Developments in matrials codes and applications of steel structures

This paper gives an overview of recent developments in materials, codes and applications of steel structures. There is a tendency towards using higher strength steel grades, and this asks for a different approach to the design of steel structures. Also work is underway for the next version of part 1-1 of Eurocode 3: EN 1993-1-1 [1]. Many design rules need improvement and the so-called ‘systematic review’ yielded topics that need to be considered. Amendments for EN 1993-1-1 were accepted already by the committee responsible for Eurocode 3, i.e. CEN/TC250/SC3, led very efficiently by Prof. Ulrike Kuhlmann. The paper gives an impression of some of these amendments. The scope of the design rules will be extended, amongst others by including high-strength steel grades. Apart from developments in materials and codes, also developments can be observed regarding the applications of steel structures. Of course the developments in materials, codes and applications mutually influence each other