In contrast to KAN.EPE., EN 1998-3 contains application rules for a variety of materials: reinforced concrete, steel and composite steel structures, masonry structures.

Knowledge levels (§3.3)

EN 1998-3, defines three knowledge levels as follows:

1. Limited knowledge (
2. Normal knowledge (
3. Full knowledge (

The factors determining the appropriate knowledge level are:

1. Geometry: the geometrical properties of the structural system and of such nonstructural elements (masonry infill panels) as may affect structural response,
2. Details: these include the amount and detailing of reinforcement in reinforced concrete, connections between steel members, the connection of floor diaphragms to lateral resisting structure, the bond and mortar jointing of masonry and the nature of any reinforcing elements in masonry:

• Simulated design,
• Limited in situ inspection which is a procedure for checking correspondence between the actual details of the structure with either the available detailed construction drawings or the results of the simulated design,
• Extended in situ inspection which is a procedure used when the original detailed construction drawings are not available,
• Comprehensive in situ inspection which is a procedure used when the original detailed construction drawings are not available and when a higher knowledge level is pursued.

1. Materials: the mechanical properties of the constituent materials:

• Destructive and non destructive test methods. Use of non-destructive test methods (e.g., Schmidt hammer test, etc.) should be considered; however such tests should not be used in isolation, but only in conjunction with destructive tests,
• Limited in situ testing, alimited programme of in-situ testing is a procedure for complementing the information on material properties derived either from standards at the time of construction, or from original design specifications, or from original test reports. However, if values from tests are lower than default values in accordance with standards of the time of construction, an extended in-situ testing is required,
• Extended in situ testing which is a procedure for obtaining information when neither the original design specification nor the test reports are available,
• Comprehensive in situ testing which is a procedure for obtaining information when neither the original design specification nor the test reports are available and when a higher knowledge level is pursued.

Levels of inspection and testing (§3.4.4)

Η κατηγοριοποίηση των επιπέδων επιθεώρησης και δοκιμών εξαρτάται από το ποσοστό των δομικών στοιχείων τα οποία θα πρέπει να ελεγχθούν για λεπτομέρειες, καθώς και από τον αριθμό των δειγμάτων υλικών ανά όροφο, τα οποία πρέπει να ληφθούν για τη διεξαγωγή δοκιμών.

*For concrete core sampling, the following should also apply:

1. Minimum number of sampling is 6 according to the National Annex.

It has to be emphasized that the preceding table stands for all the relevant structural materials (concrete, steel, masonry).

As far as the semi and non destructive testing methods of concrete is concerned, KAN.EPE. can generally be applied.

For steel members testing, the following apply:

• To evaluate material properties, samples should be removed from web plates of hot rolled profiles for components designed as dissipative,
• Flange plate speciments should be used to characterize the material properties of non dissipative members and/or joints,
• Destructive and/or non destructive test and ultrasonic or tomographic methods may be used.

For masonry members testing, the following apply:

• Non-destructive testing may be used to quantify and confirm the uniformity of construction quality and the presence and degree of deterioration,
• Supplementary tests may be performed to enhance the level of confidence in masonry material properties, or to assess masonry condition.

EN 1998-3 comments nothing for infill walls which are intended to serve as part of the structural system. It is advised that the provisions of EN 1998-3 for the masonry members can be also applied in the case of infill walls.

Ground conditions (ΕΛΟΤΕΝ 1998-1 ΝΑ §2.4)

Ground investigation parameters are depended on the ground type, the seismicity the region and the importance of the structure under consideration. Specifically:

For buildings of Importance class I, lying in ground type A or B or C, as well as for buildings of Importance class II or building of Importance class III having only a single floor, ground conditions parameters can be estimated from experience gained from the behavior of nearby similar structures lying in similar ground conditions. For all other cases, ground investigation is needed.

Non Contradictory requirements (ΕΛΟΤΕΝ 1998-3 ΝΑ §4)

According to the National Annex of ELOT EN 1998-3, it is clarified that in Greece, KAN.EPE. can serve as a supplementary reference code.