Structural components may be innovative in form, use, material and behaviour. Such components are invariably not covered by existing design Standards, but rely on manufacturer's published structural characteristics.
In most cases, design resistances are determined by test, followed by a statistical analysis, and the determination of characteristic and design resistances.
The SCI Assessment process will generally demand test results from an accredited source. The tests must represent the range of product covered, and be appropriate for the use of the product.
In addition to the test results, details of the product must be available, including material specification, manufacturing details and tolerances.
A statistical analysis will be carried out on the test results, allowing for the number of tests, any variation in the test pieces, and allowing for the actual material strengths used. The statistical analysis will generally be in accordance with BS EN 1990.
From this analysis, characteristic resistances may be calculated. There characteristic resistances may be converted to design resistances for use with BS 5950 or BS EN 1993-1.
Any resistances quoted by the manufacturer and carrying the SCI Assessed logo will be reviewed to ensure that the information is correct, and appropriate to be used by designers