Alasdair Beal (5 August) raises two problems with the Eurocodes. His concern that the change in member axes for steelwork may cause confusion was raised many times during drafting. Engineers seem to have no problem with software, in which x is usually along a member, and y and z follow the Eurocode convention. They also cope with composite columns in which the major axis of the steel section is the minor axis of the composite section. Vigilance is certainly needed. The worst outcome would be if the UK failed to follow Europe in applying a decision that was made at least 20 years ago.
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