Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh.

Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Deflection of Beams
The deflections of steel beams are usually limited to certain maximum values. Among
the several excellent reasons for deflection limitation are the following
1- Excessive deflection may be damage other material attached to or supported the
beam, such as plaster cracks caused by large celling joist deflection
2- The appearance of structures is often damage by excessive deflection.
3- External deflection don’t inspire confidence in the person using
4- It may be necessary for several different beams supporting the same load

.
For the common case of a simply supported, uniformly loaded beam such as that
in Figure below, the maximum vertical deflection is

5𝑊𝑙 4
𝛿 =
384𝐸𝐼

Deflection formulas for a variety of beams and loading conditions can be found in part 3,
“Design of Flexural Members,” of the Manual (table (3-23)PP(3-211),which show the
shear, moment and deflection value for selected beam.

Type of member Max. live load Max. dead + live Max. Snow or
Roof beam def.,(δl.l) load def.,(δ) wind load def.
Supporting plaster celling L/360 L/240 L/360
Supporting non-plaster ceiling L/240 L/180 L/240
Not supporting a celling L/180 L/120 L/180
Floor beam L/360 L/240 ------

For more unusual situations, standard analytical methods such as the method of virtual
work may be used. Deflection is a serviceability limit state, not one of strength, so
deflections should always be computed with service loads. Table some of the deflection
limits given by that code.
The limits shown in Table for deflection due to dead load plus live load do not apply to
steel beams, because the dead load deflection is usually compensated for by some
means, such as cambering. Camber is a curvature in the opposite direction of the dead
load deflection curve and can be accomplished by bending the beam, with or without
heat. When the dead load is applied to the cambered beam, the curvature is removed,
and the beam becomes level. Therefore, only the live load deflection is of concern in the
completed structure. Dead load deflection can also be accounted for by pouring a
variable depth slab with a level top surface, the variable depth being a consequence of
the deflection of the beam (this is referred to as ponding of the concrete).
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

General Notes
1- Make supper position method when there is more case subjected to beam
because of the table(3.23) deal with individual case only

W k/ft
P
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 = 𝑊𝑙/2 + 𝑃/2
𝑀 = 𝑀1 + 𝑀2 = 𝑊𝐿2 /8 + 𝑃𝐿/4
𝛿𝑡 = 𝛿. 1 + 𝛿. 2 Lu
5𝑊𝑙 4 𝑃𝑙 3
= +

=
384𝐸𝐼 48𝐸𝐼
W k/ft

𝑉1 = 𝑊𝑙/2
𝑀1 = 𝑊𝐿2/8
5𝑊𝑙 4 Lu
𝛿. 1 =
384𝐸𝐼

+
P
𝑉2 = 𝑃/2
𝑀2 = 𝑃𝐿/4
𝑃𝑙 3
𝛿. 2 = Lu
48𝐸𝐼

2- The loads used in calculation the defalcation is service load (i.e. deal with load
without any magnifications factors)
3- The load applied must be in k/in for uniform load and kip for concentrated load
4- The length must be in inches
5- Since the moment of inertia is an important factor in calculation the deflection
of the beam, so, make sure that the applied load subjected to major axis or
minor axis.

I y-y
Lu
ft
x

I x-x
x Lu
x
ft
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Example

A W24x55, A992 steel material has been selected for a 21 ft simple span to support a total
service live load of 3 k/ft. Is the center line deflection of this section satisfactory for the
service live load, if the maximum permissible live load deflection is L/360
Solution W d.l 500 lb/ft
W d.l 3 K/ft
Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000
Section Ix-x W24x55
W24x55 1350 21 ft
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360

21𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
= 0.7 𝑖𝑛.
5𝑊𝑙.𝑙 𝑙4 3
δ.act = (table (3.23) Wll= =0.25 k/in
384𝐸𝐼 12

5𝑥(0.0.25)𝑥(21𝑥12)4
𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 = 384𝑥29000𝑥1350
= 0.335 𝑖𝑛 < 0.7 in ok

𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 < 𝛿. max 𝑜𝑘

The beam satisfies the deflection requirements (the beam is adequate)

Example

For the beam shown in Figure below, if the maximum permissible live load deflection is
L/360 and A992 steel material, is the beam satisfactory?
W d.l 500 lb/ft
Solution W l.l 550 lb/ft

Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000 W18x35
Section Ix-x
30 ft
W18x35 510
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360 (plater ceiling member subjected to live load )
30𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
= 1 𝑖𝑛.
5𝑊 𝑙.𝑙 𝑙4 550
δ.act = 348𝐸𝐼 (table (3.23) Wll=1000𝑥12=0.04583 k/in

5𝑥(0.04583)𝑥(30𝑥12)4
𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 = = 0.67774 𝑖𝑛 <1 in ok
384𝑥29000𝑥510

𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 < 𝛿. max 𝑜𝑘

The beam satisfies the deflection requirements (the beam is adequate)

Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Example

Find the maximum allowable uniform live load that can be applied on the beam shown
below control by minimum deflection requirements for W14x68

Solution

Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000 W14x68
Section Ix-x
18 ft
W14x68 722
Assume the beam is floor beam (plater ceiling member subjected to live load)
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
18𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 0.6 𝑖𝑛.
360
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡
5𝑊 𝑙.𝑙 𝑙4
δ. act = 348𝐸𝐼 (table (3.23)
5𝑊 𝑙.𝑙 (18𝑥12)
4
0.6 =348𝑥29000𝑥722

Wll =0.44 k/in

=0.44x12= 5.318 k/ft

Example

Find the maximum allowable concentrated live load that can be applied on the beam shown
below control by minimum deflection requirements for W14x68

Solution
Brick wall Glass wall Brick wall
Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000
Section Iy-y
W14x68 121
W14x68
Assume the beam is floor beam (plater
L.L
ceiling member subjected to live load)
18ft
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
18𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 0.6 𝑖𝑛.
360
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡
𝑃 𝑙3
δ. act = (table (3.23)
48𝐸𝐼
𝑃 (18𝑥12)3
0.6 =48𝑥29000𝑥121
Pll =10. K
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Deflection requirements by using AISC modification equations

The maximum vertical deflection (δ) can be calculated using the equation given table
(3.22) and (3.23).Alternative, for common case of simple-span and I shape member and
channel, the following equation can be used
𝑀𝑙2
𝛿=
(𝐶1 𝐼)
Where
M=maximum service load moment (ft.kip)
L=span length (ft)
I= moment of inertia (in4)
C1=loading constant factor (see Fig.(3.2) which includes the numerical constant
appropriate for the given loading pattern, which has units of ksi, and a ft –to in
conversion factor 1728 in3/ft3

Example
A W24x55, A992 steel material has been selected for a 21 ft simple span to support a total
service live load of 3 k/ft. Is the center line deflection of this section satisfactory for the
service live load, if the maximum permissible live load deflection is L/360
Solution W d.l 500 lb/ft
Steel fy fu E W d.l 3 K/ft
A992 50 65 290000
Section Ix-x
W24x55
W24x55 1350
𝐿 21 ft
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
21𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
= 0.7 𝑖𝑛.
𝑀𝑙 2
𝛿= =
(𝐶1 𝐼)
𝑊𝑙 2 3𝑥212
𝑀= 8 = 8
= 165.375 𝑓𝑡. 𝑘𝑖𝑝
C1= 161
165.375𝑥212
𝛿= (161𝑥1350)
= 0.335 𝑖𝑛 < 0.7 OK
𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 < 𝛿. max 𝑜𝑘

The beam satisfies the deflection requirements (the beam is adequate)

x
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Example

Find the maximum allowable uniform live load that can be applied on the beam shown
below control by minimum deflection requirements for W14x68

Solution

Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000 W14x68
Section Ix-x
18 ft
W14x68 722
Assume the beam is floor beam (plater ceiling member subjected to live load)
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
18𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 0.6 𝑖𝑛.
360
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡
𝑀𝑙 2
𝛿= (𝐶1 𝐼)
C1= 161
𝑀𝑙 2
𝛿= (𝐶1 𝐼)
𝑀𝑥182
0.6 =
(161𝑥 722)
𝑊𝑙 2
M =215.263 ft.kip =𝑀 =
8
Wll = 5.318 k/ft

Example

Find the maximum allowable concentrated live load that can be applied on the beam shown
below control by minimum deflection requirements for W14x68

Solution
Brick wall Glass wall Brick wall
Steel fy fu E
A992 50 65 290000
Section Iy-y
W14x68 121
Assume the beam is floor beam (plater W14x68
ceiling member subjected to live load)
L.L
𝐿 18ft
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360
18𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360 = 0.6 𝑖𝑛.
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡
𝑀𝑙 2
𝛿=
(𝐶1 𝐼)
C1= 201
𝑀𝑙 2
𝛿= (𝐶1 𝐼)
𝑀𝑥182
0.6 = (201𝑥 121)
M =45.0388 ft.kip
𝑃𝑙
𝑀= 4
= Pll = 10 kip
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Example

From the figure shown below, find the maximum allowable uniform live load (Wl.l ) that can
be applied on the R.C slab has a thickness (6 in.) and the dead load is 1 k/ft excluding the
self-weight( not including self-weight) use A992 steel material and ASD method controlled
by:
1- Flexural requirement for W33x118 (Bending requirement)
2- Shear requirement for W33x118
3-Deflection requirement for W33x118

6 in

W 33 x118
40 ft
Solution
Steel fy fu 3@15 ft
A992 50 65
Section Zx 𝑀𝑝𝑥/𝛺 Bf Lp Lr Ix vn/Ω bf/2tf h/tw d tw
W33x118 415 1040 26.7 8.19 23.5 5900 325 7.76 54.5 32.9 0.55

1-Flexural requirement for W33x118 (Bending requirement)

Check the section
𝑏𝑓 𝐸
λ=2𝑡𝑓=7.76 < 0.38√𝑓𝑦
29000
7.76<0.38√ 50
7.76<9.15 (λ≥ λp) 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡
-web
ℎ 𝐸
λ=𝑡𝑤=54.5 < 3.76√𝑓𝑦
The section is compact
29000
54.5<3.76√ 50
54.5<90.55 (λ≥ λp) 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡

Since the is continuous lateral support then

Lb=0 <LP
40 ft

𝑀𝑝𝑥
= 1040 𝑓𝑡. 𝑘𝑖𝑝
𝛺
𝑀𝑎 = 𝑊𝑎𝑙 2 /8 = 1040 = 𝑊𝑎𝑥402 /8
𝑊𝑎 = 5.2 𝑘/𝑓𝑡
5.2
15
=0.3467 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
𝑊𝑎 = 𝑊𝑑𝑙 + 𝑊 𝑙𝑙 15 ft
150 6
𝑊𝑑𝑙 = 𝛾ℎ = 𝑥 = 0.075 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
1000 12
118
𝑊 𝑑𝑙 = 0.075 + ( + 1) /15 = 0.15 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
1000
𝑊 𝑙𝑙 = 0.3467 − 0.15 = 0.197 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

2-Shear requirement for W33x118

𝑉𝑛
= 325 𝑘𝑖𝑝
𝛺
𝑊𝑎𝑙
𝑉𝑎 =
2
𝑊𝑎𝑥40
325 =
2
= 𝑊𝑎 = 16.25 𝑘/𝑓𝑡
16.25
= = 1.084 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
15
𝑊𝑎 = 𝑊𝑑𝑙 + 𝑊 𝑙𝑙
150 6
𝑊𝑑𝑙 = 𝛾ℎ = 𝑥 = 0.075 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
1000 12
118
𝑊 𝑑𝑙 = 0.075 + ( + 1) /15 = 1.5 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
1000
𝑊 𝑙𝑙 = 1.084 − 0.15 = 0.934 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2

3-Deflection requirement for W33x118

Assume beam is a floor beam
𝐿
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
360
40𝑥12
𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 360 = 1.334 𝑖𝑛.

By use table (3.23) By use AICS modified equation

𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝛿. 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿. 𝑎𝑐𝑡
5𝑊 𝑙.𝑙 𝑙4 𝑀 𝑙2
δ. act = 348𝐸𝐼 (table (3.23) δ. act = 𝑐1 𝐼 (C1= 161)
𝑀 (40)2
1.334 =161𝑥5900
5𝑊 𝑙.𝑙 (40𝑥12)4
1.334 =384𝑥29000𝑥5900 Ma= 792 ft.kip
𝑀𝑎 = 𝑊𝑎𝑙 2 /8
2
Wll =0.33 k/in 792= 𝑊𝑎40 /8
=0.33x12= 3.96 k/ft Wll =3.96 k/ft
3.96 3.96
= = 0.264 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2 = = 0.264 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
15 15

The Max. Allowable uniform live that can be applied on R.C slab is 0. 1.97 𝑘/𝑓𝑡 2
Design of Steel Structure Deflection Requirements Dr. Kamal Sh. Mahmoud
Civil Engineering / Fourth stage

Homework

A) For the beam shown below, use W12x14 and A992 steel material to check:
1- The adequacy of the beam for flexural requirements assume the has full laterally
supported beam use ASD method
2- The adequacy of the beam for shear requirements only use ASD method
3- For what condition it can be used (i.e. use as a floor beam, roof beam with or
without plastering ….etc.) assume the service live load is 50% from the total load

W=1 k/ft

W12x14
35
20 ft

B) Determine the safe service load (Wu) that can be applied on W 40 x149 which has
a lateral supported at end only. Use LRFD method, A992 steel material and the beam
is roof beam without plastering celling.

Wu k/ft

W40x149

20 ft