2nd Generation Eurocode 2

5 Dec 2023

On 30 November 2023 BSI formally published the 2nd generation Eurocode 2. The 2nd generation Eurocode 2 consists of BS EN 1992-1-1:2023 “Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures. General rules – rules for buildings, bridges and civil engineering structure” and BS EN 1992-1-2:2023 “Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures. General rules – structural fire design”. In the 2nd generation Eurocode 2 both bridges and liquid retaining and containment structures are covered by BS EN1992-1-1 so there is no replacements for the current BS EN 1992-2 and BS EN 1992-3.

Whilst the National Foreword to the 2nd generation Eurocodes note that the current Eurocode is the default code for use in the UK until its withdrawal in 2028, there is nothing stopping engineers using the 2nd generation with appropriate agreements. However, before the documents can be used in the UK, BSI will need to publish the National Annexes. It is expected that this will happen in 2024. Further guidance on using the 2nd Generation Eurocodes in the UK is given here.

The revision to Eurocode 2 started in 2014 and the publication of the 2nd Generation Eurocode 2 is the culmination of a huge amount of development and drafting work that The Concrete Centre has been involved with throughout. The work started with a review of the current codes to highlight possible improvements and additions. The additions reflect the fact that concrete technology has developed significantly since the original draughting of the current code in the late 1990s. Given that the 2nd generation Eurocode 2 covers technologies not in the current code there is likely to be further interest in using the document prior to the withdrawal of the 1st generation code, if only in these areas. Further discussion on the changes included in the 2nd generation Eurocode 2 is given here.