Structural Serviceability: A Critical Appraisal and Research Needs

Abstract

Serviceability limit states in building structures are conditions in which the functions of the building are disrupted during normal use by excessive deformation, motion, or deterioration. As standards evolve toward probability‐based limit states design methods, serviceability issues are expected to become an increasingly important design consideration. The scope of the serviceability issue in contemporary construction is defined, and areas are identified in which immediate improvements in serviceability‐checking appear to be feasible, as well as other areas where additional research is needed before improvements in serviceability‐checking can be realized.