Abstract The introduction of Eurocodes to engineering practice represents an importantchange in the approach to geotechnical engineering, as for the first time there is a unified set of codes dealing with the main structural materials including the ground. All of the Eurocodes adopt a limit state design philosophy which is different from the lumped factor of safety approach adopted by traditional geotechnical design practice. This paper examines the implications of the introduction of the Eurocodes, in particular EN1997, when assessing the stability of earthworks. It outlines the various committees responsible for the development of the codes and discusses the application of EN1997 to the assessment of the stability of slopes highlighting the difficulties in applying the various design approaches. Examples from practice are used to highlight where the code is different from traditional practice. A survey of practice in other European countries is outlined which indicates the differing approaches to ensuring adequate reliability being taken across Europe highlighting options that could be considered by the geotechnical community. The paper concludes that the introduction of the Eurocodes does not require a significant change to the way stability analysis is carried out.

Abstract The paper summarizes the work of BSI committee B/526/0-/0-/DG1 which is responsible for the current revision of BS 6031:1981 ‘Code of Practice for Earthworks’. Explanatory note : This paper was prepared in advance of the Earthworks Seminar whilst BS 6031 was in the process of public consultation and final revision prior to it being published in December 2009.

Abstract General requirements for earthworks in the Czech Republic are given in the national standard CSN 73 3050 ‘ Earthworks ’ which has been in place since 1987. It provides information on excavation including the rather controversial seven excavatability classes, recommendation for slope and shoring of excavation, requirements for fill construction, control of compaction and tolerances of finished surfaces. CSN 73 6133 ‘ Design and execution of earth structures on roads ’ is currently being revised. Beside classical soil and rock fills it gives recommendations for the use of difficult or marginal materials such as uniform (wind drifted) sand, loess, colliery spoil, fly ash, slag. Control of earthworks is described in CSN 72 1006 ‘ Compaction control of soils and other fills ’ which is valid for both highway and railway infrastructure as well as for buildings, landfills etc. Apart from national standards, the Ministry of Transport supports publications of technical specifications for design (TP) and construction control (TKP) focused on certain material or technology used in highway and railway infrastructure. TP coversfor example soil improvement, soil reinforcement, use of fly ash, colliery spoil or lightweight fill. TKP givesfor example detailed requirements for the site quality control of earthworks, reinforced fill, soil nailed slopes and gabions.