Five Euratom projects launched since 2017 in support of the development of ESNII/Generation-IV reactor systems are briefly presented in the paper in terms of key objectives, results, and recommendations for the future. These projects focus on various aspects of the following ESNII/Generation-IV systems: Sodium Fast Reactor, Gas Cooled Fast Reactor, Supercritical Water Cooled Reactor, and Molten Salt Fast Reactor. The paper does not consider EU projects focused on the Gen-IV reactor technologies based on the use of heavy metals as a coolant because these projects are reviewed in a different paper.

The introduction of strut-and-tie models in fib Model Code 1990 as a design basis for discontinuity regions constituted a significant step toward promoting consistent design methods for reinforced concrete structures. In fib Model Code 2010, the scope was broadened through the stress field method that was introduced as a complementary tool. The present article summarizes subsequent evolutions in both methods, which will be incorporated in the upcoming fib Model Code 2020. Besides emphasizing their suitability for the structural design and assessment, their adaptability to the “Levels-of-approximation” approach is also depicted. This article presents the theoretical ground of both methods and looks on their potential for computer-modeling implementation. With this respect, several strategies are presented by discussing their advantages and optimum field of application.