Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 4: Detailed Design of Portal Frames 4 - 71 A.2 Vertical deflections for portal frames Figure A.2 Definitions of vertical deflection of apex of portal frame Typical limiting values for vertical deflection for some countries are given in Table A.2. Table A.2 Vertical deflection limits Deflection limits Country Structure w max w 3 Comments Roofs in general L /200 L /250 Roofs frequently carrying personnel other than for maintenance L /200 L /300 France Roofs supporting plaster or other brittle toppings or non-flexible parts L /250 L /350 Values are given in the 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. Germany There are no national deflection limits. The limits should be taken from manufacturers instructions (technical approvals) or should be agreed with the client. A.2.1 Vertical deflections for horizontal roof members Serviceability limit states Guidance for deflection limits are given in Table A.3 for a selection of European countries. The definition of vertical deflection in Annex A to EN 1990 is reproduced in Figure A.3.