Abstract
This article addresses the reliability level implicitly required in the Eurocodes. Probabilistic models that reflect the state of uncertainty associated with the basic variables relevant for structural design are derived and used to establish the lifetime reliability level inherent in the Eurocodes for a large portfolio of design situations. While the obtained average reliability indices generally exceed the nominal target value, the results show a large scatter and non-negligible percentages of design situations do not comply with this requirement. In addition, annual reliabilities are established, which confirm the conservatism of the corresponding Eurocode requirement.