1
Introduction to EC3
EN 1993 Eurocode 3: Design of Steel
Structures
2
Structure of EC3 Part 1-1
EC3 Part 1-1 comprises 9 chapters and a
number of Appendices
This course excludes Chapters 7-9:
– Chapter 7 Fabrication and erection
– Chapter 8 Design assisted by testing
– Chapter 9 Fatigue
Appendices are generally not referred to
directly
3
General terminology
Eurocodes use a number of precise terms:
– Form of structure - the generic nature of
structural elements or overall system
– Type of construction - principal material
– Method of construction - how it is carried out
EC3 includes a number of further terms:
– Frame - an assembly of structural elements
– Sub-frame - part frame used for analysis
4
Special terms in EC3
Some precise terms are used in EC3:
– Type of framing:
Simple – joints do not resist moments
Continuous – joints assumed to be rigid
Semi-continuous – connection characteristics need explicit
consideration in analysis
– Lengths relating to member stability:
System length: length between lateral restraints/end
Buckling length: equivalent pin-ended system length
5
Special terms in EC3 (Joints)
Partial strength joints: design resistance less
than the connected member
Pinned joints: joints not capable of
transmitting significant bending moments
Rigid joints: deform insufficient to affect
internal forces distribution
Semi-rigid joints: neither pinned nor rigid.
6
Special terms in EC3 (frames)
Braced frames: sway resisted by a stiff bracing
system
Unbraced frames: inadequate sway resistance
by bracing system
Sway frames: insufficient lateral stiffness
horizontal displacements must be accounted for
Non-sway frame: sufficient lateral stiffness
ignore forces from horizontal displacements
7
Material properties
Three nominal grades of steel (EN 10 025):
– Fe 360 nominal yield strength = 235N/mm2
– Fe 430 nominal yield strength = 275N/mm2
– Fe 510 nominal yield strength = 355N/mm2
Strengths reduce for t > 40mm and 100mm
For all structural steels E = 210 kN/mm 2.
Special requirements for plastic analysis,
fracture toughness, and cold-formed steel
8
Design checks
Design checks depend on type of ‘structure’
frames must be checked for:
– resistance of cross-sections
– resistance of members
– resistance of connections
– frame stability
– static equilibrium
tension members need only be checked for
– resistance of cross-sections
9
Ultimate Limit State
Check under factored loads
‘Effects’ on individual elements determined
by analysis
Elements designed as isolated components
Design checks depend on type of member
10
Serviceability Limit State -
deflections
deflection limits are categorised for:
– roofs generally.
– roofs frequently carrying personnel other than
for maintenance.
– floors generally.
– floors & roofs with brittle finish or partitions.
– floors supporting columns
– case where deflection impairs appearance
11
Serviceability Limit State -
vibrations
Dynamic effects to be considered are
– vibration caused by machinery
– self-induced vibrations
Different natural frequencies for structure
and source avoids resonance
12
Serviceability Limit State -
vibrations (cont)
Vibration of structures in public areas
should be limited to avoid discomfort.
Checked by dynamic analysis
Limiting lowest natural frequency to
– 3 Hz for floors with regular access
– 5 Hz for gymnasia or dance halls.
Alternatively ensure adequate stiffness by
limiting deflections.
