The reluctance of civil engineers to pick up and run with the Eurocodes could cost British construction companies dearly.
In development over the past 20 years or so, this set of pan-European model building codes developed by the European Committee for Standardisation has progressed slowly resulting in their implementation being met with scepticism.
“Don’t be fooled – the Eurocodes will sneak up and bite any UK construction company or professional services business that does not recognise their importance. Many in the industry trust the British Standards that are currently in use will run side-by-side with the new codes until they eventually become obsolete,” said Gordon Lane, Associate Director of Civil & Structural Engineering at Property and Construction consultancy McBains Cooper.
"The EU directive states that national codes are to be withdrawn on 31st March 2010, and the BSI has confirmed they are complying with that directive and will not be supporting changes to British Standards beyond March. The updating of Building Regulations to reflect this directive will not take place until 2013. Many Engineers see this as the point of no return when they must use the Eurocodes. The fact is that it is the contracts that will decide when we must change, particularly public contracts which will undoubtedly require the change to take place immediately.
“Engineers can view this change as a hindrance or an opportunity. Those who do not buy into the adoption of the Codes in April will have their work opportunities restricted. Beyond 2013 these may dry up completely. Eurocodes give us exciting opportunities. There is no better CPD and refreshing learning than buying into the Eurocodes. The codes will open up new markets for consultancy practices within the Eurozone.
"The barrier of national codes has prevented businesses like McBains Cooper from exporting its complete interdiscipline design approach to the European community. The dissolving of this barrier and implementation of normative procedures throughout Europe allows us to introduce our way of working to new markets. Factor in the favourable exchange rate and the opportunities for British engineers are there for the taking.
“As with all markets, those who follow trends will be left in the wake. This is an opportunity for British construction design consultants to set the pace for the rest of Europe to follow. Those who are slow on the uptake may come to rue their reluctance." |
