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

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.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of designing for serviceability
• Locate various suggestions and recommendations contained in authoritative publications
• Examine the provisions related to serviceability contained in the International Building Code and ASCE 7 Appendix C Commentary
• Recognize the different practices for vertical deflection criteria for various structural systems, such as wood-framed floors and roofs of metal building systems
• Specify camber of steel beams
• Explain the controversies surrounding the allowable drift limits for buildings with brittle walls and finishes
• Examine proven design details for accommodating building movement

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 2 Professional Development Hours (2 PDHs)
• Use an opportunity to ask the instructor questions

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

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

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

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This online course is worth .2 CEUs /2 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]