ACI SP-203

Abstract

<strong>PREFACE:</strong> Design for serviceability as determined by deflection control is central to the work of structural engineers, code-writing bodies, and the users. The present era of high strength and high performance materials, exotic additives and limit states design, has necessitated more refined control of the design of more efficient constructed facilities. In this manner, more short-term and long-term performance can be achieved even if more slender members are used, and in many cases deflection control may be the governing design criterion. <br>Different codes differ in their approaches to the mitigation of deflection problems. Hence, serviceability provisions of various national codes are expected to differ significantly. With all the factors presented, ACI Committee 435, Deflection of Concrete Structures, generated a highly successful and fully subscribed technical session at the ACI San Diego Convention, entitled "Code Provisions for Deflection Control in Concrete Structures." It was Co-chaired by the coeditors of this Special Volume and includes all the papers presented at the meeting, plus additional ones that further enhance the total body of knowledge on the subject of deflection. <br>Eleven papers are contained in this volume. The topics cover critical reviews of deflection control provisions of the ACI 318 Code, the latest Euro Code, the United Kingdom Code, the Australian Code, and the Brazilian Code, span/thickness limitations for deflection control, effect of flange width on deflection, deflection predictions, bending stiffness effects, time-dependent deflection and cracking effect on flat slabs, and comparison of deflection variability as affected by concrete strength in normal and high strength concrete structural elements. <br>This volume is a good companion to ACI Committee 435's extensive report "Deflection Control of Concrete Structures," which covers all aspects of deflection reduction and control in reinforced and prestressed concrete structural beams, and one-way and two-way slabs and plates. All the papers in this publication were reviewed by recognized experts in accordance with ACI review procedures, with each paper having been reviewed by no less than two reviewers. It is hoped that designers, constructors and codifying jurisdictions will be able to draw on the material presented in this volume and avail themselves of the benefit of exposure to provisions of codes from other countries and international entities, for better control of deflection performance of constructed facilities.