After more than a decade of revision, the second generation of Eurocodes is being released gradually across Europe. Manuel Walter, Product Manager Structural Analysis at ALLPLAN, explains why the new Eurocodes represent more than a routine update, and why structural engineers should begin preparing now
While the updates span multiple materials and disciplines, the implications for structural steel design are particularly significant. Changes to stability verification, material scope, fire design and analytical methods will affect both day-to-day engineering practice and the digital tools used to support it.
A fundamental shift in design philosophy
The second generation introduces structural and conceptual changes that extend beyond technical refinements. At its core is a stronger effort to harmonise safety approaches across Europe, including revised partial safety concepts and verification methods. This is expected to reduce reliance on nationally determined parameters, creating a more consistent design framework across borders.
For structural steel engineers, the reform reflects advances in research, evolving construction methods and the increasing importance of lifecycle-based design. Standards are being restructured to improve clarity and usability, with streamlined terminology and simplified procedures for common verification scenarios.
However, this simplification is accompanied by a need to understand new chapter structures and updated reference systems.
The result is a shift in how engineers engage with codes – not only technically but also organisationally, as internal templates, design workflows, and software tools must evolve at the same time.
Key updates affecting steel design
Among the most notable changes for structural steel is the refinement of stability verification. Updated buckling curves and enhancements to the General Method aim to provide more accurate predictions of member instability, reflecting modern analytical capabilities and research findings.
Material scope is also expanding. New provisions accommodate higher-strength steel grades, including S700 in EN 1993-1-1 and S960 in EN 1993-1-12. This broadens design possibilities, particularly for longspan structures and projects where weight optimisation is critical.
A further innovation concerns semi-compact (Class 3) sections. New rules introduce refined elastic-plastic transition models, offering greater flexibility while maintaining safety margins. These developments may enable more efficient use of steel, but they also require updated modelling assumptions and verification procedures.
Fire design is another area undergoing modernisation. The updated Eurocodes place greater emphasis on performance-based approaches, supported by improved methods for determining critical temperatures. This reflects a broader industry trend towards advanced simulation and digital analysis tools.
Two new parts – EN 1993-1-13, covering beams with large web openings, and EN 1993-1-14, addressing design assisted by finite element analysis – formalise topics previously addressed through guidance documents or specialist knowledge. Together, these additions signal a stronger integration of computational design methods into mainstream practice.
Broader coordination across disciplines
While steel-specific updates are significant, their impact cannot be viewed in isolation. Revisions to EN 1990, now divided into separate parts for new and existing structures, strengthen the integration of structural and geotechnical considerations. This will require closer coordination between disciplines, particularly regarding load combinations, safety factors and modelling assumptions.
At the same time, the increasing emphasis on robustness, durability and climate resilience reinforces the need to assess structures across their entire lifecycle. For structural steel engineers, this may influence design decisions relating to reuse, strengthening, and long-term performance.
These developments highlight a wider shift in engineering practice from isolated calculations towards holistic, digitally supported workflows that reflect real-world project complexity.
Transition timelines and preparation
The second-generation Eurocodes are scheduled to replace the current standards from March 2028, following a coexistence phase during which both generations can be applied. Final drafts are expected to be delivered to national standardisation bodies by 2026, with national publication targeted by late 2027.
This timeline provides engineers with a limited but valuable window to adapt. Pilot projects undertaken during the transition phase can help teams understand the new requirements, test updated workflows and avoid having to implement last-minute changes under pressure.
Delaying preparation carries risks. Projects with long design durations – such as bridges or major infrastructure schemes – may encounter compliance challenges if standards change mid-process. Similarly, late adoption may lead to organisational inefficiencies, software compatibility issues, and increased liability exposure.
From a strategic perspective, early engagement allows firms to spread training and implementation costs over several years while positioning themselves competitively as staying current with recent changes. That’s why SCIA Engineer has already implemented the 2nd Gen Eurocode for steel in the 2026 version. Meanwhile, FRILO software will also be updated to include it with the National Annex for the UK.
A catalyst for modernisation
The upcoming release of the second generation of Eurocodes should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a burden. By embedding advances in structural research, digital analysis and lifecycle design, the updated standards reflect the direction in which the industry is already moving.
For structural steel engineers, the transition represents a chance to modernise internal processes, improve design efficiency and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. Those who engage early are likely to experience the shift as a manageable evolution. Those who wait may face a compressed and more disruptive adjustment.
To understand how the second-generation Eurocodes will influence structural steel design workflows – and how digital tools can support a smooth transition – watch our recorded webinar available now on demand.
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