The second generation of Eurocode 3 is approaching, bringing important changes to the design of steel connections. While national implementation dates may differ, engineers need to understand how the new rules affect their designs well before they become mandatory.
With version 26.1, IDEA StatiCa takes the first step toward the new generation of EN 1993-1-8, allowing engineers to explore the updated provisions, compare calculation results, and prepare their projects for the transition.
Updated bolt resistance according to EN 1993-1-8:2024
The new edition introduces changes to the calculation of bolt bearing resistance, including updated formulas and provisions to limit bearing-induced deformations.
IDEA StatiCa implements these changes directly into the connection design workflow. Engineers can select the applicable Eurocode edition and review the corresponding formulas and results in the detailed check tables.
This makes it easier to understand how the updated provisions affect connection resistance and identify differences compared to the previous Eurocode generation.
New weld checks for high-strength steel
One of the significant changes in EN 1993-1-8:2024 concerns welded connections involving high-strength steel.
The new edition introduces an alternative weld resistance calculation for specific combinations of high-strength steel plates and filler materials. IDEA StatiCa automatically applies the appropriate resistance calculation based on the connected materials and selected weld properties.
For full-penetration butt welds, the application also recognizes situations in which different steel grades require additional verification. In such cases, the weld is automatically treated as a checked complete joint penetration (CJP) weld, with a clear explanation provided to the user.
Weld detailing requirements have also been updated to reflect the new provisions.
These improvements help engineers design and verify welded connections involving high-strength steel with greater confidence, without manually evaluating every applicable material combination.
Choose the Eurocode edition for your project
Transitioning to a new design standard should not disrupt ongoing projects.
IDEA StatiCa 26.1 allows engineers to choose between EN 1993-1-8:2005 and EN 1993-1-8:2024 in project settings.
Existing projects retain their original Eurocode edition, ensuring that calculations are not unexpectedly changed when opening models in a newer software version.
The selected edition is consistently reflected throughout the workflow, including calculation settings, check results, formulas, and reports.
The 2005 edition remains the default, while engineers can deliberately switch to the 2024 edition to explore the new provisions and evaluate their impact.
This functionality is supported across IDEA StatiCa Connection, Member, Stability, and Checkbot workflows.
Improved bolt checks and detailing for both editions
In addition to the new Eurocode generation, version 26.1 introduces two improvements applicable to both editions.
The shear resistance calculation for M12 and M14 bolts has been corrected for specific bolt grades, ensuring accurate verification.
Bolt detailing checks have also been extended in accordance with Table 11 of EN 1090-2, covering requirements for round and slotted holes, hole dimensions, and clearances.
These updates improve the consistency of connection verification and help engineers identify detailing requirements directly within their design workflow.
Prepare for the next generation of steel design
The transition to the second generation of Eurocodes will take place progressively across European countries, with national implementation and withdrawal deadlines extending into 2027 and 2028.
With IDEA StatiCa 26.1, engineers can start familiarizing themselves with the updated EN 1993-1-8 provisions today, while maintaining full control over the design standards used in existing projects.
Explore the new Eurocode checks in IDEA StatiCa 26.1 and get ready for the next generation of steel connection design.
Released in IDEA StatiCa version 26.1.