EC 2 Comparisons with BS 8110

01. Loading
Loaded spans:
EC2
Worst of γG = 1.35, γQ = 1.05 and  γG = 1.15, γQ = 1.5
BS 8110
γG = 1.4, γQ = 1.6
Unloaded spans:
EC2
γG = as above
BS 8110
γG = 1.0
Loading pattern:
EC2
All + adjacent + alternate spans
BS 8110
All spans + alternate spans

For simplicity, γG = 1.35 and γQ = 1. 5 may be used for loaded spans (with γG = 1.35 on unloaded spans), this would be very conservative. Both γG and γQ are marginally lower than in BS 8110, but for unloaded spans γG is higher. The use of the same value for γG throughout also reduces the effect of pattern loading, thus marginally reducing span moments.

02 Cover
Nominal covers required for durability and bond are fairly similar to BS 8110. In EC2, it is defined as
Cnom= Cmin+ Δc
Δc is a design tolerance varying from 0 to 10mm, depending upon quality assurance level. This can have the effect of increasing cover to slabs when larger diameter bars are used, as Cmin ≥ bar φ and Δc must be added.

03. Material Safty Factors
Partial factor, concrete:
EC2 -       γc = 1.5
BS 8110 - γc = 1.5
Partial factor, steel:
EC2 -       γs = 1.15  
BS 8110 - γs = 1.05