Durability and Cover Depth Provisions in Next Eurocode 2. Background Modelling and Calculations

Codes contain calculation rules of general acceptance that have demonstrated to enable the building safe enough structures with very low probability failure. Any new method be introduced, should based in a consensus among experts and experience. Until present, durability is treated following so called “prescriptive” approach limiting constituents concrete, applying correct curing presence deleterious substances as chlorides crack related serviceability conditions. In paper are described changes introduced verification current draft EN 1992-1-1:2010. The main first trial make design by performance cover depths for avoiding reinforcement corrosion were calculated through service life models, but covers given function concept: Exposure Resistance classes (ERC) which substitute present “structural classes”. calculations not explicit Code, because they do intrinsically imply higher precision, only more rational harmonization solve some inconsistences. also presented definition scope ERC’s will regulated next standard named: EN206-100. Present verify indicated EN-206 (reproduced Annex P 1992-1-1), retained transition period it could continue applied. Providing introducing safety format, coherence this previous cannot guaranteed, application one or other route give desired level durability.