Serviceability

In civil engineering serviceability refers to the conditions under which a building is still considered useful. Should these limit states be exceeded, a structure that is still structurally sound would be considered unfit. Ex: A highrise building could sway severely and cause the occupants to be sick (much like sea sickness) yet be perfectly sound structurally and in no danger of collapsing. This building is obviously no longer fit for human occupation, yet since it is in no danger of collapse, the structure would be considered as having exceeded serviceability limit states.

See also: Civil engineering, Limit states design, Steel