Table 1 Load combinations and load factors cf

Load type
Load Dead Imposed
Wind Notional
combination Gk Qk
Wk Nk
adverse beneficial adverse beneficial
1 dead + imposed 1.4 1.0 1.6 0 – 1.0
2 dead + wind 1.4 1.0 – – 1.4 –
3 dead + wind + imposed 1.2 1.0 1.2 0 1.2 –

2.8.2 Serviceability limit states

2.8.2.1 Deflection
The structure and its members should be checked for deflections under unfactored imposed
loads and unfactored wind loads. The deflection should also be checked where necessary for the
combined effects of imposed and wind loads using 80% of the unfactored values.

The deflections for beams arising from unfactored imposed loads should normally be limited to
the following values, unless smaller limits are required to limit vibration:
• cantilevers length/180
• beams carrying plaster or other brittle finish span/360
• all other beams (excluding purlins and sheeting rails) span/200

The deflections of purlins and side rails should be limited to suit the characteristics of the
particular cladding.
In certain circumstances an upper limit on the total deflection due to both dead and
imposed loads can apply.
The horizontal deflection (sway) of columns arising from unfactored imposed and wind
loads should normally be limited to the following values:
• columns in all single-storey buildings, except portal frames height/300
• columns in multi-storey buildings height of storey/300

For some buildings other values than those shown above may be more appropriate.
In particular for multi-storey buildings a ratio of height of storey/500 may be more
suitable where the cladding cannot accommodate larger movements. In all cases the deflection of
columns and beams in a cladding system should be restricted to prevent damage to the cladding.

2.8.2.2 Corrosion protection

Structural steel members often need to be protected against corrosion. The degree of protection
required depends on the expected life to the first maintenance, the environment, the degree of
exposure, and on the extent to which maintenance is likely to be practicable or possible. Further
information is available from BS EN ISO 1294410, Steelwork corrosion control11 and Corus12.

6 IStructE/ICE Manual for the design of steelwork building structures 3rd edition