Abstract
The use of higher strength materials with the strength methed of design has resulted in more slender member and shallower sections. For this reason, it is necessary to satisfy the requirements of serviceability even though the structural safety is the most important limit state. This paper is only concerned with the control of deflections in the serviceability. In this study, an analytical model is presented to predict the deflections of reinforced concrete beams to given loading and environmental conditions. This model is based on the finite element approach in which a finite element is generally divided into a number of stiffening effect due to cracking, creep and shrinkage. Comparisons are made with available measured deflections reported by others to assess the capability of the layered beam model. The calculated values of instantaneous and long-term deflection show good agreement with experimental results in the range of tension stiffening parameter $\beta$ between 2.5 and 3.0.