Quality matters – material requirements in Eurocode (EN 1993) in view of component safety

Building steel structures in the European area includes not only technical aspects but also requirements on compliance with legal rules set up by the European Union for all member states. This is similar to the case of pressure vessels where the directive, PED 97/23/EC, gives the framework for delivery of vessels into Europe. The CE-sign demonstrates compliance with this procedure to the customer. Technical standards like Eurocode 3 (EN 1993) or EN 13445:2009 for pressure vessels can be used to achieve direct compliance with such European Directives. Material requirements play an important role during the design process of welded steel structures. Generally the design is orientated depending on the function and the safety of the construction under both normal operation and extreme conditions. Maximum stresses, operation temperatures and loading type (static, dynamic or cyclic) on the loading side (S) lead to the selection of materials with sufficient properties on the resistance side (R). The calculation is performed as a limit state calculation which in the easiest way may be expressed by the equation: S < R This paper highlights how the limit conditions of maximum load-bearing capacity, fatigue and especially avoidance of brittle fracture are addressed in Eurocode 3 and in EN 13445. The application of modern fracture mechanics methods is taken as a specific example to demonstrate how, by means of engineering science it was and is possible to quantify the toughness requirements, while simplifying the use of such methods. Further, it will be outlined why and how within the new design system, quality in fabrication plays a very important role. Finally, it shall become clear that a model which is transferable for all kinds of welded constructions requiring safe, economical and sustainable design is available for all interested parties all over the world. (AU) Copyright © 2015 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) All rights reserved