Material selection requirements for civil structures

The current range of structural steel products available in Europe is reviewed, together with their material qualities and typical costs. The factors influencing choice of steel grade are discussed. The development of Charpy selection values in UK steel building and bridge codes is described and the latest rules are compared with the new European brittle fracture rules for steel structures. The criteria for the selection of through-thickness properties are discussed with reference to the new European welding and design codes.