Eurocode Provisions for Discontinued Columns

The following provisions are stated in EN1998-1, paragraph 5.4.1.2.5, regarding beams supporting discontinued vertical elements (columns).
  • structural walls shall not rely for their support on beams or slabs. All seismic members shall be continuous from the top to the foundations.
  • If a primary beam is to support a vertical element that is discontinued below that beam then:
    • there shall be no eccentricity of the column axis to that of the beam, and
    • such a beam shall be in turn supported by a direct support at both ends on a column or wall.