N°172 CEB-FIP 1978 Model Code Revision Process - Preliminary Collation of Received Observations compiled by the Model Code Revision Group for Discussion by the CEB-Advisory Committee

Taking into account sub-clauses (1)–(9) of Technical Resolution No. 1 (Rotterdam), the MCRG has reviewed the chapters and contents of MC78 with a view to:

a) checking the overall balance of the Model Code (for example, between strength and serviceability, also taking durability into account);

b) reviewing the coverage of the Code (for example, prestressed concrete, precast concrete, fatigue, etc.);

c) examining the scope of the Code (for example, what types of structures are covered and whether coverage is limited to normal use only), as well as determining how much should be addressed in Practical Guides;

d) identifying lacunae in the existing chapters, both major and minor;

e) reviewing the overall philosophical approach of the Code, including a clear definition of the basis of design in Chapter 1;

f) making suggestions for areas where alternative texts may be required for technical reasons, or where editorial changes may be necessary for classification purposes or to simplify the text (i.e. amendments, corrections, or deletions).

It is not the purpose of the MCRG to draft new clauses for MC90. The Group is concerned with preparatory work for the CEB Plenary Session in Treviso (May 1987), with interim discussion within the Advisory Committee (Lausanne meeting, 01–02/10/1986).

This working document is based on items (a)–(f) above, on comments from national delegations, and especially on the work of CEB Permanent Commissions and Task Groups, as well as the FIP Commission, received by the MCRG prior to the meeting of the Editorial Group in Wiesbaden.

The document has been prepared for the meeting of the Advisory Committee in Lausanne (October 1986) and consists of two parts:

1. A collation of comments chapter by chapter on MC78, based on 25 documents from 1985 and 52 documents from 1986. Each page contains the original MC78 text, with numbered comments given in frames. Reference is made to the list of documents mentioned above.
2. A set of additional documents of general interest which cannot be incorporated into the above collation.

Additionally, for each chapter, a short summary is provided separately in order to give an overall view of the revision process.

For the discussion in the Advisory Committee, it is important to recognize that this document is the first of several within the overall Model Code revision process. Due to the tight timetable for the Advisory Committee meeting, it will probably be necessary to restrict discussion to issues of general interest.

On the other hand, the MCRG is very interested in both major and minor comments for its further work. Written comments are kindly requested to be sent to the MCRG by 10 October.

Based on the discussion in the Advisory Committee in October and on other comments received regarding this working document, the MCRG will formulate detailed questions and/or introductory proposals to be submitted to CEB Commissions and Task Groups. The Commissions and Task Groups will receive these questions on 1 November and are kindly requested to reply by 15 January.

Of course, despite the short time interval, CEB technical bodies are requested to respond, as many questions and/or collated proposals are not new.

Wiesbaden, 23 July 1986