New EU standard revolutionizes geotechnics: important guidelines presented!

New EU standard revolutionizes geotechnics: important guidelines presented!

Geotechnical practice in Germany is receiving significant impetus with new EU standards and practice-oriented guidelines. Julia Sorgatz, geotechnician at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, has now made an important contribution to this. After five years of intensive collaboration at European level, the document “Determination of representative values ​​from derived values ​​for verification with limit states with EN 1997” was published. This accompanying publication aims to support planners in deriving geotechnical parameters from measurement data.

The new EU standard, known as Eurocode 7, regulates the design, calculation and dimensioning in geotechnical engineering. This standard is essential for builders, planners, entrepreneurs and administrations who need to be trained in the application of EN 1997-1. It rushes into a set of rules that so far offers little explanation, which illustrates the need for additional guidelines such as those developed by Sorgatz and her team. DIN Media highlights that particular attention should be paid to the application requirements set out in Section 1.3.

Challenges in geotechnical engineering

The guidelines, of which Sorgatz is a co-author, offer practical explanations and application examples. This explains that soft ground predominates in Hamburg, which means that piles have to be sunk deep into the ground. In other regions, however, a shallow foundation may be sufficient. Providing information on soil strength is essential for the design of geotechnical structures.

This new approach is not only a response to various challenges, but also leads to a significant change in methodology. While previously empirical values ​​were used, statistical methods and a scientifically sound basis are now part of the process. This comprehensive change requires additional explanations to convey the new terminology.

Contribution to standardization

The work of Sorgatz and her colleagues at the TUBAF Institute of Geotechnics shows the scientific relevance of their research. They represent an important contribution to the further development of standardization and geotechnical practice in Germany. These efforts are reflected in current research aimed at improving the understanding and application of the new standards.

Eurocode 7, i.e. EN 1997-1, should be used in combination with other Eurocodes such as EN 1990 and EN 1991 to EN 1999. It is important that the target group is fully informed and has the necessary knowledge to apply the standards correctly. In this regard, Sorgatz's work becomes a crucial resource for future civil engineering projects in Europe.