Evolving structures: composites, eurocodes and the future of construction
From its inception, the construction industry has been a canvas of evolution, driven by innovation. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the composites industry, Professor Eric Moussiaux, vice president of technology at Exel Composites, explores the impact of the new Eurocode for composites on the slowly changing landscape of construction and engineering.
What are Eurocodes?
The Eurocodes represent a comprehensive set of standards for the design and construction of buildings and civil engineering works. Conceived in 1975 by the Commission of the European Community, it aimed to eliminate technical obstacles to trade, while providing a unified approach to design and construction across Europe.
These standards were designed to establish a harmonized framework, fostering seamless trade among EU member states. Over several decades of meticulous development, they reached their culmination in 1989 when the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) officially endorsed them as the standard for Europe.
The Eurocodes were comprised of ten parts, each tailored to address the intricacies of various construction materials, including steel, concrete, and masonry. While Eurocodes initially focused on traditional construction materials, the emergence of fiber-polymer composites represents a significant step forward. As composites’ potential as a building material becomes clearer, a subtle yet notable shift is taking place, indicating the industry’s openness to innovative solutions.
Recognizing the industry’s progress over the past decades, the dynamic evolution of material science and technology showcases the pressing need for a dedicated Eurocode tailed to composites. This evolution signals a growing acceptance of alternative materials in the market.
Currently, composites are not widely used in building and construction projects despite the many advantages they represent over traditional materials, such as being lightweight, robust, aesthetically flexible, and having lower maintenance requirements than materials such as wood or steel. In fact, the market penetration for composites sits at approximately one per cent. However, there is significant scope for this to grow, particularly with the introduction of a dedicated technical specification or future Eurocode tailored specifically for composites.
Revisions of the Eurocodes have been underway since 2010, culminating in the publication of a second generation of Eurocodes in 2023. Among these, a standout is the new CEN/TS 19101: Design of Fiber-Polymer Composite Structures. This Technical Specification, which will be transformed into a Eurocode after a trial period of 2 to 3 years, like all its counterparts, focuses on the design of buildings, bridges and various civil engineering structures that utilize composites. It will encompass both permanent and temporary structures while adhering to principles and requirements ensuring the safety, serviceability, and durability of these structures.
This future Eurocode holds relevance for a wide range of composite structures, including composite members such as profile and sandwich panels, as well as several types of joints such as bolted, bonded and hybrid along with their connections. Its applicability will be extended structural systems like beams, columns, and frames, as well as covering hybrid-composite structures that combine composite members with those made from other materials.
This Eurocode’s reach extends over 34 countries under the CEN, with many more nations globally adopting these standards in their own civil engineering practices. While the Technical Specification remains in a testing phase over the next few years, the document is available for purchase and testing in all EU countries, undergoing thorough evaluation and validation before receiving official Eurocode status.
Eurocode for composites in construction – why is this significant?
The establishment of a dedicated composite Eurocode introduces a standardized and dependable framework for the design of composite structures. Engineers will now be equipped with a reliable set of guidelines and standards, streamlining the design process and reducing uncertainty. Simultaneously, this initiative will elevate the status of composite materials, positioning them as credible options for structural applications. Such recognition is poised to inspire designers to explore the diverse possibilities of composites across various applications.
The positive outcomes of this initiative are expected to include increased market penetration. Currently, composites represent only one per cent of the €192billion market in hardware and building materials, amounting to €2.16billion. Nevertheless, the implementation of the Eurocode is expected to stimulate growth by instilling confidence in composite materials among designers, engineers, and construction professionals.
To meet the demands of the technical specification, the establishment of robust quality assurance processes is needed. The EC has authorized TC250 WG4, the workgroup authoring the TS 19101, to develop an execution standard for fiber-reinforced polymer structures. This ensures that products meet the required standards of safety, serviceability, and durability. Consequently, the formalization of these design standards is set to enhance the credibility of composites as a viable option for structural applications.
Eurocodes wield global influence, transcending the confines of the European Union to be embraced in diverse regions worldwide. Their reputation as robust design and construction standards is built on a foundation of providing invaluable guidelines for the creation of safe and reliable structures.
Global recognition plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade, by guaranteeing that products and structures adhere to exacting standards for safety, performance, and quality. Consequently, they maintain their relevance and attractiveness, contributing to the global dissemination of robust practices, benefiting the construction industry worldwide.
The changes to the Eurocodes hold immense potential for fostering international collaboration in the realm of standards development. The potential is significant and far-reaching, promising benefits beyond borders.
International collaboration serves as a conduit for harmonizing standards across nations, simplifying international trade, and promoting uniformity in design and construction practices. Similarly, the formal recognition of the Eurocode as an official standard will catalyze the exchange of expertise within the composites sector. This collaborative synergy among experts from diverse corners of the globe will culminate in the creation of standards that are more robust and effective.
It is well understood that challenges in construction and engineering transcend geographical borders. Collaborative efforts and standardized practices become indispensable tools for addressing global concerns such as climate change, safety and sustainability comprehensively and effectively.
In essence, adherence to internationally recognized standards enhance competitiveness in the global market, endowing manufacturers and professionals with the confidence that their products and services meet universally accepted criteria.
In the ever-evolving realm of construction and engineering, the advent of the Eurocode for composites represents a fundamental step forward. It signifies the maturation of composite materials, establishing them as a reliable choice in construction and engineering.
This introduction serves as an invitation to engineers, designers, and manufacturers, urging them to explore the boundless potential presented by composite materials. It encourages them to envision structures that are not just safe and sustainable, but also remarkably resilient.
As part of this initiative, two essential resources have been developed. The first, a 1,000-page commentary, supported by extensive references, offers thorough justification for the technical specification’s contents. Additionally, a book containing 14 detailed worked examples will serve as a valuable tool for educators and engineers alike. These resources provide a comprehensive informational framework, facilitating exploration of composite materials’ potential and enabling the creation of safe, sustainable, and resilient structures. Digital publication of these documents is expected in 2024.
Now, more than ever, the time has come to champion this transformative journey across the construction industry. It is a resounding call to action, an impassioned plea to all stakeholders to unite in embracing the Eurocode for composites, a key that will unlock doors to a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.
We can build a future where innovative materials are at the heart of groundbreaking designs, where the ideals of safety and sustainability are seamlessly interwoven, and where our structures proudly stand as testaments to human ingenuity. The Eurocode for composites is not merely a collection of standards; it is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the world we inhabit.
About the Author
Eric Moussiaux is a distinguished figure in the composites industry with a career spanning over three decades. As the Vice President of Technology at Exel Composites, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Eric has held leadership positions in esteemed organizations, including chair of the European Pultrusion Technology Association and the founding of the European Composites Industry Association. Beyond his corporate roles, he contributes to the field of education as a visiting professor at the University of Brussels (VUB), where he imparts his knowledge of the Mechanics of Composite Materials, inspiring future generations in the field.
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