What is PD CEN/TS 17440 about?
PD CEN/TS 17440 specifies additional and amended provisions for the assessment of existing structures and the retained parts of existing structures that are being modified, extended, strengthened, or retrofitted.
PD CEN/TS 17440 specifies general principles for the assessment of the structural resistance of existing structures.
PD CEN/TS 17440 complements EN 1991 with respect to general principles regarding actions for assessment.
Note 1: Specific rules for initiation of assessment are not covered under PD CEN/TS 17440.
Note 2: Under PD CEN/TS 17440 specific rules for undertaking interventions that can be carried out as a result of an assessment are not covered.
Note 3: PD CEN/TS 17440 does not cover the design of new elements that will be integrated into an existing structure.
Note 4: Under PD CEN/TS 17440 the assessment of an existing structure is different from the design of a new structure.
Note 5: Under PD CEN/TS 17440 there can be some aspects of EN 1990 that are required for design but are not applicable for assessment.
Who is PD CEN/TS 17440 for?
PD CEN/TS 17440 on assessment and retrofitting of existing structures is useful for:
- Construction companies
- Builders
- Civil engineers
- Architect
- Developers
Why should you use PD CEN/TS 17440?
Older structures were often designed and constructed in a way that would not conform to modern standards for structural design, material products, or execution. Hence, they may often exhibit deterioration or damage. So extending the life of these structures becomes a challenge for structure owners worldwide.
Usually, these older structure needs modification, extension in a way that it reuses retained structural elements in combination with new structural elements. In such cases, the need to assess the retained elements of the structure which may not conform to all the requirements of the new design, is critical.
This is where PD CEN/TS 17440 will be beneficial, as with its standardised guidelines you will be able to accurately assess the reliability of structures. You will be able to fulfil the need of updating data regarding the structure including its geometry, its material properties, the actions, and environmental influences, and measures relating to its structural behaviour. Adoption of the best industry practices to evaluate the resistance of structures can deliver substantial environmental, economic, and socio-political benefits.
