Eurocodes in Hard Rock Engineering in Finland

Abstract

The Eurocodes are a set of European design principles, rules, and guidance intended for the design of load carrying structures. The codes have been compiled by the CEN Technical Committee 250 (CEN/TC250). The intent of the Eurocodes is to unify the design methodology. Parallel use with existing national building codes is allowed during the transition period (2007–2010) to ensure a smooth transition and enough time to make the necessary changes. In Finland (and Sweden and Norway), there is no formal procedure on how to design rock spaces. The design is based on a designer’s expertise, experience, views, and specific procedures. The problem here is that identical initial data could generate very different results depending on the way the initial data is interpreted and which design methods are used. The Eurocodes do not explicitly state how to design rock spaces, but they define the minimum requirements on how to design structures. The Eurocodes are divided into 10 areas. Of these ten, only a part will affect how to design rock spaces. Eurocode 0 defines the main principles concerning the whole design process. Eurocode 1 defines the loads. Eurocode 2 defines the design of concrete structures (e.g. design of reinforced concrete structures, shotcrete, and grouted rebars). Eurocode 3 defines the design of steel structures (e.g. design of non-grouted bolts, steel columns, and pillars). Eurocode 7 defines the design of geostructures. Eurocode 8 would define the design against earthquakes, but it is not required in Finland, unless otherwise stated.