Structural codes for Spain 3

ThomasH · Mar 4, 2010

Hi all

My question regards, as the subject says, structural codes for Spain. I think I have asked it before but can't find the thread.

Basically, what codes applies today for structural design in Spain? I have found some info on the web but most of it seems to be in Spanish and I can't read Spanish. I can guess but that is not good enough.

Do you use Eurocode and, if so, where can I find national annexes? Is there someplace where I can buy a code package or download it?

Any help is appreciated.

Regards

Thomas

BAretired · Mar 4, 2010

Ishvaaag can probably help you with that.

BA

kelowna · Mar 4, 2010

I think I replied to a similar question in the past.

The Eurocodes are in place in Spain. you can buy most Spanish codes in Aenor's website (

http://www.aenor.es).

There is a concrete code (EHE 2008) and a steel code, but both are adapted to the Eurocodes. There is a code for bridges and something similar to the Building Code.

Some of the codes get published in the BOE (Official publication boletin from the governement) at

http://www.boe.es,

where you can download them for free but it requires you to know exactly what you are looking for.

Some material is avaliable free at

http://www.carreteros.org,

a website related to roads, but it includes some norms on bridges.

I am not aware of any English translations being available for Spanish Codes.

Hopefully Ishvaaag will correct any mistakes I made. It has been a few years since I left Spain.

"Obviously" I have to comment on the intention of designing something for Spain without speaking the language or knowing the local codes, but I am sure you have a good explanation.

ishvaaag · Mar 5, 2010

Most of what kelowna says stands accurate.

Yes, for concrete and prestressed concrete it is EHE 2008 what is standing. For most everything else in building construction it is the "Código Técnico de la Edificación", acronym CTE, that has been revised a number of times since first issued in 2005. There's also a separate seismic (building) code called NCSE-02 (sometimes also called NCSR-02, the name with which it was first issued).

Highway and rail bridge, road construction specs, water supply have separate codes. I do not practice in this area so better refer to some proper link for that.

All these enact -make mandatory- by reference some of the UNE codes, issued by the normalization organization AENOR. Most of these are close portraits of their ISO counterparts, more rarely ASTM or other.

Respect Eurocodes, as of now the process of integration is mainly apparent in some incorporated sections within the EHE 2008 code and whatever they have put in that intent within the CTE. When enforceable for practice, they will be issued as mandatory regulations in the BOE. It is my understanding that Eurocodes areneither mandatory now, nor valid as proof of a correct design by spanish regulations except by the general exception clause made by CTE on that the designer may use alternative methods of design that warrant equivalent standards of safety and serviceability those than mandated by the code. This for sure would be the normal understanding for compliance with a modern set of europeans codes like Eurocode.

Basically, for buildings you find loads in a section of CTE, rules for foundations, masonry, steel and wood design in CTE and for concrete of every kind in EHE.

Now some links that give direct access to the documents:

CTE

http://www.codigotecnico.org/index.php?id=33

EHE 2008

http://www.fomento.es/MFOM/LANG_CAS...NERALES/ORGANOS_COLEGIADOS/CPH/instrucciones/

List of standing legislation for Roadworks

http://www.fomento.es/NR/rdonlyres/...72/70018/ListadodenormativaDGCfebrero2010.pdf

Aseismic Construction NCSE-02 (or NCSR-02)

http://www.fomento.es/NR/rdonlyres/053727ED-0350-4280-8784-C8F4CC34655F/4491/norma1.pdf

Roadway Bridges IAP-98

http://www.fomento.es/NR/rdonlyres/AF56EEE1-4349-4B6A-B33F-64D82D1BA2F6/55799/0820300.pdf

Aseismic Bridges NCSP-07

http://www.fomento.es/NR/rdonlyres/3AD2AEF0-3ECB-4FD9-84F2-576530AB19BC/35794/NormaNCSP07BOE.pdf

Railway Bridges IAPF-07