1

7 CHAPTER 7: SERVICEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Introduction
A properly designed reinforced concrete element is to satisfy two requirements; strength
and serviceability. Strength requirements are elaborately dealt with in previous chapters.
Serviceability refers to some requirements that are needed to make the structure serviceable
such as no excessive deflection or cracking. These are discussed in this chapter.
Historically, deflections and crack widths have not been a problem for reinforced concrete
elements. With the introduction of strength design and high strength steel reinforcement,
the reinforcement stresses at service loads have increased considerably. Since crack widths
and deflections are related to steel stresses, each of these has become more critical.

7.2 Deflection
Excessive deflections can impair the appearance and efficiency of a structure and cause
discomfort or alarm to the occupants. Excessive deflections can cause cracking and possible
separation of plaster finishes, and crushing of partition walls.
The ACI Code provisions for control of deflections are concerned only with deflections that
occur at service load levels under static conditions and may not apply to loads with strong
dynamic characteristics such as those due to earthquakes, transient winds, and vibrating
machinery.
Deflection of a reinforced concrete element is made up of two components; short-term
deflection and long-term deflection. These will be dealt within the next sections.
7.2.1 Deflection Control
Two methods are given in the ACI Code for controlling deflections for beams and one-way
slabs not supporting or attached to partitions or other construction likely to be damaged by
large deflections. The first method indirectly controls deflection by means of minimum
thickness, as shown in Table 7.1, and the second by directly limiting computed deflections,
as shown in Table 7.2.
 2

Table 7.1: Minimum Thickness of Beams and One-way Slabs

simply one end both ends
Restraint cantilever
supported continuous continuous
Members not supporting or attached to partitions or
Member other construction likely to be damaged by large
deflections
Solid one-way l l l l
slabs 20 24 28 10
Beams or
ribbed one-way l l l l
16 18 . 5 21 8
slabs
* The values given above are only valid for f y = 4200 kg / cm2 . For
reinforcement having f y other than 4200 kg / cm2 , the values listed in the

table are to be multiplied by  0.40 + y 

f
 7000 

** l = span length measured center-to-center

Table 7.2: Maximum Permissible Computed Deflections

Type of member Deflection to be considered Deflection
limitation
Flat roofs not supporting or Immediate deflection due to
attached to non-structural live load L l / 180
elements likely to be damaged by
large deflections
Floors not supporting or attached Immediate deflection due to
to non-structural elements likely live load L l / 360
to be damaged by large
deflections
Roof or floor construction That part of the total deflection
supporting or attached to non- occurring after attachment of l / 480
structural elements likely to be nonstructural elements (sum of
damaged by large deflections the long-term deflection due to
all sustained loads and the
Roof or floor construction
immediate deflection due to any
supporting or attached to non- l / 240
additional live load)
structural elements not likely to
be damaged by large deflections
 3

7.2.2 Short-term Deflection

Short-term deflections of beams and one-way slabs occur immediately on the application of
load to a structural member. The principal factors that affect the short-term deflection of a
member are:
a. Magnitude and distribution of loads.
b. Span and restraint conditions.
c. Cross-sectional dimensions and amount of reinforcement.
d. Material properties.
e. Extent of flexural cracking.
Figure 7.1 shows short term deflection for several cases of loading and support conditions.
 4

5wL4 wL4
∆ i max = ∆ i max =
384Ec I e 384Ec I e

wL4
∆ i max = wL4
8 Ec I c ∆ i max =
185Ec I e

PL3
PL3 ∆ i max =
∆ i max = 3Ec I e
48 Ec I e

Pa Pa 2b 2
∆ i max = (3 L2 − 4 a 2 ) ∆ i max =
24 Ec I e 3 Ec I e L

ML2
∆ i max =
16Ec I e
Pb 2
∆ i max = (3 L − b )
6 Ec I e
Figure 7.1: Short-term deflections for several cases of loading and support conditions

7.2.2.1 Effective Moment of Inertia

The flexural rigidity of a beam may not be constant along its length because of varying
amount of steel reinforcement and cracking at different sections along the beam.
According to ACI Code 9.5.2.2 and 9.5.2.3, short-term deflection is computed using elastic
methods of analysis considering effects of cracking and reinforcement on member stiffness,
 5

with the modulus of elasticity for concrete E c = 15100 fc′ and with the effective moment
of inertia I e given as follows, but not greater than I g .

M 
3
 M 
3

I e =  cr  I g + 1 −  cr   I cr ( 7.1 )
   M a  
 Ma  

Ma
where 1 ≤ ≤3
M cr

and the cracking moment M cr is given in Eq. (7.2)

fr I g
M cr = ( 7.2)
yt

M a = maximum moment in member at stage deflection is computed

I g = moment of inertia of gross concrete section about centroidal axis, neglecting

reinforcement
I cr = moment of inertia of cracked section transformed to concrete

f r = modulus of rupture of concrete = 2 fc′

yt = distance from centroidal axis of gross section, neglecting reinforcement, to extreme

fiber in tension.
The effective moment of inertia provides a transition between the upper and lower limits of
I g and I cr as a function of the level of cracking represented by M a / M cr . When M a / M cr
is less than or equal to 1, I e is taken equal to I g . When M a / M cr is larger than or equal to
3, I e is taken equal to I cr , as shown in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2: variation in effective moment of inertia with moment

 6

For each load combination being considered, such as dead load or dead plus live load,
deflections should be calculated using an effective moment of inertia I e computed with
corresponding service load moment, M a . The incremental deflection caused by the
addition of load, such as live load, is then computed as the difference between deflection
computed for any two-load combinations.
According to ACI Code 9.5.2.4, effective moment of inertia for continuous members is
permitted to be taken as the average values obtained from Eq. (7.1) for the critical positive
and negative moment sections. Furthermore, for prismatic members, effective moment of
inertia is permitted to be taken as the value obtained from Eq. (7.1) at midspan for simple
and continuous spans, and at support for cantilevers.

7.2.2.2 Transformed Concrete Section

(a) Rectangular sections with tension reinforcement only:
The moment of inertia of a cracked beam ( I cr ) with tension reinforcement, shown in Figure
7.3, is computed as follows:

Figure 7.3: Cracked transformed section of singly reinforced beam

Taking moment of areas about the neutral axis
k d 
bkd   = n As (d − k d )
 2 
Es
where n = = modular ratio of elasticity, but not less than 6.0,
Ec
kd = distance from the neutral axis to the extreme compression fiber.
b
Letting B =
n As
 7

2 Bd + 1 −1
kd = ( 7.3)
B
Moment of inertia of gross concrete section is given by

I g = b h 3 / 12 ( 7.4)

Moment of inertia of cracked section about neutral axis,

I cr = b k 3 d 3 / 3 + n As (d − kd )
2
( 7.5)

(b) Rectangular sections with tension and compression reinforcement:

For the rectangular section shown in Figure 7.4,

Figure 7.4: Cracked transformed section of doubly reinforced beam

(n − 1) As′
Letting r =
n As

kd =  2dB (1 + r d ′ / d ) + (1 + r ) − (1 + r ) / B
2
( 7.6)
 

I g = b h 3 / 12 ( 7.4)

I cr = b k 3 d 3 / 3 + n As (d − kd ) + (n − 1) As′ (kd − d ′ )
2 2
( 7.7)

(c) T- sections with tension reinforcement only:

From Figure 7.5,
 8

Figure 7.5: Cracked transformed section of singly reinforced T-beam

1. When k d ≤ h f , the section is treated as a singly reinforced rectangular section with bw
replaced with b .
2. When kd > h f relevant equations are given below

bw h f (b − bw )
Letting C = , and f =
n As n As

yt =
[( )
h − 1/ 2 b − bw h 2f + bw h 2 ]
(b − b )h w f + bwh
( 7.8)

kd =  C (2d + h f f ) + (1 + f ) − (1 + f ) / C
2
( 7.9)
 

I g = (b − bw ) h f / 12 + bw h 3 / 12
3

( 7.10)
+ (b − bw ) h f (h − h f / 2 − yt ) 2 + bw h ( yt − h / 2 )
2

I cr = (b − bw )h f / 12 + bw k 3 d 3 / 3
3

( 7.11)
+ h f (b − bw )(kd − h f / 2) 2 + n As (d − kd )
2

(d) T- sections with tension and compression reinforcement:

As shown in Figure 7.6,
 9

Figure 7.6: Cracked transformed section of doubly reinforced T-beam

1. When kd ≤ h f , the section is treated as a doubly reinforced rectangular section with bw
replaced with b .
2. When kd > h f relevant equations are given below

yt =
[( )
h − 1/ 2 b − bw h 2f + bw h 2 ]
(b − b )h
( 7.8)
w f + bwh

kd =  C (2d + h f f + 2 r d ′) + ( f + r + 1)2 − ( f + r + 1) / C ( 7.12)

 

I g = (b − bw ) h f / 12 + bw h 3 / 12
3

( 7.10)
+ (b − bw ) h f (h − h f / 2 − yt ) + bw h ( yt − h / 2 )
2 2

I cr = (b − bw ) h f /12 + bw k 3 d 3 / 3 + h f (b − bw )(kd − h f / 2 ) 2
3

( 7.13)
+ n As (d − kd ) 2 + (n − 1) As′ (kd − d ′ ) 2

7.2.3 Long-term Deflection

Shrinkage and creep due to sustained loads cause additional long-term deflections which
may exceed short-term deflections on the structure. These deflections may be two to three
times as large as the immediate elastic deflection that occurs when the sustained load is
applied. Such deflections are influenced by temperature, humidity, curing conditions, age at
time of loading, quantity of compression reinforcement and magnitude of the sustained
load.
According to ACI Code 9.5.2.5, additional long-term deflection resulting from creep and
shrinkage for flexural members is determined by multiplying the immediate deflection
caused by the sustained load considered by the factor given by Eq. (2.7)

ζ
λ∆ = (2.7)
1 + 50 ρ'

where
λ∆ = multiplier for additional long-term deflection.
 10

As′
ρ′ = is the compression reinforcement ratio taken at midspan for simple and
bd
continuous spans and at support for cantilevers.
As′ = cross sectional area of compression reinforcement

b = width of cross section

d = effective depth of cross section
ξ = time-dependent factor for a sustained load, given in Table 7.3.
Table 7.3: Time-dependent factors
Period (months) ξ
3 1.0
6 1.2
12 1.4
60 2.0
Multipliers for long-term deflection are also given in Figure 2.8.

Example (7.1):
For the simply supported beam shown in Figure 7.7, calculate the maximum short-term
deflection and maximum deflection at an age of 5 years. It is given that service dead load
on beam, including own weight, = 1 ton / m , concentrated service live load = 3 tons , 100
% of which is sustained. Use f c′ = 300 kg / cm 2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 .

Figure 7.7: Loaded beam and its cross section

Solution:
Moments:
The dead load moment is given as
 11

1.0 (6.0)
2
MD = = 4.50 t.m
8
The live load moment is given by
3.0 (6.0)
ML = = 4.5 t.m
4
Total dead and live load moment is
M D + M L = 4.50 + 4.50 = 9.0 t.m
The sustained bending moment is
M D + M L = 4.50 + 4.50 = 9.0 t.m

Modulus of rupture fr = 2 fc′ = 2 300 = 34.64 kg / cm2

E c = 15100 f c′ = 15100 300 = 261539.67 kg / cm 2

2.04 (10) (50 )

6 3
Es
n= = = 7.80 I g = 30 = 312500 cm 4
E c 261539.67 12
f r I g 34.64 (312500 )
M cr = = = 4.33 t.m
25 (10)
5
yt

b 30
B= = = 0.3205 cm −1
n As 7.80 (12.0 )
2 d B +1 −1 2 (44) (0.3205) + 1 − 1
kd = = = 13.74 cm
B 0.3205
b (k d )
3

= + n As [d − k d ]
2
I cr
3

30 (13.74 )
3

I cr = + 7.80 (12.0 ) [44 − 13.74]

2

3
I cr = 111645 .90 cm 4
a. Effective moment of inertia under dead load only:
M D 4.50
= = 1.039 > 1.0 and < 3.0
M cr 4.33
 12

M 
3
  M 3 
I e =  cr  I g + 1 −  cr   I cr ≤ I g
 Ma    M a  

 4.33 
3
  4.33  3 
Ie =   (312500 ) + 1 −    (111645 .90)
 4.50    4.50  
I e = 290585.66 cm 4 < Ig O.K

b. Effective moment of inertia under dead and live loads:

M D + L 9.00
= = 2.078 > 1.0 and < 3.0
M cr 4.33

M 
3
  M 3 
I e =  cr I g + 1 −  cr   I cr ≤ I g
 Ma    M a  

 4.33 
3
  4.33  3 
Ie =   (312500 ) + 1 −    (111645 .90)
 9.00    9.00  

I e = 134013.37 cm4 < Ig O.K

Initial or short-term deflections:

Deformation caused by dead load only

5 (1000 / 100 )(600)

4
5 wl4
(∆ i )D = = = 0.2220 cm
384 (E c I e ) 384 (261539.67 )(290585.66 )
Deformation caused by dead and live loads
5 wl4 P l3
(∆ i )D + L = +
384 (E c I e ) 48 (E c I e )
5 (1000 / 100)(600 ) 3 (1000)(600 )
4 3

= +
384 (261539.67 )(134013.37 ) 48 (261539.67 )(134013.37 )
= 0.8666 cm
Deformation caused by live load only
(∆ i )L = (∆ i )D + L − (∆ i )D = 0.8666 − 0.2220 = 0.6446 cm

Allowable deflections:
For flat roofs not supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, are likely to be damaged
by large deflections, (∆ i ) L ≤ l / 180
 13

l / 180 = 600 / 180 = 3.333 cm > 0.6446 cm O.K

For floors, not supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, are likely to be damaged by
large deflections, (∆ i ) L ≤ l / 360

l / 360 = 600 / 360 = 1.667 cm > 0.6446 cm O.K

Long-term deflection:
ρ ′ = 0.00
Duration ξ
λ∆ =
ζ (∆ i )sus (∆ i ) L λ∆ (∆i )sus (∆ i )total
1 + 50 ρ'
5 years 2.0 2.0 0.8666 0.6446 1.7332 2.3778
For roof or floor construction supporting or attached to nonstructural elements is likely to
be damaged by large deflections, λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i ) L ≤ l / 480

λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i )L = 2.3778 cm

l / 480 = 600 / 480 = 1.25 cm < 2.3778 cm

i.e. thickness of beam needs to be increased.
For roof or floor construction, is supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, not likely
to be damaged by large deflections, λ (∆ i )sus + (∆ i )l ≤ l / 240

λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i )l = 2.3778 cm

l / 240 = 600 / 240 = 2.50 cm > 2.3778 cm O.K

Example (7.2):
For the simply supported beam shown in Figure 7.8, calculate the maximum short-term
deflection and maximum deflections at ages of 3 months and 5 years. It is given that service
dead load on beam, not including own weight, = 200 kg / m , service live load = 500 kg / m ,
50 % of which is sustained. Use f c′ = 250 kg / cm 2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 .
 14

Figure 7.8: Loaded beam and its cross section

Solution:
Moments:
wD = 0.20 + 0.30 (0.60 )(2.50) = 0.65 t / m
The dead load moment is given as

0.65 (7.5)
2

MD = = 4.57 t.m
8
The live load moment is given by
0.50 (7.5)
2

ML = = 3.51 t.m
8
Total dead and live load moment is
M D + M L = 4.57 + 3.51 = 8.08 t.m
The sustained bending moment is
M D + 0.50 M L = 4.57 + 0.50 (3.51) = 6.32 t.m

Modulus of rupture f r = 2 f c′ = 2 250 = 31.62 kg / cm 2

E c = 15100 f c′ = 15100 250 = 238751.96 kg / cm 2

E s 2.04 (10)6
n= = = 8.54
E c 238751.96

I g = 30
(60)3 = 540000 cm 4
12
fr I g 31.62 (540000)
M cr = = = 5.69 t.m
30 (10)
5
yt
 15

b 30 (n − 1) As′ (8.54 − 1) (4.62)

B= = = 0.2237 cm −1 r = = = 0.26
n As 8.54 (15.7 ) n As 8.54 (15.7 )
d = 60 − 4 − 0.80 − 1.0 = 54.20 cm
d ′ = 4.0 + 0.80 + 0.70 = 5.50 cm

k d =  2d B (1 + r d ′ / d ) + (1 + r ) − (1 + r ) / B
2

 

k d = (1 / 0.2237) [ 2 (54.2 )(0.2237 ) (1 + 0.26 (5.5) / (54.2)) + (1 + 0.26) 2

− (1 + 0.26 )]
k d = 17.37 cm
b (k d )
3

I cr = + n As [d − k d ] + (n − 1) As′ [k d − d ′]
2 2

3
30 (17.37 )
3

I cr = + 8.54 (15.7 ) [54.2 − 17.37 ] + (7.54)(4.62 ) [17.37 − 5.5] 2

2

3
I cr = 239186.29 cm 4

a. Effective moment of inertia under dead load only:

M D 4.57
= = 0.803 < 1.0
M cr 5.69

i.e. I e = I g = 540000 cm 4

b. Effective moment of inertia under sustained load:

M sus 6.32
= = 1.11 > 1.0 and < 3.0
M cr 5.69

M 
3
  M 3 
I e =  cr I g + 1 −  cr   I cr ≤ I g
 Ma    M a  

 5.69 
3
  5.69  3 
Ie =   (540000 ) + 1 −    (239186.29 )
 6.32    6 . 32  

I e = 458710.88 cm 4 < I g O.K

c. Effective moment of inertia under dead and live load:

M D + L 8.08
= = 1.42 > 1.0 and < 3.0
M cr 5.69
 16

M 
3
  M 3 
I e =  cr I g + 1 −  cr   I cr ≤ I g
 Ma    M a  

 5.69 
3
  5.69  3 
Ie =   (540000) + 1 −    (239186.29 )
 8.08    8.08  
I e = 344237.33 cm 4 < Ig O.K

Initial or short-term deflections:

Deformation caused by dead load only
5 (1000 / 100)(0.65)(750 )
4
5 wl4
(∆ i )D = = = 0.2077 cm
384 (E c I e ) 384 (238751.96)(540000 )
Deformation caused by sustained load

5 (1000 / 100) (0.90) (750 )

4
5 w l4
(∆ i )sus = = = 0.3385 cm
384 (Ec I e ) 384 (238751.96) (458710.88)
Deformation caused by dead and live loads

5 (1000 / 100 )(1.15)(750 )

4
5 wl4
(∆ i )D + L = = = 0.5765 cm
384 (E c I e ) 384 (238751.96)(344237.33)
Deformation caused by live load only
(∆ i )L = (∆ i )D + L − (∆ i )D = 0.5765 − 0.2077 = 0.3688 cm

Allowable deflections:
For flat roofs, not supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, are likely to be
damaged by large deflections, (∆ i ) L ≤ l / 180

l / 180 = 750 / 180 = 4.167 cm > 0.3688 cm O.K

For floors, not supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, are likely to be damaged by
large deflections, (∆ i )l ≤ l / 360

l / 360 = 750 / 360 = 2.083 cm > 0.3688 cm O.K

Long-term deflection:
4.62
ρ′ = = 0.00284
30 (54.2 )
 17

Duration ξ
λ∆ =
ζ (∆ i )sus (∆ i ) L λ ∆ (∆i )sus (∆ i )total
1 + 50 ρ'
3 months 1.0 0.875 0.3385 0.3688 0.296 0.665
5 years 2.0 1.751 0.3385 0.3688 0.593 0.962
For roof or floor construction, supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, is likely to
be damaged by large deflections, λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i ) L ≤ l / 480

λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i )L = 0.962 cm

l / 480 = 750 / 480 = 1.562 cm > 0.962 cm O.K

For roof or floor construction, supporting or attached to nonstructural elements, is not likely
to be damaged by large deflections, λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i ) L ≤ l / 240

λ ∆ (∆i )sus + (∆i )L = 0.962 cm

l / 240 = 750 / 240 = 3.125 cm > 0.962 cm O.K

7.3 Crack width control

With the advent of high-strength steels and with the use of Strength Design Methods which
allow higher stresses in reinforcement, control of flexural cracking has assumed more
importance.
Crack widths are of concern for three main reasons: appearance, leakage, and corrosion.
Wide cracks are unsightly and sometimes lead to concern by owners and occupants. Crack
control is important in the design of liquid-retaining structures. Leakage is a function of
crack width. Corrosion of reinforcement has traditionally been related to crack width.
Modern studies suggest that the factors governing the eventual development of corrosion
are independent of the crack width.
A simple and more practical equation has been adopted starting with the 1995 code which
directly limits the maximum reinforcement spacing. The new method is intended to control
surface cracks to a width that is generally acceptable in practice but may vary widely in a
given structure. The new method, for this reason, does not support to predict crack widths
in the field. According to the new method given in ACI Code 10.6.4, the spacing of
reinforcement closest to tension surface shall not exceed that given by
 18

106400
S= − 2.5 C c ( 7.14 )
fs

and maximum spacing of reinforcement is given as

84000
Smax = ( 7.15)
fs

where S = center-to-center spacing of flexural tension reinforcement nearest to the extreme

tension face, and f s = calculated stress in reinforcement at service load computed as the
unfactored moment divided by the product of steel area and internal moment arm. It is
permitted to take f s as 2/3 f y . C c = Clear cover from the nearest surface in tension to the
surface of flexural tension reinforcement.

7.4 Skin Reinforcement in Deep Flexural Members

According to ACI Code 10.6.7, for deep flexural members with overall hight h exceeding
90 cm, additional longitudinal reinforcement for crack control must be distributed along the
side faces over the full depth of the flexural tension zone. Without such additional
reinforcement, the width of the cracks in the web may exceed widths at the level of the
flexural steel reinforcement, as shown in Figure 7.9. The required skin reinforcement must
be uniformly distributed along both side faces of the member within the flexural tension
zone, considered to extend over a distance d / 2 nearest to the main tension reinforcement.

Figure 7.9: Side cracks in deep members

The spacing of the skin reinforcement, s shall be computed using Equations (7.14) and (7.15),
where C c is the least distance from the surface of the skin reinforcement to the side face, as
shown in Figure 7.10. The code does not specify the size of the skin reinforcement. Research
has shown that the spacing rather than bar size is of primary importance. Typically bars
Φ 10 mm to Φ 16 mm , with minimum area of 0.02 cm2 per cm of depth is provided.
 19

Figure 7.10: Skin reinforcement

Example (7.3):
For the cross section shown in Figure 7.11, determine whether the reinforcement satisfies
ACI Code requirements for crack control.
Use f c′ = 280 kg / cm 2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 .

Figure 7.11

Solution:
106400
S= − 2.5 C c
fs

Cc = 4.0 + 0.80 = 4.8 cm

− 2.5 (4.8 )
106400
S=
2 / 3(4200 )
S = 26 cm
 20

84000 84000
= = 30.0 cm > 26.0 cm O .K
fs 2 / 3 (4200 )

Actual bar spacing (center-to-center) =

30 − 2 (4.0 ) − 2 (0.80 ) − 2.0
= 6.13 cm < 26.0 cm O.K
3

7.5 Problems
P7.6.1 For the beam in Figure P7.6.1, (a) compute the short-term deflection produced by
the total load, and (b) estimate the additional long-term deflection if the live load acts
continuously, (c) if the beam supports nonstructural elements not likely to be damaged by
large deflections, does the beam satisfy ACI Code requirements for allowable deflections?
Use f c′ = 250 kg / cm 2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 .

Figure P7.6.1

P7.6.2 A simply supported beam with the cross section shown in Figure P7.6.2 has a span
of 6.0 m and supports a service dead load of 2 t/m, including its own weight, in addition to a
service live load of 2.5 t/m. Use f c′ = 300 kg / cm2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 . Evaluate the
following:
1. The immediate deflection due to dead load only.
2. The immediate deflection due to dead and live loads.
3. The deflection at three month period assuming that 40 % of the live load is sustained.
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Figure P7.6.2

P7.6.3 For each of the cross in Figure P7.6.3, determine whether the reinforcement satisfies
the ACI Code requirements for crack width control.
Use f c′ = 250 kg / cm 2 and f y = 4200 kg / cm 2 .

Figure P7.6.3