Challenges with standardising the design of tunnels and other underground structures – The first steps towards a potential addition to Eurocodes

Eurocodes provide a common approach for the design and verification of buildings and other civil engineering works. The suite of European standards is recommended as a reference for technical specifications of public contracts. However, there is no specific guidance addressing the challenges regarding tunnels and other underground structures. This article aims to address the challenges in developing Eurocodes to cover the design and verification of not only above‐ or near‐surface applications but also tunnels and underground structures. The possibilities of utilising standards as a tool for risk mitigation and balancing the requirements of safety, serviceability, durability, robustness and sustainability will be explored.