Analysis of a suspended deck jetty using grillage and finite-element analysis methods

Abstract

Much guidance has been published on the subject of structural modelling of bridge decks. However, limited guidance is available on the subject of structural modelling of suspended deck jetty structures. This paper reviews a number of common deck modelling methods to provide guidance specific to jetty deck analysis. The paper also investigates how orthotropic decks and typical jetty deck construction techniques can be accommodated within the modelling process. It was found that, as for bridge decks, the introduction of more powerful desktop computers and finite-element (FE) software has largely removed the historically reported disadvantages of the FE method. It was also found that the FE method more accurately simulated the shear transfer in slabs and axial forces in cross-beams, and more accurately modelled the position of the combined section's neutral axis. Thus, the FE method provides a closer representation of the actual structure, leading to better understanding of structural behaviour. The FE method also provides more accurate analyses when considering orthotropic decks and/or construction sequences.