Clause 2.5.2.6.2 of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification 8th Edition recommends the following deflection limits:
| Load case | Max deflection |
|---|---|
| Traffic only | \(L/800\) |
| Traffic + pedestrian | \(L/1000\) |
| Traffic on cantilever arms | \(L/300\) |
| Traffic + pedestrian on cantilever arms | \(L/375\) |
where \(L\) is the span length.
Clause 5.7 of BS 5400-2:2000 Code of practice for design of steel bridges recommends that, for aesthetic purposes, a bridge should not sag more than \(L/800\) below horizontal (i.e. \(L/800\) plus any precamber) where \(L\) is the span length.