eurokoodit

Eurocodes, known in Finnish as Eurokoodit, are a comprehensive set of European standards for the structural design of buildings and civil engineering works. They provide harmonized rules intended to ensure safety, serviceability, and reliability while facilitating cross-border construction and the free movement of goods and professionals within Europe.

The Eurocode family is published as EN 1990–EN 1999 and covers bases of design, actions on structures, and design rules for various construction materials. Each code provides specific criteria for materials such as concrete, steel, timber, masonry, and composites, and is accompanied by supplementary parts that address design and verification methods, durability, and serviceability.

Each Eurocode is accompanied by a National Annex containing country-specific parameters and practical choices to be used in design, reflecting local conditions and practices. These Annexes allow national adaptation while preserving the overall European framework.

Development and adoption: Jointly produced by European standardization bodies (primarily CEN), the Eurocodes are adopted by EU member states and EFTA countries. They have largely replaced traditional national building codes for new work, though national approaches often retain some complementary rules.

Usage: Designers use the Eurocodes to perform calculations and justify safety and performance; the system supports sustainability considerations and uniformity of practice across borders. The Eurocodes form the basis for regulatory approval in many countries and are frequently updated to incorporate advances in knowledge and practice.