(1)The scope of Eurocode 8 is defined in EN 1998-1: 2004, l.l. 1 and the scope of
this Standard is defined in (2), (4) and (5). Additional parts of Eurocode 8 are indicated
in EN 1998-1: 2004, 1.1.3.
(2) The scope of EN 1998-3 is as follows:
- To provide criteria for the evaluation of the seismic performance of existing
individual building structures.
- To describe the approach in selecting necessary corrective measures
- To set forth criteria for the design of retrofitting measures (i.e. conception,
structural analysis including intervention measures, final dimensioning of structural
parts and their connections to existing structural elements).
NOTE For the purposes of this standard, retrofitting covers both the strengthening of
undamaged structures and the repair of earthquake damaged structures.
(3) When designing a structural intervention to provide adequate resistance against
seismic actions, structural verifications should also be made with respect to non-seismic
load combinations.
(4) Reflecting the basic requirements of EN 1998-1: 2004, this Standard covers the
seismic assessment and retrofitting of buildings made of the more commonly used
structural materials: concrete, steel, and masonry.
NOTE Informative Annexes A, B and C contain additional information related to the assessment
of reinforced concrete, steel and composite, and masonry buildings, respectively, and to their
upgrading when necessary.
(5) Although the provisions of this Standard are applicable to all categories of
buildings, the seismic assessment and retrofitting of monuments and historical
buildings often requires different types of provisions and approaches, depending on the
nature of the monuments.
(6) Since existing structures:
(i) reflect the state of knowledge at the time of their construction,
(ii) possibly contain hidden gross errors,
(iii) may have been submitted to previous earthquakes or other accidental actions with
unknown effects,
structural evaluation and possible structural intervention are typically subjected to a
different degree of uncertainty (level of knowledge) than the design of new structures.
Different sets of material and structural safety factors are therefore required, as well as
different analysis procedures, depending on the completeness and reliability of the
information available.