Introduction

• In structural engineering, deflection is the degree to which a part of a

structural element is displaced under a load (because it deforms). It may
refer to an angle or a distance.
• The deflection distance of a member under a load can be calculated by
integrating the function that mathematically describes the slope of the
deflected shape of the member under that load.
• Standard formulas exist for the deflection of common beam configurations
and load cases at discrete locations. Otherwise methods such as virtual
work, direct integration, Castigliano's method, Macaulay's method or the
direct stiffness method are used. The deflection of beam elements is usually
calculated on the basis of the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation while that of a
plate or shell element is calculated using plate or shell theory.
An example of the use of deflection in this context is in building
construction. Architects and engineers select materials for various
applications.
Examples:The force of this person standing at the end will cause
the beam to bend and deflect from its natural position. In below
diagram, the blue beam is the original position, and the dotted line
simulates the cantilever beam deflection:
Max.deflection to span L for beams and slabs.
Factors affecting deflection

•Tensile strength. The tensile strength of concrete is an

important property because the slab will crack when the
tensile stress in the extreme fibre is exceeded. ...
•Elastic modulus. ...
•Loading sequence. ...
•Cracking. ...
•Shrinkage curvature
 What causes excessive deflection?

• There are several probable reasons for the excessive deflection: a

lower value of modulus of elasticity of concrete; neglect of the
shear effect on deflection in the design; incorrect compliance
function for the evolution of creep in time; and a higher influence
of relaxation of pre-stressed steel.
What is control of deflection?

• Deflection control is an important serviceability consideration in

the structural design of concrete buildings. The principal material
parameters that influence concrete deflection are modulus of
elasticity, modulus of rupture, creep, and shrinkage.
Is the importance of control of deflection of :
• The structural concrete members shall designed to have adequate
stiffness to limit deflections, which may adversely affect the
strength or serviceability of the structure at working loads.
Time-Dependent Deflection of In-Span Hinges in Restressed Concrete
Box Girder Bridges
Deflection Test
Types of deflection
Axial Deflection
Axial refers to being parallel to the centerline of the pipe expansion
joint. Compression is the axial deflection which will shorten the
bellows length. Often confusion occurs because thermal expansion in
the piping will cause the pipe expansion joint to be compressed. The
specification for a pipe expansion joint should always state the
movements as they affect the pipe expansion joint, and not as they are
produced by the system.
Examples:
Lateral Deflection
Lateral refers to the direction perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe
expansion joint (in any plane). Other terms for this deflection are PARALLEL
OFFSET and TRANSVERSE. This movement occurs with both of the ends of the
pipe expansion joint remaining parallel to each other, with their centerlines being
displaced, or no longer coincident.
The magnitude of the resultant LATERAL DEFLECTION is the square root of
the sum of the squares of the individual deflections. The planes of the various
deflections must also be clearly understood if the pipe expansion joint is to contain
structural components such as hinges, which may inhibit movements in certain
directions, and if the individual deflections can occur separately during the life of
the pipe expansion joint.
Angular Deflection
When a pipe expansion joint experiences bending about its center, which is on
the centerline and halfway between the ends of the bellows, this deflection is
referred to as ANGULAR. It can occur in any plane that passes through the
centerline, but the plane should be clearly indicated if the pipe expansion joint
is more complicated than the simplest type, i.e., only a bellows with flanges or
pipe ends. As in lateral movements, piping analyses may reveal angular
deflections occurring in more than one plane.
Torsional Deflection
Torsion refers to twisting one end of the bellows with respect to the other end,
about the bellows centerline. Pipe expansion joints are not normally expected to
accept torsional deflection since the bellows are essentially inflexible in this
direction. The piping designer should carefully provide the system with
restraints so that the pipe expansion joint is not expected to accept
TORSIONAL DEFLECTION. This catalog contains the calculated torsional
spring rate for each pipe expansion joint so that piping designers and analysts
can provide the proper inputs for piping flexibility computer programs.
Thanks