European Standard for Precast Concrete

Eurocode 2 resources and servicesPrecast Concrete: EN 13369 and Precast Products 

*based on Dipl-Ing Dieter Schwerm, Bad Honnef, Building with structural precast components: practical implementation, Betonwerk+Fertigeil-Technik BFT 3/2005. www.bft-online.info/en)
 

Precast product standardsWith the exception of EN 13369, all structural precast product standards are mandated. However the product standards all refer to EN 13369: Common rules for precast concrete products. And thanks to EN 13369, the product standards are all structured in the same way.

The product standards (see table) are written 'by exception' to EN 13369 i.e. they either accept what is in EN 13369 or have mirror clauses that elucidate or supersede those in EN 13369. 

 
This approach was chosen in order to ensure that:
 
  • The product standards are all based on a uniform approach.
  • Conflicting statements were avoided a possibility that could not be entirely ruled out in the early phase of the standardisation work. Having been established in EN 13369, the higher-ranking provisions in the various product standards, should not differ from each other.
 
As an example, in regard to 'mechanical resistance' EN 13369 Cl 4.3.3 says to either design to EN 1992, use design based on EN 1992 aided by physical testing or test. BS EN 1168 hollow core slabs Cl 4.3.3.2 goes into some depth concerning design but says nothing about 'verification' based on EN 1992 aided by physical testing or testing.
 
Published BS EN standards for precast concrete

Standard

Title
BS EN 1168:2005
 Hollow core slabs
BS EN 12794:2005
 Foundation piles
BS EN 12843:2004
 Masts and poles
BS EN 13224:2004
Ribbed floor elements
BS EN 13225:2004
Linear structural elements
BS EN 13369:2004
Common rules for precast concrete products
BS EN 13693:2004
 Special roof elements
BS EN 13747:2005
Floor plates for floor elements
BS EN 13978-1:2005
Precast concrete garages
BS EN 14650:2005
General rules for factory production control of metallic fibred concrete
BS EN 14843:2007
Stairs
BS EN 14844:2006
Box culverts
BS EN 14991:2007
Foundation elements
BS EN 14992:2007
Wall elements
BS EN 15050:2007
Bridge elements
EN 14990
Road traffic noise reducing devices and barriers
 

Structure of the product standards*

The most important chapters refer to:
  • the areas of application
  • the requirements made on: materials, manufacture and end product in particular, manufacturing tolerances, minimum dimensions, concrete cover, surface quality and the resistance to mechanical actions, ie the load-bearing capacity. 
 
Other clauses deal with:
  • fire resistance,
  • behaviour in fire,
  • sound insulation,
  • durability,
  • safety in transport and during erection and
  • safety in use. 
One chapter is devoted to:
  • test procedures,
  • conformity assessment,
  • labelling and
  • technical documentation.
For most clauses, reference is simply made to EN 13369.  In other cases, the product standard defines appropriate rules, depending on the product characteristics. This is followed by normative and informative annexes, which also depend on the individual product.

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