A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual, 13th ed. (old) Chapter 8 - Bending Members © 2006, 2007, 2008 T. Bartlett Quimby |
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Section 8.4.2 Deflection Limit State Last Revised: 11/04/2014 In the absence of more specific criteria, criteria for structures with brittle finishes (as found in code documents for years) is frequently used. This simplistic criteria puts a limit of the span divided by 360 on the incremental deflection due to live (or transient) load only and a limit of the span divided by 240 on deflection under total load. These limit states are mathematic expressed as: DLL < L/360 DTL < L/240 These limits were originally developed for members with "brittle" finishes, such as plaster. Plaster is not commonly used as a finishing material anymore. The goal of the limits was to minimize the possibility of damage to the finish and provide reasonable comfort for the building occupants. The criteria has persisted in practice. Other criteria has been used that more explicitly addresses the use of the beam under consideration. For example, the Timber Construction Manual [ref. 12], page 66 suggests the values given in Table 8.4.2.1 and 8.4.2.2. Other references give different, but similar, criteria. Table 8.4.2.1
Table 8.4.2.2
The span length, L, in the limit equations above is taken as the distance between center of supports. For cantilever beams, a value equal to twice the actual cantilever length is generally used for the L in determining the deflection limits. Ponding
In roof systems that are essentially flat, provisions must be made to support ponding water. Ponding is a progressive event. The more water on the roof, the more deflection you get, which means that even more water can be retained, which leads to more deflection, etc... If the beam is stiff enough, then ponding can be minimized. The best solution to the ponding problem is architectural. It is strongly recommended that sufficient slope be given to roof systems (a minimum of 1/4" per foot) to prevent ponding. Appropriate drainage must also be provided. Roofs in cold regions that use scuppers to drain a roof located behind a parapet may become plugged with ice, resulting in unintentional ponding, leading to disastrous results. Figure 8.4.2.1 shows such a frozen scupper. Scuppers must also be made large enough to allow water to escape during a deluge and to minimize blockage by debris. Tolerances of Attached Elements or Non-Structural Elements Below Often times, non-structural elements have specific deflection tolerances that are more restrictive than the general criteria given above. These tolerances generally are expressed in terms as a maximum deflection value and must be considered in design. For example, a floor girder spanning 36 ft may deflect up to 1.2 inches under a live load only deflection limit of L/360. Any non-structural partition under the beam must be able to accommodate this deflection. However, if it cannot, then the amount of live load deflection that can be accommodated becomes the new deflection criteria for this beam. Vibrations Certain vibrations have been found to be objectionable in most occupancy classifications. Vibrations are often lumped together with deflection since both are stiffness related. Vibrations are a function of stiffness and mass. The frequency of the vibrations is of more concern than the amplitude. The treatment of vibrations is beyond the current scope of this text. Selection of Criteria The choice of deflection criteria is a project dependent. Other criteria may be encountered that have been developed for special structures and/or situations. These may be considered as needed. For the problems in this text, the equations listed at the start of this section will be used unless otherwise specified.
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