Introduction to Eurocode 5

The Eurocodes are a series of standards that establish common rules across the European Economic Area (EEA) for structural design using any material. They allow a designer to prove compliance with the requirements of the European Construction Product Regulation and national Building Regulations.

BS EN 1995, more commonly known as Eurocode 5 or EC5, is the standard for structural timber design.

Considerable research from most of the member states has gone into these standards and they are continually supported by a review every five years. National standards bodies are required to help in the review process by collating the information relevant to their jurisdictions.

This Wood Information Sheet outlines the major differences between Eurocode 5 and BS 5268-2 Structural use of timber which was withdrawn in 2010, and includes guidance on transitioning between the two.

Contents:

• Background
• Eurocode 5 versus BS 5268
• Materials and design data
• Eurocode terms and requirements
• Connections and assemblies
• Further advice

This Wood Information Sheet was revised in June 2016. Changes were made to reflect the updated PD 6693-1 and withdrawn standards were removed from Table 2. There are also three new sections on timber composites, adhesives, and fasteners and connectors.

This Wood Information Sheet was reviewed in February 2017 and minor corrections were made to the references section.