Briefing: Eurocode 7 (EN 1997- Part 3): ground improvement coverage

Structural and geotechnical design in Europe and other countries outside Europe is governed by European Norm (EN) Eurocodes. The current (1^st generation) “Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 1: General rules (EN 1997-1:2004)” was first published in December 2004. The code covers a number of geotechnical processes including Pile Foundations and Ground Improvement. Whilst providing good coverage of pile foundations (18 pages) ground improvement coverage comprised a one-page sub-section within: ‘Fill, dewatering, ground improvement and reinforcement’. Clearly Ground Improvement has advanced significantly since 2004 and hence it was considered necessary to significantly improve its coverage in the 2^nd generation of Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design (anticipated for publication between 2024 and 2025). Representing the first major revision of the code since its original implementation in 2004, it comprises three parts: Part 1: General rules, Part 2: Ground properties and Part 3: Geotechnical structures. This Briefing summarises the main changes, including in the context of Ground Improvement coverage in Part 3, from a UK perspective.