Eurocode 7 is the EU standard for the design of geotechnical
structures. Its use in public sector works became mandatory in EU member states
in 2010 and it has been implemented in varying ways by member
states.
As a result of the collaborative research project on
producing the International Levee Handbook (ILH), the practices of other leading
EU countries in relation to the interpretation and application of Eurocode 7 to
levees (or flood embankments as levees are referred to in the UK) have become
evident to the UK research team and the UK National Backing Group. A workshop
was organised in January 2013 to discuss these practices.
It was clear that the more proactive EU nations (France, the Netherlands and
Germany) had taken, or were in the course of taking, action at the national
level to ensure that appropriately useful documents are available alongside
Eurocode 7 to guide its consistent application to levees. As a result of the
workshop it was recommended that consideration should be given to producing a
guide for UK that would provide appropriate interpretation of EC7 in the context
of the International Levee Handbook. A key reason for this is to provide for
consistent and cost-effective application of the Eurocode.
The aim of the project is to provide guidance to UK practitioners on the
interpretation and application of EC7 in the context of flood embankment design,
construction and management to be read alongside the International Levee
Handbook. The guide will address a gap in current UK practice in relation to the
current Eurocode 7. Secondly it will also support and inform UK involvement
alongside other leading EU nations in securing appropriate improvements in the
updated EC7. The guide would therefore provide important guidance in the period
leading to the implementation of the next version of EC7 in or after 2020 and
also help ensure that UK policy and practice is reflected in the next edition of
the Eurocode.
Project status
This project started in October 2013
and is currently in the drafting stages.
Project funders
The project is supported
financially by the public bodies involved in supporting CIRIA’s International
Levee Handbook:
UK: Environment Agency/Natural Resources
Wales, Scottish Government/SEPA; Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Northern Ireland
Ireland: Office of Public
Works
Research contractor
Arup