How Eurocode 7 has affected geotechnical design: a review

Abstract

Eurocode 7, the new European standard for geotechnical design, together with the other Eurocodes for structural design, was implemented in 2010, and relevant parts of British Standards that covered the same ground were withdrawn. Since it is a single code covering all aspects of the design of all types of geotechnical structure, including geotechnical investigations and the determination and selection of geotechnical parameters, and since it is based on the limit state design method with partial factors, its implementation has resulted in many changes to geotechnical design practice. These changes to geotechnical design caused by the introduction of Eurocode 7 are reviewed, including the new terminology, the new associated European investigation, testing and execution standards, the way geotechnical parameters are selected, the way geotechnical calculations are carried out and the way safety elements are introduced. Some of the issues that have arisen and difficulties that have been encountered with the introduction of Eurocode 7 are identified, and the plans for the future development of Eurocode 7 are discussed.