A guide to Eurocode Load Combinations: EN 1990:2002

The Eurocodes are a set of standards for how structural design should be conducted within the European Union. EN 1990:2002 (ECO) sets out the basis of structural design whereas EN 1991 (EC1) specifies the actions on structures. In conjunction, these two documents provide a methodology for the combination of actions (load combinations) for limit states design. In general terms, limit states are the conditions that result in the building ceasing to meet its function that it was designed for.

Limit states are categorized as being an ultimate limit state (ULS) or serviceability limit state (SLS). ULS is concerned with the safety of people and/or safety of structure (e.g. capacity, overturning, sliding, fracture). SLS is concerned with inhibited intended use, the comfort of people, and appearance of construction works (e.g. cracking, deformation).

The following Ultimate Limit States need to be verified:

• EQU – Loss of equilibrium.
• STR – Internal failure of the structure.
• GEO – Failure or excessive deformation of the ground.

This article will focus on how SkyCiv’s auto-generated load combinations feature meets the load combination equations as specified in EN 1990:2002.

Table A1.2(A) – Design values of actions (EQU)(Set A)

The following assumptions are made:

• There is low variability in G_k and therefore that G_k,sup, and G_k,inf need not be used.
• The single-source principle for permanent loads does not apply to EQU. This means load combinations allow some permanent actions to be favorable, and others to be unfavorable.
• Variable actions include imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads, and temperature (non-fire) loads.

SkyCiv’s Implementation

Table A1.2(B) – Design values of actions (STR/GEO)(Set B)

The following assumptions are made:

• There is low variability in G_k and therefore that G_k,sup and G_k,inf need not be used.
• The single source principle for permanent loads applies in this case. This means load combinations with permanent actions will all be multiplied by the same factor (unfavorable or favorable).
• Foundations are not considered.
• Variable actions include imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads, and temperature (non-fire) loads.

SkyCiv’s Implementation

Table A1.2(C) – Design values of actions (STR/GEO)(Set C)

The following assumptions are made:

• There is low variability in G_k and therefore that G_k,sup and G_k,inf need not be used.
• Variable actions include imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads, and temperature (non-fire) loads.

SkyCiv’s Implementation

Table A1.3 – Design values of actions for use in accidental and seismic combinations of actions

The following assumptions are made:

• There is low variability in G_k and therefore that G_k,sup and G_k,inf need not be used.
• Variable actions include imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads, and temperature (non-fire) loads.

SkyCiv’s Implementation

Table A1.4.1 – Serviceability Limit States – Partial Factors for Actions

The following assumptions are made:

• There is low variability in G_k and therefore that G_k,sup and G_k,inf need not be used.
• Variable actions include imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads, and temperature (non-fire) loads.
• The serviceability criteria should be specified for each project and agreed upon with the client.
• The serviceability criteria for deformations and vibrations shall be defined depending on the intended use, in relation to the serviceability requirements, and independently of the materials used for the supporting structural member.

SkyCiv’s Implementation