Serviceability check

A deflection optimizer has been added to SPACE GASS which can be used to reduce deflections to user-defined limits while keeping any mass increases to a minimum. However the optimizer doesn't include any code checks and so you should run the steel member design module in check mode after the optimizer to ensure that all the optimized members still pass all of the design code strength and slenderness checks. It is anticipated that future versions of the deflection optimizer will also include code checks.

The SPACE GASS steel member design module itself does not consider serviceability requirements other than slenderness effects during the course of a design or check.

In order to satisfy serviceability requirements, it is recommend that the frame first of all be designed to satisfy strength requirements. This includes the initial design and subsequent analysis-design iterations (see also Updating analysis member sizes). You could then run the deflection optimizer to reduce any excess deflections. You could also obtain a graphical display or printout of the deformed geometry shape to simply observe the deflections visually. Further changes could be made to change member sizes manually or add bracing as required, followed by another analysis and obtain a revised deformed geometry display. If the deflections are satisfactory it is then a matter of performing a final code check to ensure that the changes have not caused any members to become inadequate.