The calculations and verifications proposed by EHE-08 are based on the limit state method. This method is based on listing a series of limit situations or critical situations that should not be reached in normal situations. Each limit or critical situation is described by an effective magnitude, of which the standard sets its ultimate value M, under the usual conditions the calculation value under the planned actions (or "design value" M) is required to satisfy:.

It is the designer's task to choose the materials and geometry in such a way that the previous inequality is satisfied. If the above inequality is not met, the structure presents a clear risk of partial or total collapse of the structure (these situations are called "Ultimate Limit States" or ELUs) or its dysfunctionality, although it does not necessarily imply collapse (these other situations are called "Service Limit States" or ELS).[5]​.

Furthermore, the standard assumes a probabilistic factor so the value of the forces or actions, the resistance of the materials and other magnitudes are considered to be given by random variables. Depending on the characteristic values ​​of these magnitudes (which depend on the mathematical expectation and the standard deviation) the Instruction sets coefficients so that the relationship () is fulfilled with total security even with magnitudes that vary randomly in time.[6]​.

The calculations and verifications proposed by EHE-08 are based on the limit state method. This method is based on listing a series of limit situations or critical situations that should not be reached in normal situations. Each limit or critical situation is described by an effective magnitude, of which the standard sets its ultimate value M, under the usual conditions the calculation value under the planned actions (or "design value" M) is required to satisfy:.

It is the designer's task to choose the materials and geometry in such a way that the previous inequality is satisfied. If the above inequality is not met, the structure presents a clear risk of partial or total collapse of the structure (these situations are called "Ultimate Limit States" or ELUs) or its dysfunctionality, although it does not necessarily imply collapse (these other situations are called "Service Limit States" or ELS).[5]​.

Furthermore, the standard assumes a probabilistic factor so the value of the forces or actions, the resistance of the materials and other magnitudes are considered to be given by random variables. Depending on the characteristic values ​​of these magnitudes (which depend on the mathematical expectation and the standard deviation) the Instruction sets coefficients so that the relationship () is fulfilled with total security even with magnitudes that vary randomly in time.[6]​.