A summary is given of the history of ten European codes for structure design, and their introduction throughout Europe. The main features of EN 1990, "Basis of structural design" and EN 1991, "Actions on structures" are explained. Examples are given of the wide scope and technical innovations of EN 1993, "Steel structures" and EN 1994, "Composite structures of steel and concrete", with reference also to the concrete code, EN 1992. There is discussion of the suitability of Eurocodes for use in non-European countries and their relevance for Brazil.
Steel structures; composite structures; design; European codes of practice
