Deflection Limit in ASD . DFF value?

Can anyone please tell me where can i find the dff value while designing a steel structure using AISC-ASD Code. I tried to find it in code book but i am confused whether to use 360 or 240. But by default staad takes 300. It will be very thankful if someone can help me with this issue.

Thanks.

  • Please refer to say, AISC 360-05 codebook chapter L3. DEFLECTIONS, which tells:

    "Excessive vertical deflections and misalignment arise primarily from three sources:

    (1) gravity loads, such as dead, live and snow loads; (2) effects of temperature,

    creep and differential settlement; and (3) construction tolerances and errors. Such

    deformations may be visually objectionable; cause separation, cracking or leakage

    of exterior cladding, doors, windows and seals; and cause damage to interior components

    and finishes. Appropriate limiting values of deformations depend on the

    type of structure, detailing and intended use (Galambos and Ellingwood, 1986).

    Historically, common deflection limits for horizontal members have been 1/360

    of the span for floors subjected to reduced live load and 1/240 of the span for

    roof members. Deflections of about 1/300 of the span (for cantilevers, 1/150 of the

    length) are visible and may lead to general architectural damage or cladding leakage.

    Deflections greater than 1/200 of the span may impair operation of moveable

    components such as doors, windows and sliding partitions.

    Deflection limits depend very much on the function of the structure and the nature

    of the supported construction. Traditional limits expressed as a fraction of the span

    length should not be extrapolated beyond experience. For example, the traditional

    limit of 1/360 of the span worked well for controlling cracks in plaster ceilings

    with spans common in the first half of the twentieth century. Many structures with

    more flexibility have performed satisfactorily with the now common, and more

    forgiving, ceiling systems. On the other hand, with the advent of longer structural spans,

    serviceability problems have been observed with flexible grid ceilings where

    actual deflections were far less than 1/360 of the span, because the distance between

    partitions or other elements that may interfere with ceiling deflection are far less

    than the span of the structural member. Proper control of deflections is a complex

    subject requiring careful application of professional judgment. West, Fisher, and

    Griffis (2003) provide an extensive discussion of the issues."