BS 8002:2015 - TC

What is BS 8002- Code of practice for the earth retaining structures about?  

BS 8002 is the British Standard that covers the code of practice for the earth retaining structures. It gives recommendations for the design and construction of earth retaining structures to support ground at slopes steeper than the ground would naturally assume. 

BS 8002 also gives further details on how retaining structures should be designed according to limit state principles and provides information missing from Eurocode 7 but of importance to UK practice. At the same time, advances in retaining wall technology over the past 20 years are reflected in the fully revised text. 

Note 1: BS 8002 does not cover the design and construction of anchors (other than deadman anchors), for which see BS 8081. 

Note 2: BS 8002 does not cover the design and construction of earthworks, for which see BS 6031. 

Note 3: BS 8002 does not cover the design and construction of foundations, for which see BS 8004. 

Note 4: BS 8002 does not cover the design and construction of maritime works, for which see BS 6349. 

Note: BS 8002 does not cover the design and construction of earth retaining structures constructed using strengthened or reinforced soil walls, for which see BS 8006. 

Who is BS 8002- Code of practice for the earth retaining structures for? 

BS 8002 on code of practice for the earth retaining structures is useful for: 

• Geotechnical engineers 
• Structural engineers 
• Civil engineers 
• Architects 
• Specialist piling designers 
• Specifiers 
• Consultants 
• Contractors 

Why should you use BS 8002- Code of practice for the earth retaining structures?  

BS 8002 can be beneficial as it: 

• Provides recommendations on design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance of earth retaining structures conform to the latest EN and EN ISO standards 
• Supplies additional information to Eurocode 7’s recommendations for surcharges, unplanned excavations, and props loads 
• Provides recommendations for the design of earth retaining structures that reflect modern practice and allow more economical design 
• Provides detailed recommendations for the contents of close-out reports (Geotechnical Feedback Reports) 

Specifically, BS 8002 provides designers with the guidance they need to implement the requirements of Eurocode 7 with regards to gravity, semi-gravity and embedded retaining walls. As a result, it contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of your civil engineering works. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS 8002:2015 supersedes BS 8002:1994, which is withdrawn. This is a full revision of the standard, which introduces the following principal changes: 

• The revised text is fully compatible with the current version of Eurocode 7 (BS EN 1997) 
• Guidance is given on designing earth retaining structures according to limit state principles using partial factors 
• Guidance is given on the selection of design parameters for soils 
• Guidance is given on model factors to be applied to prop loads determined by calculation 
• The revised text reflects advances in earth retaining structure technology over the past 30 years