Engineers at the University of Warwick have played a leading role in updating one of Europe’s most important construction standards, used in everything from multi-storey offices to some of the world’s tallest buildings.
The new Eurocode 4, published on 18 March, sets out how engineers should design composite structures made from steel and concrete. These structures dominate modern construction, accounting for more than three-quarters of multi-storey office buildings in the UK, are widely used in bridges and are used in nearly two-thirds of the world’s 100 tallest buildings.
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‘This new generation of Eurocode 4 builds on more than 50 years of development, including pioneering work led here at Warwick,’ said Professor Stephen Hicks form the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, who is the chair of the European committee responsible for the standard. ‘From the first generation of the standard to the version published today, our researchers have helped shape how composite steel and concrete structures are designed around the world. The latest update reflects major advances in research and practice, enabling engineers to design more efficient, lower-carbon structures while maintaining the required levels of safety and performance.’
The updated standard introduces new guidance for modern construction techniques, including beams with web openings, shallow-floor systems and the use of precast concrete. It also significantly advances the design of shear connections – the critical elements that allow steel and concrete to work together as a single, highly efficient structure.
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The update also introduces novel approaches suited to modern construction methods, including advanced steel–concrete systems already used in high-rise buildings and emerging technologies, such as modular nuclear reactors. These improvements will allow engineers to design longer, lighter spans using less steel, cutting both costs and embodied carbon in major buildings and infrastructure.
Eurocode 4 is part of the wider Eurocodes system, a set of shared European design rules developed to ensure buildings and infrastructure are safe, efficient and consistent across countries. They are the only standards that fully satisfy national regulations for publicly funded construction across Europe.
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The new Eurocode 4 will be implemented across Europe by March 2028, replacing the previous version and ensuring a consistent, modern approach to structural design.
Beyond individual projects, the Eurocodes play a vital role in enabling safer buildings, supporting innovation and creating a level playing field for construction firms across international markets.