Engineering and Technology Journal

Abstract

The analysis principle was used to analyze anisotropic plates (having different
elastic properties and geometries in different directions), the model consists of four side
beams with flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity and two diagonal beams with only flexural
rigidity .
The substitute grid framework is analyzed to give the same deformations and
deflections of the orthotropic plate elements of the modeled bridge. Applicability of the
suggested procedure in the analysis of actual bridge decks is investigated using STAAD
Pro.2006 program. The results show that the suggested procedure is an acceptable procedure
which can be adopted to analyze this type of bridge deck. It is found that the modified
grillage method gives simpler method and adequate results when compared with the Finite
Element Method or orthotropic plate theory solved using Finite Difference Method for this
type of bridges.