EC2

EC7
Reflections from the practical
application of EC7 and EC2
on pile design in the UK
Dr. Dimitrios Selemetas
Design Manager
Cementation Skanska
1

EC7

EC2
Pile Design

CONTENTS
The paradox with SWL
The paradox with Tension
Lost in Specification
A unified EC7 pile schedule
EC2 implications on pile design

Before the times of Eurocodes

USF UEB
SWL
FoS

SWL

USF

UEB
4

The Eurocode Years

Structural Combination 1 (ULS-STR)
USF UEB
( Gk) ( Qk) ( Qk, sec) MFxR1 MFxR1
G1

Q1

Q1

Geotechnical Combination 2 (ULS-GEO)

USF UEB
( Gk) ( Qk) ( Qk, sec) MFxR 4 MFxR 4
G2

Q2

Q2

E,d R,d
5

BS

vs.

EC7

Case 1 (SWL = 1000kN)

Dead Load (Permanent Action) Gk = 750kN
Live Load (Variable Action) Qk = 250kN
Calculate the GEO Factored Action Ed,max

Ed,max = 1075kN

Case 2 (SWL = 1000kN)

Dead Load (Permanent Action) Gk = 250kN
Live Load (Variable Action) Qk = 750kN
Calculate the GEO Factored Action Ed,max

Ed,max = 1225kN

The SWL Paradox

For the same SWL
Eurocode design may give
different pile toe levels.

Case 3 (BS Tension = 0kN)

Dead Load (Permanent Action) Gk = 500kN
Wind Load (Variable Action) Qk,wind = 500kN
Calculate the STR Factored Action Ed,min

Ed,min = -250kN

10

The Tension Paradox

In Eurocode, tension may exist even
when DL = WL and where tension
exists this may result in more
tension and shear steel

11

Lost in Specification
Piles to be designed to a FoS of 3.0 to EC7
Piles to be designed to EC7 and LDSA
Piles to be designed to EC7 to carry ULS loads
Piles to be designed to EC7 to carry SLS loads

12

BS or EC7?

13

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

FPS Pile Schedule to EC7

Pile
Reference
Geometry

Vertical
Actions

Horizontal
Actions

Pile
Design

14

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

REFERENCE

Pile
Loading
Pile Type
Reference
Reference

Drawing
Reference

Pile Cap
Reference

15

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

PILE GEOMETRY

COL

PPL

Diameter

Easting

Northing

Raking

16

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

VERTICAL ACTIONS

Gk

Qk

Qk,wind

Tk

Ad

Ed
(ULSSTR)

Ed
(ULSGEO)

17

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

HORIZONTAL ACTIONS

Gk

Qk

Qk,wind

Ad

Ed
(ULSSTR)

Ed
(ULSGEO)

18

A Unified EC7 Pile Schedule

PILE DESIGN
Bored /
Pile Toe
Concrete
Level
Length

Concrete
Grade

Top of
Steel

Toe of Steel

Main Steel

Shear Steel

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EC7

EC2
Pile Design

20

EC2 Impact on Pile Diameter (cl. 2.3.4.2)

Rig Instrumentation (concrete volume)

Measurement of tools
Check that over-break is positive
Use of spacers
21

EC2 Impact on concrete (cl. 2.4.2.5)

c = 1.1 x 1.50 = 1.65

Previously in BS 8110 c = 1.50
This factor is applied on characteristic strength
Where is the benefit of advances in concrete technology?

22

EC2 Impact on min steel _ cl. 9.8.5(3)

BS EN 1536 (Minimum steel is 4H12 for piles)

Design for the worst cage orientation
23

BS 8110 vs. EC2 (6H16)

24

Shear reinforcement to EC2

300mm

BS 8110
EC2

Spacing
of Links
100mm
Tension Increasing
25

EC2 Impact on Lap Lengths (cl. 8.7.3)

No x Bar Dia
Tension Lap
(EC-2)
Tension
Anchorage
(EC-2)

Bond
Conditions

C28/35

C32/40

Good

57

52

Good

38

35

Common UK practice is to use a lap of 40 x D

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EC2, CDM (2007) and Sustainability

Is there any space for concrete?

27

FINAL THOUGHTS

What have we gained from the EC7 complexity?

Why do we need to put more steel in the ground?
Is EC2 really applicable to UK piling practice?
Is EC2 compliant with CDM regulations?
Future generation of Eurocode Designers
Need to use a Unified EC7 pile schedule

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The Engineering Perspective

Optimist

Pessimist

Engineer
29