Canada Builds

Deflection

The information you will need to calculate the deflection of a beam under specified loading conditions is the linear load on the beam, the span of the beam, the size of the beam, and the modulus of elasticity for the specified material. Knowing this information, you can solve for an equation to see how much a beam will deflect under different loading conditions.

Here is the equation to use

D = 5wL4 / 384EI

where
D = Deflection
w = weight per linear foot (or metre)
L= Span
E = Modulus of Elasticity
I = Moment of Inertia
           

Typically, you will see deflection limits of L/360 or L/480 when referring to Beam span limits. The L refers to the span. For instance, a beam spanning 10 feet having a deflection limit of L/360 would equate to 10 ft / 360 which is is 0.0277 ft or 0.33 inches or about 3/8". This means that a beam spanning 10 feet with a deflection limit of L/360 can sag a maximum amount of 3/8" under specified loading conditions. When deflection limits are close it is sometimes better to size the beam up by increasing its depth.

Deflection calculations are made with specified loads, not factored loads.

The chart below is an embedded exce sheet that you can use to calculate different deflection amounts. The chart begins with a linear load value on the beam so you may have to do a few calculations beforehand to come up with this value. Red numbers in the chart are the ones you can change.

 

Here are some Modulus of Elasticity values for reference

SPF wood No. 2` 1.4 ksi  
SPF Select Structural 1.5 ksi  
Douglas Fir 1.6 ksi  
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) 1.9 ksi
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) 2.0 ksi  
Steel 29.0 ksi