| Abstract | Deflections in horizontal flexural members do occur and are influenced by several mechanisms, some of which have cumulative effect. With the contemporary practice of using higher working stresses and more slender members, deflections are greater than those that occurred with past construction methods. With finishing and cladding materials being installed to close tolerances, excessive deflections cannot be tolerated unless they are adequately predicted and allowed for. In many cases it may be necessary to redesign structural spanning members to reduce the total ultimate deflection to suit associated finishes, partitions and walls. These points all indicate that deflections due to elastic strain, creep, shrinkage, temperature and moisture changes, load characteristics and form of structure must be considered, especially when the design deviates from practices that have proved satisfactory. |
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