N° 129.1978. Contribution to the Conference on Trial and Comparison Calculations based on the CEB-FIP Model Code for Concrete Structures

The 3rd edition of the CEB /FIP Recommendations which appeared in the form of Volume II, Model Code for Concrete Structures , in May 1978, is the first CEB/FIP document produced in the express form of a Code of Practice. It should be read together with Volume I, the Code for Structural Safety, and with the Manual on Buckling . 

The new CEB/FIP Model Code is the culmination of 25 years international code drafting activities of CEB, based on research and on the insight and experience of many distinguished engineers. It contains important innovatory features and it was considered neces sary therefore to test the new Code and its operation against that of established national Codes of Practice, to check the text for cohesion and compatibility on a brought international frame work , based on a number of agreed design examples and on agreed loading arrangements and magnitudes . 

The work was carried out under the guidance of an international Steering Committee by teams of experienced design engineers in some 15 countries. Their critique and conc lusions obtained from these Trial Calculations were incorporated in the final edition of the Model Code. 

Indeed the Trial Calculations can be regarded as most important pioneering undertaking, a novel concept introduced in dealing with revisions of Codes of Practice particularly in the international sphere and are certain to remain in the future and continue to be used by CEB and its associated international organisations. 

Andrew Short Pres ident of CEB