The UNI EN 1090 standard regulates the execution of steel and aluminum metal structures, certifying their characteristics by applying the CE mark.
Since its entry into force, the legislation has revolutionized the control and maintenance of quality standards: let’s find out in detail what is and how it is applied.
What is the UNI 1090 standard?
The UNI 1090 standard is defined as an harmonized standard, valid in all European Union countries, which describes how to verify the safety requirements of a welded metal structure.
It was born in 2009 as an adaptation of some german regulations, but officially enters into force in July 2014 divided into 3 parts:
- UNI EN 1090-1: the first part specifies how to verify the characteristics of the steel and aluminium structural components, in order to apply the CE conformity mark following the European Regulation no. 305/2011. It is closely related to the UNI EN ISO 3834 standard, which lists the welding guidelines.
- UNI EN 1090-2: the second part deals with establishing what are the requirements for the construction of steel structures, regardless of their shape, type and final use. It applies to all processes carried out according to Eurocode 3.
- UNI EN 1090-3: the third and last part is dedicated to the regulation of aluminium structures, establishing the technical requirements of execution and quality.
n 2017 and 2018, two very specific parts are added, listing the technical characteristics necessary for the compliance of cold-formed steel and aluminium structural elements used for roofs, ceilings, floors and walls.
Born as a technical code of European manufacture, the UNI EN 1090 standard has made mandatory the certification of welds and structures, until then optional and at the discretion of the manufacturer.
1090 certification: apply the CE conformity mark
The 1090 certification, or CE 1090 marking, guarantees the use of materials that comply with the European Regulation for the manufacture of metal structures: specifically, it indicates the existence of a declaration of performance and that the product reflects the safety features.
Prior to the introduction of the legislation, the task of ensuring these characteristics was only of the producer. Now, instead, the responsibility is extended up to the designer: he has the task of defining the execution class, which are the specific requirements for the realization of the work.
The designer, by affixing the CE marking to the metalwork, declares its conformity to the use for which it was made, respecting precise standards of quality and safety.
The marked processes can circulate freely in the countries of the European Union, expanding the possibilities of the market itself: it is possible to build a structure in Italy for a project abroad and vice versa.
Verification of welds
The realization of a joint must always be accompanied by a verification of the welds, regulated by a specific instruction called WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) accompanied by WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record).
These two documents prove that the welds are made in the presence of a qualified inspector: before validating them, his task is to carry out specific checks. The welding tests are rigorous and allow the maintenance of the highest standards of quality and safety.
