As the survey showed, 60 percent of participants assume that the existing standards will remain in force. 52 percent expect them to lead to higher costs, and 15 percent believe they will not be introduced in their country until after 2010. However, the fact is that the first generation of Eurocodes, drawn up in the 80s, is currently being converted into European standards step by step. Publication of all 58 Eurocode parts began on January 1, 2007 and the old national standards will have been replaced by March 2010 at the latest.

Growing demand for Eurocode knowledge
At the moment Nemetschek and SCIA are in the process of integrating the current Eurocode standards in their products. Both companies' high degree of expertise in this area has led to an increased demand for the software for the design and construction of engineering structures in recent months. One example of this is the French manufacturer of precast concrete parts, KP 1, which commissioned SCIA to develop a modern calculation model for comprehensive design of finished concrete parts (beams, columns, slabs) made of reinforced and prestressed concrete and implement this on 25 work stations. SCIA's experience with Eurocode and its international position were decisive factors for placement of the order. The project is worth more than 300,000 euros.

"In recent years, we have been dealing intensively with the standards and have built up extensive expertise. The market is now rewarding this," says Jean-Pierre Rammant, CEO of SCIA Group International NV. And Michael Westfahl, member of the Managing Board for Sales and Marketing, adds: "In the coming years, the Eurocode standards will play a significant role in engineers' work. Those who get to grips with this today will be one step ahead of the competition tomorrow."

For more information on the SCIA study, see http://www.scia-online.com/WWW/WebSiteUS.nsf/UFINT/Eurocodes/$file/White_Paper_on_Eurocodes.pdf