CHAPTER 1

General
This chapter is concerned with the general aspects of EN 1997-1. The structure of the
chapter follows that of Section 1:
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.

Scope
References
Assumptions
Distinction between Principles and Application Rules
Definitions
Symbols

Clause 1.1
Clause 1.2
Clause 1.3
Clause 1.4
Clause 1.5
Clause 1.6

1.1. Scope
1.1.1. Scope of Eurocode 7 Part 1
EN 1997-1 gives the general principles and requirements, as well as the general application
rules, relevant to the geotechnical aspects of the design of buildings and civil engineering
works. It has to be used in conjunction with EN 1990, Eurocode: Basis of Structural Design,
which is the head document in the Eurocode suite and thus establishes, for all the structural
Eurocodes, the principles and requirements for safety, serviceability and durability of
structures; it further describes the basis of design and verification and provides guidelines for
related aspects of structural reliability.
EN 1990 gives, in particular, the rules for calculating the combinations of the actions on
buildings and civil engineering works. The numerical values of the structural actions are
given in EN 1991, Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures, and in the corresponding National
Annex for a particular country.
The provisions for the design of a structure in a particular material (e.g. concrete or
steel), specifically its strength and resistance, are the subject of the material Eurocodes
(Eurocodes 2 to 6 and 9). Eurocode 7 (on geotechnical design) and Eurocode 8 (on
earthquake resistance) are relevant to all types of structures, whatever the construction
material.
EN 1997-1 describes the requirements for geotechnical design, in order to ensure safety
(strength and stability), serviceability and durability of supported structures, i.e. of buildings
and civil engineering works, founded on soil and rock. In particular, it deals with the
calculation of geotechnical actions, of their effects on structures and of geotechnical
resistances.
For geotechnical design under seismic conditions, the design rules of EN 1997-1 should be
complemented by the rules of EN 1998-5, Eurocode 8 Part 5: Design of Structures for
Earthquake Resistance. Foundations, Retaining Structures and Geotechnical Aspects.

Clause 1.1.1(2)
Clause 1.1.2(1)
Clause 1.1.1(1)

Clause 1.1.1(4)

Clause 1.1.1(3)
Clause 1.1.1(4)

Clause 1.1.1(7)