stimulating ongoing conversation within the rock mechanics and rock engineering community rather than presenting definite proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2025 the new generation of the Eurocode 7 will be introduced and set a framework for geotechnical design for the next 20 years. As Eurocode 7 is an essential design code, the changes will affect numerous practising geotechnical Engineers. The paper provides an overview of significant changes in rock engineering design introduced in the new EN 1997 part 3, considering limit state design, durability, reliability, testing and other crucial design aspects. It focuses on the anchor clause revision and first introduced design rules for rock bolts and soil‐nailed structures. The improvements described include distinguishing between different tension supporting elements that have often been confused. Furthermore, the provisions for groundwater control measures influencing the working condition and limit states for all other geotechnical systems that have not yet been comprehensively addressed in the current Eurocode 7 are also clarified. Finally, the design of the described geotechnical structure will also be strongly affected by changes in the overall philosophy of the Eurocodes, which is also explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second generation of Eurocode 7 includes both soil and rock. In addition to the current practice of ground engineering, this document aims at incorporating rock engineering, improving the ease of use, the harmonization of regulations and covering new developments. This paper provides an overview of some of the significant changes to Eurocode 7 in rock engineering design, taking into consideration limit state design, robustness, durability, and reliability. It focuses on the design of slopes, spread foundations, and retaining structures. The clauses focus on soil mechanics, but also include special rock mechanical issues such as the influence of discontinuities and strength anisotropy on the limit states. Many matters associated to verification of rock mechanical design are linked to the use of prescriptive rules and shall be given in National Annexes. For geotechnical structures in rock, it is mentioned that geotechnical mapping and documentation is important to verify the limit states. However, the basic issues with partial factor methods for verification of the ground‐structure interaction of reinforced slopes and retaining structures are not fully resolved. This has caused some difficulties in setting up partial factors and obtaining a sufficient overview of the application of partial factor method, especially in rock engineering. The design of slopes, spread foundations and retaining structures must likewise consider other clauses in the Eurocode. Rock support for slopes and retaining structures is described in Clause 13 "Rock Bolts and Surface Support". Groundwater‐related issues are described in clause 12 "Ground water control" which influence the design and limit states for the actual geotechnical structure. Dams and levees are featured in Clause 4 "Slopes, Cuttings and Embankments". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second generation of Eurocode 7 aims at covering ground, including both soil and rock. Current practice of ground engineering forms the basis, and the aim is to include rock engineering, improving ease of use, harmonization of regulations, and covering new developments. This paper deals with EN 1997 part 1 addressing the general rules of geotechnical design, connected to EN 1990, the basis of structural and geotechnical design, and parts 2 and 3 of EN 1997. The design process from ground investigation to the verification of limit states is illustrated with a focus on rock engineering. The following topics are dealt with in more detail: Geotechnical Categories: They are now based on Consequence Classes and newly introduced Geotechnical Complexity Classes. A limit state design to be sufficient has to be combined with other checks depending on these classes.Replacement of the Design Approaches of the current Eurocode 7: Ultimate limit states will be verified by a combination of Verification Cases with partial factors on actions and action effects, and sets of partial factors on ground properties and resistances, respectively.Application of numerical methods, where a ULS‐verification with two sets of partial factors is defined.Use of probabilistic methods in design by calculation, especially appropriate in cases where properties of discontinuities govern the design.Practice of the Observational Method, including design variants and regulations about their choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double‐headed studs as shear and punching reinforcement – Current status and outlook Double‐headed studs have been established for decades as a very effective punching shear reinforcement because these reinforcement elements, which are optimized for shear and punching loads, combine a particularly high anchorage performance with a practicable installation on site. In this paper, an overview of current usability and applicability verifications for double‐headed studs in Germany is given. Afterwards, the currently valid design and construction rules for the use of double‐headed studs as shear reinforcement as well as punching reinforcement are summarized. Finally, the next Eurocode 2 generation 2023+is looked at, with excerpts presenting some significant innovations in the future integration of double‐headed studs into the shear and punching rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of the arrangement of the punching shear and composite reinforcement made of L steel plates on the load‐bearing capacity The CLIXS punching shear and composite reinforcement system consists of L steel plates with one or two connected stirrups made of reinforcing steel. It is possible to increase the load‐bearing capacity by more than twice the load‐bearing capacity without punching shear reinforcement. The experimental investigations described in the paper were carried out on square slab cut‐outs with a length of 2.8 m and a thickness of 18 and 25 cm. The load‐bearing capacity as a function of the number of uniform arranged L steel plates was determined based on 17 experiments. For this purpose, test specimen with 6 L steel plates up to 36 L steel plates in the first three perimeters were investigated. In addition, 10 test specimen with different sized areas without L steel plates were tested. The areas without L steel plates were between 25 % and 75 % of the area within the first three perimeters. The use of stirrups with a diameter of 8 mm instead of 6 mm was investigated using two test specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About the design concept for compressive fatigue loading of concrete - Structure of the fatigue design concept For building structures exposed to fatigue loading, especially for those made from high-strength concrete, the fatigue design is decisive for the structural design. Coincident, nowadays new experimental results exist which demonstrate that further developments of the fatigue design concept are expedient and necessary. The safety concept for fatigue design was assigned from the static design concept. From this approach, particularities and challenges arise for the further development of the design concept. In this paper the structure of fatigue design is described. Furthermore, the enclosed parameters are explained and their relevance in the context of safety considerations is discussed. Based on this, outstanding issues are identified for the further development of the design concept. In part 2 of this paper the safety concept of the fatigue verification is discussed and the potential of further developments is pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In‐situ tests at the bridge Hammelburg regarding the shear capacity of existing pre‐stressed bridges Part 2: Measuring concept, results of the in‐situ tests, comparison with different theoretical approaches Due to the relatively high average age of the existing bridges, a dramatic increase in traffic volume and axle loads and modified design standards, a realistic prediction of the shear capacity of existing pre‐stressed concrete bridges with little shear reinforcement has become an important topic in research. In 2017 the Chair of Concrete and Masonry Structures of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, was able to conduct unique field tests at the 1955 built Saalebrücke Hammelburg. According to systematic strength evaluations many concrete bridges, especially those which have been built prior to 1966, show severe (theoretical) deficits regarding the longitudinal shear capacity. Often the results of the strength evaluation cannot be verified at the real bridges though. The primary objective of the field test was therefore to determine the shear capacity of existing pre‐stressed bridges in order to contribute in closing the gap between calculations and experience for older concrete bridges. In the first part of this article the general assessment of the bridge and the original design concept as well as the conceptual approach, the execution of the in‐situ tests and the used measuring equipment were described. In the present paper the measuring concept and the results of the conducted tests are presented. Furthermore, the results of the in‐situ tests are discussed, and the measured maximum loads are compared to the results of different theoretical approaches and engineering models, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analysis of the intrusion of de‐icing salt into concrete pavements by a novel test method In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage in concrete pavements. This has been caused by the use of alkali‐sensitive aggregates. Given the exposure of the concrete pavement to water and the alkaline environment caused by the use of Portland cement during concrete mixing, this environment can lead to an alkali‐silica reaction (ASR) process. This ASR‐damage process in concrete pavements is further exacerbated by the external application of de‐icing salt in winter. Against this background, the evaluation of the intrusion of de‐icing salt becomes of great importance. Until now, the analysis of the intrusion of de‐icing salt was carried out in a wet‐chemistry process on finely ground segments of drilling cores. The disadvantages of this method are the relatively arduous testing process and the limited depth resolution. The alternative application of LIBS (laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy) offers new possibilities in this context. In this paper, the procedure for the LIBS analysis of sodium and chloride distribution on vertical cut surfaces of drilling cores taken from representative ASR‐damaged concrete pavements is presented. Because the intrusion of de‐icing salt takes place primarily in the cement matrix, the distorting effect of the sodium content in the aggregates was eliminated by an exclusion criteria (namely, the calcium content). The comparable chloride mappings by micro X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and wet‐chemical analysis confirm the quality of the LIBS measurements. However, additional investigations are necessary for the quantitative analysis of sodium content in concrete pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glass beams in analogy with Eurocode 2 – An analogy between pre‐compressed glass and concrete beams: Glass and concrete share some essential material characteristics: Their compressive strength exceeds their tensile strength considerably and both of them fail in a brittle manner. Therefore, it is reasonable to build beams from both materials based on the same principles and to transfer the knowledge from concrete design to the structural use of glass by an analogy study. First, a reference in a historical context between Franz Dischinger und the contemporary structural use of glass is made. A comparison of relevant material properties and structural details as well as a presentation of executed building projects follows afterwards. This demonstrates the applicability of structural details in glass design and shows the relevance to create a nomenclature for glass structures in analogy with the principles of reinforced and prestressed concrete design. Additionally, the paper introduces “Spannglass Beams” that entail a post‐tensioned steel cable to counteract initial cracks, uplift the member and ensure a sufficient post‐fracture bending capacity. Advanced problems such as the loss in tension force or a proof of feasibility of those structures is addressed. In conclusion, this makes the expertise from concrete design available to create novel and efficient load‐bearing glass structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fire design of reinforced and prestressed concrete columns – To practical use of Method A in DIN EN 1992‐1‐2 This paper provides practical guidance on the fire design of reinforced concrete columns using Eurocode 2 (DIN EN 1992‐1‐2) Method A by giving explanations, diagrams and extended tables for columns with fire exposure on more than one side and on only one side. For columns fire exposed on one side extended tabulated data are given, which were calculated with the Advanced calculation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Calculation of the deflection of reinforced concrete members – general procedures for slabs and beams This paper introduces the fundamental procedures to calculate the deflection in the cracked state taking into account creep and shrinkage. A range of different methods with various degrees of accuracy is presented for beams and one‐way slabs, based on the guidelines of EC2. For simple systems these methods can also be used for hand calculations, permitting a high degree of control over the procedure. Subsequently, the usually rather complex calculation of deflections caused by the shrinkage of the concrete is considered in more detail. For a selection of systems, diagrams containing coefficients for a more efficient estimation of shrinkage deflections can be derived. Furthermore, the cracked state deflection of concrete slabs is addressed more closely. It can be calculated with the help of suitable finite element programs or using simplified manual procedures. The basic principles can be transferred from the previously considered beam structures. However, other influence factors have to be addressed, such as the procedure to reduce the flexural stiffness and the redistribution of the internal forces caused by cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fatigue strength of RC beams without transverse reinforcement under cyclic loads The shear design of RC members without transverse reinforcement (e.g. slabs, bridge decks, footings of wind energy plants) for fatigue loads is based on empirical approaches, which had been rarely validated by experiments. This paper presents theoretical, experimental and numerical studies, which aim to give a better understanding of the load transfer in RC members without web reinforcement under static as well as cyclic loads. Furthermore, the approach of Eurocode 2 will be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Planning and structural design of water‐tight concrete constructions – basic design principles and their structural realization In water‐tight concrete constructions, the reinforced concrete structure in combination with planned joint sealings on the one hand and with subsequent crack injections on the other hand is also securing a defined sealing function against water exposure. The utilization demands on water‐tight constructions have been raised significantly over the past years leading in the same degree to higher demands on quality of planning and building processes for these constructions. Present water‐tight constructions are high‐performance structures whose demands on the planning process exceed the common knowledge in architectural and structural design by far. There is general planned about the quality‐regulating, constructive aspects (reduction of constraint stresses, concrete technology and post‐curing) for these structures. But regarding the analytical calculation models for constraint forces, a huge scatter in assumed exposures and resistance as well as a fuzziness of existing models have to be noticed leading to non‐reproductive and blurred calculative design results. This paper is focussing on exposures and resistances as well as on different calculation models leading to practical recommandations for the structural design which is only insinuated in the basic rules for water‐tight constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Waterproof concrete constructions – recommendations for the cooperation of client, planner, special planner and contractor For a successful implementation of waterproof concrete constructions, a particularly high planning and execution quality is essential and the monitoring of the execution is required. The present paper provides advice and assistance to builders, designers and contractors for the design and execution of waterproof concrete constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Material characteristics of a historical reinforced concrete bridge – A report about material investigations on existing structures, dedicated to Jürgen Schnell's 65th birthday The determination and characterization of material properties of existing structures is a current focus of research by Prof. Schnell, to whom the article is dedicated. The recent published books of the DAfStb (publication series nr. 616 and 619) provide the expedients for the practicing engineer to determine material strength to evaluate existing structures. Within a historical project on the former civil engineer and professor of the TH Dresden Willy Gehler, the properly oldest reinforced Hennebique concrete bridge of middle Germany was found. The bridge was demolished in 2016 because of a limited flow rate. At least this offers the opportunity to obtain sample material. The investigations on the material behavior were described in the paper as well as a discussion on the difficulty for its determination of values for recalculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Load‐bearing capacity of unreinforced concrete compression members under biaxially eccentric loading Compression members, such as columns or walls, have to carry vertical loads primarily. Due to the rotation of the adjacent components, they are also subjected to bending moments. If the compression member is, in addition to the bending moment about the weak axis, also loaded by horizontal bracing forces in direction of the strong axis, bending moments about both axes (biaxial bending) occur. This paper deals with the load‐bearing capacity of slender, unreinforced and biaxially eccentrically loaded compression members made of concrete. Existing theoretical methods for determining the load‐bearing capacity of centrically and uniaxially eccentrically loaded compression members are shown as well as the corresponding normative regulations. On this basis, two practice‐oriented proposals for determining the load‐bearing capacity of biaxially eccentrically loaded unreinforced concrete compression members are presented. The proposals can easily be adopted into the standard and thus, the existing restricting limits of application can be neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the effect of structural system and load configuration on the shear behavior of flexural reinforced concrete (RC) members without shear reinforcement. A total of ten rectangular beams with three structural systems and two load configurations were tested. With the chosen test set-up, almost all M/V-combinations commonly encountered in practice can be investigated. The test results indicate significant differences of the shear capacity of members with different M/V-combinations. The shear capacity of the simply supported beam under a uniform load is higher than that of similar beams under a concentrated load. Moreover, the shear capacity of the cantilever and continuous beams under uniform load is significantly higher than that of simply supported beams. Generally, it can be concluded that the co-existing flexural action has a positive influence on the shear resistance of a RC member without shear reinforcement. Furthermore, the flexural crack pattern plays an important role in the shear resistance of slender RC members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]