The EN 1090 standard, which is the European standard for the production and inspection of steel and aluminum load-bearing structures, includes specific requirements aimed at ensuring the safety, durability, and quality of structural elements. It has become mandatory for load-bearing steel and aluminum structures to obtain the CE certificate. Products manufactured without the CE certificate are considered illegal.
This standard is prepared in three sections:
EN 1090-1: Conformity Assessment of Structural Components
EN 1090-2: Technical Requirements for Steel Structures
EN 1090-3: Technical Requirements for Aluminum Structures
In the case of a structure made of steel, design and production must comply with the EN 1090-2 standard. If the structure is made from aluminum, the EN 1090-3 standard will apply. Additionally, for the conformity assessment to be completed, compliance with the EN 1090-1 standard is also required.
CE Certificate (EN 1090 Certification) and Its Importance
CE certificate is a sign that documents that the manufacturer complies with the EN 1090-1 standard. This certificate guarantees that the product has passed certain quality and safety tests and that it has been manufactured in accordance with criteria such as geometric tolerances, welding suitability, toughness, durability and corrosion resistance. CE certificate provides reliability to the products in the domestic and international markets. Steel and aluminum structure manufacturers are required to obtain a CE certificate from an approved organization (NB) to certify Factory Production Control (FPC).
Factory Production Control (FPC)
Factory production control (FPC) is the inspection and control of the manufacturer’s own production processes in accordance with a certain quality standard. The manufacturer must regularly check each production stage and process of the products. For example; welding, non-destructive examinations, screw connections and corrosion resistance. FPC should also be supported by written documents as part of the quality management system and each stage should be recorded in detail.
One of the most important requirements of FPC is the creation of a Handbook. This book provides guidance to employees on how to ensure quality compliance. The application of standards such as EN 1090 and ISO 3834 should be covered in detail in this handbook.
Execution Classes
Load-bearing steel and aluminium structures are divided into four different application classes according to their different levels of complexity:
EXC1: Special sector Works
EXC2: Ordinary steel building construction
EXC3: Bridges, skyscrapers, stadiums
EXC4: High-risk large constructions
Basic Requirements
The manufacturers are required to meet various quality and safety requirements, including the following:
Factory Production Control certification
Compliance with ISO 3834 welding quality standard
Bolt connection assembly and quality control
Corrosion protection quality assurance
Testing and traceability of production methods
Qualified welding instructions and visual inspection
Non-destructive testing (except for EXC1)
Manufacturer documentation and inspection records
EN ISO 3834 and Welding QualityEN ISO 3834is a global quality standard for welded manufacturing, specifically ensuring the quality of welding processes. If welding is involved in the production of products within the EN scope, the requirements of ISO 3834 must be met. The EN 1090 standards refer to ISO 3834 for the conditions and compliance of welding operations. In welded production, compliance with this standard is mandatory. For EXC2, EXC3, and EXC4, a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) are required. Welding operations must be controlled only by approved and trained personnel.
Personnel Requirements
Personnel who will be assigned to critical stages such as factory production control (FPC) and welding operations must have certain qualifications. Welders must have the necessary training to perform visual assessment of weld joints. Non-destructive testing (NDT) experts must have Level 2 certification according to the ISO 9712 standard.
Assessment and certification of steel and aluminum structure manufacturers are carried out by ATC INTL UK.
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