As described in Section 1 above, the approach to action combinations in the

Eurocodes is based on formulae presented for each type of combination considered.

The formulae use the partial load factor, γ, and combination factor, ψ, for each
design action effect being considered in each verification format. Permanent design
action effects are combined with variable design action effects. From the variable
design action effects, one is designated as the leading action and its full
characteristic representative value of load is considered. The other variable actions
are designated as accompanying actions and are reduced by an appropriate
combination factor, ψ.
Design values of actions are determined by multiplying representative values by an
appropriate partial factor for the action. Representative values are determined by
multiplying characteristic values by an appropriate combination factor. Characteristic
values are defined in specific EN1991 parts.
There are three main types of combination factor, ψ: