Analysis of a Suspended Deck Jetty using Grillage and Finite Element Analysis Methods

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. It also investigates how orthotropic decks and typical jetty deck construction techniques can be accommodated within the modelling process. It is found that, as for bridge decks, the introduction of more powerful desktop computers and finite element software has largely removed the historically reported disadvantages of the finite element method. It also finds that the finite element method more accurately simulated the shear transfer in the slabs and axial forces in the crossbeams, and more accurately modelled the position of the combined section's neutral axis. Thus the finite element method provides a closer representation of the actual structure, leading to a better understanding of the structural behaviour. The finite element method also provides more accurate analyses when considering orthotropic decks and/or construction sequences.