For the problem that the behavior of the stress laminated timber (SLT) deck of modern timber bridge is influenced by butt joint, the design methods of Ritter and Crews and the specifications of Canada, Europe and America are discussed, and the calculations contrasted through a practical engineering project. The results show that butt joint may reduce the strength and stiffness of the SLT deck, and that reasonable butt joint frequency and spacing should be considered in order to ensure the safety of the structure. The Ritter's design method is relatively safe among the various kinds of design methods and can meet the specifications. Therefore, it is recommended because the application of SLT deck in China is still in its early stage at present. The SLT deck has a larger emergency capacity of stiffness than that of strength under dead load and live load, the calculated value of bending stress is 69.2% of the design value, and the calculated value of deflection is 90.7% of the permissible value using the Ritter's design method, so the stiffness requirement should have a priority in the design consideration.

timber bridge  /  stress laminated timber deck  /  butt joint