Skip to main content
European Commission logo
Eurocodes: Building the future

Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance

EN 1998 banner

 

EN 1998 Eurocode 8 applies to the design and construction of buildings and other civil engineering works in seismic regions. Its purpose is to ensure that in the event of earthquakes

  • human lives are protected;
  • damage is limited;
  • structures important for civil protection remain operational.

Parts

EN 1998-1:2004 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 1: General rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings
EN 1998-2:2005 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 2: Bridges
EN 1998-3:2005 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 3: Assessment and retrofitting of buildings
EN 1998-4:2006 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 4: Silos, tanks and pipelines
EN 1998-5:2004 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 5: Foundations, retaining structures and geotechnical aspects
EN 1998-6:2005 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 6: Towers, masts and chimneys

The random nature of the seismic events and the limited resources available to counter their effects are such as to make the attainment of these goals only partially possible and only measurable in probabilistic terms. The extent of the protection that can be provided to different categories of buildings, which is only measurable in probabilistic terms, is a matter of optimal allocation of resources and is therefore expected to vary from country to country, depending on the relative importance of the seismic risk with respect to risks of other origin and on the global economic resources.

Special structures, such as nuclear power plants, offshore structures and large dams, are beyond the scope of EN 1998. EN 1998 contains only those provisions that, in addition to the provisions of the other relevant EN Eurocodes, must be observed for the design of structures in seismic regions. It complements in this respect the other EN Eurocodes.

 

Eurocodes Icons

EN 1990
EN 1991
EN 1992
EN 1993
EN 1994
EN 1995
EN 1996
EN 1997
EN 1998
EN 1999