What is the impact of Eurocodes on HA procurement?
As the use of Eurocodes will be through the DMRB, the impact of their use on the procurement and contract documents should broadly be as for other changes in standards. The only difference will be that during the period of co-existence of the two sets of design codes, design to either will be acceptable – specifically, for all types of contract, involving new highways structures design, made before 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will not be mandatory; however, for all types of contracts, involving new highways structures design, made after 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will be mandatory (unless otherwise agreed by the TAA). On long term contracts (MACs, DBFOs), made before 31 March 2010, the use of Eurocodes will only be mandatory where the detailed design is programmed to commence after 31 March 2010. There is an issue of for how long a design to the current National codes (within a long-running design programme) would remain acceptable beyond the codes withdrawal date. Thi
