INSTRUCTOR: Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE

Course Length: 1.5 Hours

The webinar allows the audience to see this webinar straight from my office, without having to travel. I have attended many ASCE webinars and find that ASCE knows how to put together an effective webinar. - Anonymous Attendee    

Purpose and Background

Simply put, serviceability of the building is its fitness for use that extends beyond strength considerations. The structure could be strong enough to carry the required loads but the building function still be impaired if any of the serviceability limits states are exceeded. For example, the building roof could deflect so much under heavy snow accumulation as to render the doors inoperable, the floor could vibrate excessively under foot traffic, the walls could deform under stiff wind to the point of damaging the finishes.

To some degree, serviceability issues are subjective, and the building codes historically have been reluctant to impose strict limits on the sturdiness of buildings. Nevertheless, claims and litigation related to serviceability problems are commonplace, and structural engineers need to know how to design the buildings that are not only strong enough, but also serviceable.

This topic is generally absent from the engineering-school curricula, and structural engineers are often left to learn on the job.  The purpose of this web seminar is to provide a concise and practical primer on serviceability. 

Learning Outcomes

• Learn about the importance of designing for serviceability
• Become familiar with various suggestions and recommendations contained in authoritative publications

Webinar Benefits

• Examine the provisions related to serviceability contained in the International Building Code and ASCE 7 Appendix C Commentary
• Explore relevant recommendations of authoritative trade publications
• Learn about the different practices for vertical deflection criteria for various structural systems, such as wood-framed floors and roofs of metal building systems
• Find out how and when to specify camber of steel beams 
• Discover the controversies surrounding the allowable drift limits for buildings with brittle walls and finishes
• Examine proven design details for accommodating building movement
• Earn 1.5 Professional Development Hours (1.5 PDHs)
• Use an opportunity to ask the instructor questions

Intended Audience

Structural and civil engineers seeking to increase their knowledge of designing for serviceability.

Webinar Outline

• What is controversial about serviceability?
• Code provisions for serviceability
• ASCE 7 Appendix C, Serviceability Considerations
• Selected serviceability issues
      -Single-span metal building systems
      -Structural steel buildings
      -Wood structures
• Dealing with expansion and contraction
• Durability
• Conclusion, final Q&As