EN 1998-1 was developed from the merger of ENV 1998-1-1:1994, ENV 1998-1- 2:1994 and ENV 1998-1-3:1995. As mentioned in 1.1.1, attention must be paid to the fact that for the design of structures in seismic regions the provisions of EN 1998 are to be applied in addition to the provisions of the other relevant EN 1990 to EN 1997 and EN 1999.
One fundamental issue in EN 1998-1 is the definition of the seismic action. Given the wide difference of seismic hazard and seismo-genetic characteristics in the various member countries, the seismic action is herein defined in general terms. The definition allows various Nationally Determined Parameters (NDP) which should be confirmed or modified in the National Annexes.
It is however considered that, by the use of a common basic model for the representation of the seismic action, an important step is taken in EN 1998-1 in terms of Code harmonisation.
EN 1998-1 contains in its section related to masonry buildings specific provisions which simplify the design of "simple masonry buildings”.
Scope of EN 1998:
(1)P EN 1998 applies to the design and construction of buildings and civil engineering works in seismic regions. Its purpose is to ensure that in the event of earthquakes:
- human lives are protected;
- damage is limited; and
- structures important for civil protection remain operational.
(2)P Special structures, such as nuclear power plants, offshore structures and large dams, are beyond the scope of EN 1998.
(3)P EN 1998 contains only those provisions that, in addition to the provisions of the other relevant Eurocodes, must be observed for the design of structures in seismic regions. It complements in this respect the other Eurocodes.
(4) EN 1998 is subdivided into various separate Parts.
Scope of EN 1998-1:
(1) EN 1998-1 applies to the design of buildings and civil engineering works in seismic regions. It is subdivided in 10 Sections, some of which are specifically devoted to the design of buildings.
(2) Section 2 of EN 1998-1 contains the basic performance requirements and compliance criteria applicable to buildings and civil engineering works in seismic regions.
(3) Section 3 of EN 1998-1 gives the rules for the representation of seismic actions and for their combination with other actions. Certain types of structures, dealt with in EN 1998-2 to EN 1998-6, need complementing rules which are given in those Parts.
(4) Section 4 of EN 1998-1 contains general design rules relevant specifically to buildings.
(5) Sections 5 to 9 of EN 1998-1 contain specific rules for various structural materials and elements, relevant specifically to buildings as follows:
- Section 5: Specific rules for concrete buildings;
- Section 6: Specific rules for steel buildings;
- Section 7: Specific rules for composite steel-concrete buildings;
- Section 8: Specific rules for timber buildings;
- Section 9: Specific rules for masonry buildings.
(6) Section 10 contains the fundamental requirements and other relevant aspects of design and safety related to base isolation of structures and specifically to base isolation of buildings.
(7) Annex C contains additional elements related to the design of slab reinforcement in steel-concrete composite beams at beam-column joints of moment frames.
