Preface

General
EN 1999 applies to the design of buildings and civil engineering structures, or parts thereof, using
‘aluminium’.

In the context of EN 1999, the term ‘aluminium’ refers to specific listed aluminium alloys.

This guide covers EN 1999-1-1 (‘Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures – Part 1-1: General
structural rules’) and EN 1999-1-4 (‘Eurocode 9, Design of aluminium structures – Part 1-4:
Cold-formed structural sheeting’).

It is noted that EN 1999-1-1 covers all structural applications, and, unlike EN 1993 (steel
structures), there are not separate parts for bridges, towers and crane supports.

Material selection, all main structural elements and joints are covered within Part 1-1 of
Eurocode 9.

Layout of this guide

The Introduction and Chapters 1–8 of this guide are numbered to reflect the corresponding
section number of EN 1999-1-1. Chapter 9 of this guide covers the appendices of EN 1999-1-1,
and Chapter 10 covers EN 1999-1-4 (‘Cold-formed structural sheeting’).

All cross-references in this guide to sections, clauses, subclauses, paragraphs, annexes, figures,
tables and expressions of EN 1999-1-1 and EN 1999-1-4 are in italic type, which is also used
where text from these two parts of Eurocode 9 has been directly reproduced. EN 1999-1-1 clauses
cited in this guide are highlighted in the margin for ease of reference.

Commentary
EN 1999 has, along with all other Eurocodes, been produced over a number of years by experts
from many countries. While EN 1999 has drawn material from previous national standards,
including BS 8118, it is essentially a new document. Since publication in 2007, a number of
errors have been identified and amendments and corrigenda issued to implement changes
identified as necessary. This guide is based on EN 1999-1-1þA1þA2, and EN 1999-1-4þA1.

Wherever possible, the clauses and layout of Eurocode 9 have been written to mirror correspond-
ing provisions in Eurocode 3. This has been done in an attempt to make it easier for designers
switching from one material to another. However, it should always be remembered that
aluminium is a very different material to steel. Aluminium has many benefits and much greater
flexibility in product form, but additional specific design checks are needed that a steel designer
might not anticipate.

Acknowledgements
The authors have benefited enormously from discussions within committee meetings and drafting
panels for the production and maintenance of Eurocode 9. We are grateful to all of the experts
who have participated in the production of the Eurocode.

H. Gulvanessian CBE
T. Höglund
P. Tindall