This VGB-Standard replaces the former VGB guideline VGB-R 609e, which had the same title and dates from 2003.

The aim of the comprehensive revision was to include further developments in the area of materials and new applications and uses as well as to reflect the current Eu-ropean standardisation situation especially as it pertains to vessels and piping.

The VGB-Standard should be regarded as a complementary recommendation specif-ically for power plants. Accordingly, typical components, actions/stresses, material requirements and tests are presented along with design and calculation information. Consideration of the adopted European design concept involving partial safety fac-tors is obligatory.

An additional concern of revision work was to correlate the specifics of construction engineering and plant engineering. The purpose is to support consistent communica-tion among all parties in negotiations.