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This is the latest design code (second generation of EN Eurocodes) replacing the first generation of EN Eurocodes which will be withdrawn by BSI on 30 March 2028. While BS 8110 served as the mainstay of concrete design from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, the shift to Eurocodes officially began around 2010, when the UK adopted the Eurocodes as the primary design standards. However, the transition has been gradual — many practicing engineers and firms still widely use BS 8110 due to its familiarity and the vast library of designs based on it. With the release of Eurocode 2 (2023 edition), the aim is to fully standardize design practice across Europe and internationally, promoting consistency, innovation, and alignment with modern materials and safety requirements. Nevertheless, in real-world practice, BS 8110 continues to hold significant relevance, especially in regions where local authorities and clients are more comfortable with its long-standing provisions.
This is the primary design code referenced throughout this tutorial. Unlike the Eurocodes, BS 8110 is straightforward and easier to grasp, making it highly recommended for beginners before transitioning to the more advanced Eurocodes. Throughout the tutorial, exact clauses and page numbers from BS 8110-1:1997 have been provided to help you quickly locate and study the referenced material.
Tip: For the best learning experience, keep a copy of BS 8110-1:1997 open as you go through this tutorial. Referencing the exact clauses and pages alongside the worked examples will deepen your understanding and build your confidence in applying the code.
This standard has been referenced in the tutorial during the design of the column under biaxial bending. Specifically, refer to Chart No. 22 to see how we determined A_sc, the area of longitudinal reinforcement required. Having this document on hand will help you follow the column design steps more smoothly.
Tip: Before starting the column design section, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the layout of the design charts in this document. This will make the process faster and help you understand the design flow with confidence.
This standard has been referenced in the tutorial when calculating the self-weight of structural elements, such as slabs and beams. It provides standardized unit weights for common building materials, ensuring accurate load estimations during structural analysis and design.
Tip: Always cross-check your assumed material weights with the values in BS 648 to maintain consistency and avoid underestimating dead loads in your design.
In this tutorial, we referenced BS 6399-1 to determine the appropriate imposed loads for our slab and beam calculations. Understanding this code ensures your designs can safely support real-world use conditions.