Vertical and Horizontal Deflection Limits For Multi Storey Buildings

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

SN034a-EN-EU
NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-

storey buildings
Recommendations and guidelines are given for horizontal and vertical deflection limits for
multi-storey commercial and residential buildings.
Contents
1. Introduction 2
2. Loads 2
3. Horizontal deflection limits 3
4. Vertical deflection limits 5
5. References 7
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Created on Monday, November 19, 2007
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SN034a-EN-EU
1. Introduction
No specific deflection limits are set in EN 1993-1-1 [1]. Instead it states in § 7.2 that the
serviceability criteria, including deflection limits, should be specified and agreed with the
client for each project. Furthermore, the verification should be based on criteria concerning
deformations that affect appearance, comfort of users, functioning of the structure or that
cause damage to finishes or non-structural members. In some countries, the National Annex
to EN 1993-1-1 specifies the limits. Where limits are specified they have to be observed. If
no limits are specified in the National Annex the following might be helpful:
Relevant functional requirements should be considered, e.g. for flat roofs, water run off
has to be ensured to avoid ponding.
To avoid damage to sensitive finishes or non-structural members, e.g. partition walls with
fragile elements such as masonry, glass etc, more onerous criteria may have to be
adopted.
Appearance is very subjective and also context sensitive. In most cases precambering or
adjustments of false ceilings can disguise the deflections.
Comfort of users may be a serious concern for long span or shallow floors. However,
deflection criteria are not an adequate tool to manage the issue. SN036 provides guidance
for floor vibrations.
Often it is the deflection at the serviceability limit state that governs a structure’s design, and
therefore the selected deflection limits are of high importance. Different countries have
different recommended values for horizontal and vertical deflection limits; examples are
presented in sections 3 and 4.
2. Loads
2.1 Serviceability limit state
EN 1990 gives three different combinations for serviceability limit states i.e. a characteristic,
a frequent and a quasi-permanent combination.
In the above-mentioned load combinations, ψ factors are used, as follows:
ψ0 is used in the characteristic combination that is applied for irreversible limit states, i.e.
stresses above the yield point.
ψ1 is used in the frequent combination that is applied for reversible limit states, i.e. stresses
below the yield point. This is relevant for deflection limitations of steel structures.
ψ2
is used in both the frequent and the quasi-permanent combination. In both cases the
factor is used for long-term effects. These are not relevant for steel structures and
therefore ψ2 = 0. For composite structures the effects of creep may be taken into
account by using appropriate modular ratios for the concrete; where this is the case, ψ2
may be taken as 0.
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SN034a-EN-EU
Consequently, the relevant load combinations are:
1. The characteristic combination for irreversible limit states. This combination is only
required to be considered for the serviceability limit state when some plasticity is
permitted, e.g. certain classes of continuous composite beams.
∑ Gk, j + P + Qk,1 + ∑ψ 0,iQk ,i (1)

j ≥1 i >1
2. The frequent combination (with ψ2 = 0) for the reversible limit state.
∑ Gk , j + P + ψ 1,1Qk,1 (2)
j ≥1
2.2 Ultimate limit state

Deflections at the ultimate limit state need only be considered when the deflection may lead
to additional loading, for example water ponding on flat roofs.
3. Horizontal deflection limits

In Table 3.1 guidance is given on horizontal deflection limits for a selection of countries. The
definitions of horizontal deflections in Annex A1 to EN 1990 [2] are shown in Figure 3.1.
u ui
Hi
L
Notation:
u Overall horizontal displacement over the building height H.
ui Horizontal displacement over a storey height Hi
Figure 3.1 Definitions of horizontal deflections.
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SN034a-EN-EU
Table 3.1 Horizontal deflection limits
Country Structure Deflection limits Comments

u ui
France Multi-storey buildings H/300 Hi/250 The values to the left are given in the
French National Annex to EN 1993-1-1
and should be used if nothing else is
agreed with the client.
The values of the deflections calculated
from the characteristic combinations
should be compared to these limits.
The limit given for u applies when the
height H does not exceed 30 m.
Otherwise, see the contract.
Germany There are no national deflection limits.
The limits should be taken from
manufacturers’ instructions (technical
approvals) or should be agreed with the
client.
Spain Multi-storey buildings: The values to the left are given in the
national technical document for steel
In general H/500 Hi/300 structures [3] and in the Technical
With fragile partition Hi/500 Building Code [4] and should be used if
walls, facades nothing else is agreed with the client.
envelopes or rigid floor
finishing elements
High rise slender H/600
buildings (in buildings
taller than 100 meters,
more restrictive limits
could be necessary due
to wind effects such as
vibrations).
Sweden – – The national regulations [5] contain only
a principle that deformations should not
be harmful or damage other parts of the
buildings.
UK For medium rise H/300 Hi/300 There are no national deflection limits
buildings The values to the left are recommended
in industry guidance [6].
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SN034a-EN-EU
4. Vertical deflection limits

In Table 4.1, guidance is given on vertical deflection limits for a selection of countries. The
definitions of vertical deflections in Annex A1 to EN 1990 [1] are shown in Figure 4.1.
Wc W1
W2 Wtot
Wmax
W3
Notation:
wc Precamber in the unloaded structural member
w1 Initial part of the deflection under permanent loads of the relevant combinations of actions
w2 Long-term part of the deflection under permanent loads
w3 Additional part of the deflection due to the variable actions of the relevant combination of actions
wtot Total deflection as sum of w1, w2, w3
wmax Remaining total deflection taking into account the precamber
Figure 4.1 Definitions of vertical deflections.
Table 4.1 Vertical deflection limits

wmax w2+w3
France Roof, in general L/200 L/250 The values to the left are given in the
National Annex to EN 1993-1-1 and should
Roofs frequently carrying L/200 L/300 be used if nothing else is agreed with the
personnel other than for client.
maintenance
The values of the deflections calculated from
Floors, in general L/200 L/300 the characteristic combinations should be
compared to these limits.
Floors and roofs L/250 L/350
supporting plaster or
other brittle toppings or
non-flexible parts
Floors supporting L/400 L/500
columns (unless the
deflection has been
included in the global
analysis for the ultimate
limit state)
When wmax can affect the L/250 –
appearance of the
building
Germany There are no national deflection limits. The

limits should be taken from manufacturers’
instructions (technical approvals) or should
be agreed with the client.
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SN034a-EN-EU

wmax w2+w3
Spain Roofs, with access only – L/250 The values to the left are given in the
for maintenance national technical document for steel
structures [3] and in the Technical Building
Roofs in general – L/300 Code [4] and should be used if nothing else
is agreed with the client.
Beams and floors, – L/300
without fragile elements
susceptible to failure
Beams and floors, - L/400
supporting ordinary
partition walls and rigid
floor finishing elements
with expansion joints
Beams and floors, - L/500
supporting fragile
elements such as,
partition walls, facades
envelopes or rigid floor
finishing elements
Beams supporting - L/500
columns
Beams supporting - L/1000

masonry walls
Sweden – – There are no national deflection limits.
UK Beams generally Not L/200 There are no national deflection limits. The
checked values presented are recommended in
industry guidance [6].
W2 is usually ignored. It is negligible for both
steel beams and unpropped composite
construction (the norm in the UK).
For brittle finishes L/360 There are no national deflection limits. The
values presented are recommended in
industry guidance [6].
W2 is usually ignored. It is negligible for both
steel beams and unpropped composite
construction (the norm in the UK).
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SN034a-EN-EU
5. References
1 EN 1993-1-1 Design of steel structures – Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings.
CEN:
2 EN 1990 Eurocode. Basis of structural design.

CEN .
3 Instrucción de Acero Estructural

Ministerio de Fomento, España, 2006.
4 Código Técnico de la Edificación

Ministerio de Vivienda, España, 2006
5 Regelsamling för konstruktion, Boverkets konstruktionsregler, BKR, byggnadsverkslagen

och byggnadsverksförordningen,
Boverket, Sverige, 2003
6 Steelwork Design Guide to BS 5950 Volume 4: Essential Data for Designers, P 070, The
Steel Construction Institute, 1991.
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SN034a-EN-EU
Quality Record
RESOURCE TITLE NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey
buildings
Reference(s)
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
Name Company Date
Created by Björn Uppfeldt SBI
Technical content checked by Bernt Johansson SBI
Editorial content checked by
Technical content endorsed by the

following STEEL Partners:
1. UK G W Owens SCI 10/3/06
2. France A Bureau CTICM 10/3/06

3. Sweden A Olsson SBI 10/3/06
4. Germany C Müller RWTH 10/3/06
5. Spain J Chica Labein 10/3/06
Resource approved by Technical G W Owens SCI 08/6/06

Coordinator
TRANSLATED DOCUMENT
This Translation made and checked by:
Translated resource approved by:

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Vertical and Horizontal Deflection Limits For Multi Storey Buildings

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NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-

3. Horizontal deflection limits 3

4. Vertical deflection limits 5

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

In the above-mentioned load combinations, ψ factors are used, as follows:

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

Consequently, the relevant load combinations are:

∑ Gk, j + P + Qk,1 + ∑ψ 0,iQk ,i (1)

2. The frequent combination (with ψ2 = 0) for the reversible limit state.

2.2 Ultimate limit state

3. Horizontal deflection limits

Figure 3.1 Definitions of horizontal deflections.

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

Table 3.1 Horizontal deflection limits

Country Structure Deflection limits Comments

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

4. Vertical deflection limits

Figure 4.1 Definitions of vertical deflections.

Table 4.1 Vertical deflection limits

Country Structure Deflection limits Comments

Germany There are no national deflection limits. The

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

Country Structure Deflection limits Comments

Beams supporting - L/1000

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

2 EN 1990 Eurocode. Basis of structural design.

3 Instrucción de Acero Estructural

4 Código Técnico de la Edificación

5 Regelsamling för konstruktion, Boverkets konstruktionsregler, BKR, byggnadsverkslagen

NCCI: Vertical and horizontal deflection limits for multi-storey buildings

Name Company Date

Created by Björn Uppfeldt SBI

Technical content checked by Bernt Johansson SBI

Editorial content checked by

Technical content endorsed by the

1. UK G W Owens SCI 10/3/06

2. France A Bureau CTICM 10/3/06

3. Sweden A Olsson SBI 10/3/06

4. Germany C Müller RWTH 10/3/06

5. Spain J Chica Labein 10/3/06

Resource approved by Technical G W Owens SCI 08/6/06

This Translation made and checked by:

Translated resource approved by:

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