This International Standard specifies general principles for the verification of the reliability of structures subjected to known or foreseeable types of action. Reliability is considered in relation to the performance of the structure throughout its design working life.

The general principles are applicable to the design of complete structures (buildings, bridges, industrial structures, etc.), the structural elements making up the structure and the foundations.

This International Standard is also applicable to the successive stages in construction, namely the fabrication of structural elements, the transport and handling of the structural elements, their erection and all work on site, as well as the use of the structure during its design working life, including maintenance and repair.

To allow for the differences in design practice between different countries, the national standards or codes of practice may be simpler or more detailed in comparison with this International Standard.

Generally the principles are also applicable to the structural appraisal of existing constructions or assessing changes of use. However in some respects this is associated with special aspects of the basic variables and calculation models. Such aspects are considered in clause 10.