Designers should be cautious following a further delay on the full implementation of Eurocode 5 advises Jason Ruddle, Sales and Business Development Director of Gang Nail systems.

The repeated false start of EC5 and the withdrawal of the British and Irish Standards has created confusion amongst the industry and those working in the nail plate industry have been working together to discuss the technical issues relating to the interpretation of the new code.

"Full industry acceptance isn't likely until the Building Regulations are updated in 2013," explains Jason. "Despite the current uncertainty, it's important to remember that the code was introduced to coincide with the European Union's stance on the free movement of goods and services within the EU.

"There are no concerns over the technical standards it was brought in to replace and as such we are in the fortunate position whereby designs produced using EC5 can be compared to those using the British or Irish Standards. As the 'real world' loads these structures have to support haven't changed, the results can be checked to ensure they are broadly the same."

The timber frame industry is also aware of an additional complication, which could lead to the situation where two components within the same building are designed to different standards; one to EC5 and another to the British Standards. Although this issue can be overcome it is far from an ideal situation.

"For providers of structural design software, the burden of interpretation lies with their engineers and programmers, and the old adage of 'two heads are better than one' has been adopted by the roof truss industry in a pragmatic approach to this issue.

"Designers need to be particularly cautious to avoid any potential compliance problems during this interim period until the industry has been able to implement a design code that benefits everyone."