Deflection control of reinforced concrete elements according to Eurocode 2

Abstract

Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1:2004) instructions for deflection control are discussed in the paper. Several problems arise with application of the span-to-depth limits. This procedure is not always applicable due to adopted pre-defined inputs and calculation of the deflections is necessary. The simplest procedure is to interpolate between deflections calculated using stiffness of the uncracked and the cracked member. This is an equivalent to the CEB bilinear method, but without explicit instruction for the interpolation coefficient. The most rigorous method of assessing deflections is based on the integration of the mean curvatures calculated at a number of cross sections along the member. This procedure may require additional adjustments in case of statically indeterminate structures.