Design criteria for mega-yacht helicopter decks: From analytical rule checks to advanced numerical analysis

This article deals with the outline and comparison of design approaches and verification criteria for the analysis of a typical structural layout of a helicopter deck intended for mega yachts. Starting from an introductory analysis on the various helicopter types on the market, on the different landing methodologies and on the current regulations of classification societies, the rule scantling requirements of the structural layout are outlined. Subsequently, rule-based assessment approaches are compared with different direct analysis methods, ranging from simplified analytical formulations of structural mechanics to advanced numerical techniques, properly considering non-linearities and dynamic behaviour of the examined problem within the simulations. Finally, the results obtained are critically compared in order to offer the designer both the merits and drawbacks of each scantling assessment approach to a rather unconventional application, that is, the helicopter deck of a mega yacht, from an everyday working practice perspective. It turns out that the structural scantling design of a helicopter deck does not always require advanced and time-consuming numerical approaches. Rather, they should be applied when specific and detailed information about structural behaviour is needed.