Comments on Eurocode 7

On Eurocode 7 (EC7)

The standard for geotechnical design was given the name Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design Part 1: General Rules (EC7). Approved in 2004, it has been given the status of national standard in all European countries from 2010.

The EC7 includes both soil mechanics and rock mechanics. The two subjects have great similarities, but also significant differences, especially related to ground investigations and methods for verifying the design. The ongoing revision of the Eurocode looks into the possibilities to facilitate separate issue of rock mechanics problems like slopes, cuttings and underground
openings.

A geotechnical structure shall be designed to have adequate structural resistance, serviceability and durability. The environmental impacts from construction and usage of the structure are to be acceptable. These basic requirements should be met by applying:

• appropriate choice of design method,
• suitable materials and construction methods,
• appropriate design, and
• control procedures for design, construction relevant to the particular project.

For more information on Design, Geotechnical Categories and Supervision in Eurocode 7: click here

Here, you find abstracts of three papers dealing with Eurocode 7:

• Practical use of the concept of Geotechnical Categories in rock engineering,
• On the Need for a Risk‑Based Framework in Eurocode 7 to Facilitate Design of Underground Openings in Rock,
• Principles of Risk‑Based Rock Engineering Design

See also the paper on Prescriptive measures in Eurocode 7.