Eurocode 7 has been the primary geotechnical design code in Europe since 2010 (Potts & Zdravkovic, 2011). The aim of Eurocode is “the elimination of technical obstacles to trade and the harmonisation of technical specifications” (EN 1997-1:2004:P5). Ten interlinked standards provide structural design rules with the added value of making consistent the criteria for design in sub-structure and super-structure (Appendix A).
Geotechnical design is treated in Eurocode 7 (EC7). This document consists of two parts: Part 1 explains the basis for geotechnical design and Part 2 defines field and laboratory testing. All design should be satisfying the prescriptions for all design situations. These should be selected so as to encompass all conditions which are reasonably foreseeable as likely to occur during the construction and use of the structure (R Frank et al, 2004). The different design situations for ultimate and serviceability limit states are defined in EC7.
Particularly in geotechnical design, assessment of mass permeability of saturated ground and its flow conditions compared to construction and use time might lead to both drained and undrained situations having to be considered for the design situations.