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Max Allowable Deflections For Beams and Columsn

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114 views2 pages

Max Allowable Deflections For Beams and Columsn

Uploaded by

Danish Nadeem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The maximum allowable deflection for beams and columns in structural engineering is

specified by various American codes, including the American Institute of Steel Construction
(AISC) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). These limits are designed to prevent both
serviceability issues, like excessive deflection leading to cracking or damage to non-structural
elements, and aesthetic or comfort concerns.

1. Beams:

The maximum allowable deflection for beams depends on the type of load (live load or total
load) and the structural system. The limits are primarily governed by serviceability requirements
in codes like the International Building Code (IBC) and the AISC Steel Construction
Manual.

Typical Maximum Allowable Deflections for Beams:

 For total load (dead load + live load):


o Maximum deflection limit: L/240
o LLL is the span length of the beam.
 For live load only:
o Maximum deflection limit: L/360

These limits can vary depending on the specific use of the structure and the sensitivity of its
components to deflection (e.g., ceilings, finishes, etc.).

Common Scenarios for Beams:

 Roof Beams (supporting live loads like snow or wind):


o Deflection due to live load: L/360
o Deflection due to total load: L/240

 Floor Beams (supporting floor live loads like people and furniture):
o Deflection due to live load: L/360
o Deflection due to total load: L/240

 Beams supporting brittle finishes (e.g., plaster or tile):


o More stringent limit for live load: L/480
o More stringent limit for total load: L/240

2. Columns:

Columns are primarily subject to axial loads rather than bending, so deflection is not typically a
concern unless the column is part of a moment-resisting frame where it experiences bending
moments. For slender columns or columns subject to lateral loads, lateral deflection must be
checked.
The allowable lateral deflection (or drift) of columns is generally governed by the building
codes’ drift limits, which are typically L/300 to L/500 for lateral deflection under wind or
seismic loads. This is less about deflection in serviceability and more about the story drift and
overall stability of the structure.

3. Summary of Deflection Limits:

Element Type Deflection Type Allowable Deflection


Total Load
Beams (Total Load) L/240
Deflection
Beams (Live Load) Live Load Deflection L/360
Roof Beams (Live
Live Load Deflection L/360
Load)
Roof Beams (Total Total Load
L/240
Load) Deflection
Floor Beams Live Load Deflection L/360
Beams with Brittle
Live Load Deflection L/480
Finishes
Lateral Deflection Typically L/300 to L/500 for lateral loads (e.g., wind
Columns
(Drift) or seismic drift)

References:

 AISC Steel Construction Manual (e.g., Section L2 for deflection limits).


 ACI 318 for reinforced concrete structures.
 IBC (International Building Code).

These limits ensure that structural deflection is within acceptable bounds to prevent damage to
both the structural elements and non-structural finishes and to maintain comfort and safety.

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