What are the main differences between Eurocode 4 and AISC 360 for composite design?

1 Scope and Application

Eurocode 4 (EC4) is the European standard for composite design, covering both buildings and bridges. It is part of a series of harmonized codes for structural engineering in the European Union. EC4 is divided into several parts, each dealing with a specific aspect of composite design, such as general rules, fire resistance, fatigue, and seismic design. AISC 360 (A360) is the American standard for composite design, focusing mainly on buildings. It is part of the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, which also covers non-composite steel design. A360 is a unified document that integrates all the aspects of composite design in one place.

2 Design Philosophy and Methods

EC4 and A360 have different design philosophies and methods for composite design. EC4 adopts a semi-probabilistic approach, based on the concept of limit states and partial safety factors. It uses a combination of elastic and plastic methods, depending on the type and level of loading. A360 adopts a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach, based on the concept of factored loads and resistance factors. It uses mainly plastic methods, with some exceptions for slender members and serviceability checks.

3 Material Properties and Models

EC4 and A360 have different assumptions and models for the material properties and behavior of steel and concrete in composite design. EC4 considers the effects of material variability, creep, shrinkage, and temperature on the stress-strain relationships of steel and concrete. It also accounts for the bond-slip behavior between steel and concrete, using either a partial interaction or a full interaction model. A360 assumes idealized stress-strain relationships for steel and concrete, without considering the effects of material variability, creep, shrinkage, and temperature. It also assumes perfect bond between steel and concrete, without considering any bond-slip behavior.

4 Composite Members and Connections

EC4 and A360 have different provisions and rules for the design of composite members and connections. EC4 covers a wide range of composite members, such as beams, columns, slabs, walls, trusses, frames, and joints. It also provides detailed guidance for the design of shear connectors, studs, headed bars, and perfobond ribs. A360 covers mainly composite beams, columns, and beam-columns, with some references to composite slabs and walls. It also provides general rules for the design of shear connectors, studs, and headed bars, but does not cover perfobond ribs.

5 Examples and Applications

EC4 and A360 have different examples and applications of composite design in practice. EC4 has a large number of worked examples and case studies, covering various types and configurations of composite structures. It also has a comprehensive set of annexes, tables, and charts, providing additional information and data for composite design. A360 has a limited number of worked examples and case studies, focusing mainly on composite beams and columns. It also has a few appendices, tables, and charts, providing some supplementary information and data for composite design.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?