(1) This document is applicable to the design and verification of new bridges in seismic regions. It gives general rules for the design and verification relevant to bridges of consequence classes CC1, CC2 and CC3, as defined in EN 1990:2023, A.2.

NOTE 1 EN 1998-2 covers the design of reinforced concrete, steel and composite steel-concrete bridges, with the exception of prestressed piers. Guidance for design of timber bridges is given in Informative Annex C.

NOTE 2 The assessment of existing bridges is covered in EN 1998-3.

(2) Unless specifically stated, EN 1998-1-1 and EN 1998-5 apply.

(3) EN 1998-2 is applicable in complement to the other relevant Eurocodes. NOTE EN 1998-2 contains only those provisions that, in addition to the provisions of the other relevant Eurocodes, are used for the design of new bridges in seismic regions. EN 1998-2 complements in this respect the other Eurocodes.

(4) EN 1998-2 provides basic performance requirements and compliance criteria applicable to new bridges in seismic regions.

(5) EN 1998-2 is applicable to the seismic design of bridges exploiting ductility in structural members or through the use of antiseismic devices.

(6) EN 1998-2 gives detailing rules for ductility of the structural members in bridges designed to exploit ductility as a means of seismic protection. When ductility is exploited, EN 1998-2 primarily covers bridges in which the horizontal seismic actions are mainly resisted through bending of the piers or at the abutments, i.e. of bridges composed of vertical or nearly vertical pier systems supporting the traffic deck superstructure.

(7) EN 1998-2 gives specific rules for bridges equipped with antiseismic devices, for cable-stayed and extradosed bridges and for integral abutment bridges.

(8) EN 1998-2 is also applicable to the seismic design of arched bridges, although its provisions should not be considered as fully covering these cases.

NOTE Suspension bridges and masonry bridges, moveable bridges and floating bridges are not included in the scope of this part.