Introduction

This chapter presents the main concepts relevant to the design of composite steel-concrete structures for the serviceability limit state associated with the time-dependent effects of concrete caused by creep and shrinkage. After providing an overview of the verification of the serviceability limit state requirements, attention is given to the calculation of the service loads and their combinations. The key features associated with the limit states of deflection and concrete cracking are then introduced to provide a summary of how the service conditions can be incorporated into the design of a structure and its components. Finally, a classification of the different types of structures and their levels of sensitivity related to concrete time effects are presented. This classification is used to give insight into the available sets of recommended material models and analysis methodologies that can be used in design. The serviceability limit state requirements presented in this chapter have been outlined with reference to European, Australian and New Zealand, and American guidelines.