Recently, the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) published a fact sheet outlining the progress of the new EU standard for composites and its focus on how to design structures based on fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
Publication of CEN/TS 19101
CEN Technical Standard (CEN/TS) 19101: Designing fiber-polymer composite Structures was published on 9 November 2022. The standard provides clear guidance on how to design structures based on fiber-polymer composites in accordance with the European Code, which all civil engineering structures in Europe must comply with for general design. Relying on such a specialized technical specification, composite materials can be established as reliable construction materials as steel, concrete and aluminum.
The next step is to work towards Eurocode
The publication of CEN/TS 19101 started a 2-3 year trial phase in the engineering world. During this time, designers, engineers, academics and other professionals are encouraged to apply the guidelines in real cases. EuCIA expressed support for the wide dissemination of the standard so that the document could be widely tested.
Questions, comments and suggestions will be sent to TC250 through the national standardization bodies, after which the final decision that CEN/TS 19101 will become a European code will be made by CEN TC250. The green light for the Eurocode for composites is expected in 2025-2026.
Having a dedicated technical specification for composites is a landmark moment for the European composites industry, establishing composites in particular as a reliable construction material alongside steel, concrete and aluminum. The foundation for Eurocode was laid by extensive testing of CEN/TS 19101 in the composites industry and the wider building and construction community.
