Reviewed 3 min read3 primary sourcesVersion 1.3
Written and reviewed by Pergola Wiki Editorial TeamSee editorial method and revision history
Evidence chain connecting site facts, classification, design basis, product evidence and approval
Jurisdiction first: classification and adopted rules come before generic product claims. Original diagram by Pergola Wiki.
Read a detailed text description

Five linked blocks run from project address and site facts to legal classification, adopted design basis, product-specific evidence and final approval or inspection records. Feedback arrows show that a mismatch in configuration, location or assumptions must be resolved rather than skipped by relying on a generic certificate.

Key takeaways

  • Use the national annex for nationally determined parameters.
  • EN 1991 addresses actions; material Eurocodes address resistance.
  • Planning permission is separate from structural compliance.

On this page

  1. Design framework
  2. Project evidence
  3. Use the Eurocodes as a coordinated set
  4. Manage the second-generation transition

Design framework

EN 1990 sets basis-of-design principles, while EN 1991 covers actions such as self-weight, imposed, snow and wind. Material-specific standards, execution rules and national annexes complete the calculation framework.

Project evidence

A product brochure or CE-related statement does not automatically demonstrate site-specific structural adequacy. The project still needs the correct geometry, actions, foundations, connections and national requirements.

Source tier 2Source-register entry
European Commission Joint Research Centre — Eurocode 1 — Actions on Structures
European framework for actions including self-weight, imposed, snow and wind actions.

Use the Eurocodes as a coordinated set

EN 1990 establishes the basis, EN 1991 provides actions, material Eurocodes address resistance and serviceability, and geotechnical or seismic Eurocodes may also apply. National Annexes contain nationally determined parameters. Selecting one material clause without the action, combination, execution and national context is incomplete.

Manage the second-generation transition

Eurocode editions are evolving, while national publication, withdrawal of older standards and Annex availability occur on different schedules. The project basis should list every part and National Annex used, amendment status and execution standard. Do not mix parameters from generations unless the responsible designer has established compatibility.

Source tier 2Source-register entry
European Commission Joint Research Centre — Eurocode 9 — Design of aluminium structures
European framework covering resistance, serviceability, durability and fire resistance of structural aluminium.

Primary sources and scope

Source tier 2Source-register entry
European Commission Joint Research Centre — Eurocode 1 — Actions on Structures
European framework for actions including self-weight, imposed, snow and wind actions.
Source tier 2Source-register entry
European Commission Joint Research Centre — Eurocode 9 — Design of aluminium structures
European framework covering resistance, serviceability, durability and fire resistance of structural aluminium.
Source tier 3Source-register entry
European Commission Joint Research Centre — STEP — Structural Timber Education Programme for Eurocode 5
Expert-prepared implementation material for Eurocode 5 timber design, hosted by the European Commission JRC.

Cite this page

Pergola Wiki Editorial Team. “Eurocodes and European projects.” Pergola Wiki. Reviewed 24 July 2026. https://pergola.wiki/articles/eurocodes/

Professional boundary: This article cannot replace a site investigation, project-specific manufacturer documentation, structural calculations or the authority having jurisdiction.
Disclosure: the site footer contains one labelled industry link to Oscar Pergola. It does not determine article conclusions, source tiers or product rankings. Read the full disclosure。