DIN EN 1993-1-8 E 2021-03 PDF

Full title and description

STB DIN EN 1993-1-8 E 2021-03 — Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures — Part 1‑8: Design of joints. This document is the German/English prEN edition published as E DIN EN 1993‑1‑8 (March 2021) and is presented here with the STB designation used for a national adoption/republished copy.

Abstract

This part of Eurocode 3 gives methods, models and rules for the structural design of steel joints (bolted, welded and combined), covering strength, stiffness and ductility checks for joints under predominantly static loading. It includes provisions for commonly used structural steel grades and guidance for detail design, verification by calculation and reference to experimental and test-based evidence where appropriate.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded as a draft national edition (prEN E DIN EN 1993-1-8:2021-03 was published as a draft and later replaced by a 2025 edition).
• Publication date: March 2021 (publication shown as 01/03/2021 / March 2021).
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) — presented here with the STB national-adoption prefix.
• ICS / categories: 91.010.30; 91.080.13 (steel structures / technical aspects of structural steel design).
• Edition / version: E DIN EN 1993-1-8:2021-03 (prEN / draft German and English version).
• Number of pages: 395 pages (draft document / published prEN length).

Scope

The standard specifies design methods for joints in steel structures subject to predominantly static loading, addressing bolted and welded connections and combined types. It provides calculation models, verification procedures and recommended detailing rules for common structural steel grades (S235, S275, S355, S420, S450 and S460) and typical joint configurations used in building and civil engineering structures.

Key topics and requirements

• Design methods for bolted, welded and combined joints (strength and stiffness assessments).
• Verification models for shear, tension, bearing and weld capacities in joint components.
• Consideration of joint behaviour under serviceability and ultimate limit states.
• Fatigue assessment rules and recommendations for details affecting fatigue life.
• Guidance on modelling assumptions, load paths and redistribution in joint design.
• Application to common structural steel grades and cross‑section types.
• Reference to test-based and empirical data where available for capacity checks.

Typical use and users

Structural engineers, detailers and fabricators use this part of Eurocode 3 when designing and checking steel connections in buildings, bridges and other steel-framed structures. National standards committees, code adopters and technical libraries also consult the document when preparing national annexes or harmonised design guidance.

Related standards

Related documents include other parts of EN 1993 (notably EN 1993‑1‑1 for general rules, EN 1993 parts covering fatigue and structural details), national annexes to EN 1993, and the subsequent consolidated edition of EN 1993‑1‑8 published in 2025 which replaces the 2021 draft/version.

Keywords

Eurocode 3; EN 1993-1-8; joints; connections; bolted connections; welded connections; steel structures; connection design; fatigue; partial factors; STB adoption.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the prEN (E DIN EN) edition of Eurocode 3 — Part 1‑8 — covering the design of joints in steel structures, here presented with the STB prefix for a national-adoption copy. It was issued as a 2021 prEN/draft edition.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers calculation methods and design rules for bolted, welded and combined joints in structural steelwork, giving strength and stiffness checks, fatigue considerations and modelling guidance for common structural steel grades and typical joint configurations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural engineers, connection detailers, fabricators, code committees and standards libraries use the document to design and verify steel connections and to prepare national annexes and practice notes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2021 prEN (E DIN EN 1993-1-8:2021-03) edition is shown in standards catalogs as a draft/withdrawn edition and has been superseded by a revised consolidated edition published in 2025 (DIN EN 1993-1-8:2025‑04). Check your national standards body or standards distributor for the currently applicable edition and any national annexes before design work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1‑8 of the EN 1993 series (Eurocode 3) which comprises several parts covering general rules, structural components, fatigue, bridges and other specialist topics for steel structures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: Eurocode 3, EN 1993, joints, connections, bolted, welded, steel structures, connection design, fatigue, STB.