Design of RC slabs for serviceability - deflection considerations

Design of RC slabs for serviceability denotes that the RC slab systems should be checked for performance of the structure or structural members under normal use, for the comfort of people and for the appearance of construction works. All these serviceability criteria for RC slab systems are normally satisfied by limiting the cracks and deflections for slabs to acceptable limits. By limiting the slab deflections, they attain a sufficient level of stiffness which prevents the development of slab deflection levels that would prevent the damage of attached partitions or other construction elements. Also, adequate stiffness level of slabs would prevent undesirable vibrations of the floor system, which greatly affects the sense of occupant’s safety. In addition, slab deflections should be limited to a level that is unnoticeable by occupants which would convey a sense of inadequacy or safety concerns. This paper makes a review on the levels of acceptable cracks and deflections, as the main considerations for meeting all serviceability criteria, and in addition it presents the currently available methods for their estimation